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Wellesley High School building with a compass logo and text 'Wellesley Public Schools Learning Caring Innovating'.

WHS Principal’s Newsletter

January 23, 2026
Dear Families,
Today was our makeup day at the high school and it marks the end of the second quarter here. Next week students will begin their third quarter and if they have semester or quarter long classes, they will begin some brand new classes then. 
We had a lot of students coming in and out of the building today making up assignments and tests so I was glad to see them using their time well. These past two weeks have definitely been a heavy workload so I hope everyone is able to exhale this weekend. 

 

District Website Focus Group Opportunity: February 2

WPS parents and caregivers are invited to participate in an online focus group to share your insights on current WPS website needs, including accessibility, resource organization, and communication efficiency. The perspective of parents and caregivers is essential to building a platform that better serves our WPS community. 
The focus group will be held on Monday, February 2, from 7-8 p.m. on Zoom. Register using this link. 
Thank you for your continued commitment to our district’s Core Values and for helping us innovate our digital tools to better support our students and families!

 

Kindergarten Registration Is Open!

Kindergarten registration is for children 5 years of age on or before August 31, 2026 is now open.
Please see the Kindergarten Registration page for information and document requirements. Register ASAP! Families who complete the two-part registration process by March 1, 2026 will have the opportunity to attend a Kindergarten welcome event on the morning of March 7. 
Registration for Grades 1-12 will open February 7.

 

WHS 10th Grade SBIRT Screening

SBIRT screening (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) will be conducted during 10th grade Health classes. SBIRT is a mandated screening for substance use/abuse in public schools. The screening is interview-based and takes approximately 5 minutes. All results are kept confidential and are not included in your student’s school record. The screening is completed by trained health teachers and nurses. For more detailed information see the full letter here: SBIRT Info Letter.
If you would like to have your child opted-out of this screening for this year, please let us know by filling out this form: SBIRT Opt-Out Form.  

 

Practice PSAT and Digital ACT: Saturday, February 7

SAT Practice Exam:
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM -12:00 PM
Where: Proctored online via Zoom
Cost: $20 – 100% of the proceeds benefit Wellesley HS Class of 2027
*Please note that these live exams are proctored in standard time only. If you have been approved for an extended time accommodation, go ahead and register for the exam, then use this self-proctoring guide to walk you through the process of self-proctoring with extended time.
Digital ACT Practice Exam:
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM -12:30 PM 
Where: Proctored online via Zoom
Cost: $20 – 100% of the proceeds benefit Wellesley HS
*Please note that these live exams are proctored in standard time only. If you have been approved for an extended time accommodation, go ahead and register for the exam, then use this self-proctoring manual to walk you through the process of self-proctoring with extended time.
 
Step 1: Register here: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/495          
Step 2: Schedule a free 30-minute score report review with a Revolution Prep testing expert to help you interpret the results and develop a customized plan to prepare. Please schedule this appointment for the few days after the exam. You can pre-schedule this Score Report Review here: https://www.revolutionprep.com/vasilios-kostakis  
Step 3: Attend the mock exam and instantly receive our best-in-class score report, illustrating three high-impact areas to focus on for each section of the test.
 
Questions? If you have questions or want to learn more about Revolution Prep, you can reach out to Vasilios Kostakis at (781) 916-8668 or by email at vasilios.kostakis@revolutionprep.com

 

Wellesley Service League Centennial Youth Service Award

Each year, Wellesley Service League solicits applications from service-oriented WHS seniors (and Wellesley residents who are seniors at other high schools) for this $3,000 award.
This year applications and mentor recommendations are due on March 20th. The application can be found on our website https://wellesleyserviceleague.org/ 

 

WHS Girls Who Code Club Newsletter

The Wellesley High School chapter of Girls Who Code aims to foster a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space for girls to learn and pursue computer science. Every month, the club releases a newsletter packed with current artificial intelligence trends and computing insights.
Please see their current newsletter for the latest AI updates and news.

 

Volunteers Needed for Wellesley Cotillion – January 31st

This year‘s Cotillion will be on Saturday, January 31st at The Verve Hotel in Natick. All juniors and seniors who either live in Wellesley or go to school in Wellesley are welcome to attend.
We are looking for parent volunteers for that evening. Please complete the Sign Up Genius Form and thank you in advance for your support.
We need everyone’s help to pull off this wonderful evening!
Thank you in advance.
Jill Fischmann and Kerrie Grover 
Cotillion Co-Chairs

 

WHS Counseling Department: Winter 2026 News to Use

Additional information visit: WHS School Counseling Website 
Past Parent Nights: please click link to view recording:
Scheduling
Students will begin meeting with teachers about course recommendations for next year after February break. Course selection for the 26-27 school year will take place in March.
9th graders will prepare for course selection with counselors in seminar in January. 10th and 11th graders will have counseling seminar during the course selection window in March.
Coffee with The Director of Counseling
All meetings are from 9-10 am on Fridays in the Faculty Dining Room. Next Dates: February 13, April 10
All are welcome!
Academic Support Options
  • Department Resource Centers
  • Teacher Office Hours
  • NHS Peer Tutoring
Seniors
Wellesley Scholarship Foundation application is now open and closes on March 1st. Please check in with your counselor with any other post-secondary questions.
Testing Information 
Visit the Standardized Testing Padlet for all your testing information throughout the year.
WHS School Counseling Department
Director: Margaret Walendin – walendinm@wellesleyps.org

 

Subscribe to The Spectra, WHS STEM Journal Club Magazine

The Spectra aims to foster inquiry and discovery through opportunities to discuss and engage in STEM exploration. Work in The Spectra culminates in publications that promote scientific literacy among the Wellesley community.
The first issue of our magazine has been published. We have a digital version uploaded on our website, and hard copies will be available for distribution.
Please visit our website for further information and to read our current issue.

 

WHS Library Parent Book Club

Ever wonder about the books teens are reading?
Ever read a popular YA book and wished you had someone to discuss it with?
The librarians at Wellesley High School host a monthly Book Club for parents where we read YA books and discuss. If you are interested in participating please email us at whslibrary@wellesleyps.org
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at the Wellesley Free Library Cafe (1st floor) at 7:30pm to discuss Scythe by Neil Schusterman (SciFi)
Upcoming dates and books:
The Wellesley Free Library will have copies available for check out.
Any question can be emailed to whslibrary-group@wellesleyps.org.

 

WHS School Council News

The Wellesley High School Council serves as the legislative branch of the school government. The Council is responsible for conducting open discussions and making recommendations on matters of school policy, school culture, curriculum, and other issues brought to its attention from its respective constituencies of the Student Congress, Faculty Senate, PTSO, local residents and the principal. 
Please see the WHS School Council page on our website for the latest updates and information.

 

WHS Clubs and Enrichment Programs for 2025-2026

Our list of clubs and enrichment programs for 2025-2026 has recently been updated.
To print your own copy or access the list, see Complete List of 2025-2026 Clubs on the WHS website. 

 

WHS/WPS Online Resources and Calendars

 

WHS Calendar – Upcoming Events

Thursday, January 29
  • Orchestra Step Up Concert: WHS Auditorium, 7:00-8:30pm
Friday, January 30
  • WHS Rock Band Concert: WHS Auditorium, 7:00-9:00pm
 
I’ve heard a lot about some weather that may be coming our way this weekend. If we get it, I hope everyone stays safe and warm. 
If you’re a Patriots fan, enjoy the game. If you’re not, then enjoy the quiet on the streets while the other folks are busy watching. 
Best, 
Jamie

 
 
View in ParentSquare
 
 
 

WHS Principal’s Newsletter for 23 January 2026