Dear Families,
Lots happening this week even though it was a shorter one with the Monday Holiday.
Step Up Day
This past Wednesday we held our annual Step Up day where we attempt to help each grade take their own steps towards what may be next for them. It may have seemed like just another ½ day, but I promise you it was a lot more than that.
All WHS students participate in activities tailored to their grade level. This is a huge opportunity for our kids to get off on the right foot in the fall each year. I’m particularly thinking of our Juniors who get the opportunity to take the PSAT in their school, during a school day, along with our Seniors who had the option of taking their SAT’s during this time as well. Our hosting of these tests is a huge leveler for equity.
Our 9th graders listened to election speeches from their fellow students running for Class Officer positions, and participated in activities with their advisors. This also allows our newest students to do some bonding work together. Our 10th graders got a great message from Chris Wadell about: “It’s not what happens to you, It’s what you do with what happens to you”. Chris is a world champion mono skier who broke two of his vertebrae in a skiing accident when he was 19 and now teaches kids around the country that being bound to his wheelchair turned out to be a moment that he used to change his life for the better. We all have challenges. A good message for everyone in the room. A big thanks to our PTSO for funding this.
In addition to these programs, all our counselors and English teachers were on hand to help our seniors with applications and essay writing.
This is a tremendous undertaking in a single day, but we believe it is a special opportunity for all our students right here in our building during a school day. The entire operation was a coordinated effort from the entire Wellesley High School staff. I am deeply grateful for their hard work and flexibility.
