WHS Principal’s Newsletter

October 17, 2025
Dear Families,
It certainly felt like fall this week and the fall business of school is in full swing as we move towards the end of the first quarter and the November 1st early decision deadlines that impact many of our seniors. 
There is considerable excitement in the building for our Homecoming events next weekend. Friday night will be our home football game against Natick. Saturday afternoon will be full of fun activities on the field run by our student clubs and some of the sports teams. The events may be targeted towards younger kids in town but they will be fun for anyone who is young at heart. 
—-
Finally, I want to say a warm farewell to all our German exchange students and their chaperones. It was wonderful to have them here in the school. The exchange is such a wonderful way to learn from people with truly different experiences and perspectives. Thank you to Devon Ellis for all her work coordinating the hosting and thank you to all the families who welcomed in our guests. It sounded to me like everyone enjoyed the experience.  
 

Homecoming 2025: Football, Community Events, School Dance
Homecoming is just ONE WEEK away, and we have so many amazing events planned for everyone!
Friday 10/24 @ 6 PM: Football Game “Under the Lights!” Enjoy raffles and a chance to kick a field goal at halftime. Bring the whole family for a fun night out.
Saturday 10/25 @ 11 AM–2 PM: Community Day on Hunnewell Fields with 20+ clubs and teams running games, raffles, food trucks, music, and activities for all ages.
Saturday Evening @ 6:30p – 9:00p WHS School Dance: Tickets are on sale for all grades.
  • Get your tickets on RecTrac. Order now – we’re almost sold out!
Get Involved:
  • Parent volunteers needed—sign up here.
  • Follow us on Instagram: @WHS2025HoCo
  • Donate on Venmo: @WHS-Homecoming (all funds support student activities).
Many Thanks – Wellesley Homecoming Committee
 

Halftime Field Goal Challenge
Join us on Friday, October 24th at the Homecoming football game for the Halftime Field Goal Challenge!
Tickets are currently on sale through Venmo (@WHS-Homecoming). Please include your full name and grade (or “Community”) in the comment, or your tickets will not be counted properly. All participants need to complete this waiver and email it to caparcoj@wellesleyps.org or bring it to room 448 by Thursday, 10/23 at 2:30 in order to participate. Tickets will be sold through Venmo, but can be purchased with cash at the game! If purchasing with cash at the game, please bring a signed waiver with you in order to participate. The following are the prices: 
1 ticket: $2
5 tickets: $5
15 tickets: $10
Each grade and the community group will have two kickers selected. Ticket sales close at the end of the first quarter, and names will be drawn in the second quarter.
Kick with a chance to win amazing prizes! Everyone who participates receives a consolation prize!
Go Raiders! 
— WHS Homecoming Committee
 

Poster for a choral concert with Halloween theme, featuring a haunted house and pumpkins.

WHS Acatober – TONIGHT
Come join the Wellesley High School Choral Department for our annual Acatober Concert on October 17 or 18 at 7:00pm. This is one of the most popular WHS Events and is an all a cappella concert featuring our 5 curricular choral ensembles, 4 a cappella groups, and guest artists- the Northeastern University Nor’Easters! 
Tickets may be purchased at:

 

AP EXAM REGISTRATION DEADLINE
The registration deadline to order AP Exams is fast approaching. Please complete the three-step registration process by October 31st at 11:59 PM to avoid any late fees.
  1. Join their AP class on MyAP: Use the join code provided by your AP teacher in class.
  2. Change Exam Order Status: in MyAP change status from “Undecided” to “Yes” if you intend to take the exam.  
  3. Pay for the exam: Go to the WPS Online Payment website to pay the $99 exam fee.
See the AP Registration Instructions and Deadlines document or the AP Exam section in the WHS Standardized Testing Padlet for additional testing information.
When and how do I see my exam scores from Step Up Day?
  • Scores are typically released about two weeks after testing.
  • Create a College Board account: Very important: Use your PERSONAL email not your Raiders email. Once an account is created, your scores can be linked to it based on personal information like your name, date of birth, and the school you attend.
  • Use the BigFuture® School app: If you entered your mobile number on your test sheet, you can download and sign in to the BigFuture® School mobile app to access your scores
If you have any questions, please contact Jen Culver or Anne North in the Main Office.
 

MEFA Financial Aid Night (senior students and parents)
Monday October 27th at 7pm over Zoom
Please join us in welcoming back Kevin Fudge who represents the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority. Kevin reviews the financial aid process, walks us through the latest changes in financial aid, and answers questions along the way. Local scholarship organizations will also join the zoom to go over their application and award process for students and families.
 

Changes to Google Services for WHS Students
Starting October 11, WHS students won’t be able to use certain Google services (YouTube, Google Photos, Maps, Translate, Chrome Web Store) with their WPS account due to new privacy rules established by Google.
  • YouTube: Students can still view videos embedded in Canvas, Google Slides, Sites, Docs, Forms, or EdPuzzle, but direct access to YouTube will be blocked.
  • Other Services: Google Photos, Maps, Translate, and the Chrome Web Store will be restricted (with some ability to access without using the student account)
Need help? Visit the Technology Office (Room 356).
 

Notes from the WHS Library
  • 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, November 4th at the Wellesley Free Library Cafe (1st floor) at 7:30pm to discuss Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
The Wellesley Free Library has copies available for check out.
Any question can be emailed to whslibrary-group@wellesleyps.org.
 

WHS Calendar – Upcoming Events
Saturday, Oct 18: Acatober at WHS
Tuesday, Oct 21: School Committee Meeting
Homecoming Weekend Events
Friday, Oct 24: Wellesley vs Natick Football (Home Game)
Saturday, Oct 25: Community Day & WHS Dance

 

WHS/WPS Online Resources and Calendars
 
Have a great weekend everyone. 
 
Best, 
Jamie

 
 
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WHS Principal’s Newsletter for 17 October 2025