{"id":10059,"date":"2026-04-10T14:13:53","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T21:13:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/?p=10059"},"modified":"2026-04-10T17:19:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T21:19:28","slug":"whs-principals-newsletter-for-10-april-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/2026\/04\/10\/whs-principals-newsletter-for-10-april-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"WHS Principal’s Newsletter for 10 April 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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WHS Principal’s Newsletter<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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April 17, 2026<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Dear Families,\u00a0<\/div>\n
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Happy Friday everyone. It feels amazing to know it\u2019s over 60 degrees outside.\u00a0 I won\u2019t go so far as to say \u201creal spring\u201d is here, but I do like what the weather is doing for the next few days.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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Believe it or not, this week marked the beginning of Quarter 4 here at the high school.\u00a0 This likely means different things to different grades – hang in there seniors.\u00a0 For me this week meant the earnest kickoff of hiring season.\u00a0 Today and Monday Mark Ito and I are hosting finalist days for the World Language Department Head position (grades 6-12).\u00a0 I\u2019d love to have some of you come by to ask questions of our finalist candidate on Monday from 10:30 to 11:00 in the FDR. In the week following April Break we plan on having finalists to host for our Athletic Director candidates.\u00a0 I will let you know the times you can drop in to those sessions in next week\u2019s note.\u00a0\u00a0<\/div>\n
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I\u2019ve always felt that every hire we do is an opportunity. Our new staff members bring new ideas, new energy, and become a new resource to help our students become the best versions of themselves. The newness of spring is not only about hiring of course.\u00a0 It is also about saying goodbye to members of our community. \u00a0 It is incredibly important that schools rightsize to fit enrollment trends in town and it is also important that as we do that we do it with a human lens that is sensitive to the people who have to move on. That can be hard on the students too of course and if you hear your children talking about this happening, please take the opportunity to check in with them.\u00a0 As always, we are here to support you if you may need it.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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WHS Winners at Mass Instrumental & Choral Festival<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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This past weekend,\u00a0our instrumental ensembles participated in the Massachusetts\u00a0Instrumental & Choral Conductor’s Association’s (MICCA) Concert Festival –\u00a0<\/strong>an annual event that promotes high musical standards for Massachusetts student ensembles by providing them with professional adjudication, clinical workshops, and the opportunity to perform for and listen to their peers.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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I am thrilled to share that all three of our instrumental ensembles\u2014Honors Chamber Orchestra, Sinfonia, and Wind Ensemble<\/strong>\u2014earned\u00a0Gold Medals<\/strong>\u00a0at the MICCA festival. This is the highest possible distinction awarded at the event, and it is a testament to the hours of dedication and artistry these students have poured into their music this year, as well as the unwavering commitment and talent of Steve Scott and Sergey Khanukaev.<\/div>\n
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Additionally, the\u00a0Wellesley High School Drama Society (WHSDAC)<\/strong>\u00a0represented our school with pride as they presented their production of\u00a0“Fire in the Hole”<\/em>\u00a0at the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild (METG) State Finals. Their performance was exceptional, and the production earned special awards for Acting (Oscar Allan, Natalia Medina) and Props (Addison Kinney, LInda Zhang).\u00a0This is a testament to the countless hours of artistry these students have poured into their craft this year, as well as the visionary leadership and tireless dedication of Skylar Grossman, Jonah LeDoux, and their entire production team.<\/div>\n
Our students represented Wellesley Public Schools with class and excellence at every turn. Please take a moment to congratulate these performers if you see them in the halls today!<\/div>\n
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Here are some photos!<\/div>\n
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Freshman Semi-Formal on May 1st<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Hi students and families,<\/div>\n
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We hope you all are doing well. On Friday, May 1st from 7-9 pm, the class of 2029 will be hosting the 9th grade semi-formal in the high school cafeteria. The theme of the dance will be A\u00a0Night\u00a0in Miami. We are excited to host our first class dance and this will be a fun night for 9th graders where they can spend time with their friends with music. There will also be a photobooth, a DJ, and snacks. Early Bird tickets will be on sale until April 17th for $25 through\u00a0RecTrac<\/a>.\u00a0Students and caregivers who would like more information on how to receive financial assistance should reach out to their school counselor or Mr. Shattuck.<\/div>\n
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We hope to see you there!<\/div>\n
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Best,<\/div>\n
2029 class officers\u00a0\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Junior Boat Cruise Tickets On Sale Now! <\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Join The Class of 2027 students for an unforgettable experience on the water! The junior year tradition of embarking on a beautiful sunset cruise with delicious food, music, and dancing will take place on Friday, May 15th from 6:00-9:00 PM!\u00a0Tickets for the cruise are $95 until April 17th. After this date, the price will increase to $115. Please purchase your tickets soon from the\u00a0fee payment page on the WHS website<\/a>\u00a0so\u00a0you don’t miss this exciting highlight of junior year!\u00a0<\/div>\n
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Poster announces a \"Junior BOAT CRUISE\" for a \"Tour Around the Harbor\" on May 15th at 6:00pm.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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WHS Library Parent Book Club<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Ever wonder about the\u00a0books\u00a0teens are\u00a0reading?<\/div>\n
Ever read a popular YA book and wished you had someone to discuss it with?<\/div>\n
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The librarians at Wellesley High School host a monthly\u00a0Book Club\u00a0for\u00a0parents\u00a0where we read YA\u00a0books\u00a0and discuss. If you are interested in participating please email us at\u00a0whslibrary-group@wellesleyps.org<\/a><\/a> <\/div>\n
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Tuesday, May 5, 2026<\/strong><\/div>\n
at the\u00a0Wellesley Free Library (<\/strong>in the first floor cafe\/commons)<\/strong> <\/div>\n
at\u00a07:30pm<\/strong> <\/div>\n
to discuss\u00a0Wednesday Wars<\/em>\u00a0<\/a>by Gary D. Schmidt (middle grade novel)<\/div>\n
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Upcoming dates and books:<\/strong><\/div>\n
June 9 –\u00a0The Hate U Give<\/em><\/a>\u00a0by Angie Thomas (realistic fiction)<\/div>\n
Summer read – TBD<\/div>\n
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Next year (2026-2027)<\/strong><\/div>\n
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 – TBD<\/div>\n
The Wellesley Free Library will have copies available for check out.<\/div>\n
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Any question can be emailed to\u00a0whslibrary-group@wellesleyps.org<\/a><\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Message from School Nursing: 10th Grade Screenings<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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The School Nurses in conjunction with the Fitness and Health Department will be conducting hearing, vision, height and weight screenings for 10th grade students during Health classes on April 28th and 29th. \u00a0 Please encourage your child to have their glasses\/contacts with them if used routinely during the school day.\u00a0\u00a0<\/div>\n
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If you wish to opt-out of this screening please fill out this google form<\/a>.\u00a0 To read the full informational letter click here<\/a>.<\/div>\n
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WHS Counseling Department: Spring 2026 News to Use <\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Please see the recently updated\u00a0School Counseling Page<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for Spring events and information.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Parent\/Caregiver Nights<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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All parent nights are at 7pm on zoom unless otherwise indicated.<\/em><\/div>\n
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3\/31\/26 – Jumpstart to Junior Year\u00a0<\/strong>(7pm over Zoom)<\/em> <\/div>\n
Slides<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>Recording<\/em><\/a>\u00a0(passcode: w^73ar1U)<\/em> <\/div>\n
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WHS counselors will present a framework and timeline for the post-secondary process with a focus on the milestones that are particularly relevant to students looking ahead to their junior year.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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WHS Clubs and Enrichment Programs for 2025-2026<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Our list of clubs and enrichment programs for 2025-2026 has recently been updated.<\/div>\n
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To print your own copy or access the list, see\u00a0Complete List of 2025-2026 Clubs<\/a>\u00a0on the WHS website.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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WHS\/WPS Online Resources and Calendars<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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