{"id":8478,"date":"2025-09-15T07:30:17","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T14:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/?p=8478"},"modified":"2025-11-24T12:56:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T17:56:11","slug":"copy-of-wellesley-high-school-principals-newsletter-for-sept-12-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/2025\/09\/15\/copy-of-wellesley-high-school-principals-newsletter-for-sept-12-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Wellesley High School Principal\u2019s Newsletter for Sept 12, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Wellesley<\/td>\nWellesley High School<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Wellesley High School posted in WHS Website – Post to WHS Website<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
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Copy of Wellesley High School Principal\u2019s Newsletter for Sept 12, 2025<\/div>\n
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Wellesley High School Principal\u2019s Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n

September 12, 2025<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Families,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Last night I spent my evening at the Wayland High School back to school night for my daughter who is a 9th grader there. \u00a0It is a similar setup to ours where I followed my daughter\u2019s schedule of classes just long enough to get hints of the courses and an introduction to the teachers themselves. \u00a0I\u2019m terrible at remembering the details of what is going to be covered in all the classes because I care much more about who the people who will be teaching my child are. I had a mentor who once told me parents want two main things from their children\u2019s teachers: for their kids to be loved and inspired. \u00a0I have to say that\u2019s true for me. When I came home last night I was truly excited about my daughter\u2019s teachers and for the journey she is lucky enough to go on this year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I do hope this is some of the feeling you\u2019re already getting from your child about their school experience at Wellesley High School this year. \u00a0On October 9th we will have our back to school night here at WHS where you\u2019ll get to come and meet your child\u2019s teachers. \u00a0I do hope you have it in your calendar and can attend so you can feel even more a part of the WHS community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

9\/11 Remembrance This Year<\/span><\/p>\n

Yesterday we marked the 24th anniversary of 9\/11 here at WHS during our advisory block. The students heard some remarks from our very own Stephanie Holland, who is our k12 Metco Director. \u00a0Stephanie\u2019s mother was a passenger on American Airlines flight 11 that crashed into one of the Twin Towers in New York that morning in 2001. \u00a0Her message also told the story of the many acts of kindness that followed that tragedy. \u00a0One memory she had was that someone dropped a ham off at her home because they \u201cdidn\u2019t know what else they could do\u201d. \u00a0She never found out who that person was. \u00a0It was a powerful reminder of how simple acts of kindness can change someone\u2019s day and bring people closer together instead of further apart. \u00a0She encouraged all of us here to keep that thought as we go through our day on 9\/11 especially, but also on every day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We had intended to also show this short video, but given the length and power of Stephanie\u2019s remarks we are letting advisors show it later.<\/span>\u00a0 I offer it here<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to all of you as yet another remembrance of the day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Coffee With The Principal<\/span><\/p>\n

Our first meeting will also be on Friday, September 19th 9:00 – 10:00am in the FDR. Please note that our PTSO and Principal meeting will run concurrently on this date – please join us for this \u201ctwo for one\u201d event!<\/span><\/p>\n

Wellesley High School PTSO – First Meeting of the Year<\/span><\/p>\n

The first PTSO meeting of the school year will be on Friday, September 19th 8:30-9:30am in the Faculty Dining Room (FDR). The agenda will be available on our website the week before the meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Wellesley Raiders Walk Team for The Jimmy Fund Walk<\/span><\/p>\n

In the United States, over 15,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. It remains the leading cause of death by disease in children under 19. Approximately 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, oftentimes more than once. Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund Clinic change the lives of both patients and their families through cutting-edge research and compassionate care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Jimmy Fund Walk is an annual event held by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, the largest single-day walk fundraiser in the country. It follows the iconic Boston Marathon route, and you can choose to walk a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon. All routes end in the Boston Common. Since 1989, the Jimmy Fund Walk has raised over $185 million towards cancer care and research at Dana-Farber.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every donation and registration is a step closer to a world where all cancers are treatable and curable. Every step matters in lowering those statistics to what we sincerely hope will become zero one day. Join us in fighting for a future without cancer. Please consider donating to our cause or registering for Walk Day.<\/span><\/p>\n

We have organized a\u00a0<\/span>Shake Shack Donation Day\u00a0<\/span>to fundraise towards our goal. The event will take place on\u00a0<\/span>Monday, Sept. 29th at the Wellesley Shack;<\/span>\u00a0simply mention the code\u00a0<\/span>DONATE\u00a0<\/span>or type it into the kiosk, and 25% of your total will be donated to the Jimmy Fund Walk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Lanting Ran and Grace Cahoon, co-captains of the Wellesley Raiders walk team<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/danafarber.jimmyfund.org\/site\/TR\/JimmyFundWalk\/JimmyFundWalk?pg=team&fr_id=2380&team_id=32005<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Fight like kids.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Step Up Day: \u00a0Wednesday, October 8th<\/span><\/p>\n

Step Up Day is Wednesday, October 8th at WHS. Students participate in activities tailored to their grade level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

9th & 10th Grade<\/span><\/p>\n

Students will have intervention time and attend their green block class. \u00a0Followed by an extended advisory period that includes presentations and community-building activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

11th Grade \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Students will be taking the School Day PSAT\/NMSQT exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Registration<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is open till October 6th.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ensure the latest version of Bluebook is downloaded onto your student’s computer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seniors have the option to take a School Day SAT exam<\/span><\/p>\n

Registration<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is open till September 12th.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ensure the latest version of\u00a0<\/span>Bluebook<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is downloaded onto your student’s computer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seniors not taking the exam:<\/span><\/p>\n

Post-high school readiness activities begin at 9:00 AM on the 1st floor\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Session sign up will be posted mid-September.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Visit the\u00a0<\/span>WHS Step-Up Day<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for detailed information<\/span><\/p>\n

Questions? Contact your guidance counselor or Jen Culver, WHS Testing\/SSD coordinator.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2026 National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists at WHS<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations to the following seven WHS seniors for being named as 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists! The students are: Back row \u2013 \u00a0Julia Cao, Calliope Donner, Elaine Cheng, Chetan Dhebar (with Dr. Jamie Chisum, WHS Principal); Front row \u2013 Ellen Kim, Stephanie Xia, Anish Sankar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dr. Chisum and Director of School Counseling Meg Walenden congratulated the students Wednesday morning during their Advisory block. All seven semifinalists are eligible to apply for thousands of scholarship opportunities worth nearly $26 million from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, corporate partners and colleges and universities.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Notes from the WHS Library<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ever wonder about the books teens are reading?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ever read a popular YA book and wished you had someone to discuss it with?<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 7th at the Wellesley Free Library Cafe (1st floor) at 7:30pm<\/span><\/p>\n

to discuss Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick<\/span><\/p>\n

The Wellesley Free Library will have copies available for check out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Any question can be emailed to\u00a0<\/span>whslibrary@wellesleyps.org<\/a>.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Senior Parent Night: Wednesday, September 17th, 7-8:15pm<\/span><\/p>\n

Please join School Counselors for an information session on the college admissions process as it relates to the Class of 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

Topic: Senior Parent Night-Zoom<\/span><\/p>\n

Time: Sep 17, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)<\/span><\/p>\n

Join Zoom Meeting<\/span><\/p>\n

wellesleyps.zoom.us\/j\/87439260570?pwd=Q026wME0SWguHsMbaDkkIFepJ2OFlf.1<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Meeting ID: 874 3926 0570<\/span><\/p>\n

Password: 939974<\/span><\/p>\n

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Friday Night Football Under the Lights<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is the current schedule for our Home Football Games (with another playoff or non playoff game possible)<\/span><\/p>\n

– Friday, 9\/12\/25 6pm: Wellesley vs Andover<\/span><\/p>\n

– Friday, 9\/19\/25 6pm: Wellesley vs Milford<\/span><\/p>\n

– Friday, 10\/24\/25 6pm: Wellesley vs Natick<\/span><\/p>\n

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Homecoming 2025<\/span><\/p>\n

We are so excited to have our second annual homecoming at Wellesley High School on October 24th and 25th.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This will kick off with a home football game Friday night at 6 pm, followed by a community day on Saturday on Hunnewell Fields from 11 – 2 showcasing our fantastic high school as well as our arts, athletics, and clubs. This event is for families, children, and community members and will include games and fun activities for kids of all ages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, at night there will be a dance at the high school from 6:30 – 9 pm that is open to all students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ticket sales will open soon and we will have capacity limits so please keep your eye out when that comes an<\/span><\/p>\n

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Calendar – Upcoming Events<\/span><\/p>\n

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Friday, Sept 12<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Junior Class BBQ @ WHS<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Tuesday, Sept 16<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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School Committee Meeting<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Friday, Sept 19<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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PTSO General Meeting<\/span><\/p>\n

WHS Coffee with the Principal<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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WHS\/WPS Online Resources and Calendars<\/span><\/p>\n

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Wellesley High School \u00a0 \u00a0 Wellesley High School posted in WHS Website – Post to WHS Website \u00a0 \u00a0 Copy of Wellesley High School Principal\u2019s Newsletter for Sept 12, 2025 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Wellesley High School… Continue reading Wellesley High School Principal\u2019s Newsletter for Sept 12, 2025<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":190,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8478","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","","tg-column-two"],"aioseo_notices":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":true,"date":"2026-10-31 17:55:00","action":"change-status","newStatus":"trash","terms":[0],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8478","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/190"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8478"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8478\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8492,"href":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8478\/revisions\/8492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8478"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8478"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/whs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8478"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}