Dear Wellesley Middle School Community,
First, I write to you with the hope that you are all safe and healthy. As I look to communicate some thoughts about the status of remote learning and our building, I want to set the context that our priority continues to be you and your family’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Anything else should be considered secondary, as we work through this unprecedented time. You have all been in my thoughts continually, and I want you to know that you and our students are still at the forefront of my mind.
On that note, I want to reinforce our district message at the middle school that remote learning is not “school” as we’ve known it, and remote learning is “not intended to replicate the work we normally do when students are in session, including the introduction of new curricula and graded assessments.” The class work being provided is meant to be enrichment opportunities that keep your students engaged. Students will be hearing from teachers proactively, and we ask that students check their teacher websites regularly. We appreciate your partnership in support of this effort. Email can be used to clarify activities or ask questions, and a 24-hour response will be our school’s best practice. In case you missed it, here again is the link to FAQs about our WPS remote learning plan.
Our building is closed until further notice. No staff will be in the building which includes WMS administration and the main office staff. If a concern arises, please use email to communicate with the appropriate parties. We will do our best to support you remotely. We ask that no one stop by the middle school, as cleaning and sanitizing of offices, classrooms, major venues, locker rooms, hallways (and more!) continue to happen. Our custodians are working hard on our behalf, and I thank you in advance for your support.
It is one week from the time of our dismissal last Thursday. It is hard to believe that this is where we are today. I miss our students, families and staff greatly, and I look forward to the day that we return. In the meantime, I wish you all well and a peaceful night.
Best,
Mark Ito
Principal, Wellesley Middle School