1. Wellesley Public Schools Superintendent’s
40 Kingsbury Street Bulletin
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
www.wellesley.k12.ma.us/district/bulletins.
Bella T. Wong Bulletin #28
Superintendent of Schools April 8, 2011
The Superintendent’s Bulletin is posted weekly on Fridays on our website. It provides timely, relevant
information about meetings, professional development opportunities, curriculum and program development,
grant awards, and School Committee news. The bulletin is also the official vehicle for job postings. Please
read the bulletin regularly and use it to inform colleagues of meetings and other school news.
,
Dear Colleagues,
This morning my husband and I had an argument.
While doing his homework the night before, my son didn't know how to spell the word orangutan. It was
suggested to him by the responsible adult at home that he could "Google" the word for the correct spelling.
When he did that a link to a YouTube video on orangutans popped up. It was a comical vignette of a tug of
war between an orangutan and a sumo wrestler -- you can all probably guess who lost and ended up falling
spectacularly into the mud pit. During breakfast this morning, my son called up the link and wanted me to
watch the video. After the video played, I went back to packing lunches and my son proceeded to go
through the other videos on the YouTube page. As I watched him go through the videos, I started to
wonder whether any of those orangutan videos might be inappropriate, and it occurred to me to ask how he
got onto orangutan YouTube videos in the first place. . . and that is how I got the story that it started with
looking for the correct spelling of a word. So I suggested that next time he needed to check the spelling of
a word he should (I admit I said should, not could) look it up in the dictionary. And thus, started the
argument with my husband.
It went kind of like this: All kids are checking their spelling this way...I don't want him unsupervised on
YouTube...this is what technology is about today...I want him to learn how to use a dictionary...why does he
need to use a dictionary if he can just ask the computer?? . . . that's just backwards. Hmm.
I left the house quite angry. But before I even got to the first right turn at the end of my road, I thought
maybe my husband was not completely wrong (note: I didn't say he was right) about some of this. No one
will ultimately get up from writing at a computer to look up in a dictionary how to spell a word. It is probably
also unlikely anyone will take the time to call up a spelling application if they can just "Google" the word to
check the spelling. So it is possible that it is a truth that I may have to accept; I am just not sure that like it,
yet.
Enjoy your weekend,
3. Calendar
April 7-28 WPS K-12 Art Show – Wellesley Free Library
Thurs., 4/14 Boston Gay Men’s & WHS Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Mon-Fri, 4/18-22 Vacation Week
Wed., 4/27 Teachers for Safe Schools, WMS Rm 245, 3:30 pm
Fri., 4/29 Deadline for C&I Proposal Submissions
Working on a Lane Change? Revised Course Approval Form Available Online
A revised version of the Course Approval Form is available on the WPS website under “Professional
Development”. Please use this version when submitting courses for consideration. A change of note is the
request for a copy of the actual course description from the catalogue or website.
Graduate Course Reimbursement
Course reimbursement funding of $22,500 is available to distribute in FY12 among qualified
teachers for graduate course work which is done as part of a master’s degree program to fulfill
a teacher’s obligations for the Massachusetts Educators Professional License and for course
work required to achieve the next stage of licensure culminating in a professional license. To
apply for this course reimbrusement, please send, by June 1, 2011, your name, evidence of
your enrollment in an applicable master/doctoral degree program, name and description of
the course, evidence of course cost, proof of payment, and transcript to Valerie Spruill, Administrative Assistant
to the Assistant Superintendent, Valerie_Spruill@wellesley.k12.ma.us. You will be notified of the amount
awarded to you by July 1, 2011.
LOOKING AHEAD . . . . . . . . .
Are you interested in a job share?
Would you like to be considered for a transfer in 2011-12 School Year?
Teachers with professional teacher status who would like to request a job share position or a transfer in the
2011-2012 school year must notify Salvatore Petralia in writing by May 2, 2011. Requests should be sent to:
Salvatore_Petralia@wellesley.k12.ma.us
Apply Now to Enroll Children of Non-Resident WTA Members
in Wellesley Schools. Children of teachers or nurses residing outside Wellesley
shall be entitled to attend Wellesley Public Schools without charge for tuition on a space
available basis. (Article 12, WTA Unit A Contract). If you are interested in this benefit in the 2011-12 school
year, please contact Valerie_Spruill@wellesley.k12.ma.us, include your child/ren’s name, birth date, and
current grade level. Application Deadline: May 2, 2011
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4. Teachers for Safe Schools
Teachers for Safe Schools will meet at the Middle School in Room 245, from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. on the following
Wednesdays: April 27, and May 18, 2011. The mission of Teachers for Safe Schools is to consciously create,
support and encourage a safe professional and emotional school climate that allows for staff of all sexual
orientations to be acknowledged and respected
Professional Development Opportunities
Professional Development opportunities for 2010- 2011 are posted at
http://wps-professionaldev.wikispaces.com. Course descriptions and
registration instructions are included. This link can also be found on the WPS website under 2010-2011
Professional Development Offerings.
WellesleyPD is coming! WellesleyPD is coming!
WellesleyPD is a web based, professional development management system. This application has
features that can be utilized by faculty and administration. It enables all aspects of a district's professional
development program to be found in one easily accessible, online location.
Using WellesleyPD, you will be able to:
• view the professional development resource information provided by the district (mission, vision, goals,
procedures, etc.),;
• view available courses;
• register for courses online for PDPs/inservice/college credit options;
• receive automated confirmation of enrollment;
• be placed on a waitlist if a course is full;
• find course/class locations and descriptions;
• verify training history;
• utilize online forms;
• print out your own PDP/inservice transcripts;
• evaluate courses; and
• create your own individualized professional development plan, and more.
Watch your email in the coming weeks for more details.
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6. Special Education Seminars
A series of five seminar sessions is being offered to cover various topics regarding special education. Each
session covers a specific topic allowing participants to attend one or more sessions as desired. The intent of
each session is to provide background information to generate active discussions. Participants attending all five
sessions will be awarded 10 PDPs.
All sessions will be held at the Middle School in Room 251 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
To participate, go to this link and register online: http://wps-professionaldev.wikispaces.com/
Session 3 – April 12, 2011: bullying and its specific impact on students with
Accommodations and Modifications – disabilities. The law also requires that special
education students who are at-risk for bullying have
Who, What, When, Where, and How? their IEPS specifically address this concern. This
session will provide an overview of issues and
Most special education students have some type of
discuss how Wellesley can respond to the
accommodation and/or modification requirement on
requirements of the law.
their IEPs. and yet, there continues to be much
confusion over what the difference is between the
two terms and how each affects student
performance, assessment, and grading. This Session 5 – May 10, 2011: Transition Planning
session will clarify definitions, review instructional for Students with Disabilities Age 14+
practices, and discuss the challenges of
The requirements of IDEA specific to the issue of
implementation.
transition planning for life after high school or age
21 are vast. Transition has been the focus of many
special education court hearings and cases across
Session 4 – May 3, 2011: Bullying and the country and is considered the current “hot
Students with Disabilities topic”. This session will address the requirements
of the law and review the components of effective
The new Bullying Law in Massachusetts requires
transition planning.
each school district to provide training about
Requesting C & I Proposals
Proposals for C&I projects are currently being accepted. There are two funding sources available, one that
requires projects to be completed by June 30, 2011 and the other that will fund projects that take place
beginning July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.
C&I compensation is granted for curriculum development projects or task force members to work on building-based
or system wide initiatives. Priority will be given to proposals designed to meet system goals.
Request proposal form from Janice_Gross@wellesley.k12.ma.us. Due date: April 29, 2011.
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7. BABY NEWS!!
Congratulations to Kate Harrigan on the birth of her son, Hank Cannon
Feifer, born on March 30, 2011, weighing in at 9 lbs, 12 ounces . . . . .and to Laurie Haig on
the birth of her son, Ryan James, born on April 5, 2011, weighing in at 9 lbs, 8 ounces.
CONGRATULATIONS . . .
to John Mulryan of the Middle School Fitness and Health staff, recognized as the 2011
Health Educator of the Year by the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical
Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD). The purpose of this award is to publicly
recognize an outstanding, hands-on practitioner who has made valuable contributions in the
area of health. Congratulations, John!!
Boston’s Gay Men’s Choir and WHS Choral Department Concert:
Here to Stay! April 14, 2011, 7:30 p.m. at WMS
The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest and most successful
community-based choruses. Now in its 28th season, the175-voice ensemble is celebrated
for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community
outreach. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III, the BGMC sings a wide
spectrum of classical and popular music with excellence and builds bridges to all people by providing a positive,
affirming image of the gay and lesbian community. Each year the Chorus offers a subscription concert series of
three programs, performed in the city’s most prestigious venues including Jordan Hall, the Cutler Majestic
Theatre, and Symphony Hall. The Chorus is heard live by more than12,000 people each season and thousands
more through recordings and television broadcasts. The Boston Business Journal consistently ranks the BGMC in
its list of the top 25 performing arts organizations in greater Boston. Tickets: $5 Students and Seniors, $8
Parents, $3 Teachers
Coaching Positions
Spring Season 2011
Head Coach – Varsity Boys Volleyball
Head Coach – JV Boys Volleyball
Fall Season 2011
Head Coach – Varsity Field Hockey
Head Coach – Girls Volleyball
Winter Season 2011-12
Head Coach – WHS Dance Team
Contact Athletic Director: John_Brown@wellesley.k12.ma.us
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8. POSITIONS AVAILABLE
2010‐2011 OPENINGS
Elementary Principal
Wellesley Public Schools seeks an elementary principal to lead a 356 student K-5 school in a community that
strongly supports its public schools. Our core values are academic excellence, cooperative and caring
relationships, respect for human differences and commitment to community.
Candidates must have a Master’s Degree and be certifiable as an elementary school principal. Previous
administrative experience at the building or district level is preferred. The work year is 214 days effective July 1,
2011. Current salary range for FY 2011 is $111,927 - $128,408. Please send a cover letter, resume, three letters
of reference, transcripts, and licensure by April 22, 2011 to: Salvatore Petralia, Assistant Superintendent,
Wellesley Public Schools, 40 Kingsbury Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
Department Head of Nursing Services
Reporting to the Director of Student Services, the Department Head will be responsible for the ongoing
monitoring, assessment, and improvement of a comprehensive health program for the school district as well as
compliance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations. The Department Head oversees the
management of health-related data and ensures that clinical nursing services meet the standard set by the
Wellesley Public Schools. The Department Head is responsible for the supervision and evaluation of nursing staff
district-wide.
Candidates must have a Master’s Degree in Nursing or related field. Previous experience as a school nurse and
supervisory experience is preferred. The work year is 189 days, effective July 1, 2011. Current salary range is
$92,098 - $106,090. Please send cover letter, resume, three letters of reference, transcripts, and licensure by
April 15, 2011 to: Salvatore Petralia, Assistant Superintendent, Wellesley Public Schools, 40 Kingsbury Street,
Wellesley, MA 02481
Cafeteria Worker Under the supervision of the Cook/Manager, the general worker will operate kitchen
equipment, provide routine cleaning of the kitchen, and any other tasks that pertain to the food service
department. Rate Range: $11.74-14.22; Work Hours: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am to 12:30 pm. Benefit Eligible.
Minimum Qualifications: Good physical stamina, neat appearance, likes working with people.
Please send letter of interest to: Salvatore Petralia, Assistant Superintendent, Wellesley Public Schools, 40
Kingsbury Street, Wellesley, MA 02481 or e-mail Personnel@wellesley.k12.ma.us
Positions Available 2011-2012
Middle School
Gr. 8 Introductory Physical Science Teacher (1.0FTE)
Anticipated Openings 2011 - 2012
District Wide Middle School
Teacher of Visually Impaired (0.6 FTE) Gr. 8 Physical Science Teacher (0.8FTE)
Elementary High School (9-12)
Special Education Teacher/Therapeutic Class Chemistry (.75FTE)
(1.0FTE) Fitness & Health (0.2 FTE)
Please send a cover letter, resume, three letters of reference, transcripts, and licensure by April 15, 2011 to
Salvatore Petralia, Asst. Supt., Wellesley Public Schools, 40 Kingsbury Street, Wellesley, MA 02481.
Wellesley Public Schools Actively Seeks to Increase the Diversity of its Workforce
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