1. Wellesley Public Schools Superintendent’s
40 Kingsbury Street Bulletin
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
www.wellesley.k12.ma.us/district/bulletins.
Bella T. Wong Bulletin #29
Superintendent of Schools April 15, 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.
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Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for your many helpful responses to last week's Bulletin about my family spat. We have added a
spelling application to the desktop tool bar for ready access and harmony has been restored to the household!
But I know it will not be the last time we will debate over the use of technology. Many of you let me know that my
story struck a common chord with you. One of the things I love about our educational community is the ubiquitous
struggle over determining not just the "best" way to use technology, but when. My experience in your classrooms
has been of highly thoughtful, and sometimes ingenious uses of technology to enhance learning. I am quite proud
of the apparent thoughtfulness evident in your day-to-day practice.
The annual student Art Show at the Main Library opened this past Tuesday. It is a wonderful blend of artwork
from students of different abilities and age groups. A lot of work is created with use of technology, but much of
the work is low tech -- great use of color, texture, paper, ink, paint, chalk, and quite a bit of glue or paste. I always
leave the exhibit equally awed by the products of both high and low tech tools. It is a great way to welcome
spring.
Somehow, I always find myself thinking about next year and the future in the month of April. It might be that it
coincides with the conclusion of the budget process, and I can now re-focus energies on teaching and learning. I
feel it is time for us as a district to finally articulate our vision for the 21st century student.
Over the past two summers, the administrative team has begun development of working strands to support this
vision. Between now and the end of this school year, I will be visiting and meeting with faculty to solicit your
reflections on the draft strands. I look forward to sharing them with you and receiving your input.
Enjoy April break. Soak up some sun and rest up.
Calendar
April 7-28 WPS K-12 Art Show – Wellesley Free Library
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
2. 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
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
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3. 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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5. 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 4 – May 3, 2011: Bullying and Session 5 – May 10, 2011: Transition Planning
Students with Disabilities for Students with Disabilities Age 14+
The new Bullying Law in Massachusetts requires The requirements of IDEA specific to the issue of
each school district to provide training about transition planning for life after high school or age
bullying and its specific impact on students with 21 are vast. Transition has been the focus of many
disabilities. The law also requires that special special education court hearings and cases across
education students who are at-risk for bullying have the country and is considered the current “hot
their IEPS specifically address this concern. This topic”. This session will address the requirements
session will provide an overview of issues and of the law and review the components of effective
discuss how Wellesley can respond to the transition planning.
requirements of the law.
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.
BABY NEWS!!
Congratulations to Rachel Washa and her husband, Luis, on the birth of their
daughter, Zaloa Sáenz de Viguera Washa, born on April 2, 2011, weighing 7 lbs, 12 ounces. .
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6. Coaching Positions
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
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
2010‐2011 OPENINGS
Director of Facilities & Grounds
Reporting to the Superintendent of Schools, the Director is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and
supervising all aspects of school building operations, maintenance, and grounds. A Bachelor’s degree is
required, extensive knowledge of building construction, engineering, computerized energy systems, and 7-10
years of related management experience preferred. Previous experience with public procurement is required.
The Director is responsible for the supervision of 38 union staff. Salary range is $112,000 – $125,000, 12-month
position. Anticipated starting date is June 1, 2011. Submit cover letter, resume, and three letters of reference
to Salvatore Petralia, Assistant Superintendent, Wellesley Public Schools, 40 Kingsbury Street, Wellesley, MA
02481 by Friday, April 29, 2011
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
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)
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7. 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)
Orchestra Director
(0.2FTE)
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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