, 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,

Wellesley Public Schools 40 Kingsbury Street Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481

Bella T. Wong Superintendent of Schools

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.

Superintendent’s Bulletin www.wellesley.k12.ma.us/district/bulletins.

Bulletin #28 April 8, 2011

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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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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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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: Accommodations and Modifications –

Who, What, When, Where, and How?

Most special education students have some type of accommodation and/or modification requirement on 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 will clarify definitions, review instructional practices, and discuss the challenges of implementation.

Session 4 – May 3, 2011: Bullying and Students with Disabilities

The new Bullying Law in Massachusetts requires each school district to provide training about

bullying and its specific impact on students with disabilities. The law also requires that special education students who are at-risk for bullying have their IEPS specifically address this concern. This session will provide an overview of issues and discuss how Wellesley can respond to the requirements of the law.

Session 5 – May 10, 2011: Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities Age 14+

The requirements of IDEA specific to the issue of 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 the country and is considered the current “hot topic”. This session will address the requirements of the law and review the components of effective transition planning.

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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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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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 Teacher of Visually Impaired (0.6 FTE) Elementary Special Education Teacher/Therapeutic Class (1.0FTE)

Middle School Gr. 8 Physical Science Teacher (0.8FTE) High School (9-12) Chemistry (.75FTE) 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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