Superintendent's Bulletin 3-25-11

, Dear Colleagues, A final update on the FY12 Budget as the Annual Town Meeting is about to begin on March 28. As part of an effort to reduce the remaining Town-wide deficit of $1,000,064, the School Committee voted the following non-programmatic changes to the FY12 Budget on Tuesday evening:

Increase circuit breaker reimbursement assumption $571,237 Municipal Light Plant Credit $ 50,000 Adjustment to projected utilities cost $ 10,000 Adjustment to projected turnover due to retirements $119,000 Total $750,237

The School Committee also voted the following programmatic changes to the FY12 Budget.

.1 FTE Reduction to the K-12 Director of Library Eliminate 1 High School Librarian Add 1 High School Library Teaching Assistant Restore .9 FTE Art

The final stage for the budget is approval by Town Meeting. I expect the budget will be presented for vote on March 29. Thank you to the numerous staff who helped build the budget this year and wish us luck for Tuesday evening.

Calendar Friday, 3/25 Proposals Due – Teaching a Course Summer 2011 Monday, 3/28 Annual Town Meeting Begins – WMS 7:30 pm Thursday, 3/31 FSA Claim Reimbursement Deadline

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 #26 March 25, 2011

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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, [email protected]. You will be notified of the amount awarded to you by July 1, 2011.

LOOKING AHEAD . . . . . . . . .

Share your Expertise with your Colleagues

Teach a course this summer or in 2011-12 Do you have expertise in the area of Classroom Management, Differentiated Instruction,

Looking at Student Work, or a specific content area? Consider sharing your knowledge by teaching a course. Proposals are currently being accepted. The rate of pay for one

instructor is $60 per course hour or $100 per course hour if the course is approved for graduate credit through an accredited institution. The rate of pay is adjusted for multiple

instructors. Please contact [email protected] for a proposal form and assistance with graduate approval. Deadline: March 25, 2011

Criteria for Graduate Credit Approval (Framingham State College) Instructors must have a minimum of a master's degree and two years of work experience in the area they will be presenting. Potential Instructors must submit: A current resume Copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts Two current letters of recommendation A complete, detailed course syllabus One graduate credit is awarded for a minimum of twelve hours of classroom instruction. A maximum of 3 credits will be awarded to new courses. All new courses are submitted to the university Graduate Education Council for approval. Syllabus Requirements: Course information: course title, meeting times and dates, and instructor's name, telephone number and

email. Course description: with the exception of the opening lines, descriptions should be written in complete

sentences. The description should be clear and brief. Course objectives: clearly state what the student is expected to gain upon completion of the course.

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Course expectations: clearly state your expectations regarding attendance, class participation, missed exams, and assignment due dates.

Course content/outline: schedule of the topics that will be covered, homework assignments and due dates. Course text and materials: required course text(s) with full bibliographic citation(s), and other readings

required or suggested for the course. Course Requirements: descriptions of papers, projects, exams, assignments, and any other requirements to

successfully complete the course. Grading Criteria-be very specific. The grading breakdown should be shown in percentages

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: [email protected]

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 [email protected],

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

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.

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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 1 - March 22, 2011: The Special Education Journey

This session will cover the history and development of special education law stemming from the late 1800s to the present. The session will provide a context for the federal special education law, IDEA, as it stands today.

Session 2 - March 29, 2011: Special Education Eligibility–Who’s In? Who’s out?

Eligibility for special education in Massachusetts is a thorough and complex process with a multi-pronged approach. This seminar will review the process and discuss relevant issues that influence eligibility decision-making.

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.

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Full CPI Training Target Audience: Special Educators, Specialists, TAs, and Regular Education Teachers The cornerstone of CPI since 1980, this program is considered the worldwide standard for crisis prevention and intervention training. With a core philosophy of providing for the Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security SM of everyone involved in a crisis situation, the program’s proven strategies give human service providers and educators the skills to safely and effectively respond to anxious, hostile, or violent behavior while balancing the responsibilities of care. Attendance at all three sessions is required for participation in this course. Instructors: Elisa Buchsbaum and Adam Diliberto Dates: June 25 and 26, 2011 Time: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Sprague School Library PDPs: 12 Inservice Credit: 1 or C&I pay at the rate of $215/day for a 6-hour day

To register, go to http://wps-professionaldev.wikispaces.com/ to the online registration form. This is listed as a new course under “School Safety.”

EMI SUMMER 2011 COURSE SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE (see last page of Bulletin)

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 [email protected]. Due date: April 29, 2011.

BABY NEWS!! Congratulations to Rebecca Smoler on the birth of her daughter, Zooey Victoria Smoler-Curran, on March 18 . . . . Chatham Flynn on the birth of her daughter, Finley Maeve, on March 18, 2011 . . . .Lauren Schneider-Stutz on the birth of her daughter, Cora Lily, on

March 22, 2011.

Condolences to Rosey McQuillan on the loss of her mother, Frances Biagi, on March 22, 2011 . . . .Andy Crowe on the loss of his dad, John Crowe . . . . . and Susan Bierer on the loss of her father-in-law, Gene Bierer.

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Boston’s Gay Men’s Choir and WHS Choral Department Concert

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

News from Performing Arts The Wellesley High School Performing Arts Department presents the Moving Company in “Footnotes” a collaborative performance which brings together dancers from local schools and professional dance companies in a sharing and informative setting. A variety of dance styles will be featured. Student and faculty choreographies will be showcased. The Wellesley Middle School group, Junior Moving Company directed by Lauren Schneider, will also return for a ninth season performance, and the WMS Step Squad will join the program for its second year. In addition, Bright Pearl Dance Company, one of Boston’s premiere Chinese Dance groups under the direction of Na Zhou, will present works of authentic Chinese dance. Members of the Wellesley High School Moving Company will be performing a dance piece choreographed by company director, Janet Sozio: Singin’ and Dancin’ a funky twist on an old classic. Also the WHS Rhythm Project will perform for a second year featuring the work of Danny Hoctor, an influential jazz and tap artist who founded Dance Caravan. Perfidia, a lating tap number, was created by Mr. Hoctor in the 1950’s. Student works include pieces by Seniors Michelle Abrams and Carolina Rocha. With a wide variety of dance styles represented, this year’s concert will provide the audience an evening of entertaining performance. “Footnotes” will be held at the Wellesley Middle School Auditorium on Thursday, April 7, 2011 beginning at 7 PM. Admission $8.00. WPS faculty and staff as well as senior citizens admitted at no charge. For more information, contact the Wellesley High School Performing Arts Department at (781) 446-6250 X4120.

Did you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in Calendar Year 2010? Don’t miss your chance for reimbursement! March is here and the deadline for submitting eligible FSA claims is coming soon! March 31, 2011 is the last day to submit eligible expenses from calendar year 2010 for reimbursement. You can pick up a claim form from the Human Resources Department in Town Hall Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or online at http://www.wellesleyma.gov/Pages/WellesleyMA_HR/health/fsaclaimform.pdf (underscore between “MA” and “HR”).

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All forms must be filled out completely and signed, have receipts attached and be either faxed or mailed to Cafeteria Plan Advisors (CPA) for processing by March 31, 2011. Late forms will NOT be processed. Questions regarding your account or eligible expenses can be addressed by CPA directly by calling them at (781) 848-9848.

Coaching Positions

Fall Season 2011 Head Coach – Varsity Field Hockey Contact Athletic Director: [email protected]

POSITIONS AVAILABLE 2010‐2011 OPENINGS

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 Scheduler for Powerschool at Wellesley Middle School. Beginning April 11th and continuing until scheduling is complete. Responsibilities include data entry and hand scheduling using PowerScheduler in PowerSchool, and meeting with Department Heads, Guidance Counselors and Principals as necessary to ensure timely and accurate data entry and hand scheduling. Some training is available, but knowledge of PowerScheduler a plus. Stipend is $7,119. This rate will be adjusted at the completion of salary negotiations. Send a statement of interest via e-mail by April 1, 2011 to [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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SUMMER POSITIONS AVAILABLE: WINGS '11 Regular Education Program Staff Needed: Regular Education Teaching Assistants Needed for 4 Weeks 7/5/11-7/29/11 AM Academic Courses Teaching Assistants for the academic classes ($18/hr or current TA rate) are needed to teach in the AM (8:15-11:45) session. Candidates must have experience teaching either math or literacy. Preference will be given to candidates who are familiar with WPS grade level learning goals and who have experience working with students with special needs. Student Assistants Needed for 4 Weeks 7/5/11-7/29/11 A limited number of Student Assistants ($10/hr) are needed to work in enrichment classes in the AM (8:15-11:45) and/or the PM (11:45-3:15) sessions. Students must be 16 or older and preference will be given to high school and college students who have worked in WINGS in the past or who are children of Wellesley staff. After March1st, read the description of the courses at www.wellesley.k12.ma.us (click on programs) and indicate in your letter of application which courses you think your skills/talents/experience match. Nursing coverage needed to cover all summer programs 7/1/10-8/6/10 Registered nurse(s) needed ($39.49/hr.) Preference will be given to current WPS nurses and others who have worked in WINGS in the past. Secretary Needed 7/5/11-7/29/11 Secretary responsibilities will include tracking and recording student attendance for each of the four time periods a day, managing all incoming phone calls, helping to maintain attendance and weekly time sheets, helping to support the needs of up to 70 adults. Data Manager Needed 7/5/11-7/29/11 Responsibilities will include manipulating data to create daily reports and course lists. Must be proficient in using FileMaker Pro 10. Interested candidates should send a formal letter of application and current resume to Dr. Gretchen Bravacos, 63 Hastings St., Wellesley, MA 02481 or via email at [email protected] Elementary Special Education Summer Staff Needed: Special Education Teacher Positions 6/27/11-8/5/11 Special Education Teachers ($39.49/hr) are needed to teach students with language- based learning disabilities in grades 2-5. The position is part-time (8:30-11:30) each morning for six weeks. Training and experience teaching reading, written language and math skills to students with disabilities is necessary and Moderate Special Needs certification is preferred. Lead Teachers for Full-Day Six Week Program 6/27/11-8/5/11 Lead Teachers ($39.49/hr) are needed to lead small group lessons for students with intensive special needs. Other duties include consulting with academic and enrichment teachers, providing guidance to teaching assistants, overseeing students’ schedules, etc. Training and experience teaching students with intensive disabilities is necessary and Severe Needs certification is preferred. Lead Teachers for Full-Day Six Week Program 7/1/10-8/6/10 Lead Teachers ($39.49/hr) are needed to lead small group lessons for students on the Autism Spectrum. Other duties include consulting with academic and enrichment teachers, providing guidance to teaching assistants, overseeing students’ schedules, etc. Training and experience teaching students with autism is necessary and Severe Needs certification is preferred.

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Teaching Assistants for Four and Six Week Programs Teaching assistants ($18 an hour or current rate of pay) are needed to support students with disabilities in special education classes and in some academic, enrichment, and recreational activities for both the AM (paid hours 8:15-11:45) and the PM (paid hours 11:45-3:15) sessions. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently working in WPS, with training in elementary education, special education, or related field and/or experience with students with disabilities. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and a current resume to Ms. Beth Brown, 40 Kingsbury St, Wellesley, MA, 02481 Preschool Special Education Summer Programs Staff Needed: Lead Preschool Teachers for P.A.W.S. Summer '11 Lead teachers are needed for both the four (7/5/11-7/28/11) and six-week programs (6/27/11-8/4/11). Master’s degree and DEEC licenses in both early childhood education and special education required, expertise in using Applied Behavior Analysis as a teaching methodology is required for the six-week long program. Preference will be given to current WPS employees. Preschool Teaching Assistants and Paraprofessionals Teaching assistants ($18/hr or current rate) must have experience in working with preschool aged children with special needs. Paraprofessionals ($25/hr or current rate) must have expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis. Current WPS employees should state their current rate of pay in their letter of application. Therapists Needed for WINGS'11 and P.A.W.S. (Preschool at Wellesley Schools) 6/27/11-8/5/11 Speech/Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapists ($45/hr) are needed. Appropriate licenses and/or certification and experience required. Preference will be given to current and former WPS employees. Interested candidates should send a formal letter of application and current resume to Dr. Gretchen Bravacos, 63 Hastings St., Wellesley, MA 02481 or via email at [email protected]

Anticipated Openings 2011 - 2012 District Wide Teacher of Visually Impaired (0.6 FTE) Elementary K-2 and 3-5 Special Educator ( 1.0 FTE) (Moderate SPED) Special Education Teacher/Therapeutic Class (1.0FTE) Nurse (0.9 FTE) Middle School History (.6FTE)

High School (9-12) Biology (1.0 FTE) Chemistry (.75FTE) English (1.0 FTE) Chinese/Latin (1.0FTE) Family/Consumer Science (1.0FTE) (Child Study Lab Teacher. Degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education) Fitness & Health (0.2 FTE) Math (.4FTE) Guidance Counselor (1.0 FTE) Social Studies (1.0FTE) Field Hockey Coach

Please send a cover letter, resume, three letters of reference, transcripts, and licensure by April 1, 2011 to Salvatore Petralia, Assistant Superintendent, Wellesley Public Schools, 40 Kingsbury Street, Wellesley, MA 02481.

Wellesley Public Schools Actively Seeks to Increase the Diversity of its Workforce

Superintendent's Bulletin 3-25-11

Education

Transcript of Superintendent's Bulletin 3-25-11