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Dear Colleagues,

Today marks the final day of MASS STEM Week 2019.? The theme of this year¡¯s activities was ¡°Picture Yourself in STEM.¡± Through the generous support of the ÎÞ¾¡×ÊÔ´²É¼¯ Education Foundation, we had a number of activities occurring in our District including Dr. Mark Siddall¡¯s engaging presentations on scientific learning (his visuals of leeches will not soon be forgotten!). Additionally, there were forums on Women in Science, Aspiring Doctors, and a Robotics Workshop.

Part of the focus this year was on considering under-represented groups in STEM fields such as women and minorities.? And this is where we can play an important role in schools as we encourage and empower a more diverse group of students to picture themselves in STEM.? I fear we lose too many future innovators in these fields because we remain tied to traditional notions of who is suitable for these careers.? A new generation of scientists may have been inspired this week and I challenge us all to consider ways to maintain that momentum.?

Thanks for all that you do in support of our students and have a great weekend!

Best regards,
David

Calendar
10/21?– 10/25/19 – STEM Week
10/29/19 –?School Committee Meeting – Police Station?– 5:30 pm
11/1/19 – Deadline for Submissions of Letter of Intent to Change Lanes
11/6 & 11/7 – Flue Vaccine Clinic?– 3:00-5:00 pm (see details below)
11/12/19 – School Committee Meeting – Town Hall?– 6:30 pm
11/26/19 – School Committee Meeting – Town Hall – 6:30 pm

???Condolences?to Sue Drayton on the loss of her husband, Jay Drayton, on October 17, 2019

???Salary Lane Change News
Letters of Intent to?Change?Lanes?in SY2020-21?Deadline:? ?November 1st
All professional staff who expect to receive a Masters, M+30, or M+60/Doctorate?at the beginning?of the next school year 2020-2021, must send formal notification of intent to?change?salary lanes?to Addie Doherty?dohertya@wellesleyps.org,?no later than November 1, 2019.??The notification should include: ?current?lane, proposed?lane, and the school year (2020-21) in which you hope to?change?lanes.? This early notification deadline is required so that provisions for anticipated salary?lane?changes?may be included within the new fiscal year budget.??Please note: The list does not carry forward. You must provide written notice each year until you have achieved the desired?lane?change. ?

Flu Vaccine Clinic for WPS Faculty & Staff:? November 6 and 7th, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
ÎÞ¾¡×ÊÔ´²É¼¯ Board of Health, 90 Washington Street
Bring your insurance card.
Indicate that you are from WPS
$5.00 donation to the Healthy ÎÞ¾¡×ÊÔ´²É¼¯ Fund is optional
You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment.?

Any questions:? Call Linda Corridan, RN? x 5710

??
2020 WEF Grant Applications?
Deadline:??Monday, January 6th? ??Decision Notifications:? Early April?

??????Insurance?Benefits Information
Health and Dental Insurance Benefits information is handled by the Town Hall Benefits Office.? Inquiries should be directed to Joanne Liburd at?JLiburd@wellesleyma.gov?or by calling 781-431-1019 extension 2244. ?????????????????

Renewing Your Educator’s License?
Information about requirements to renew your educator license is available on the WPS website.? to go to the HR Licensure tab.? When you apply for your license on the DESE website under ELAR, the DESE will send you an electronic communication about what is missing from your licensure file in order to renew. ??The HR licensure tab and your ELAR account are two tools to assist you with information about licensure renewal.??

WPS Internal Job Postings on District Website
For all Internal Job Postings, please?go to “” under the Faculty tab of the District¡¯s website.? ?