MESSAGE FROM THE PTSO PRESIDENTS

Welcome back!  We hope everyone had a happy and restful February vacation and is enjoying the warm weather.  For those who could not attend the course selection meetings, we have compiled the information for you below.  We hope you find it helpful.

Connie Burton & Andra Jensen
WHS PTSO Co-Presidents 2019-2020
whsptsopres@gmail.com
COURSE SELECTION FOR 2020-2021 ACADEMIC YEAR
  
Our thanks to Dr. Chisum, Dana Plunkett and all of the Department Heads for participating in our two course selection meetings.  Both meetings were incredibly informative.  We were so fortunate that Julie Spilka, a WHS faculty member, and one of her students, were able to videotape both sessions.  Here are links to the sessions and the relevant handouts --

We invite parents to review the Program of Studies and two videos on course selection discussions held in prior years that might be informative -- video one (covering Math, Computer Science and History) and video two (covering Science, Business and Technology).  

Timing on Course Selection ...  
 
Course selection will begin on February 24th & 25th with individual conversations with teachers for level recommendations.    Students will gain access to Powerschool for elective request beginning March 4th.  Signed course selection sheets and level change forms are due to House offices by March 13th.

UPCOMING EVENTS/DATES

February 2020
  • 27th - Mother's Group at 9:45am in Room 259
  • 28th - Coffee with Director of Guidance at 9am in Faculty Dining Room
March 17, 2020 -- Screening of "If Only" presented by WHS PTSO and Wellesley Youth Commission.  See flyer for more information.  

The following is just a sample of all the events on the calendar. Click  here to see the whole calendar.  
HIGHLIGHTS FROM GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT ... 

Here is a link to the Guidance Department's February notes.  Please take a few minutes to review as it quite informative and helpful. 

On February 28th, at 9am in the Faculty Dining Room, Director of Guidance Dana Plunkett will be hosting her parent coffee.   The topic for this coffee is "Leadership From Within", how to foster leadership skills in your adolescent and help them to become the best versions of themselves. Speakers Evren Gunduz & Tom Coburn, co-founders of Enjoy Life Education.

Evolutions Gen 6 (2020/21) Information Night on February 27th... 

Attention families of current sophomores and juniors: Our annual family information night for Evolutions Gen 6 (the 2020/21 school year) will be held on Thursday, February 27th at 6:30pm in Room 305 at WHS. The Evo team, Evo students, and Evo parents will be on hand to share information about the program, their experiences, and answer your questions. The session typically wraps up in about an hour. You can also visit the Evolutions website for information and application instructions/materials here.  

FOR PARENTS OF SENIORS ... 

Order CAP and GOWN  -

Each senior who participates in graduation must wear a red cap and gown, families can purchase from University Cap and Gown.  You may also use a gown worn in the past by a friend or sibling and only purchase a cap and/or 2020 tassel, as needed.  If you do not require any regalia, please contact your students House Assistant and confirm that with the House Assistant.

All your graduation needs (cap, gown, and tassel) can be purchased online and your order will be sent to the High School.  Students will receive their regalia the morning of Graduation at our required rehearsal which begins at 8:00 am on June 5th, 2020.

Cap, gown, and tassel cost $16.00.
Cap and tassel cost $8.00.
A cap cost $5.00
A tassel cost $3.00

All orders must be made by February 28th, 2020.  Please order as soon as possible.  Here is the link and directions to order  University Cap and Gown.

Please be advised instead of submitting your student's ID Number type in their last name and first initial, i.e. parkera.

Order  Prom and Banquet Tickets - Online Only

Please visit the   online payment site, once there, indicate how you wish to process your payment and then choose HS/MS Senior Activities and select the following:
2020PROM - Class of 2020 Senior Prom & Banquet
Member of the class of 2020 Prom Only price: $90; non-senior class guest price: $100; Package for Prom and Banquet (no guests): $100; Banquet Only (no guests): $30


SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ... 

Wellesley Scholarship Foundation  Application Deadline is March 1, 2020 
The Wellesley Scholarship Foundation (WSF) is accepting applications for the 2020-2021 academic year through March 1, 2020. Each year, WSF awards numerous financial awards to qualified candidates to assist with their unmet financial need. In 2019, WSF awarded $340,000 in need-based awards. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating from Wellesley High School, Wellesley residents graduating from high school in or outside of Wellesley, or Wellesley residents currently attending undergraduate institutions on a full-time basis. In addition, WSF also awards privately endowed merit scholarships to two high school seniors each year who are Wellesley residents in recognition of their outstanding scholastic achievement and citizenship. For more information and to apply, please click  here.  

Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club is  accepting scholarship applications for 2020-2021 through  March 1, 2020 .   In the 2019, the Club awarded a record $72,700 in scholarships and awards to 21 Wellesley students. Scholarships were given to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate college students in amounts ranging from $1,000 - $4,000.     Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in community service. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating from Wellesley High School, Wellesley residents graduating from high school in or outside of Wellesley, or Wellesley residents currently attending undergraduate institutions on a full-time basis.  
For more information, please click here .    

COMMUNITY EVENTS --

Please join Friends of Wellesley METCO, Inc. in support of Upham parent, Erica MacInnes who is running the 124th Boston Marathon.  H elp Erica reach her fundraising goal by donating TODAY.  YOUR donation matters!  Spread the word and share broadly with others to support our Boston and Wellesley students. Join us to cheer Erica and all the amazing runners from Wellesley to the historic finish line,  Monday, April  20, 2020.    To donate, please go to the following link. 


Exciting news from Wellesley ABC:  We found a Home Of Our Own!   We have raised 90% of our fundraising goal.  Please DONATE NOW at  www.wellesleyabc.org  by March 15, 2020 to help us close and move in this year .   Wellesley A Better Chance (ABC) is a non-profit scholarship program that  provides academically talented young women of color from underserved communities A Better Chance through enrollment at  Wellesley High School  and participation in a residential program.    The  Board of Wellesley ABC is overwhelmed with the generosity of our community!  We are grateful to all our donors that our effective 48 year old program can now grow and continue for years to come.  Thank you!   You can join the celebration at our gala on May 9, 2020 -   PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!  


Council on Aging Casino Night -  Come to the Town-wide Casino Night fundraiser, Saturday, March 21st from 6:30pm-9:30pm at the Wellesley Country Club hosted by the Friends of the Wellesley Council on Aging.  A cocktail-attire evening  of food and fun playing Black Jack, Poker, Craps, Roulette and more, with chances to win prizes.  Pre-register tickets for $85 here ; $100 at the door the night of the event.  "Game chips" have no cash value. 


Wellesley Community Children's Center (WCCC)'s Fun Run 40 will be held on  Saturday, March 21st | 8:30am - 12pm at  Wellesley College Keohane Sports Center.   Register  today for an online discount to WCCC's annual premier fundraiser and community event - the  FUN RUN !  What began in 1980 as a small pre-Boston Marathon race for preschoolers has grown into a fun-filled morning featuring non-competitive races for kids ages 2-12, carnival games, face painting, refreshments, a silent auction and raffle, book and stuffed animal sales, and much more!  Event proceeds benefit WCCC's Early Childhood and After School programs.   This year The Fund for Wellesley has once again provided WCCC with funding so that we can offer a complimentary entry fee for any children with financial needs.  To inquire about financial assistance, please email Darlene Howland at  dhowland@wellesley.edu .  For more information, see flyer.      
SAVE THE DATES ....
  • Council on Aging Casino Night Town-wide Casino Night fundraiser, Saturday, March 21st from 6:30pm-9:30pm at the Wellesley Country Club.  
  • Wellesley Community Children's Center (WCCC)'s Fun Run 40 will be held on Saturday, March 21st | 8:30am - 12pm at Wellesley College Keohane Sports Center.   
  • Annual WPSAS Arts Dinner will be held on Friday, March 27 from 6:00-8:30 PM at the home of Nina and Steve Falcone, 3 Ridgeway Road, Wellesley.  Each year, Wellesley Parents Supporting Art Students hosts a dinner to celebrate our art instructors and foster a dialogue on careers in visual and fine arts. This year WPSAS will honor retiring Wellesley Middle School Art Instructor Jill Callahan.  As guest speakers, they are delighted to feature Wellesley residents David Stern and Diane McCafferty, professionals in architecture and interior design.   High school art students welcome!   Eventbrite link and more details to follow soon and on WPSAS website and for more information contact WPSAS at wellesleypsasorg@gmail.com.
  • Wellesley ABC Gala will be held on May 9, 2020.