Editor’s note: Wellesley Middle School Social Studies students as part of a Civics Action Project have this week taken over The Swellesley Report‘s letters-to-the-editor page. The students are well-versed in their topics, have carefully researched all angles, and are ready to present their opinions to the community. Thank you to the WMS Social Studies teachers for organizing this community-based project.

To the editor:

I am writing on behalf of my group for our Wellesley Middle School civics action project.

Our group is trying to turn Upham elementary into a community center. Our group believes that as Wellesley continues to grow and change, it is essential to make thoughtful use of the resources and spaces we already have. The Upham School presents an opportunity to create a vibrant community center for the town. This project would honor the past, be an investment in the future, and strengthen community ties.

Upham is a place with history and memories, and rather than just let it sit unused and deteriorating, we could turn it into a space that serves people of all ages. A community center could offer meeting and event spaces, educational programs, art and music workshops, a teen center, outdoor gardens, and more.

In a post-Covid world, our community is trying move further away from isolation. An effort to reunite Wellesley would be beneficial to our community and to others as well. Our town needs more community spaces, and Upham would be a great, nay, the best place to have it.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Signe Sofia (representing our WMS civics action project group)