Wellesley Middle School students and internet safety
Katie Greer, national expert in youth technology and cyber-safety, came to Wellesley Middle School (WMS) to speak to 6th and 7th graders about the latest in internet risks, safety, and responsibility. Later that evening, in an effort to promote communication between parents and their children, Greer spoke with the Wellesley Public Schools parents. The engaging and informative presentation provided parents with answers to help their kids stay safe in a technology-driven world. This WMS PTO funded event allowed parents to prepare for tough, but essential, conversations about responsible internet use with their children. Topics included social media sharing, cyber bullying, privacy, sexting, gaming and parental controls. The WMS PTO thanks all the WMS families who have donated to the PTO annual drive, which makes such lectures possible.
Active shooter training at WHS
In a Nov. 13 post on the Wellesley High School website, Principal Jamie Chisum reminded the school community that all students need to be out of the high school the afternoon of Thursday, November 14 from 2:45 until 3:30. During this time the faculty and staff will be doing a joint active shooter training exercise with the Wellesley Police Department. All the school’s internal organizations this affects have been notified and are prepared for this occasion. This is the only day WHS will have to do this for the year.
Hardy School hosts author Lisa Rogers at Book Fair
Author and Wellesley resident Lisa Rogers was on hand at the Hardy School Book Fair to showcase her new nonfiction picture book 16 Words. The 40-page hardcover book, geared toward readers ages 4 – 8, tells the story of how beloved American poet William Carlos William’s process of mindfulness helped him come up with his well-known 16-word poem “The Red Wheelbarrow.”
At the Book Fair, Rogers helped children pick out books and then read to them from 16 Words. “The children were so excited to ask her questions about her book and the process she went through to come up with idea, write the story and to see it in final print.,” said Hardy parent Jamie Fussner.
Williams’ poem has a special place in The Swellesley Report’s household. The wise words were long ago inked onto the interior of Mrs. Swellesley’s backyard shed for her to ponder as she heads out into the garden:
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Upham Elementary School’s Early risers
Check out the fun video of Upham Elementary School greeting TV news viewers with a big Good Morning.
Students Speak at Statehouse Against Pesticides
Three Wellesley sixth graders are asking State lawmakers to help towns protect residents and the environment from harmful pesticides.
The students joined members of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) at the Statehouse on November 12 to advocate for local legislation relating to Pollinators, Pesticides and Miscellaneous Matters.
At a hearing of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Jack Burkhead, Natalia Medina and Kavin Shah gave testimony in favor of House Bill 776.
The proposed bill, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth), aims to give local governments more oversight on reducing toxic chemical use on private property and encouraging organic alternatives.
The students learned about pesticide dangers last year during a 5th grade project-based learning unit at Bates Elementary School.
As part of its Grow Green Wellesley initiative, the NRC has partnered with the Board of Health to educate residents about the effect of pesticides on public health.
In addition to testifying, the students met briefly with Rep. Fernandes and Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley).
Garden Club Federation writing contest
Tenacre School Curriculum Night on Nov. 21st
Dive into Tenacre School’s curriculum on Thursday, November 21 at Curriculum Night. Learn from Tenacre’s teachers about specific components of the curriculum. Topics for the evening presented in brief will be 15-minute synopses including reading, writing, the arts, physical education and wellness, math, and science. For more information, contact Meg Burke at [email protected]
Dana Hall fall plays, Nov. 20 & 21
The Dana Hall Middle School will present three plays: Jane Austin: Action Figure; Too Many Daughters: A Jane Austin Parody; and a Dana Hall original, Sunset in a Cup: A Letter from Emily Dickinson. The performances are free and open to the public.
DATES/TIMES:
Wednesday, November 20, 7:30pm
Thursday, November 21, 4pm
LOCATION:
Bardwell Auditorium
Bardwell Auditorium is located on the Dana Hall campus at 37 Cameron Street. Please note that Bardwell is not accessible. For more information, please call (781)235-3010 ext. 2731 or visit www.danahall.org.
MORE ON THE PLAYS:
If you are interested in enrolling your child in the P.A.W.S. (
The Upper School will present its fall play, 
The 49th Bates Pumpkin Fair raised funds for enrichment programs that benefit Bates students and teachers. The PTO thanks the Wellesley community for coming out to join in on the fun, and the volunteers for making the event possible.
Dana Hall School will hold its fall Upper School Open House on Sunday, October 20, 1pm – 3pm. The event will provide prospective students for grades 9-12 and their families with introduction to the breadth and depth of the Upper School curriculum. Students and parents can visit demo classes to experience Dana Hall School’s dynamic teaching and learning. They will also have the opportunity to hear from current students, alumnae and administrators, and explore the School’s 55-acre Wellesley campus. 
Wellesley Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David Lussier has issued a welcome back memo to the community, highlighting some of the big things coming up for the 2019-2020 school year:
It’s the news story that isn’t surprising news. The votes are in, and they say that the one-level, 15-classroom 
