The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

First day of school in Wellesley is Wednesday, Aug. 27th

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We hope you’re enjoying your summer, Wellesley families, faculty, and staff. All too soon those lazy days will come to an end—specifically, on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Welcome back. There’s something energizing about the hustle and bustle of a town back to its industrious self.

Bates Elementary School
Katharine Lee Bates Elementary School, June 2025

Important dates

  • Wednesday, Aug. 27—first day of school. Early release (noon) for elementary school students. (That’s an every Wednesday thing for grades K-5.)
  • Monday, Sept. 1—schools closed for Labor Day
  • Tuesday, Sept. 23—schools closed for Rosh Hashanah
  • Thursday, Oct. 2—schools closed for Yom Kippur
  • Monday, Oct. 13—schools closed for Indigenous Peoples Day

Here’s the entire 2025-26 academic calendar.

     

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black & blue, Wellesley
Olive Tree Medical, Wellesley
taste of wellesley gif

Longfellow Preschool Comes to Wellesley! Opening September 2, 2025

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SPONSORED CONTENT: Longfellow Preschools have been trusted by families for years for blending education and wellness. Now, we’re thrilled to bring that proven program to Wellesley—designed to spark curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of healthy living.

Longfellow, Wellesley

Our play-based curriculum combines hands-on learning with daily movement experiences like soccer and yoga, plus optional swim lessons. A foundation for strong, healthy habits from the very start!

Why Families Choose Us:

  • Ages 3–5 welcome
  • Flexible scheduling: 2–5 days/week, 9am–1pm with extended day available
  • Active lifestyle focus: soccer & yoga included; swim optional
  • Small classes (maximum of 12) for individualized attention
  • Licensed by the Department of Early Education & Care (E.E.C.)
  • Tuition starts at $399/month; member discounts available

What Parents Are Saying

“We joined mid-year with a shy 3.5-year-old and worried about the transition—but she adjusted immediately! The staff is caring and attentive, creating a safe, fun environment where every child is engaged and supported. We’re so grateful for our Longfellow family!”

“We’ve been part of this community for nearly six years and couldn’t be more grateful! Our children have grown academically, socially, and emotionally thanks to dedicated teachers who treat every child as unique. The curriculum balances play, creativity, and structure, and we love the daily updates and photos. We feel so fortunate to have found a preschool that combines outstanding education with opportunities for kids to stay active and healthy. Longfellow will always hold a special place in our hearts!”

Schedule your tour today: longfellowwellesleypreschool@gmail.com

Longfellow Preschool, Wellesley
Learning is always fun at Longfellow Preschools.
Page Waterman, Wellesley
London Harness, Wellesley

Recapping an action-packed Wellesley Eco-camp

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Wellesley Youth Commission Director Maura Renzella and Wellesley NRC Environmental Education, Outreach and Compliance Coordinator Lisa Moore held a week-long Eco-camp this summer for 21 rising 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. The free camp offered opportunities for Wellesley Middle School Students to explore the many green spaces in and around Wellesley and engage with nature.

Wellesley Eco-camp
Town of Wellesley courtesy photos

During the week participants explored Guernsey Sanctuary, attended a fishing clinic presented by Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, catching Bass, Pumpkinseed and Bluegill fish. They took a guided walk led by Andrea Dannenberg, Guernsey Sanctuary Steward and Wellesley Conservation Land Trust board member, learning about the history of the sanctuary and about the flora and fauna that live there. Participants were challenged with locating six geocache containers stashed around the sanctuary, collecting pieces of an art project assembled at the end of the hike.

In addition, participants explored the North 40, swam and kayaked at Morses Pond, witnessed a bald eagle diving for fish, hiked the MOPO trail learning about the ecology and Wellesley watershed, played an eco-themed mini golf game at MOPO beach, and painted scenic views from the beach.

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Mid-week campers got to visit nearby Landsake Farm to learn about growing fruits and vegetables, helped with a farm chore, picked tomatoes and herbs to make and sample salsa, and picked string beans to bring home.

North 40 exploration continued with campers helping with two volunteer projects. The group painted 600 animal tracks along the north 40 boardwalk to educate about the animals that call the North 40 home, and cleared a plot at the Weston Road Community Garden to grow vegetables for the Wellesley Food Pantry.

Wellesley Eco-camp

At the end of the week campers took a break from the heat at Launch Trampoline Park and challenged themselves as they climbed through the tree tops at the high ropes course at Tree Top Adventures in Canton.

This recap of Eco-camp was shared by Lisa Moore.

Wellesley Eco-camp

Wellesley Eco-camp

Wellesley Eco-camp

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Longfellow, Wellesley
Wellesley Wonderful Weekend
Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, 2026

Willy Wonka KIDS at Wellesley Theatre Project: A spirited summer show

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The first performances of Wellesley Theatre Project’s summer production of Willy Wonka KIDS ran July 17 and 18 at the Sorenson Center for the Arts at Babson College. I attended the 7:30pm performance on July 17, which featured the Golden Cast. For a production put together in just two weeks, it was organized, well paced, and impressively executed.

The show is a short version of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and runs about 35 minutes. It features students in grades 2 through 8, many of whom brought energy and individuality to their roles.

Sarah Benson played Charlie Bucket with honesty and steady focus. One memorable scene took place in the Bucket Shack, when Charlie learned he’d found the golden ticket. Sarah Benson’s expression shifted from disbelief to awe, effectively capturing the moment.

willy wonka kids
Photos by Maya Hazarika

 
Casie Skarwitz, in the role ofWilly Wonka, stayed fully in character, moving with intention and delivering her lines with theatrical flair. In the factory entrance scene, set to “At the Gates (Pure Imagination),” Skarwitz led the group confidently.

willy wonka

The cast also brought enthusiasm to the early ensemble number “(I’ve Got A) Golden Ticket,” which helped to introduce the world of the show.

Willy Wonka Kids

The ensemble stayed engaged even in background moments, adding character to the imaginary world. The group playing the other Golden Ticket winners kept their scenes moving with good timing and expression. The Oompa Loompa numbers were well-rehearsed and visually strong, especially in the group choreography sections where spacing and rhythm were consistent.

Direction by Lydia Jane Furlong kept the story moving at a steady pace. Assistant Director Clara Robinson helped build specific character choices across the cast. Music Director Amber Crossman ensured that vocals stayed on pitch and on time. Choreographer Kennedy VanCleve created movement that matched the cast’s ability level and kept the visual flow of the show strong. The choreography worked especially well during ensemble songs where many cast members were on stage at once.

Willy Wonka Kids

The production featured colorful sets and creative costumes that brought the world of the chocolate factory to life. Bright lighting and clear sound cues enhanced each scene, and transitions were cleverly handled by the Oompa Loompas.

Willy Wonka Kids

Willy Wonka KIDS was an example of how WTP gives young performers real experience in how a show comes together. From learning lines and music to understanding stage movement and timing, students had the chance to go through the full process. The final result was a performance that reflected their work and the consistent support of the creative team.

Upcoming Performances of Willy Wonka KIDS

New casts will perform on:

  • August 7 at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM
  • August 8 at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM

All shows take place at the Sorenson Center for the Arts, 19 Babson College Dr., Wellesley

Runtime: 35 minutes

Rated G

 

Tickets and info available at wellesleytheatreproject.org or by emailing info@wellesleytheatreproject.org

Other Upcoming WTP Shows at Sorenson Center for the Arts:

James and the Giant Peach JR

  • July 24 and 25 at 5:00 PM
  • July 26 at 2:00 PM
  • August 14 and 15 at 5:00 PM
  • August 16 at 2:00 PM

Rated PG

Runtime: 65 minutes

 

Spring Awakening

  • July 24-26 at 8:00 PM

Rated R

Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes

 

Beetlejuice JR

  • August 14 and 15 at 8:00 PM
  • August 16 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
  • August 17 at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM

Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Wellesley Kitchen and Home Tour

New Bates playground takes recess to the next level

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The Bates Elementary School front playground (116 Elmwood Rd.) was replaced in the spring of 2025 and officially reopened, new and improved, in late April. The new playground has tons of features that take recess to the next level, including two slides of differing lengths, spinners, rope ladders, and obstacle courses. 

Bates playground
Photo by Zoe Chen

 

Bates playground
Photo by Zoe Chen

 

Bates playground
Photo by Zoe Chen

 

Bates playground
Photo by Zoe Chen

 
The Park and Tree Division manages 18 playgrounds around Wellesley, including 11 at schools. Each playground has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. The newly renovated Bates playground is intended for kids ages 5-12, although a 16-year-old climbing through the rope ladder probably can’t hurt, right?  

Bates playground
Photo by Zoe Chen

 

Bates playground
Photo by Zoe Chen

 

Bates playground
Photo by Zoe Chen

 
Next up for renovations are the Warren Park and Schofield Elementary School playgrounds, both of which will be replaced later this summer. 

Bates playground
Photo by Zoe Chen

 

 

We thank Truly’s ice cream & frozen yogurt shop in Wellesley for sponsoring our summer interns. If you’d like to contribute as well, please make a tax-deductible donation & denote “intern.”

Rotary Club, Taste of Wellesley

Wellesley youth performing in Weston Drama Workshop’s July productions

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Weston Drama Workshop, a nonprofit youth theater organization, will stage 30 performances across six July productions at Regis College featuring participants entering Grade 5 through age 23.

Participants entering 5th grade through 9th will perform The Little Mermaid and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical. Among the young actors performing are Wellesley residents Evangeline Libertino and Callie Pillsbury.

Weston Drama Workshop
Callie Pillsbury & Evangeline Libertino (courtesy photo)

 

Actors ages 14–23, with a few younger performers playing children’s roles, will perform three musicals and one play.

These include Sweeney Todd,  Les Misérables: School Edition, Fun Home, and Present Laughter. Among the performers starring in these four productions are Wellesley residents Oscar Allan, Harry Baker, Reese Buhler, Katie Gray, Samantha Hirschey, and Suri Razzaghi.

Weston Drama Workshop
Reese Buhler, Suri Razzaghi, Oscar Allan, Samantha Hirschey, Harry Baker, Katie Gray (courtesy photo)

 

Tickets and schedule information are available at westondramaworkshop.org, and questions can be directed to the box office at 781-768-7070. All performances are held at Regis College’s air-conditioned Fine Arts Center.

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Wellesley High robotics team teaching campers more than technical skills

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Robotics camp
Photo by Zoe Chen

 
The Wellesley High School robotics team, called Team Ultraviolet, held its first of three summer workshops earlier this summer at the former Upham Elementary School building. The workshops are a five-day, summer-camp-like program open to third through sixth graders. The kids spend the week building mini rovers, which are battery powered and equipped with real electronic parts. 

The camp is run almost entirely by high school volunteers on the WHS robotics team. Throughout the week, volunteers present the kids with intentionally hard challenges, such as programming their rovers to navigate through mazes, to dance, or to play hot potato. The kids work in teams to solve the problems. 

Sessions have high volunteer-to-camper ratios, with some as low as six campers to 12 volunteers. Larger sessions can have more than 15 campers but maintain high ratios to give the kids personalized support. Stephanie Xia, the camp’s administrative captain, is a rising WHS senior who co-founded the workshops in 2023. 

“We’re not just teaching them the technical skills of how to build a robot, but also the kind of problem solving and collaborative thinking that will really help them in whatever they choose to do in the future, even if it’s not in robotics,“ Xia said. 

On the last day of camp, the kids get the opportunity to meet and operate Team Ultraviolet’s robot, a 120-pound bot the size of a minifridge and three times heavier. The kids use Xbox controllers to drive the robot, which picks up foam rings and shoots them into the air. The kids got a kick out of catching the rings once the robot threw them. 

“Every activity has a concept that we want the kids to learn, like loops, variables, basic movement. And then when they meet the big robot, it shows them that all this they’ve been doing with their rover kits…can all come into something as impressive as this,” Neha Guruprasad, the camp’s Impact Lead, said. 

The team’s robot, named C# after the programming language and the musical pitch, was built for their annual competition. The team, a school club at WHS, typically trains its members from September to December. Members build their robot from January to March, then compete with the robot from mid-March to June. Their yearly robot is required to perform specific tasks to coincide with the competition theme, which is released in January. This past year, the team made it past the preliminary competitions and advanced to the District Championships. 

All of this is expensive. Robot motors are individually $400 each, and combined with the expenses of other parts, the robot’s components can easily total thousands. Steep competition entry fees can also reach multiple thousands of dollars. 

Robotics camp
The WHS team’s 2023-24 robot, named C# (Photo by Zoe Chen)

Because robotics everywhere is an expensive activity, it isn’t uncommon for robotics teams to charge prospective members hundreds of dollars in sign-up fees. Team Ultraviolet is fiercely against this in order to create an accessible environment available to anyone with an interest in STEM. Instead, Wellesley’s team finds more creative means of raising the necessary funds, including hosting these summer workshops.

“While these workshops are a big source of funding for us, that’s a side benefit. We’re really just here to spread STEM, robotics, and soft skills like that that robotics has to offer to the children,” Guruprasad said. “We offer full scholarships for this camp to kids who need it, because really it’s not about the money. It’s more about filling up the workshops and getting kids to collaborate.”

The team will host two more workshop sessions in July and August, both of which still have availability, and plans to continue hosting summer workshops in years to come. 

“In terms of the future of the workshops, one thing we want to do is expand our age range. It’s always really unfortunate when there are kids interested in STEM who are either too young or too old for our workshops,” Xia said. “Also, we teach a similar curriculum every time with slight modifications. So next year we might work on expanding to have some other, varied curriculums. We are looking to do bigger and better things with the workshops next year, which is super exciting.”
 

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Wellesley Theatre Project to present Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka KIDS

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Willy Wonka, Kids_11x17Join Wellesley Theatre Project for the delicious adventures experienced by Charlie on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Follow the enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likable lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory – or suffer the consequences.

Show dates & times:

  • July 17th at 5pm & 7:30pm
  • July 18th at 5pm & 7:30pm

Takes place at Sorenson Center for the Arts, 19 Babson College Dr. in Wellesley

Tickets cost $11.50-$19.50 (with fees). Show runs 35 minutes.

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Wellesley in Bloom starts May 2!

Wellesley in Bloom starts May 2!