To the editor:

A Place To Turn would like to acknowledge the support of the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club this spring.  Our nonprofit’s mission is to provide emergency food, diapers, and personal care items to our neighbors in the MetroWest community. We could not do this without a caring community, and WHJWC is certainly part of that!  Every year we distribute over 500,000 pounds of food and 300,000 diapers—the need is great.  The grant we just received from Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club will be used to purchase sizes 5 and  6 diapers—both sizes highly requested.  With the help of this amazing group, the result is grateful parents and happy babies!

Joanne Barry, Executive Director
A Place to Turn, Natick

To the editor:

Almost one year ago—August 30, 2022, to be exact—marked the 23rd “first day” of school for our family.

So 23 years of September (yes, school consistently started after Labor Day), haircuts, new shoes and a back-to-school outfit. The boys’ approach was very different from that of the girls, but the endpoint was the same: everything felt different as the next grade or school loomed large for the year ahead.

The excitement of a postcard from the kindergarten teacher gave way to anticipation of the supply list and a visit to an always-crowded Staples store. The class lists were distributed with all the names of the kids in the class, causing a flurry of phone calls, playdates and coordination of the back-to-school ice cream parties. By the end of summer, everyone was ready for some much-needed structure and rhythm to the days. School would begin again. Like the new shiny shoes, the empty backpack, and perfectly crisp Crayolas, everything felt new and just right.

23 times the slate was wiped clean.
23 vows to make good lunches for school.
23 attempts to have the sport uniform clean.
23 back-to-school nights, teacher conferences, boxes of Kleenex to send in for the classroom.

Sun up. Sun down.

Time to say thank you. There are countless adults, and even some kids, that left their footprint on my family. Additionally there are many I am not even aware of, kept hidden in the heads and hearts of my kids. It is a pleasure to think of those that had a positive impact as we recall and retell their stories. In absolutely no specific order I will attempt to help you to know a few of these special individuals that work within the Wellesley Public Schools’ walls.

Bates Elementary School was a welcoming and special place. Mr. Ted McGlone was the custodian at Bates. A friendly face to each kid, he made small talk and knew their names. He was always willing to open a juice box or help out in some way. May he rest in peace.

Tammy and Ms. Scanlon were always at their desks offering a smile and personal hello to each child who entered. Responsibility was given to the kids, who were in turn supported by all the staff.

The principal at the time set the bar as far as the five elementary school principals that we had over the years. I have too much to say about this person, so I will just say her name and leave it at that: thank you Amber Bock—I hope your toasting skills have improved.

In second grade my son was thrilled to be compared to Johnny Damon (in looks, not baseball skill) by Ms. Marazzo (now Rosenbloom).

To Ms. Kelly, thank you for the best (and perhaps the only) trip to China the kids will ever experience.

Ms. Illyn taught confidence.

Ms. Hochburg and Cohen, your own kids were so little but you gave so much to ours—a true dynamic duo.

The fifth grade teacher that labeled my kid as a behavior problem because he was hiding under the desk was a gift, propelling us to find out why he would do that….and realizing he was terrified at not understanding his 5th grade curriculum. He got the help he needed, and again, thank you.

The stories dwindled in middle school as the kids yearned to keep more to themselves. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Dr. John D’Auria of D’Auria Dr. in Wellesley. (Yes, he is an actual person). Dr. D’Auria was famous for his welcome meeting with new middle school parents and his “bowlers vs. dice rollers” lecture. A lesson learned by many and passed down to the kids. He was a gift to the middle schoolers that were lucky enough to know him.

Ms. Connor, whose infectious enthusiasm is matched by her true desire that kids leave her class with some new ideas.

Ms Derrien and your chocolate addiction. All four of my kids love science to this day.

Another excellent science teacher who gave one of my kids an F for forgetting her name on her paper on day #1. It hasn’t happened again, you’ll be happy to know.

The office staff seemed to know every child’s name and especially the ones with lunch pickups they guarded daily. My kids were not frequent fliers in the nurse’s office but I know how important and connected the medical staff is to the kids.

Growth as we know is often disguised as adversity. What I might have seen as a situation causing distress to my kid has led to some big lessons in our home. I wish I understood that better at the time. Thank you Ms. Lapato for teaching the kids how to find the answers working independently or collaboratively with classmates, persevering until they understood each concept. One of my kids is headed to grad school for math—never underestimate your influence. You taught them to find the answer however you can and not expect it to be handed to you.

Mr. Esposito, another icon of Wellesley (a WHS grad, and its last homecoming king). You knew my child better than I did as far as their abilities in your class. You are still a “favorite” when anyone asks that child.

“Clay with Keough” was a special time—and a gift from Dr. Keough who had a unique way of connecting at the kids’ level.

The Evolutions team, especially Dr. Kelton, defined one of our kids who went on to an experiential based university and has applied all he learned into a fulfilling career.

On the occasions I had met with (then) assistant principal Dr. Chism, your empathy, understanding and concrete advice was appreciated and put to good use.

To our amazing guidance counselor, Ms. Trask, you know what you have done for so many. For my family it went beyond the expected in your willingness to advocate and teach my kids how to advocate for themselves.

Colin Shattuck became the priceless mentor we all wish our kids would find. I know your voice is in my son’s head to this day as he excels in life. YOU changed him in a lasting way that we can never thank you enough.

The recognition a quiet kid got when chosen as a leader was life changing and has played out for this particular kid in many ways. The belief bestowed by an adult gave that child the confidence to try to be louder, bigger and take chances. The skipping over of a different quiet kid in the family left a very different and lasting mark. Remember the loud kids have always been loud—take a minute to seek out the quiet kids who wish they knew how to be loud.

The school resource officer who has forged a relationship with one kid that results in many interesting and valuable discussions at home.

And the high school coaches. Your gift of community, mentoring, examples of hard work and commitment have led two kids to the collegiate athletic scene. I hope they gave an equal effort to what they received on your teams.

Please forgive those I have not mentioned—as there are many—with whom we have crossed paths and created lasting memories. You are not forgotten.

Four kids. Four very different paths.

I am over-the-moon grateful that they have found their individual paths of success to make them good people. I once told the kids that I didn’t care what their grades were, but that if the teacher said “they are a nice kid,” that would make me most proud. I can say now—they are nice adults. Thank you to all the influencers that have impacted our family. Know that a chance meeting can have a lifelong impact. For the school staff, please know your mark far outlasts the time a child is assigned to your care. We have all learned along the way and cherish the experience.

Elizabeth Lazaro
Wellesley resident

To the editor:

Once again, I would like to thank the community for making the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries spring book sale a huge success. Our sale is a true labor of love for the Friends board and the book sale volunteers who generously give of their time. This year we started with a huge inventory of some 10,000 books, hundreds of puzzles, and thousands of DVDs and CDs. But no sale can be successful without shoppers, and this year we had a record number of bargain hunters. Shoppers lined up on Thursday night for the member-preview sale, and then again on Friday when the sale was open to the public.

With money raised from our book sales, the Friends ongoing Bookshop as well as memberships and donations, the Friends are able to sponsor activities that touch the lives of all Library patrons. This past year the Friends funded over 100 children’s programs, and 70 lectures, concerts, and author visits for adults. Additionally, we provided discounted museum passes for many of Boston’s most popular museums, supported staff development, and maintained our beautiful fish aquarium that brings joy to patrons of all ages.

As always, we want to thank the staff at the Wellesley Library whose support makes what we do meaningful and rewarding. Special thanks to our wonderful custodial team Mike, Jose, and Scott who work tirelessly on our behalf, not just during the four-day book sale, but every day.

Keep your eyes open for our Winter book sale in October. It is your donations that make our sales a treat (and bargain) to all who attend.  Please, keep ‘em coming.

Warmly,

Barbara Marx
President, Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries

To the editor:

Inflation has become a big problem. Just a quick trip to the grocery store can shock you. Egg prices have skyrocketed, and other food prices have increased as well. In April, people can see inflation when they’re paying taxes. My parent’s taxes went up by 10%, due to inflation.

As an eighth grader from Wellesley Middle School, I want to advocate for families that are struggling, including those in Wellesley. I want to teach kids about inflation so they understand what is happening. I also want to encourage the government to give out money to those who are in need.

Tell your state representatives that they should be voting to help relieve people’s stress around money.

Solomon Jin
Wellesley Middle School, 8th grade

To the editor:

In Wellesley, we are lucky to have access to a significant amount of green space, including about 47 miles of trails, several fields, and numerous parks. We need to continue to protect land dedicated to wildlife and foliage for the natural world and for our own health.

Currently 33% of Wellesley is undeveloped. This could very quickly change as Wellesley’s population continues to grow. There are many places that are in danger of being developed such as the land at the North 40. Land bordering the North 40 has already started being constructed for condos. Undeveloped land that is left should be protected and reserved for wildlife, not for satisfying the bank accounts of wealthy business people.

Development of land results in more CO2 production, fewer trees, and harm to wildlife. Construction can destroy these habitats and decrease the number of resident animals. Condos have been shown to be major CO2 producers because of the construction vehicles and materials, and from the people who ultimately start living there.

Green space has been found to help humans’ health in many ways. For instance, it encourages physical activity and helps clean dirty air, essentially reducing the risk factors of non communicable diseases such as chronic respiratory diseases and other diseases, which according to the United Nations are the cause of 68% of all deaths. The CDC estimates that about 7 million deaths would be prevented yearly by increasing the availability and quality of open spaces. Open space has also been shown to help mentally by improving concentration and by bringing a natural sense of tranquility to a person, according to the American Psychological Association.

So many families love using Wellesley’s parks and trails to spend time with others, exercise, and just in general improve our quality of life. Don’t rip away these great places that so many take joy in.

I urge all people to bring this issue to the attention of decision makers in Wellesley. Petition your Town Meeting representatives to protect land like the North 40. The town also needs to change the zoning laws to be more strict about what land can be built on and how it can be used. Speak up to protect our green space.

Kimmy Tai
Wellesley Middle School, 8th grade

To the editor:

The current cost of the school buses for the Wellesley Middle School is $400 for anyone living within two-miles of the school. This is a huge problem for those who want their children to ride the bus but may not have that money, or want to pay that high fee. If the cost to ride the bus was lowered, this would not only help children in schools, but also everyone in Wellesley.

A survey taken in Wellesley showed that 20% of the 689 families surveyed would take the bus if the cost was under $100. This means 138 families would have their children take the bus if it was at least under $400. That would be 138 students, plus another 106 when siblings are factored in. Most of Wellesley’s morning traffic is cars driving to and from school. If these people were to take the bus, this traffic would be lightened drastically. If the bus cost was lowered, much of the morning traffic problem would be solved.

If the bus cost is lowered, then the amount of school tardies per year would decrease drastically. Since the kids would have a reliable source of transportation every day, they would be less likely to have to wait for a parent or try to find a form of transport when they just can’t. This improvement in attendance would also assure that the students are able to start the day off right and keep their grades steady.

Finally, riding the bus can create a community for the child riding it. People on the bus share the connection of riding the bus to and from school everyday. These are friends you can be talking to every bus ride for however long you are on the bus. These interactions would form a strong connection between the kids, and these are the kind of bonds that can last a lifetime. They may even form who your child becomes.

In conclusion, lowering the cost of the bus would positively affect more than just the students riding it. It may cost the school a large amount of money, but this would be money well spent on improving the lives of the kids in the school which should be the number-one priority for the school. Overall, when kids ride the bus, they are not only helping themselves but also others.

Maja Zei
Wellesley Middle School, 8th grade

To the editor: