Petition urges Wellesley schools to adopt a hybrid, in-school model for September

August 3, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

An online petition has been circulating among Wellesley Public Schools families asking for signatures of support in exhorting the WPS administration to adopt a hybrid, in-person learning model for the fall. The goal: to get the town’s 1,500+ K-12 students and their teachers back into the classroom in September.

The petitioners start out by saying, “We implore WPS teachers to get back into the classroom at the start of school in September. Wellesley students’ education has been waylaid since March 13th, and every delay creates a wider and wider gap in their core and fundamental learning. We have seen the concerns about returning to school put forth by our teachers through Wellesley Educators Association. While we share the goals of safety and optimal learning approaches for our students, we strongly believe this can be accomplished in a hybrid back-to-school model. Fortunately, much has been learned about safety and health protocols with Massachusetts leading the charge, and we find ourselves in a strong position to move forward with school in the classrooms beginning in September. Wellesley parents believe this is the best approach for our students and our town.”

From there petitioners, who identify as Wellesley Public School Parents & Families, lay out their beliefs in the efficacy of a hybrid model; what they say is the need for students to have direct interaction teachers and peers; and their recognition that things may change at any time.

The petition has over 400 signatures.

The Wellesley Educator’s Association last month in a letter to the editors of The Swellesley Report agrees that a hybrid model is the way to go. However the Association maintains that the best approach is to start school in a remote setting and transition to a hybrid model after staff training, safety, and needs assessments.

Upcoming big dates:

August 6: WPS administration to present to School Committee three models: full in-person, hybrid, and full remote learning
August 10: Final draft of WPS SY20-21 reopening plans due to Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
August 13: WPS SY20-21 reopening plan shared with the community

Wellesley Dental Group is open and ready to see patients, safely

July 30, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

SPONSORED POST: Wellesley Dental Group is open for all dental procedures and cleanings and has put in place brand-new equipment investments and safety protocols to ensure that you and your family can confidently receive care. You’ll notice changes from the moment you check in at the 5 Seaward Rd. Wellesley Hills practice. To avoid congestion in the reception area, upon arrival you’ll text the office and wait in your car until you are welcomed in by a staff member.

Wellesley Dental Group has all the right equipment

Safety has always been a top priority at Wellesley Dental Group. To help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19, we have invested in the safety equipment needed to protect both you and our staff:

Extra-oral Aerosol Suction: Food and Drug Administration-approved extra-oral suction systems to remove and filter aerosol particles created by dental procedures.
UV-Sanitizing HEPA Air Purifiers: HEPA air purifiers, including medical grade UV purifiers, have been installed in the reception area and hallways.
Hospital-Grade H-VAC Filters and Ionizers: Hospital-grade H-VAC filters and ionizers that remove and neutralize airborne pollutants like bacteria, viruses, mold, and allergens.
Sterilizing UV Lamps: Sterilization UV lamps that work concurrently with heightened airflow management and filtration to reduce the viability of viral and bacterial pathogens by breaking down microbial genetic material (DNA).
Full PPE: Dentists, hygienists, and assistants are in full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times, including surgical face masks, face shields, disposable gowns and caps, and shoe covers.
Enhanced Disinfecting Protocol: Rooms are meticulously disinfected.

But don’t just take it from us. Long-time patient and Wellesley resident Mary Bowers recently came in for care and had this to say on Facebook: “WELLESLEY DENTAL GROUP……WELL PREPARED, OF COURSE! Wasn’t surprised today to see how well prepared my dental office was to keep everyone safe in this uncertain time. Before I entered their office ….questions asked, hand sanitizer, mouth rinsed, and temperature taken! Once again…Five stars for Wellesley Dental Group (and, no cavities!).”

Letter to the editors: Wellesley Educators Association’s stance on reopening schools

July 24, 2020 by admin 14 Comments

The Swellesley Report received an email from Kyle Gekopi, president of the Wellesley Educators Association, regarding the upcoming school year.

Gekopi says that the Association is in agreement with Dr. Lussier and the administration’s recommendation to develop a workable hybrid model for the fall (see Wellesley School Committee meeting: schools will likely take on a hybrid model for fall 2020) However, the Association maintains that the best approach is to start school in a remote setting and transition to a hybrid model after appropriate staff training, safety, and needs assessments.

The following letter is to the members of the Wellesley Public Schools Community, on behalf of the Wellesley Educators Association:

Our job is inherently interpersonal, and we want to return to our buildings as soon as possible. Every conversation we explored started with in-person learning, either full-in or a hybrid model.

Our work analyzed every aspect of our practice under the various safety guidelines, faced with two persistent guiding principles: keep our practice developmentally appropriate, and balance the educational benefits of a specific in-person practice against the risk aversion of a remote alternative.

In most, but not all cases, we found ourselves to lack the data or experience to successfully answer the final question that students and educators are asking: is it safe to return to school?

In an effort to gather that data, the Association believes a phased-in approach best positions the community and educators to construct the safest school environment for the following reasons:

1) A remote start is sensitive to the broad, systemic health and safety concerns and emerging research of how the virus is spread and who is at-risk. Combined with educator testing and any necessary modifications to our facilities, we are confident the Wellesley Public Schools will be able to develop a safe environment that engages in mindful risk-management.

2) A remote start keeps our work and learning schedules consistent, and addresses the reality that fluid movement between hybrid and remote models is necessary to maintain the health of students and staff. The current (July 20) DESE guidance is to recommend that students and staff stay home at the first sign of any symptoms related to COVID-19. However, many of these symptoms are combined with seasonal change or other health conditions. Adding this broad symptomatic anxiety will make our school community more susceptible to illness, and it is our hope that further research will result in a responsible revision of self-monitoring practices, allowing the WPS Community to gradually return students to in-person instruction in a phased-in approach, starting with our most vulnerable and youngest learners.

3) A remote start allows educators to get to build initial relationships with students without wearing a mask. We know that facial feedback and learning new faces and voices is important for all levels and all students. Our first impressions must be our authentic selves as educators.

4) A remote start removes the immediate anxiety of policing students’ behaviors and hygiene in a live setting. In consultation with public health experts, a remote start provides educators time to learn behavior management strategies to support healthy hygienic practice in the school setting, especially for our youngest learners.

5) A remote start teaches both educators and the community best practices for the seasonal likelihood of an all-remote setting. A growing chorus of experts is predicting a difficult autumn and flu season, and starting remotely would develop firm behaviors and practices to serve as a foundation in the event of another full shutdown.

6) A remote start fully allows educators to personalize online learning needs, working with students and families by responding to the needs of diverse learners. As we identify learners and practices best served by in-person school supports, educators can work with their colleagues to implement necessary interventions for students who need it most, and at regular intervals.

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Keep your Wellesley dog cool as temps soar over the weekend

July 16, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

With a heat wave forecasted to hit Wellesley (and other places) starting this weekend, Animal Control Officer Sue Webb reminds pet owners to take extra precautions with their animals to keep them safe. “Watch your dogs in this heat,” she says. “Walk them early or late, not in the high heat of the day. One dog had to go to the emergency vet when he collapsed on a walk in the woods. Also if you can’t walk on the pavement in your bare feet, don’t expect your dog to want to walk on it either.”

wellesley dogs — Duke, a cockapoo (left) and Whistler, a Whoodle, are two Wellesley dogs who really know how to keep their cool during the summer.

Fortunately, Webb reports that the dog who needed emergency attention has recovered fully, but she says people should take it seriously when they notice their dogs panting more, getting tired, and wanting shorter walks. The loyal nature of dogs can be their biggest downfall. Webb says that when dogs are out on walks , “They try to keep going with their owner. If the owner has a way to go back to the car, they may end up having to carry the dog, which isn’t easy when it is a medium-to-large dog like a Labrador.” (There are 392 Labs registered in Wellesley, making them the most popular dog breed in town.)

What can drive problems

The summer months are not the time to bring your best bud along to ride shotgun during errands. Don’t leave your pet in a car on hot days, ever. Not even for a quick minute, or if you leave the windows open, or even if the car is running and the air conditioner is cranked up. Car temperatures can easily rise to over 100 degrees within ten minutes. After that, they can get up to 120 degrees or higher, fast. Dogs don’t have a chance against that kind of heat. Also, it is illegal in Massachusetts to leave animals in vehicles where they are subject to danger from extreme weather conditions.

A little time at the spa

Let your pet laze around and enjoy this time that’s named just for him — the dog days of summer. During the intense mid-day heat, keep walks to a bare minimum. Better yet, limit walks to early in the morning or after the sun goes down.

If your dog really needs some outside time, park your pooch under a shade tree for a little while, with his water bowl close at hand. Add ice to his water every now and then. If you have one of those elevated pet cots, now’s the time to break it out. They increase air flow on alls sides of your pet, which helps keep him cool. A baby pool filled with cool, refreshing water would complete the spa environment.

Just know that shade doesn’t provide all that much protection, so keep his time outside limited. The best place for your dog during extreme heat is inside.

Danger signs:

If your pet is suffering he won’t be subtle about letting you know. Look out for these signs of trouble, which could indicate heatstroke or dehydration:

heavy panting
glazed eyes
rapid heartbeat
difficulty breathing
excessive thirst
lethargy
lack of coordination
profuse drooling
vomiting
body temperature of over 104 degrees (normal is 101 – 102.5)
a deep red or purple tongue
seizure, collapse, or unconsciousness

If these signs present, seek immediate medical attention for your dog.

Let’s all keep Wellesley’s 2,800 registered dogs nice and safe all summer. Heaven knows, they’re worth the extra effort. Who’s a good human friend? You are, that’s who.

Storm tries to take down Wellesley Town Hall

July 3, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

A quick but destructive storm moved through Wellesley on Thur. evening. Strong winds took down trees in neighborhoods throughout the area, including Town Hall. During a Fri. morning walk, we spied a sugar maple on the east side of Town Hall that had dropped a major limb which glanced the 137-year-old historic building, covering the exterior air conditioner compressor unit. There did not appear to be damage to the building. Within minutes of our phone call, a couple of DPW workers were on the scene to assess the damage. As they made plans to remove the limbs, I asked if the rest of the tree would have to come down. “Not today….,” was the wary answer, lest he be dealing with a rabid tree hugger.

Wellesley Town Hall, damaged tree

Storm brings Father’s Day gifts of downed trees

Mother Nature whacks Wellesley trees

Waban arches part of Wellesley post-storm clean up

Wellesley Business Buzz: Linden Square and Wellesley Square taking next steps; Cafe Mangal still cookin’; Wellesley Dental opens wider; higher ed. still hiring

May 22, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Our round-up of the latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Linden Square to launch The Pick-Up program on Memorial Day

Linden Square, Wellesley Linden Square on May 25th will roll out The Pick-Up program, a contactless way for tenants and customers to return to shopping and takeout from their favorite stores and restaurants.

The Pick-Up program expands on the curbside program that was rolled out for restaurants at the start of the COVID-19 mandatory closings. Customers will be able to place orders directly with stores by phone or on-line, and arrange for same day pick-up, or a time most convenient to them. Check in with your Linden Square favorites to find out all the details.

Wellesley Square Merchants will see you curbside

Many Wellesley Square Merchants will start doing curbside pick-ups starting May 25. Look for the stores to offer staggered hours so as to avoid congestion in the Square. Check in with individual stores first. Here’s your handy shopping guide to Wellesley Square Merchants.

Stay tuned for upcoming information on how Wellesley’s businesses scored a grant to help them keep shoppers and workers safe when stores re-open. Businesses have been working with the Board of Health to have kits of masks, gloves, sanitizing stations and more ready in time for the next phase of re-opening.

Café Mangal still cookin’

Cafe Mangal, Wellesley During these difficult times, Café Mangal has continued to do what it does best — provide food to the hungry. The popular Wellesley Square spot has provided food to workers at Newton-Wellesley Hospital; Wellesley Town Hall and the Police and Fire Departments; the DPW; the Post Office; Elizabeth Seton Residence/Nursing Home, and more.

Mehmet Ozargun, executive chef and owner of Mangal, says, “We love providing our delicious food to frontline workers in Wellesley and nearby communities.”

Wellesley Dental says “open, please”

With the recent issue of the Governor’s four-phase plan, Drs. Ali & Ali and the team at Wellesley Dental Group has made the decision to do a “soft re-opening”, from May 26 – June 7. The office will be open for emergency procedures and pressing dental needs. Look for the practice to fully re-open on June 8.

Wicked smaht Wellesley resident named to academic post at Wentworth

Wellesley has more than its fair share of folks who have forged careers at the most prestigious universities in the country, but even for our education-focused town, Ian Lapp, PhD, stands out from the pack.

The Wellesley resident, named senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at Wentworth Institute of Technology effective June 8, has held positions at Babson, Harvard, and Columbia. Before that, he received his bachelor’s in sociology from the University of Wisconsin- Madison; a master’s and doctoral degrees in sociology from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; and a master’s degree in television, radio, and film from the Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications.

We wish Dr. Lapp well as he helps shepherd Wentworth through these challenging times.

Got tips on business openings, closings or whatever, feel free to email us here: [email protected]

Also email us if you’re interested in sponsoring our weekly Wellesley Business Buzz roundup.

Wellesley closes Morses Pond beach, hiking trails remain accessible

May 13, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

The Wellesley Board of Selectmen has made it official: the Morses Pond beach area has been temporarily closed, as we first reported over the weekend. The closed sections include the beach, bathhouse, swimming area, picnic area, and playground. A re-opening date has not been set.

Turner Road gate, Morses Pond, Wellesley — The gate at Turner Road was open, so I slipped in to see what I could see.

Starting Wed., May 13, the gate at Turner Road will be open 7am – 6pm to allow visitors to park in the parking lot and have easier access to the hiking trails around the pond and the North 40 area. The open gate will also give residents on Turner Road a break from large numbers of vehicles parking on the street, and will make it easier for the cops to monitor the beach area

Morses Pond parking lot, Wellesley — The parking lot at Morses Pond was empty but for my vehicle.

Morses Pond, Wellesley