PRIORITIES FOR WELLESLEY SCHOOLS
PRIORITIES FOR WELLESLEY SCHOOLS
Open a newspaper or turn on public radio and you will encounter a nation-wide conversation on how literacy is taught to our youngest students. This is a topic that impacts all students, but in particular those with literacy-related learning difficulties. We need to examine how we are teaching Wellesley Public School students to read and how we are meeting the needs of those facing difficulties. Literacy is the bedrock of all education and is essential to developing confidence in the classroom. Wellesley Public Schools needs to engage in the conversation to ensure all our students are meeting their potential.
The school-home connection is rooted in communication. There are many touchpoints -- with teachers, school counselors, building principals, and the WPS Central Office. WPS has acknowledged this as an area for improvement and we must keep focusing on building better connections and disseminating information efficiently and effectively.
In my 11 years as a WPS parent I have learned that there are diverse needs and experiences among families, students, teachers and staff. Sharing and hearing positions, feedback and ideas on the schools from our community is essential to maintaining excellent schools and a positive experience for everyone in Wellesley's public schools.
The School Committee can develop a broader communication strategy to connect with the community. This should include clear, consistent processes for policy changes and descision making, as well as outreach for community input.
In school-year 2022-23, the District undertook the development of a new strategic plan. It includes four strategic priorities:
Ensuring High-Expectations Teaching and Learning for All Students
Supporting and Strengthening our Workforce
Building Community Partnerships and Enhancing Engagement
Improving Facilities and Optimizing Resources
These prioirities break down into 24 objectives, each with specific goals across the five years of the plan. This is the blueprint for the continued success of the Wellesley Public Schools. As a School Committee member, I will adovocate for the recources needed to advance these goals.