Upcoming Week

Thursday, February 27
Walk to School Day

Around Town

New Wellesley POPS website
Wellesley Parents of Performing Students (POPS) has a new website wellesleypops.org. On it you can find out about performing arts events, how to help and volunteer, about WHS concert attire, about grants to the performing arts and also a paypal donation button to add to the money POPS raises to support Performing Arts in all the Wellesley Schools.

Wellesley Volunteer Fair
Are you looking for a way to volunteer your time and talents, but aren't sure what local organizations need volunteers?  Come join Wellesley Volunteers and the Wellesley Free Library at thel Wellesley Volunteer Fair on Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.! This event will be held at the main library at 530 Washington Street.  Wellesley Volunteers is an initiative designed to bring together Wellesley residents interested in volunteering with Wellesley charitable and other nonprofit organizations or municipal departments and agencies that need volunteers.

Saturday, March 15th Fun Run / Fun Fair for Kids
The Wellesley Community Children's Center's 34th Annual Fun Run / Fun Fair will take place on Saturday, March 15th from 8:30 - 12 pm in the Dorothy Towne Field House of Wellesley College's Keohane Sports Center!  (Please note the location and new event weekend!)

Races for children 3-12 years old from 9 am - noon.  Race entry fee:  $6 in advance; $7 on race day; $3 for siblings.  All racers receive a runner number, and a participation ribbon.  Entry forms will be available after March 1rst at Little Bits Toy Store in Wellesley Hills and Natick Center or online at www.wccc.wellesley.edu.

Food, raffle, silent auction, book, jewelry and stuffed animal sale and fun for all ages.  Children's games and activities like basketball, bean bag toss, nerf archery, football, lollipop pull, hockey and more.  Hand stamps ($10 per child and $25 per family) enable children to play all activities as many times as they wish and get their faces painted.  Sparky the Firedog will be there to greet the children and music from the local radio station 103.3 and 104 will be playing throughout the morning.

Representatives from area Independent Schools and businesses will be present.  Proceeds benefit Wellesley Community Children's Center's Early Childhood and After School programs.  More information:  781 - 235-7667 or www.wccc.wellesley.edu. 

Please click HERE for more information.

Upcoming Week

Monday, February 17th
First day of Vacation Break

Monday, February 24th
School Resumes

Sprague Ski Trip a Success!

The most important goal of the Sprague PTO is to help bring together the Sprague community and build that Sprague Spirit. Well, the Sprague Spirit was out in full force at Waterville Valley last weekend for the Ski Trip. 

Over 130 people from Sprague families made the drive up north this past weekend. Everyone who made the trek was rewarded with the incredible skiing conditions of new snow and bright sunshine. The skiing was brilliant, and the company even better.

Jennifer and Andrew Vernazza did a spectacular job organizing the weekend. Everything was set up so that families had an easy time making their reservations. Everyone was close to one another, the ski resort, the restaurants, and the pool. 

The welcome party in the Vernazzas' room on Friday night offered a warm reception to everyone who battled the traffic to the ski hills. The pre-party on Saturday evening offered a relaxed environment in which to unwind after a long day of skiing, while enjoying some acoustical guitar. Best of all, the dinner Saturday night enabled parents and kids to kick up their heels on the dance floor. 

The weekend fostered many laughs and smiles, while deepening old friendships and creating new ones. There were also a couple first timers on the ski lifts who will likely remember the weekend for a long time.

Thank you Jennifer and Andrew! Thank-you for putting everything together and going over-the-top with the acoustical guitar and DJ Saturday night. You did a spectacular job!

Around Town

Wellesley Recreation Center Snow Tubing Trip at Nashoba Valley
Date:  Wednesday, Feb. 26th
Time:  12:45 am to 5:30 pm
Age:  Grades 3-5
Cost:  $65 per child, includes bus transportation and three hours on the tube trails.
Please click HERE to view the related flyer.

Wellesley Spring Hoops
WYBA is excited to announce the return of our highly popular, Wellesley Spring Hoops. Comprised of two skills development clinics and an exciting 3-on-3 tournament, Spring Hoops is Wellesley's own version of March Madness!   

Dana Barros, former first round NBA draft pick and player for the Supersonics, 76ers and Celtics, will be facilitating fun shooting sessions with the players at this year’s 3-on-3 tournament.

The clinics and tournament are designed for players of all skill levels and experience.  Because our goal is to ensure an interactive and challenging experience for each participant, enrollment is limited and slots will fill up very fast.  Please visit wellesleybasketball.org to register today!

Any Questions? Please email wellbball@yahoo.com

DETAILS:Saturday, March 22nd: 90 minute clinic 
Saturday, March 29th: 90 minute clinic 
Sunday, March 30th: 3-on-3 tournament 
Times: Clinic and tournament times will be morning, mid-day and afternoon, depending on age group
Ages: Boys and Girls, 3rd-8th grade

Cost: $65 for 2 developmental sessions and tournament
Locations: 90 minute clinics to be held at Wellesley Middle School.  Tournament to be held at Wellesley High School

Rescheduled Flu Clinic at Warren Recreation Center

Wellesley Health Department has rescheduled the flu clinic for students, parents and staff of the Wellesley Public Schools, as well as the general community.  The clinic will be held at the Wellesley Health Department:

WHEN:          New Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2014

WHERE:        Wellesley Health Department

                        Annie F. Warren Recreation and Health Building

                        90 Washington Street (Route 16), 2^nd Floor

TIME:             1:00-4:00 PM

Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. This service is provided free of charge, but insurance information will be requested.

To learn more about the flu and what you can do about it, visit: http://www.flu.gov/ Questions? Call Wellesley Health Department 781-235-0135.

Upcoming Week

Tuesday, February 11th
8:45a PTO Board Meeting

Wednesday, February 12th
Deadline for Teacher Raffle

Thursday, February 13th
Walk to School Day
6:30p Fifth Grade Basketball Game (Everyone Invited!)

Friday, February 14th
Valentine's Day
Winners of Teacher Raffle Announced 

Week of February 17th - 21st
School Vacation

WPS Budget Process: Important Dates and Info

WPS Budget Process: Important Dates and Info

On Tuesday, Wellesley Public Schools superintendent David Lussier presented what is known as the “gap list” - the approximately $3.3 million in cuts to the fiscal year 2015 proposed budget that will occur if Wellesley voters and Town Meeting do not approve a budget override this spring.

About 60 percent of the cuts, or $1.99 million, would be to existing staff and services. The remainder is for new initiatives such as additional staffing to support increased enrollment at the high school, needed math/literacy specialists at the elementary school, full day kindergarten and other elements of Dr. Lussier’s long-term strategic plan.

Parents who wish to share their opinions on the proposed school budget and override have several opportunities:

• School Committee Meeting, Tuesday February 11 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall: The School Committee will vote on whether to approve the "gap list” and send it forward in the budget process. There will be an opportunity to speak before and after the meeting. Can’t attend? You may email school_committee@wellesley.k12.ma.us.
• Advisory Committee Hearing, Wednesday February 12th at 7 p.m. in the Juliani Room, Town Hall: The Advisory Committee, which provides financial oversight and plays a critical role in the budget process, will provide a recommendation on each town department budget. There will be a Citizens Speak at 7 p.m. Parents also may provide feedback toadvisorycommittee@wellesleyma.gov.

Parents also may express their opinions to the Board of Selectmen (sel@wellelseyma.gov) Please note that letters sent to these email addresses become part of the public record.

Questions? Contact Becca Cahaly (rebeccatellalian.com), Mate Converse (mconverse@converse.net) or Eunice Groark (egroark@yahoo.com) Sprague School Committee 21 representatives. For more information, visit the Committee 21 website or read this week’s C21 newsletter here. 

All-Parent PTO Meeting Tuesday, February 11th at 8:45 am: Budget Discussion and Principal Search Update

Please come to an all-parent PTO meeting on Tuesday February 11th at 8:45 am.  KC Kato from School Committee will be reviewing the budget and related issues. We will follow her talk with a brief update from our parent representatives on the principal search committee. 

Teacher Raffle Reminder

Gentle Reminder:

The deadline to submit your entry for the Teacher Raffle is 

Wednesday, February 12

If you have misplaced your entry form, extras are available in the front office

5th Grade Students vs Faculty Basketball Game 2/13/14

Mark your calendars!!

The fourth annual Sprague 5th Grade Students vs Faculty Basketball game is scheduled for 

Thursday, February 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6pm) 

at the Wellesley Middle School gym. This is a whole school, fun for the entire family, standing room only event including a half-time raffle with amazing prizes (tickets sold at the game)! 

Concession stand selling snacks and water will be located right outside the gym. 

Around Town

Shopper's Corner

Once again, it's time for Shopper's Corner's HALF PRICE SALE!  Our already amazingly low prices will be cut in half to help us clear our fall / winter inventory and make way for spring and summer fashions.  Not only will you find great deals on cold weather gear such as snow pants, hats and mittens, but you'll find the same 50% off on every item in the store including shirts, pants, baby clothes, scarves, belts and more!  

And if half price isn't enough to tempt you, our semi-annual BAG SALE will take place in just over a week.  Buy one of our generously sized bags for $5 and fill it to the brim with any items you want.  It's a great opportunity to stock up on basics, try something a little edgy, or to purchase for your favorite charity.

Mark you calendar for these fantastic opportunities to save!

Special thanks to the volunteers from 5E, 5S, 1M, KG, 2E, 2S and 5M for their help in the upcoming weeks.

 

Shopper's Corner is located in the basement of Schofield Elementary at 27 Cedar Street.  Walk through the playground toward the back of the school and look for our sign on your left.  All proceeds benefit the Schofield PTO!

Summer Programs Available in Wellesley for 6th-8th Grade Children

Attention current 5^th graders!!!  The Wellesley Youth Commission is now accepting applications for its’ three summer programs: Fire Rescuers, Youth Academy and Wellesley Media Corporation.  Each of these programs offer an opportunity for Wellesley youth, entering grades 6-8^th in the fall of 2014, to experience valuable aspects of the Wellesley community. Applications may be found on the Youth Commission website athttp://wellesleyma.gov/Pages/WellesleyMA_Youth/summer%202 or contact Maura Renzella at mrenzella@wellesleyma.gov for additional information.

Food Safety Study:  Join a night of discussion with the League of Women Voters!
What:  An organic wine-tasting party, where we will learn about a food safety study underway by the League of Women Voters.
When:  Three Monday evenings:  February 3rd, March 3rd and March 24th (you are welcome to attend one or all three!)
Time:  7:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: 19 Comeau St., Wellesley
RSVP: lwvwellesley@gmail.com

Visit our website:  lwvwellesley.org, or say hello to us on Facebook!

Wellesley Community Center Creates Grand Illusion with Special Guest Lyn Dillies rescheduled for February 6.

On Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 4:00PM, the Wellesley Community Center will tape another episode of Gil Stubbs’ World of Magic, featuring special guest magician and illusionist, Lyn Dillies.

Lyn has performed all over North American and has made many television appearances over the years.  She is regarded in the entertainment field as the most accomplished female illusionist in the business. “One of her most notable performances was to make two live Asian elephants, Ruth and Emily, appear in succession.  The event was held outdoors in front of a live audience for the grand opening of the Buttonwood Park Zoo in her hometown of New Bedford MA.  It took eight months to prepare for this incredible spectacle and required more than 5,000 square feet of fabric, 300 feet of truss, two cases of red seedless grapes (the pachyderms' favorite treat) and a little sleight of trunk! “Using an original concept that took years of planning, Lyn performs her “Magic at the Symphony” program live with symphonies all around the country including several performances at Lincoln Center.  This program combines the majesty of classical music with Lyn’s breathtaking illusions encouraging children to discover the magic of classical music while experiencing the harmony of her illusions.”

Her heritage is anchored by magic.  Her great-grandfather, Thomas Wyatt, was an amateur magician and member of the New Bedford Magic Wand Club, an organization she was to join in her early teens.  While Ms. Dillies’ parents are not performers, each has gotten into the act by supporting her career.  In the early days, mom Loretta acted as a booking agent and wardrobe manager, while father Calvin built her first illusion.  They shared chauffeur duties and marveled when their daughter began to drive a large truck to transport her seven ton show.  “I never would have made it without them,” say Ms. Dillies of her two most ardent fans.  “My family and friends are the real magic in my life!”

To learn more about Lyn Dillies, visit her website at: www.magicoflyn.com/mainhigh.html

The show starts at 4:00PM and runs until 5:00PM.  Admission is free, but you must register for your seats by emailing the Wellesley Community Center at info@wellesleycommunitycenter.org or call the main office at 781-235-4172.

Turn the Key, Be Idle Free:  See below for tips and information to help create a sustainable Wellesley
Click link HERE to view the related flyer.

Environmental Film Series:  "Simple Steps to a Greener Home"
Presented by Green Wellesley Campaign
When:  February 25th from 1-2:30 pm
Where:  Wakelin Room of the Wellesley Free Library
For more information, see flyer HERE.

Wellesley Youth Lacrosse

New this year--Wellesley Youth Lacrosse is now offering 1st and 2nd Grade Girls and Boys lacrosse.

8 week intro program, April - June.  No experience necessary.  Registration  at Wellesleylacrosse.org

Upcoming Week

Thursday, February 6th

Walk to School Day

Schools Budget Update from Committee 21

This spring, Wellesley residents will most likely be facing a budget override vote in support of our schools. Committee 21 is here to educate the Wellesley community about the Wellesley Public Schools budget and what an override vote would mean to you and your family.

 

The fiscal year 2015 budget, approved by School Committee last week, is currently $3.3 million over the guideline set by the Town of Wellesley Board of Selectmen. That figure includes more than $1 million in existing service needs as well as new initiatives for the Wellesley school system that include full day kindergarten, an additional assistant principal at the high school and staffing, curriculum enhancements and more. 

 

To stay informed: Please click here to subscribe to the Committee 21 newsletter and bookmark the website. 

 

To make your voice heard: 

•              Attend the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, where superintendent David Lussier will present the "gap list" - the list of items that will be cut from the budget if an override does not pass. There will be an opportunity for citizens to speak at this meeting. 

•              Email the town Advisory Committee (advisorycommittee@wellesleyma.gov) and the Board of Selectmen (sel@wellesleyma.gov). Note that emails sent to these addresses will become part of the public record.

 

Questions? Contact Eunice Groark (egroark@yahoo.com), Becca Cahaly (Rebecca@tellalian.com) or Mate Converse (mtconverse@converse.net) Sprague Committee 21 representatives.

Fundraiser for Wellesley Girl Scouts: Wasabi Restaurant Wednesday, February 5th!

Enjoy a meal or snack with friends and family at Wasabi Modern Japanese Cuisine in the Natick Mall on Wednesday, February 5th and Wasabi will donate 20% of your bill to the Wellesley Girl Scouts Service Unit.

Print out and bring this flyer HERE and tell your server that you are participating in the dine-in fundraiser.