1. Wellesley Public Schools Superintendent’s
40 Kingsbury Street Bulletin
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
www.wellesley.k12.ma.us/district/bulletins.
Bella T. Wong Bulletin #36
Superintendent of Schools June 10, 2011
The Superintendent’s Bulletin is posted weekly on Fridays on our website. It provides timely, relevant
information about meetings, professional development opportunities, curriculum and program development,
grant awards, and School Committee news. The bulletin is also the official vehicle for job postings. Please
read the bulletin regularly and use it to inform colleagues of meetings and other school news.
, CONGRATULATIONS TO WPS RETIREES!!!!!
Marcia Doiron Karen Goulet Priscilla Leach Chris Molonea
Anne Prinn Sharon Sholkin David Wilkins
RETIREMENT TRIBUTES . . . . . . .
MARCIA DOIRON, Family & Consumer Science Teacher. We have been so
fortunate to have this outstanding educator with us since 1977. Marcia’s journey in
Wellesley began at the junior high with her vision to make the
Home Economics Program the best in the state. Her creative and
imaginative new course offerings brought a new enthusiasm to the program. Students
flocked to her classes; they saw Marcia’s commitment, dedication, and passion for
teaching. With the new opportunities awaiting her down the street, Marcia quickly
established herself at the high school as a leader inside the classroom and outside. Her
love for the students continued well beyond the classroom with her spending hours after
school with cheerleaders preparing for tournaments, as a class advisor planning dances,
proms, cruises and attending the all night parties until the morning light, and as a senior project advisor
mentoring future educators. In 1988, Marcia took over the Child Lab Program and made it her own. When you
walk into Marcia’s room, you are walking into a magical classroom that is decorated with the theme of the week,
pictures of the children and walls painted with the children’s favorite characters. When the children arrive at
school, they dash into the room, hug Marcia, tell her about a special toy, or eagerly share a story with her. The
parents seek out Marcia for her sensitivity and advice as their child enters a new stage of development. They
clearly see how much Marcia loves their children and is devoted to creating a nurturing, safe, and positive
learning environment for them. Marcia has taught her high school students to problem solve, analyze, evaluate
and plan lessons to meet the needs of the children. Marcia is a gifted teacher who is a source of inspiration
both in and out of the classroom. Her classroom is truly magical and it speaks to Marcia’s success as a
motivator and as an amazing skillful teacher. Thank you Marcia for all that you have done for the children of
Wellesley

2. KAREN GOULET, Elementary Literacy Coordinator. Karen has spent 35 of
her 42-year career dedicated to the Wellesley Public Schools. She has worked in at
least five different Wellesley elementary schools including Phillips, Warren, Hardy,
Fiske, and Bates. Karen began in Wellesley as a first grade teacher and later
became a reading resource teacher, a literacy specialist, and finally the elementary
literacy coordinator. She has been instrumental in developing our elementary l
iteracy into an outstanding program that remains at the forefront of literacy education. Karen has
worked with hundreds of teachers over the years providing them with support in the form of
professional development workshops, courses, and individualized coaching. Karen is the consummate
professional who has continued to learn and grow throughout her career. She is what you might call a
workshop groupie. She knows everything there is to know about the latest research on best practices
in teaching reading and writing and does an outstanding job of sharing her expertise with teachers
across the system. Teachers rave about the courses Karen teaches that focus on implementing a
strong literacy program that meets the needs of all students. Her courses are always over enrolled
including the course she will teach this summer. Over the span of her career, Karen has seen reading
programs move from basals to whole language to balanced literacy. She has provided leadership to
the Wellesley Public Schools through multiple curriculum reviews setting the course for literacy
education and maintaining a focus on the most important aspects of teaching students to be strong
readers and writers. Karen worked to develop the Reading Intervention program to ensure that every
student learns the skills needed to become a strong reader. Her work has impacted thousands of
students both directly and indirectly. Karen has instilled a love of reading into her students and has
helped them to express themselves through their writing. In addition, to her professionalism, Karen is a
caring, thoughtful person who has developed deep, enduring relationships with her colleagues. She
has nurtured and encouraged all of us both professionally and personally. Karen should be extremely
proud of her accomplishments and the legacy that she has bestowed upon Wellesley.
PRISCILLA LEACH, WMS Science Teacher. Next fall when WMS opens again for a
new school year, the hallways will be a little less “spirited”. Priscilla Leach, a long time
special education and then eighth grade science teacher, who is known for her spirited
Ohio State chants and cheers, will be in retirement. For years she has entertained and
enlightened her students about her beloved Ohio State University and its sports teams.
Priscilla came to Wellesley Middle School 24 years ago. Before coming here, she was a
Special Education teacher in Lincoln, Malden, and Chelsea, Massachusetts. Perhaps her
most interesting previous teaching experience was her placement as an elementary school teacher for children
of western diplomats in Leningrad, part of the former USSR. In all, Priscilla has been educating young people
from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade for 38 years! Priscilla began her career in Wellesley as a special
educator before becoming an 8th grade science teacher. During her time as both IPS and special education
teacher, Priscilla created the elective course, “IPS Workshop” for our school. This is a course that gives
struggling students an opportunity to preview and review the concepts and experiments from their science class.
Students in Priscilla’s classes appreciate her calm and focused approach to teaching. Priscilla’s expectations
are always clearly presented to students. She creates a safe classroom experience for all students where they
are held to her high expectations. There are many other things about Priscilla that many people may not know.
In addition to teaching in the Soviet Union, she is also a veteran of the Gulf War. Priscilla actively works to help
many veterans in her community and always participated in the color guard at our annual Memorial Day
assembly. Her generous spirit has taken her to New Orleans a number of times since hurricane Katrina
devastated that community in 2005. She has used her school vacation weeks to help rebuild homes for those
who lost so much to that terrible storm. WMS is losing a long time teacher whose spirit will not easily be
replaced. We all wish Priscilla the best as she embarks on this new chapter in her life. Ready, everybody…Give
me an L – E – A – C – H!!!!! GO MS. LEACH!!!!
2

3. CHRIS MOLONEA, WHS Fitness and Health Teacher. Chris has been a
teacher in the Wellesley Public School system for 30 years. She has taught
Physical Education for a total of 34 years and has coached for a total of 37 years.
She has taught at every level in Wellesley, from the Hunnewell Elementary School,
to the High School, to the Middle School and finally back to the High School for the
past 12 years. Among Chris’s many contributions in the areas of Fitness and
Health are her amazing talents in the area of Adventure Education, and the
incredible level of excitement and passion that she brings into her Fitness courses.
Chris was one of the pioneers in the Department who researched and brought
Adventure Education into the curriculum. She very effectively and capably teaches her Adventure
classes, complete with knot-tying, Swiss seat tying, facilitating the scary “trust falls” where students fall
from a height into each other’s arms, and the always-challenging high climbing elements. Chris truly
loves what she does and is passionate about her work with the children of Wellesley. One of her many
teaching gifts is her incredible patience and persistence with students who are not sure about how far
they can push themselves in difficult and emotionally challenging situations, such as those presented in
Adventures I and II. We would be remiss if we did not mention Chris’s many contributions to the field of
coaching. Chris has been Wellesley High School’s Varsity Field Hockey coach for all 30 years that she’s
taught here. Additionally, she’s been the Varsity Lacrosse coach for 29 years. She also coached at all
levels for Basketball, and has amassed 22 years in that role---for a sum total of 81 seasons! She was the
Boston Globe “Coach of the Year” in 2001 for Lacrosse, and she has also been the Bay State Carey
“Coach of the Year” many times for both field hockey and lacrosse. We recognize and honor Chris for
her many contributions to our district and its children, and we wish her the very best in her retirement.
ANNE PRINN, Department Head of Nursing. Anne is one of a kind. As the Department Head for
Nursing, she has guided her staff with never failing dedication and commitment. In just the past two
years, we have watched her navigate the challenges of H1N1, growing technology demands, Post-
Concussion Syndrome, BMI policy development, and increased needs for students with diabetes and
allergies. Anne’s constant smile and calm demeanor assure all who work with her that any problem that
arises has a swift solution. Anne began working for the Wellesley Public Schools in 1990. Her
background was extensive and impressive. Prior to beginning her position in Wellesley, Anne was the
Director of Nursing at Joseph P. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing at
Boston College, and Chairman of the Maternal and Child Health Department at St Luke’s Hospital in
New York. How lucky was Wellesley to have Anne Prinn come work for us! The
nurses who work for Anne describe her as caring, calm, supportive, extremely
competent, and one who provides “on-the-spot” leadership. Her commitment to
her staff is admirable. Her collaborative nature has ensured that the nurses feel
part of a cohesive department, even though their jobs are unique within each
school building. She promotes group participation in developing initiatives and
maintains a constant focus on the importance of health services within the
educational setting. We will miss Anne greatly as she leaves Wellesley to pursue
a well-deserved retirement. Aside from the skillful way she manages her
Department Head of Nursing position, we will miss her smile, her grace, her
professionalism, and friendship. Somehow, we just know that Anne will stay involved at some level in
community service. But, Anne, we also can picture you playing with your grandchildren, knitting beautiful
blankets and sweaters, and working in your garden.
SHARON SHOLKIN, Elementary Special Educator. After over 30 years of teaching children,
Sharon Sholkin retired from her position this past November. Sharon spent the last 22 years
working with students, staff and parents at Upham School. Prior to joining the Wellesley Public
Schools, Sharon worked in both Quincy and Newton. Sharon has been a valuable member of the
teaching and learning community at Upham. She developed strong relationships with students,
3

4. staff and parents. Sharon has worked in classrooms supporting students in all
areas of the curriculum. She has helped to foster both a love of learning and
independence in students. Sharon valued the journey of learning and taught her
students and families to celebrate each and every success. Most importantly, she
grew alongside her students and took pride in her own professional growth.
Sharon enjoyed her colleagues and spent many hours working and consulting with them. All
admired her warmth, kindness and dedication. Students continue to ask about Mrs. Sholkin and
look forward to her visits back to Upham. I wish Sharon both health and happiness in her
retirement. She will be missed at Upham, but I am confident that she will enjoy this new chapter in
her life. It will be a time for her to explore new opportunities and experiences. Thank you Sharon
for all that you have done!
DAVID WILKINS, Elementary Principal. David has been a superlative leader for his
school. During his thirteen years as Principal of the Schofield Elementary School, he
successfully created an extraordinary caring and resilient environment for its
community. As is inevitable in a school of over 300 hundred students, there have
been times when difficult challenges presented themselves. David always managed
to help all groups come together in an amicable fashion by facing conflict head on, and
breaking concerns down into manageable pieces until the tension dissipated. I have
seen him do this over and over with deliberate calm and patience. When I visit his school,
parents often pull me aside to say how happy they are to be a part of the Schofield School community.
Parents have always included themselves in the equation and not just their child. David has created a
culture and climate that has been inclusive of the diverse community and supportive of the whole child. His
leadership style and thoughtful decision-making has clearly engendered endearing trust and loyalty from
his school community. David has been an important advocate for critical District-wide initiatives. Several
years ago, David was the one who drove the initiation of what is now considered our standard tri-fold
progress report. At the time, it was considered a bold transformation and required quite a bit of fortitude
and commitment to bear out to completion. Two years ago, David was one of the strong early voices in
support of RTI. Without his passion on this subject, I am sure we would not be at the point we are today.
His leadership on the AIMSWeb pilot was essential to its success this year. David has also served as a
powerful role model for the principal group. The other principals frequently look to David for his guidance
on all matters relating to schools but in particular, he is the group’s go-to person for his expertise in
technology and math. As David’s resume will demonstrate, David has an extensive background in
teaching and developing math curriculum. He has clearly sustained a passion for math instruction as he
eagerly anticipates returning to the classroom for this purpose. I will be very sorry to lose David upon his
retirement as a principal in Wellesley. He is certainly one of the best principals with whom I have ever had
the pleasure to work. David is an excellent and talented educator, experienced and knowledgeable, not
just about curriculum and instruction, but about human nature.
BABY NEWS!!!! Congratulations to Eileen Hawkins and her husband, Matt, on
the birth of their daughter, Katherine Anne Bayley, born on June 5, 2011. . . .to Rob Ford
and his wife, Anne, on the birth of their daughter, Eliza Belle, at 8:55 a.m. June 10th.
4

5. Calendar
Tues., 6/14 School Committee Meeting
Mon., 6/20 Last Day of School - Students
Professional Development
ADVANCED STRATEGIES FOR MULTISENSORY STRUCTURED LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION (WRS
GROUP MASTERY) WORKSHOP
Description: Provides strategies to improve all aspects of WRS small group instruction through hands-on
practice and discussion, and prepares participants for the WRS Group Mastery Practicum.
Who should attend?: Teachers instructing WRS in a group setting. Wilson Trainer candidates.
Prerequisite: WRS Level I Certification or current enrollment
Maximum attendees: 30
Date: June 30 and July 1, 2011 (Wellesley location to be announced)
Materials required: WRS Starter Kit recommended; handouts will be provided
Registration is Open for
WPS Sponsored Courses for
June 2011 and FY12
See Course Listing at back of Bulletin
For course descriptions, details, and registration, log onto WellesleyPD at:
https://cfweb3.smartedu.net/wellesley/pd/. Contact Janice Gross with Questions
***Please Note: Courses with less than a minimum of 12 registrants will be cancelled***
ELL Category Training
The following ELL Category Training is being offered by WPS. To register for any of these courses, log
into WellesleyPD: https://cfweb3.smartedu.net/wellesley/pd/ If you experience any difficulty, contact
Janice Gross.
5

6. 2011 Summer Institute for Teachers: Forest Ecology
Research in the Schoolyard
See information at back of Bulletin
COACHING POSITIONS
Fall Season 2011
Assistant Coach - Football
Head Coach – Varsity Field Hockey
Winter Season 2011-12
Head Coach – WHS Dance Team
Contact Athletic Director:
John_Brown@wellesley.k12.ma.us
6

7. Wellesley Public Schools
Positions Available
Immediate Opening
Department Head for Special Education
Reporting to the Middle School Principal and Director of Student Services, the Department Head is
responsible for the efficient functioning of the Middle School student services staff to ensure quality
programs and to oversee the daily operation of the department. The Department Head is responsible for
the supervision and evaluation of Middle School special education staff in collaboration with the Middle
School Principal. The Department Head supervises the development of individual educational programs
for students with special needs and implements programs for parents that introduce them to available
student services and apprise them of the rights of their child to a free and appropriate public education.
The work year is 209 days, in accordance with Unit B of the WTA Contract.
Please send a cover letter, resume, three letters of reference, transcripts, and licensure by June 17, 2011
to Salvatore Petralia, Asst. Supt., Wellesley Public Schools, 40 Kingsbury Street, Wellesley, MA 02481.
2011-2012 Anticipated Openings
District Wide Middle School (6-8)
Teacher of Visually Impaired (0.6 FTE) Mathematics Teacher (0.5FTE)
(Search Re-opened) (dual certified in Math & Sped preferred)
Gr. 8 Mathematics Teacher (1.0FTE)
Elementary Special Educator (1.0FTE) (Moderate)
Literacy/Intervention Specialist (1.0 FTE)
(WEF Funded Consultant, 1 yr appointment) High School (9-12)
Chemistry/Physics Teacher (1.0FTE)
ELL Teacher (0.8FTE) Chinese (0.8FTE)
Please send a cover letter, resume, three letters of reference, transcripts, and licensure by June 17, 2011 to
Salvatore Petralia, Asst. Supt., Wellesley Public Schools, 40 Kingsbury Street, Wellesley, MA 02481.
7

8. 8

9. Registration is Open for WPS Sponsored Courses for
June 2011 and FY12
For course descriptions, details, and registration, log onto
WellesleyPD at: https://cfweb3.smartedu.net/wellesley/pd/
User Name: The data to the left of the @ sign in your WPS Email
Address (i.e., sam_jones)
Default Password: wellesleypd
Contact Janice Gross with Questions
Content Based Courses
 Discovering the Artist Within – June 2011 and August 2011
 Jewelry Explorations in Metal Clay – March-April 2012
 Silversmithing 101 - October-November 2011
 Fitness and Health for Life and in the Classroom – June 2011
 Exploring Children’s Literature Through Genre Studies – June 2011
 It’s all About Comprehension K-3 – August 2011
 What is Happening to Boys and Literacy? – July 2011
 Understanding Basic Statistics – September-November 2011
 Teaching Science Through Inquiry in the Elementary Classroom – February-March 2012
 The Use of Oral Language in Science and Literacy: A Natural Fit – February-March 2012
 Modern Japan - March-June 2012
ELL Courses
 ELL Category 1: Introduction to Second Language and Teaching – March 2012
 ELL Category 2: Enhancing and Enriching English Language Learners in the Classroom – July and
October 2011
 ELL Category 3: Listening and Speaking Assessment of ELLs – October 2011
 ELL Category 4c: Making the Connection: English Language Learners and Subject Matter Text
July 2011
School Safety
 School Safety: Bias, Bullying, and GLBT Issues K-12 – March-April 2012
Special Education
 Strategies to Improve Reading Comprehension for Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger
Syndrome, Part 1 – July 2011
 Strategies to Improve Reading Comprehension for Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger
Syndrome, Part 2 – July 2011
 Full CPI Training – October 2011
 CPI Refresher Training – November 2011
 CPI Refresher Training – March 2012
 Full CPI Training – June 2012
1

10. Special Education Seminars – September – October 2011
 The Special Education Journey – September 2011
 Special Education Eligibility – Who’s in? Who’s Out? – October 2011
 Accommodations and Modifications – Who, What, When, Where, and How? – October 2011
 Bullying and Students with Disabilities – October 2011
 Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities Age 14+ - October 2011

Teaching Strategies and Assessment
 Instruction for All with Louise Thompson – August 2011 – January 2012
 Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners with Louise Thompson – March-April 2012
 Using Thinking Maps to Enhance Student Performance – June 2011
 Using Thinking Maps to Enhance Student Performance – Fall 2011
Technology Courses
 Using 21st Century Tools to Engage Students & Foster Collaboration: Blogs, Wikis, and Google Apps
June 2011
 Using the SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard in the Elementary Classroom – July 2011
 Using the SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard in the Secondary Classroom – March-April 2012
Teaching with Technology Courses (TWT)
SUMMER 2011 TWT Courses
 Advanced SMART Board for Secondary Teachers: Engaging Students and Formative Assessment - June
 Communicating with Parents and Students Using FirstClass Websites – June
 Advanced SMART Board for Elementary Teachers: Adding Interactivity to Your SMART Notebooks and
Other Advanced Features - June
 Make FirstClass Work for You - June
 Introduction to SMART Board and SMART Notebook - August
 Advanced SMART Board for Secondary Teachers: Engaging Students and Formative Assessment
August
 Advanced SMART Board for Elementary Teachers: Adding Interactivity to Your SMART Notebooks and
Other Advanced Features - August
 Communicating with Parents and Students Using FirstClass Websites – August
 Collaborating Online with Blogs, Wikis, and More - August
 Building 21st Century Skills with Google Apps - August
FALL 2011 TWT COURSES
 Engaging Students Using Discovery Education Streaming Video - September
 Making the Transition from Appleworks to Word - September
 Introduction to SMART Board and SMART Notebook - October
 Advanced SMART Board for Elementary Teachers: Adding Interactivity to Your SMART Notebooks and
Other Advanced Features - October
 Advanced SMART Board for Secondary Teachers: Engaging Students and Formative Assessment - October
SPRING 2012 TWT COURSES
 Introduction to SMART Board and SMART Notebook - March
 Advanced SMART Board for Secondary Teachers: Engaging Students and Formative Assessment - March
 Advanced SMART Board for Elementary Teachers: Adding Interactivity to Your SMART Notebooks and
Other Advanced Features - March
 Make FirstClass Work for You - March
2