WHS Science Club Pizza Talks
In collaboration with Brandeis University, the Waltham High School Science Club hosted 8 Pizza Talks this year during school lunch in the library. Open to all students, this is an opportunity to grab a slice of pizza and learn about ongoing scientific research at Brandeis. Guest speakers are typically graduate students and are from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and some of the Pizza Talks have been in Spanish. An exciting part of Pizza Talks is learning about the different pathways guest speakers took to becoming scientists.
WHS Chemistry Field Trip to Brandeis
Initiated and coordinated by Rachel Voss, WHS Chemistry teacher, students participated in a field trip to Brandeis as a means to provide science mentorship to English Learners in their primary language. A team of chemistry graduate students provided chemistry demonstrations and a tour of the Brandeis Laboratories. Students also toured the Brandeis 3D printing facilities. The final portion of the field trip was spent having mentorship discussions. The graduate students shared how they became interested in science and also their experiences with applying to college, picking a career, and navigating graduate school.
Highlights from the Parenting Awareness Conference
Parents and community members came together on May 21st for our 3rd Annual Parenting Awareness Conference held at Kennedy Middle School. Dr. Christopher Willard, Author and Psychologist, gave a keynote address on "Mindful Resilience and Managing Stress of the New Normal." He led participants in different types of mindful breathing and shined a light on the importance of the practice of "focusing on future hope". Parents attended workshops led by WPS staff such as "All Things Health Related" presented by Director of Health Services Patty McCaffrey and School Nurse Mary Petri; "Planning Social Emotional Learning for the Waltham Public Schools" presented by Assistant Director of School Counseling Katie Willard and "Reading Strategies at Home" presented by Director of Reading K - 5, Liz Uccello. Other sessions included "Addressing Family Stress" led by Families for Depression Awareness and "Dealing with Challenging Teen Behaviors: How to Set Rules and Get them Followed" presented by Wayside Youth and Family Support Network. Two of our district partners, Pathways to Restorative Communities and The Waltham Partnership for Youth also presented.
Many local organizations were in attendance providing information for families: New WHS High School Building Project, Waltham Family School, Waltham Partnership for Youth, Wayside Youth and Family Support Network, Charles River Community Health Center, JAHAN Women and Youth Intercultural Project [find them on Facebook!], Key Program, Opportunities for Inclusion, East Coast Jumbos, Waltham Land Trust, Scouting: BSA, Waltham Special Education Parent Advisory Council, BELPAC/Multilingual and ELL Department and the Department of Children and Families, Foster Care Unit.
We'd also like to thank the following folks for the support of our event: The Kennedy Middle School, Staples, Waltham Public Schools, Pini’s Pizzeria, Waltham Public Schools Food Service and Facilities Departments, Dunkin Donuts, The Forsyth Institute, Hannaford’s, Stop & Shop, Bistro 781, 99 Restaurant, John Brewers, Shaw’s, Costco, Grassfields and Waltham Fields Community Farms.
Next year's conference planning is already in the works! Save the Date: Saturday, March 4th, 2023. If you are interested in joining the planning committee, connect with Dr. Nadene Stein, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services.
Summer Office Hours July 5-August 26: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 3:30 PM
PARENT INFORMATION CENTER (PIC)
Summer office hours July 5-August 26: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 3:30 PM
Student registration using our online form can be found on the Registration Information page. In addition to instructions that will guide you in completing the form, you will find information on the Required Documents for Student Registration along with Frequently Asked Questions. In-person student registration is available by appointment only with the parent or legal guardian of the student. Please contact the PIC by phone 781-314-5524 (English) 781-314-5668 (Español) email pic@walthampublicschools.org or by submitting our contact form as soon as you have all the required documents needed for student registration. If you are unable to keep your scheduled time, or arrive late to an appointment, you will need to contact our office to reschedule.You may also request a phone, or video appointment for assistance with the registration process. We are requesting that completed registration forms and all required documents be submitted by August 5. Please contact us with any questions and be sure to check the Registration Information page for updates.
We look forward to welcoming your child and working with your family throughout the registration process.
As spring approaches, the district has begun planning summer programming for students. As of March, the following academic programs will be in place based on teacher referrals and student need or per student's Individualized Education Plan. More details to follow from your school or appropriate department. A small number of enrichment programs will be provided by the district for a tuition or no cost (details to be provided next month!).
ELEMENTARY PROGRAMMING
- Title I Elementary Program @ Plympton (July) by teacher referral
- ELL Elementary Summer Institute @ Whittemore (July) by referral from Multilingual Dept.
- Comprehensive Elementary Special Education Programming @ Stanley (June 27 - August 11) as per IEP and Office of Pupil Services
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMMING
- Title I Middle School Step Up Program @ Kennedy and McDevitt (July) by teacher referral
- ELL Secondary Summer Institute @ McDevitt (July) by referral from Multilingual Dept.
- Comprehensive Secondary Special Education Programming @ Kennedy (June 27 - August 11) as per IEP and Office of Pupil Services
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMMING
- ELL Secondary Summer Institute @ McDevitt (July) by referral from Multilingual Dep
- High School Credit Recovery @ McDevitt (July) by referral from high school
- Comprehensive Secondary Special Education Programming @ Kennedy (June 27 - August 11) as per IEP and Office of Pupil Services
- Work Transition @ WHS (June 27 - August 11) as per IEP and Office of Pupil Services
STUDENT MEDICATIONS
As we end the school year, please remember to pick up school medications on the last day of school. These will be discarded, as they cannot be stored safely throughout the summer. Please contact your School Nurse with any questions.
Immunizations for School Year 2022-23
School immunization requirements for next year may be found here. These requirements exist to protect students and members of their community from serious vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring high vaccination rates.
Meningococcal Vaccines are currently being phased in as below:
BABY FORMULA SHORTAGE
The pandemic and other factors are continuing to impact the availability of supplies, including infant formula. The Department of Public Health's Woman, Infant and Children (WIC) Program has updated their website with important information to help WIC participants obtain formula for their children. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips for families and caregivers who are struggling to find baby formula. Families should talk with their pediatrician about safe and appropriate feeding alternatives for their children.
WEDNESDAY AT HOME COVID TESTING
Friendly reminder that we continue to conduct weekly COVID testing through the end of the school year. Test kits are still being distributed for weekly Wednesday night testing. Any questions, please click the link below or contact your school nurse.
https://www.walthampublicschools.org/parents/home-covid-testing/
NEED HEALTH INSURANCE?
NEED HEALTH INSURANCE???
If you or your family does not have health insurance, please contact Mary Petry, RN at: marypetry@walthampublicschools.org
