Departments
Curriculum Departments
Waltham Public Schools is dedicated to providing a rigorous and rich curriculum for every student. Each of our academic department directors reviews curriculum, collaborates with other directors, and works with teachers to develop and discover rich curricular opportunities. Read below for information about each department, or visit the WPS Curriculum Website to learn more about our curricular offerings in Waltham Public Schools.
Waltham Public Schools offers a diverse curriculum dedicated to enriching the educational experiences of our diverse student population. Explore here to learn more about our districtwide curricular offerings, or visit your child's school website.
Curriculum Departments
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Click to view details of Challenge Intervention Program
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The Waltham Public Schools Elementary Literacy curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. Waltham elementary educators are committed to providing equitable ELA instruction for every student. By ensuring all students have access to evidence-based instruction that builds word knowledge and world knowledge, students will become empowered readers, writers, and learners. Students will be ready to engage with complex grade-level texts, reach mastery of literacy standards, and demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways in order to meaningfully contribute to our diverse community and the world around them.
Each elementary school has licensed reading specialists who support students in need of additional targeted instruction specifically during grade-level intervention blocks. In addition, literacy coaches in each building provide ongoing embedded professional development and support teachers in all aspects of literacy instruction.
Elementary Literacy Resource Hub
Contact Information:
Anne Curry, Director of Humanities PreK-5
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The Fine and Performing Arts department encompasses the music, drama and art programs K-12 and dance 9-12. We expand the music program with choral and instrumental options starting at the elementary level.
For Families:
Performing Arts Information
Instrumental Music Page
Sign up for Private Music Lessons!
Contact Information:
Blake Siskavich, Director of Fine & Performing Arts
blakesiskavich@walthampublicschools.org / 781-314-5514Karen Lawn, Fine and Performing Arts Secretary
karenlawn@walthampublicschools.org / 781-314-5490 -
As stated in the Guiding Principles of the Massachusetts History and Social Science Frameworks,
“Students need to learn about the events, ideas, individuals, groups, ideals, dreams, and limitations that have shaped our country and the world.”
Our diverse curriculum offerings, spanning grades 6 through 12, have been constructed to fulfill this mission. Aligned to DESE's Pathway 1 for History and Social Studies, middle school students study Ancient History, World Geography, and World History I in grades 6 through 8, respectively. At Waltham High School, all students follow a three year progression of coursework including Modern World History, United States History I, and United States History II.
Additionally, beginning in grade 10, students may choose from a diverse group of elective courses that explore topics ranging from local history to economics. History and Social Studies staff members continuously work to update and refine curriculum to meet the changing needs and interests of our diverse student body. In each of our program offerings, History and Social Studies teachers emphasize communication, literacy, and critical thinking skills to prepare all students for college and career readiness.
Contact Information:
Derek Vandegrift, Director of History and Social Studies
derekvandegrift@walthampublicschools.org / 781-314-5517 -
The Department of Instructional and Information Technology (DIIT) consists of the Technology Leadership Team, which includes representatives from each of our departmental teams:
- The Network Infrastructure Team
- The Digital Learning Team
- The Library Media Team
- The Systems and Support Team
Sandra Malec, Director of Educational Technology Integration and Library Media
sandramalec@walthampublicschools.org / 781-314-5477 -
The Mathematics Department in grades K-12 consists of coaches and teachers that strive to prepare our students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in mathematics in college, career and life. We are fortunate to have a dedicated math coach at each elementary school, as well as one math coach shared between both middle schools. The teachers and coaches across the district continue to rise to the occasion to meet the needs of every student in their classroom. Their hard work and attention to the standards has been paramount to the success of our students.
Valerie Alfeo, Director of Mathematics K-12
valeriealfeo@walthampublicschools.org / 781- 314-5513
Click here for more information.
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The WPS Multilingual Department is committed to building on the strengths of students and views multilingualism as an asset. We advocate for equitable access to and participation in school and community opportunities for all.
- WPS ESL teachers consistently employ engaging, rigorous, standards-aligned lessons that prioritize all domains of language (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and build up student interaction.
- Through our partnership with BELPAC, the department promotes family engagement by focusing on asset-based language and two-way communication.
- Teachers actively and consistently seek out input from colleagues across disciplines when developing curriculum and analyzing student work.
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Physical education is an integral part of the total education process. The adage, "a sound mind in a sound body" is still very appropriate today. Schools are responsible for the total development of the student and must be committed to developing the body as well as the mind. Our mission in physical education is to develop each student to his/her fullest potential for future success in society. Physical education teaches how and why the body moves and promotes the mental and social development of the child through physical activity. Physical education is also committed to providing all students with the knowledge and skills to become healthy and active individuals. By participating regularly in a broad spectrum of activities, students have a channel of learning that allows each of them, regardless of ability, to meet physical challenges, develop essential motor skills, assess individual abilities, appreciate the fun and joy of human movement, and at the same time develop strategies for improvement.
Contact:
Heather Metallides, Director of Health and Wellness
heathermetallides@walthampublicschools.org / 781-314-5451 -
"The mission of the Waltham Public Schools Science and Health department is to provide our diverse student population with a quality standards-based instructional program that enriches scientific knowledge and curiosity and promotes health and well being. We will strive to provide students with the problem-solving skills and exploratory experiences that will inspire and enable them to reach their fullest potential as independent thinkers. We will prepare all students to be lifelong learners who make informed and reasoned decisions and enable them to succeed in our ever-changing society."
The Science Department grades 6-12 is a rigorous student centered department that prepares students to be college and career ready. Science classes prepare our students for 21st century skills.
Contact:
Matt Burns, Director of Science
matthewburns@walthampublicschools.org / 781-314-5516 -
The Waltham English Department in grades 6-12 provides students with a rigorous, skills-based instructional program that prepares students to be both college and career-ready. Our English curriculum is based on Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, and we follow curriculum maps that include targeted skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Our texts, lessons, instructional activities, and resources aim to create confident, competent, critical thinkers in our students, using literature, poetry, and nonfiction selections as a means to this end.
Contact:
Daphne Fay, Director of English Language Arts 6-12
daphnefay@walthampublicschools.org / 781-314-5486 -
Benvenuti! Bienvenue! ¡Bienvenidos!
World Languages Department Goals
At WHS, the World Languages Department is dedicated to preparing students to thrive in a global community. Through the study of Italian, Spanish, French, and ASL, students build strong language skills while developing the cultural understanding needed to connect meaningfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
Our program focuses on real-world communication, helping students grow through interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication skills. Aligned with the 2021 Massachusetts World Languages Curriculum Framework and ACTFL proficiency standards, our courses provide a rigorous and well-rounded learning experience that supports both academic and personal growth.
We encourage students to pursue world language study throughout all four years of high school. As they progress, students strengthen their proficiency, think critically, and become empathetic communicators; able not only to express their own ideas, but also to understand and respect the perspectives of others. Along the way, they meet 21st Century Learning Expectations and have the opportunity to achieve high levels of linguistic and cultural proficiency, including earning the State Seal of Biliteracy.
In today’s interconnected world, these skills are more than an advantage; they are essential for success!
Contact:
Sharon Kalagher, Director of World Languages
sharonkalagher@walthampublicschools.org / 781-314-5663