Summer Break Is Over In Waltham. What To Know Heading Into New Year

WALTHAM, MA — Summer break is over in Waltham as of Tuesday, with students across the district set to head back to the classroom.

It'll be a short week leading into a long weekend, surely a welcome scheduling break for students and staff alike.

As the district begins the new year there are some changes coming in the form of leadership and even transportation.

This will also be the last first day of school for Acting Superintendent Leanne Wilcinski. She shared some thoughts on her time, and the upcoming year, in a letter to the school community recently:

"While my experience may not be in the classroom, my 17 years serving this district in finance and operations has given me an invaluable perspective. I've witnessed first hand the dedication and passion that educators bring to their work, and the diligence of our committed support staff ensuring our schools function seamlessly. I've seen the power of education to transform lives, and we are here to support the incredible efforts and collaboration across this community for learning and success.

Waltham is fortunate to have an amazingly hard-working, and compassionate team of administrators, educators and support staff who are committed to ensuring that our students receive the care and education they deserve. On behalf of the entire central office team, we are confident that our strength lies in our collective and collaborative efforts within a diverse, vibrant and connected community."

Here are a few notes ahead of the first day:

Important Dates

First Day: Aug. 29

Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 23-24

Winter Break: Dec. 25-Jan. 1

February Break: Feb. 19-23

April Break: April 15-19

Last Day: June 12

Water Main Project And Bus Transportation

Additional police officers will be stationed along the ongoing Lexington Street water main project to accommodate increased traffic as school starts tomorrow.

The established detour route will remain the same, northbound lane on Lexington Street only from Piety Corner to Jack’s Way, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Officers will continue to be stationed along the project route as well as being added to the exit and entrance to the High School / Kennedy Middle School on Lexington Street.

To accommodate buses that need to transport students returning home south of Piety Corner, a detail officer will pull out the buses from the High School and the Kennedy Middle School and allow those buses needing access to the south side of the city a clear path southbound on Lexington Street through Piety Corner, police said.

Northbound traffic will be temporarily stopped at Piety Corner while this is happening.

Read more: Waltham PD Adds Officers To Lexington Street Project As School Starts

New Leadership Around The District

A number of new leadership roles have been filled across the district ahead of the start of the 2023-2024 school year. They include:

• Adrienne Norris, Interim Principal Plympton Elementary School
• Tedd Markos, Assistant Principal McDevitt Middle School
• Matt Burns, Science Director Grades 6-12
• Blake Siskavich, Fine and Performing Arts Director
• Christine Young, Director of Health Services