Dear Upper School Families,
When you chose Wellington, you invested in more than an education. You invested in relationships, opportunities, and a community that supports students long after graduation.
In the upper school, we are intentional about preparing students for what comes next, college, careers, and the transitions in between. That preparation is rooted in Wellington’s values and strengthened when students are able to connect their learning to the real world and to the people who once stood where they stand now.
One important expression of this work is JagsConnect, Wellington’s career and mentorship initiative designed to support students and alumni as they navigate their professional journeys. JagsConnect reflects our belief that career exploration should begin before graduation and continue well beyond it, creating a cycle of mentorship and opportunity that strengthens the entire Wellington community.
This year, JagsConnect has been thoughtfully integrated into the upper school experience across all grade levels.
- Freshman and sophomores engage in career exploration workshops that connect interests to real-world pathways.
- Juniors focus on career readiness through assessment, resume development, interview preparation, and professional communication.
- Seniors participate in professional development experiences, including LinkedIn profile creation, mock interviews, and off-campus visits that offer a closer look at life beyond Wellington.
These experiences are guided by Liz Kazemi ’17, founder of The People Advisor LLC, whose work centers on empowering young people to reach their full potential. As a Wellington alum, Liz brings both professional expertise and a deep understanding of our community, helping students reflect on who they are and how they might move forward with confidence.
JagsConnect is made possible through close collaboration across the school, including the partnership between upper school leadership, alumni relations, and the Wellington Alumni Advisory Board. Together, we are committed to building meaningful connections among students, alumni, and the broader Wellington community and to ensuring the program continues to grow with purpose and care.
As we move into the second half of the year, we are also thankful to the alumni, parents, and friends who have shared their time and insight, and to the students who have leaned into these opportunities with curiosity and openness. JagsConnect is a growing expression of Wellington’s mission, ensuring that the support students experience here continues long after graduation.
If you are interested in supporting current Wellington students or alumni through career conversations, mentorship, or experiential opportunities, we invite you to consider getting involved with JagsConnect. If you would like to volunteer, you can sign up here.
Warmly,
Rishi and J.J.
Rishikesh Raghunathan
Head of Upper School
J.J. Bain '06
Assistant Director of Development
Meet Darby Eaves: Graduate Practicum Counselor
Wellington is excited to welcome Darby Eaves, a graduate practicum student from The Ohio State University to our counseling team. Joining us through early May, Ms. Eaves will primarily work with upper school students under the guidance of Ms. Zimmer, Upper School Counselor, while also engaging with students across all divisions. Learn more about Ms. Eaves and her role in the attached introduction letter.
Important Dates
01/16/26:
- US Trimester 2 Comments Post
01/19/26:
- School Closed: Martin Luther King Day
01/26/26 - 01/30/26
- International Week
02/02/26 - 02/06/26:
- Spirit Week
02/04/26:
- US Music Concert, 6:30 p.m.
02/06/26:
- Jag Friday
02/07/26:
- US Winter Formal, 8 p.m.
02/11/26:
- WISE Caregiver Orientation (France, Puerto Rico) 6:30 p.m.
02/12/26
- US Parent coffee (9th-12th Grades), 8:30 a.m.
02/13/26
- No School: Professional Day
02/16/26
- School Closed: Presidents Day
02/20/26
- US Trimester 2 Ends