Alison Villanueva, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Watertown Faculty and Families, Friday, February 5, 2021
It’s always easy to see when the month of February is upon us. Swathes of bright pink and red jump out at us when we walk into shops (even donuts suddenly take on the shape of hearts with sprinkles everywhere) making it almost impossible not to think about love for just a moment.
Visiting our schools and watching our students show kindness to one another by holding a door open for a friend, or providing a compliment to brighten a classmates day, or encouraging someone when they are feeling down, are examples of how children start to exercise their compassion ‘muscles’ early on in life. I wonder how many acts of kindness we can all try this month to bring joy and compassion to someone’s day! Have a great weekend everyone.
Thoughtfully,
Dr. V
Happenings and Useful Information
School Status
We continue to monitor each of our schools learning model status on a daily basis. If there is a change to your child’s learning model, you will be notified immediately. For the week of February 8-12, 2021, John Trumbull, Polk, and Judson Schools will be Full in person. Swift Middle and WHS will be Hybrid.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month. Check out this youtube video honoring important icons and moments in time dedicated to celebrating a rich history of contribution, accomplishment, and achievement.
The Most Searched: A Celebration of Black History Makers - YouTube - 1:30 secs
Health and Safety
14 Day vs. 10 Day Quarantine Periods
As outlined by the CDC and the Department of Public Health, the current incubation period for COVID 19 remains unchanged from 'up to 14 days'. We rely heavily on our WPS students and faculty to self-monitor for symptoms prior to attending work/school. Knowing that the incubation period is up to 14 days, if a student returns on day 10, and shows ANY symptoms of COVID on days 11-14 the student/faculty member would have to quarantine all over again for another 14 days. To follow the CDC and DPH guidance, keeping a 14 day quarantine period reduces the risk of back to back quarantines which would be much longer than 14 days.
Drive -Thru Covid Testing
On Saturday Feb. 13 and 20, drive thru testing will be made available to the community at WHS. No appointments or insurance necessary! Results ready in 48 hours.
Click the link for flyer Drive Thru Testing at WHS on the Weekend
Board of Education Update
On Monday, February 8 there will be a regular Board of Education Meeting.
On Tuesday, February 9 the Board of Education will hold a special meeting for the 2021-2022 Superintendent’s Proposed Budget.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH IN-PERSON OR PICKUP ARE FREE!
Each student is entitled to one free breakfast and lunch per day. For remote learners and all children 18 or under, free meal pickup is held between 9:15-10:00AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the Watertown High School bus loop. No registration or pre-ordering is required. If you have any questions please reach out to the Food Service Director, Joanna Schipke at Schipkejo@watertownps.org or (860)945-4819.
WPS Homework Helpline
The WPS Homework Helpline is up and running! The Homework Helpline will be available to students from Monday through Thursday from 6:00-8:00 pm in Grades K-12 until the end of February. Go directly to your school’s homepage for a link to access the WPS Homework Helpline.
Quote of the week
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls, to arrive at its destination full of hope” ~ Maya Angelou