Friday April 23, 2021
Dear Watertown Faculty and Families,
In a blink of an eye it seems that we’ve already reached the end of the week. As plants begin to emerge from the long winter and flowers begin to bloom on the trees above, the beauty of watching Spring unfold is always a gift and as someone said to me this past week, ‘No matter how tough life can be, always try to have courage and kindness’.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Dr. V
Happenings and Useful Information
Three cheers go to Swift Middle School for earning the Ann Malafronte Rookie of the Year award for their Unified Sports program led by Mr. R. Peronace.
Kudos to Watertown High School for being one of 12 schools across the country for being selected to be part of Project Springboard led by Arizona State University. Click here to learn more.
Board of Education Update
On Wednesday night, the Watertown Town Council reduced their previously requested BOE budget reduction by $150K. A number of WPS parents, Watertown residents and taxpayers submitted letters and shared testimony at the public hearing in support of the BOE recommended budget. It is times like these where the WPS community comes together to rally for our schools and I am thankful to everyone who came out in support. The next regularly scheduled BOE meeting will take place on Monday, April 26 at 7:30PM. Click here for the agenda and virtual link.
Fire Marshal
The Watertown Fire Marshal would like to remind all parents that fire lanes in front of school buildings should be clear at all times so that emergency vehicles are able to access the building when situations arise without interference. When waiting to pick up your child, please do not park in emergency lanes.
Covid Updates
Vaccine Clinic for Watertown High School Students 16 years+
On Saturday, May 8, 2021 from 8-12PM Students who are 16 years or older are invited to the Watertown Public Schools Closed Vaccine Clinic located at 61 Echo Lake Road, Watertown, CT. Students under the age of 18 require an accompanying adult on the day of the vaccine. This is a decision for students and families to discuss together.
If you would like to take part in the WHS closed clinic, please complete the form here AND register on VAMS by visiting https://portal.ct.gov/vaccine-portal/COVID-19-Vaccination-Phases. Once you complete the form, you will receive another email with your vaccination time.
2. Updated CIAC Quarantine Guidance by DPH/CDC for Close Contacts
The updated guidelines for a shortened quarantine of 10 days applies to student athletes who are close contacts. Any athlete who is COVID positive is still required to complete a 10 day isolation period and can return to sports once they are cleared by a licensed medical provider.
1) Any athlete considered to be a close contact with no associated symptoms is allowed to return to athletics after completing 10 days of quarantine with the following:
A negative PCR test collected on day 8 or later.
Confirmation the school nurse has the negative test result showing it happened on day 8 or later.
2) Fully vaccinated (i.e. 14 days after their final vaccine dose) students with no associated symptoms do not need to quarantine if they have been identified as a close contact of a known COVID-19 case.
3) Students who have fully recovered from a known COVID-19 infection in the prior 90 days do not need to quarantine if they have been identified as a close contact of a known COVID-19 case
Click here to read the update guidelines: Update as of April 21, 2021: 2021 DPH Spring Sports Guidance. Click here for the district’s Return to School Fact Sheet.
Quote of the Week
“The Journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. ~Lao Tzu