Alison Villanueva, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Friday, August 6, 2021
Dear Watertown Faculty, Families, and Students,
It is already the month of August! I hope that you’ve all found pockets of time to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. The WPS have been busy getting ready for the start of the year.
Yesterday, Governor Lamont shared the following press release Governor’s Press Release Click Here. It is important to note that all school districts are still waiting for CSDE guidance based on this most recent release.
I would like to thank the Watertown Community for their patience and support this summer as we’ve all been waiting for more final answers. I acknowledge that it can be difficult to wait for answers.
In addition, the Board of Education will be holding a special BOE meeting on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 7pm where we will be able to share an updated reopening plan. The meeting will take place in the Lecture Hall at WHS.
Sincerely,
Dr. V
Happenings and Useful Information
First View App
We are happy to share that in 2021-2022, all WPS parents will have access to the First View App. FirstView gives families increased peace of mind and information to ensure they are at the bus stop when they need to be and not waiting longer than they should. The First View App is easy to download, set up and use, FirstView® is packed with helpful features including estimated bus arrival time, and opt-in district messaging regarding delays. More information will be sent to families throughout the month of August on how to get started. To learn more, click here for an FAQ. Click here for flyer.
WPS Athletics
Fall sports registration is now open.
To register for a Fall sport, please click here to get all of the information that you need.
PowerSchool Parent Portal: Note from the Technology Team
The Watertown Public Portal is now open for the 2021-2022 academic year. The portal can be accessed at watertownps.powerschool.com/public
Now Open
The following are now available on the portal:
- Past Year’s report cards
- School schedules for 2021-2022 are now open, however, minor changes may be made in order to continue balancing classes until school opens
- My School Bucks (pay for breakfast and lunches online)
Coming Soon
In the coming weeks the "Returning/new student Registration" will become available on PowerSchool and all families will be notified via email again by their building principal.
New Families to Watertown
New families, including PreK and Kindergarten, to the Watertown Public School will receive login information from their school directly with specific steps on how to login to the Watertown parent portal prior to the first day of school.
Transportation Change Requests
Each year, bus stop information is posted on the district website/parent portal prior to the start of the school year. If returning families need to make any changes to their child’s bus stop they may do so now by contacting Michelle Pennella at First Student directly michelle.penella@firstgroup.com
- New families will receive notification of their bus stops once the district posts them via a follow up email from their building principal.
- If you are a returning family, and you are having issues with your parent portal, please call your school secretary directly. Again, new families will be notified once PowerSchool parent portal is available.
Quote of the Week
“It always pays to dwell slowly on the beautiful things – the more beautiful the more slowly.” – Atticus