Dear Watertown Public Schools Faculty, Families and Students,
Inclusive Schools Kickoff
A Sense of Belonging
In 2001, the National Inclusive Schools Week kicked off into what is now an annual event that is focused on promoting supportive and inclusive schools across the country. The National Inclusive Schools Week shines a light on the cultivation of inclusive school culture to provide the best quality education possible to all students.
It is our intention as a district to put distinct effort into building our knowledge and a shared understanding of what it means to be inclusive. It is our intention to become more inclusive everyday and it is our intention to move step by step in fostering a ‘genuine sense of belonging’ in our schools and greater Watertown community.
Over the course of this year, you may hear about the work of Erik Carter and Elizabeth Biggs, two important scholars with the Ties Center. Their research on the ten dimensions of Belonging is rooted in the different facets humans need to experience in order to feel a true sense of belonging.
Figure 1. Click here to visit the Ties Center Website to learn more!
Over time, I know that our district will continue to take concerted actions and steps to build more and more shared understandings and respect for differences. And as the good work of our district continues in each of our schools, we look forward to sharing our progress, our celebrations, and highlights with our WPS community! A strong district culture and climate is key to our success in providing a fulfilling, holistic, and excellent education for ALL students.
Sincerely,
Dr. V
Important Dates and Happenings
December 9 - Joel Barlow vs. Watertown: CIAC 2023 Football State Championships at Rentschler Field, 4:30PM (Student Fan Bus leaves WHS at 2PM)
December 11 - Regular BOE Meeting of District Budget Presentations, 7PM
December 12 - Swift Choral Concerts 7th Grade & Select Choir, 6PM/ 6th & 8th Grade, 7PM
December 14 - Swift Instrumental Concerts: 6th Grade, String Ensemble, Jazz Band, 6PM / 7th & 8th Grade, 7:15PM
December 14 - District Wellness Committee Meeting, Swift Middle School, 4PM
December 20 - School Capital Project Committee, 7PM, Town Hall Chambers
December 21 - Early Release Day for students, PD for faculty
December 22- January 1 - Winter Break for all students and faculty. Central Office open on adjusted hours.
Join the Watertown Wellness Committee
Click here for the Food Services Newsletter
The Watertown Public Schools is launching our Wellness Committee! Our first meeting will take place Thursday December 14, 2023 at 4pm at Swift Middle School. If you are interested in joining the Watertown Wellness Committee, please click this link to RSVP. We are excited to welcome this committee as an opportunity for members to help bring solutions to improving our wellness policy!
