April 1, 2024
Dear Watertown Public Schools Faculty, Families and Students,
I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend - we couldn’t have asked for better weather!
April 2024 Solar Eclipse
As there is much anticipation in the air regarding the significant Solar Eclipse that we will experience on April 8, 2024 across communities in the North East, please find below important and helpful information regarding this event.
Considering our geographical location, Connecticut is not in the path where a total solar eclipse would occur. We are however in position to potentially experience 85-90% of the eclipse when it reaches its peak.
We anticipate the eclipse will begin at or around 2:10 PM and by 3:25 PM, reach the moment of peak coverage (that is when the sun is at its most hidden). The entire eclipse phenomenon will be complete by approximately 4:35PM. As a fun fact, scientific organizations do not anticipate another total solar eclipse until August 2044!
To give our students an opportunity to take part in this learning experience safely, ISO certified solar eclipse glasses have been purchased and will be provided to students on the day of the eclipse. Glasses will also be made available to faculty at the elementary/middle school level who will be on campus during dismissal and a limited number of glasses for the HS will be sent to the WHS office for any remaining secondary faculty on campus who may also want to take part in viewing the eclipse.
As this is an extraordinary event that will not take place again until 2044, we welcome you to talk to your child about what they might be able to see during the eclipse. We also ask that you talk to your child about the critical importance of only looking at the sun with the special ISO glasses on securely. This will also be discussed with our elementary students before they receive their glasses and frequent reminders will be made during dismissal.
Please click the links below for an article and resources from NSTA regarding solar eclipses.
Dr. V
Important Dates and Happenings
Watertown H.S. Athletic Events Calendar March 2024
April 1 - Regularly Scheduled Town Council Meeting to Approve BOE Recommended Budget and Set Public Hearing Date, 7PM, Town Council Chambers
April 2 - K-12 Art Show, 5PM and Tri-M Coffee House, 6PM
April 2 - Primary Election Day, Polls at select schools
April 3 - National Paraeducator Appreciation Day
April 4 - WPS Administrative Team Members present at the NEASC Conference for Belonging
April 6 - Traffic Stop Workshop for Autistic Individuals at WHS
April 10 - Grade 5 Concerts, 5:30 pm Judson Choral and Instrumental / 7 pm Polk Choral and Instrumental, WHS Auditorium
April 15-19 - April Break - All Schools Closed, Central Office Open on Adjusted Hours
April 23 - Passover Begins
April 24 - FOCUS Presentations at WHS
May 1 - LCSA/CAPSS Superintendent’s Award Banquet, 5PM, Grand Oak Villa
May 2 - WHS Instrumental Concert, 7 pm, WHS Auditorium
May 9 - Swift Instrumental Concerts, 6 pm, 6th Grade, String Ensemble, & Jazz Band/ 7:15 pm 7th and 8th Grade, Swift Auditorium
May 16 - 6 pm, Swift Grade 6-8 Choral Concert, Swift Auditorium
May 23 - 6 pm & 7 pm, 2nd Grade Concerts, JTPS
World Autism Acceptance Day
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 is a specially designated day to learn more about Autism and Neurodiversity. Many organizations continue to dedicate themselves to raising awareness and even more … to “promoting acceptance and appreciation of autistic people and their contributions to society.” Throughout the month of April, the Watertown Public Schools have various events/activities organized for students, faculty and community members to take part in. Please click below for additional resources regarding World Autism Acceptance Day!
National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
A message from CSDE: “National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday in April, which is April 3, 2024, this year. Paraeducators are instrumental in supporting the diverse needs of the students they serve, they take pride in their profession, and they are dedicated to supporting their students, families, and school communities. Please join the CSDE, in extending gratitude and appreciation to all Connecticut Paraeducators for their dedication and service”. Thank you to all of our Watertown Paraeducators!
Watertown High School Graduation Class of 2024
At a regularly scheduled BOE meeting on Monday, March 25, 2024, the Board of Education officially set graduation dates for Thursday, June 13, 2024. Both Swift and WHS will hold graduation ceremonies on the last day of school. Please be advised that we are currently working on confirming the details of this very special day and ceremony.
As we do each year, we keep a close eye on the weather and have contingency plans at the ready. In addition, this year, with our newly installed athletic turf at WHS, we are moving with extreme consideration on how to protect our $1.2M investment as we prepare for any upcoming large scale events. As soon as details are finalized, a message will be sent out directly to all Swift and WHS families/students. We are excited for this momentous occasion for the graduating class of 2024 and thank you for your patience as we firm up our plans.
