October 1, 2024
Dear Watertown Public Schools Faculty, Families, and Students,
Watertown YOU are Invited to
Join the
2024-2025 Welcoming Schools Committee
& Strategic Planning Group!
We are officially in the month of October and I am excited to invite members of the Watertown Public Schools community to join the second phase of our Welcoming Committee/Strategic Planning Team.
When:
Monday, October 28, 2024 - 5:30-6:45PM
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 5:30-6:45PM
Monday, January 27, 2025 - 5:30-6:45PM
Subsequent Meeting Dates TBD
Location: Watertown High School Lecture Hall (light snacks will be provided)
Returning and NEW Members of the Watertown/Oakville community are invited to join the second phase of 'The Great Conversation: Welcoming Schools Committee' as part of our strategic plan in building schools that are innovative and embody a welcoming culture and climate that supports all students. Efforts will be made to design work groups that include a balance of stakeholders from all groups.
Last year, our small but mighty group focused our time exploring the following theme:
How do the WPS make people feel like they belong to the….WPS Community....Student Community...Parent Community?
Student and family engagement
School district climate and culture
Multi-dimensional learners and opportunities for student acceptance
This year we will continue the thread of building positive culture and climate in our district and begin the strategic planning process by deeply cultivating Stakeholder Engagement on the following theme:
If the 'Instate' is constantly changing and school is about College AND +, then what does that mean to a school system today?
What is our Anchor / Vision. Based on our current mission and core values, how does our vision address a constantly changing instate?
If the 2000's looked differently from the 2010's, how does our vision of a graduate need to adapt in order to reflect the 2030's and beyond?
If school is really about College AND +, how do we reflect that in the experience we offer in our schools for all children?
The committee will once again consist of, but not limited to: district employees, parents from all levels, board members, and partners from the Watertown Community.
We anticipate the committee will meet over the course of four to five meetings this year. In addition, at select meetings, students will be invited to join. Each meeting will run approximately 1 - 1.5 hours in length.
If you would like to be part of this important work, please complete the following form and you will receive a confirmation email for your participation. In an effort to create a representative group of varying stakeholders, we will be following a first come first served basis and will notify participants when we reach maximum capacity.
Thank you and we are excited to continue this important work with you.
CLICK HERE: 2024-2025 RSVP: Welcoming Schools Committee: Strategic Planning Parent/Community Group
Select School Safety Resources
In addition, at a recent Board of Education meeting, I had an opportunity to share some of the wonderful resources and local partnerships we have available to us as members of the Watertown/Oakville community. I encourage you to click the link below to read more about a few important School Safety Resources for All Community Members.
First View App for Parents
The First View App is now up and running for all families who have children taking a bus. This is a convenient and informative tool for parents to see where buses are located.
All Parents will receive a personalized letter from our technology department with a special code tomorrow. You will be able to use that code to download the App and begin using it!
Sincerely,
Dr. V
Scroll all the way down OR click the links below for pictures from the first month of school!
Important Dates to Remember
Click here for the 2024-2025 District Calendar
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is School Principals Appreciation Month!
October 2 - School Custodian/Maintenance Team Appreciation Day
October 2 - 8th Grade Pump it Up Assembly at WHS
October 2 - JTPS PTO Meeting, 7PM, JTPS Gym
October 3 - Wishing all of our Jewish families a wonderful Rosh Hashanah
October 4 - WHS Panel Discussion - Voices of Change: Empowering Inclusion in Our School
October 7 - Polk PTO Meeting, 6PM, Polk School
October 10 - World Inclusion Day
October 11 - Wishing all of our Jewish families a wonderful Yom Kippur
October 14 - Columbus Day, All Schools and Offices Closed
October 15 - Regular Board of Education Meeting, 7PM/ Policy Subcommittee Meeting, 6PM
October 15 - Swift PTSO Meeting, 7PM, Swift Library
October 16 - School Capital Projects Building Committee Meeting, 7PM, Council Chambers
October 17 - Early Release Day
November 1 - Diwali Festival of Lights
November 5 - Election Day. Students DO NOT attend school, Schools Open for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 6 - Early Release Day. Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 11 - Veterans Day, Schools Closed
November 19 - 8th Grade Orientation at WHS, 5:30-7:30PM
Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15- October 15, it’s a perfect opportunity to learning more about Latino/Hispanic historical legacies that have shaped communities and continue to enrich the United States. Exploring the contributions of key figures in Latino History, like Cesar Chavez, a civil rights activist who was a leader in the fight to improve working and living conditions of farm workers in the United States Or Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina and third woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, Hispanic Heritage month shines the spotlight on important and influential individuals. Click here to learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month
Athletics Schedule
Athletics are in full swing at WHS and Swift and if you are looking for game nights, make sure to click on the Athletic schedule to plan a great night out with the family.
Preschool Spots Available for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
An Update from the Food Services Department
The online Free & Reduced (F&R) application is now LIVE and can be accessed https://www.myschoolapps.com/. For families who prefer a hard copy, a packet will be sent home with all students during the first week of school. Families need to complete only ONE application. We encourage all families to submit an application even if you’re not sure you will qualify.
Please note that breakfast is no longer free for all students. An approved F/R application must be on file to receive free meals.
Free and Reduced Lunch Application
Free and Reduced Lunch Addendum A: Sharing Information with Other Programs
Events In and Around Town
Click here for the Parks and Recreation Schedule of September- December Events