Friday, February 17, 2023
Dear Watertown Public Schools Faculty, Students, and Families,
Information regarding this year’s upcoming budget can be found on our official district budget website. It takes many stakeholders to create a thoughtful and fiscally responsible budget that is focused on students and the overall health of a complex organization like Watertown Public Schools. Over many months, administrators, teachers, board of education members, and town personnel move through various phases of budget development and planning in order to come to a final budget. In the weeks leading up to the creation of a proposed budget, several presentations are given by administrative leaders to share focus areas for specific departments. All of those presentations can be found by clicking on the link below. I encourage our entire Watertown community to take a few moments and explore the focus areas of our district.
Click here for all FY 24 Budget Presentations/Videos by Department
Finally, this year’s FY 24 Superintendent’s Proposed budget will be presented to the public at a regularly scheduled BOE meeting on Monday, February 27th at 7PM.
Have a wonderful long weekend Watertown!
Dr. V
Important Dates and Happenings
February 20-21 - President’s Day Weekend, School resumes on Wed. Feb. 22
March 5 - Judson & Polk in full force at the 44th Annual “Tim Driscoll” St. Jude’s - A - Thon
March 11- Shamrock Shuffle!
March 16 - 18 - WHS Production of Beauty and the Beast
New Watertown Faces
This week we welcomed two new faces to the Watertown community! First we give a big warm welcome to Ms. Arline Tansley as our new Interim Watertown High School Principal who will officially begin on February 22, 2023 If you would like to read more please click here. Second, we welcome Mr. David Martin as our newest Board Member. If you would like to read more please click here.
Celebrating Black History & Heritage Month
February is Black History & Heritage Month but I say, let's celebrate accomplishments and achievements year round! Focusing on Black History & Culture during the month of February each year gives us time to acknowledge those who have made significant contributions to the Black community both locally and globally from past to present.
To read more about the pivotal experiences of Black Americans in New England, click here: New England Historical Society.
To read more about how Columbia University is highlighting the central role Black Americans have played in US History, check out these resources: Columbia Celebrates Black History and Culture
Thinking of Those Around the World
Since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake took place in Syria last week, we have come to learn the disaster has taken more than 39,000 lives. The sheer loss of life and scale of displacement for the people of Syria and Turkey are difficult to imagine. In times where devastating events like these take place, many hands locally and globally come together to help provide aid and it is reassuring to hear of the many in our local region here in CT who are busy at work with outreach and support for those affected. As a school community our hearts and minds are with all of the families who are impacted by the earthquake.
WHS Sports Physicals
This year WHS will not be holding sports physicals in May. Student athletes looking to get an updated physical for the 2023-2024 academic year should visit their usual family provider to update the physical form. Physicals are good for a full year! In addition, we’ve included a few local pediatricians/providers in the area for those interested:
Oakville Family Medicine, Dr. Czartsy (860) 274-3344
Town and Country Pediatrics & Family Medicine, Dr. Bartfeld (860) 274-8891
Alliance Medical Group, Southbury (203) 573-9512
Healthy Children Pediatrics, Dr. Hafez (203) 759-0660 | (203) 527-4868
Just Friends Preschool
The 2023-2024 Preschool Registration is underway! If your child or someone you know turns three or four years of age and would like to enroll in preschool, click here ‘Just Friends’ Preschool program at JTPS.
Kindergarten Registration
The 2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration is underway! If your child or someone you know turns five years of age on or before January 1, 2024, please register him/her as soon as possible. Registering now allows the District to optimally plan for your new kindergartener. All registration information is located on the district website, via “Central Registration link” under the For Families tab.
In addition, all entering Kindergarteners will need an updated Health Physical Form which you can find here.
WHS SAT Preparatory Course
If you are a WHS student and would like to reserve a seat to take the Method Learning 4 week SAT Prep course, please sign up by completing the form at this link by Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
The Method Learning SAT course would be offered after school in addition to an online option for students to complete at home. We have a limited number of seats and will be giving access to the course on a first come first served basis, if there is enough interest.
If you would like to check out the Method Learning website click here: https://www.methodlearning.com...
WHS Scholarship Opportunities
