June 13, 2024
Dear Watertown Public Schools Faculty, Families, and Students,
In less than 12 hours, the 2023–2024 academic school year will be complete!
First, I’d like to congratulate all of our students who will be walking in our two graduation ceremonies this morning (Swift 8th Grade) and this evening (WHS Seniors). We couldn’t have lucked out with a more beautiful day to celebrate such a momentous occasion. Again, here is the link incase you'd like to watch the live stream: Watertown BOE Graduation Ceremony Live Stream Link
Second, composing the end of year message is always a great honor and privilege for me, personally. Amidst all of the hurried final tasks of a busy school year and the efforts of all of our faculty and staff to tie up loose ends before summer vacation hits, it is a time filled with pride and joy.
Once everyone gets a chance to sit down and look back upon the year, it’s a magnificent feeling to be able to reflect and marvel at the many accomplishments achieved over these last ten months.
At the start of the year, we kicked off convocation with the theme below as a play on the number of school days in an academic year (181 days):
“70,590 Minutes…
70,590 Moments so Clear…
181 Chances!”
And I must say that students and faculty alike engaged those “70,590 minutes” creatively, successfully and vigorously this year! And now is the time where…
We can take a moment to recognize growth made throughout the year.
We can take a moment to acknowledge the hard work that brought lofty goals set at the start of the year to fruition.
We can take a moment to show gratitude for having the ability to do all the things that we did this year.
And we can take a moment to affirm all the times we persisted and persevered until the end.
There is a distinct feeling when beginning what seems like a marathon. Minds fill with wonder, questioning whether you will ever make it to the end as moment after moment of hard work tests your perseverance and obstacles show up challenging you to push and give your maximum effort. And when unexpected surprises jump out, you are faced with decisions to demonstrate your ability to be flexible and adapt. Finally when you see the finish line, the overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment confirms that you will finish the race and that you gave it your best from the start. This year, our students and faculty achieved these moments in their own way and so kudos to you all for another year successfully completed!
As you all know, pictures are worth 1000 words. Our main website holds an entire year’s worth of special moments and occasions captured in photos. I encourage families and students to look back on this year to see the many achievements of our students, faculty and staff across the district.
Lastly, the year cannot come to a close without sincere thank yous to everyone who makes it possible for our district to cultivate engaging and meaningful educational experiences for students each day.
Thank you to our Board of Education Members, Administrators, Faculty, Paraeducators, Related Service providers, Nurses, Secretaries, Custodial Maintenance staff, Technology Department, Cafeteria and Food Service department, Substitutes, Bus Drivers, Volunteers and Interns, Security Teams, WPD, all of the Town Departments and Community Organizations that partner with us through the year. We are grateful for you.
As summer school begins, this is a reminder that Central Office is open from 7 AM to 2 PM daily and school offices are open on adjusted hours. Parents and students should call schools prior to visiting to ensure someone is in the building. And finally as our Capital Projects move forward this summer, regular updates regarding our roofing and HVAC construction will be posted on our main website.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer break, Watertown!
Dr. V