December 20, 2024
Dear Watertown Public Schools Families and Faculty,
Congratulations Newly Appointed Sergeant Chris Donston and Welcome Officer Quarles!
On behalf of the Watertown Public Schools, we would like to give a huge shout out of congratulations to Officer Chris Donston, SRO at Swift Middle School who recently promoted to Sergeant within the Watertown Police Department and a big warm welcome to Officer Willie Quarles our new SRO at Swift. Click here for the full press release.
A Friendly Reminder from the Food Service Department
On school days where there are delays due to inclement weather, please note the following:
Lunch is always served on a delay day.
Breakfast is served in all schools when there is a 2 hour delay.
If there is a 3 hour delay, breakfast is served only at WHS.
Connecting Schools to Care IV Students
As we get ready for the extended winter break, please find below an important resource from the State of CT for students and families to utilize when struggling with mental and behavioral health needs. It is imperative to be able to access supports and services. Connecting Schools to Care IV Students is a new State initiative that assists schools in enhancing their internal comprehensive mental health system, connection to local behavioral health resources, in order to empower youth and families. Over this holiday break if you or anyone you know needs help, please share this important resource with them.
Wishing you all a wonderful and restful holiday season. Please enjoy lots of pictures and fun facts below.
Happy Holidays, Watertown!
Dr. V
Celebrating Cultural Holidays in December and January
During December and January, we often celebrate a variety of cultural holidays and traditions from around the globe. This time provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect, share, learn, and deepen our understanding of how different families commemorate various occasions. These celebrations and traditions symbolize hope and joy across various cultures.
Hanukkah - Dates: December 25 - January 2, 2025
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that typically falls in December. It commemorates the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting for eight days, symbolizing the triumph of light and hope over adversity.
Christmas - Date: December 25
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Decorated Christmas trees and decorations represent love, peace, and joy for Christian families.
Kwanzaa - Dates: December 26 - January 1
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African American culture and heritage. Families light a kinara, a special candleholder featuring seven candles that embody the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, including unity, creativity, and faith.
Diwali
Although it occurred earlier in October this year, Diwali—the Festival of Lights—also honors the theme of light. This Hindu celebration symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Winter Solstice - Date: December 21
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year. Many cultures celebrate this day as a reminder of the Sun's return and the hope that light will grow stronger once again.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
These celebrations often symbolize new beginnings.
Lunar New Year - Date: January 29, 2025
Typically celebrated in January or February, Lunar New Year is an important tradition in many Asian cultures. Known as Spring Festival in China, Seollal in South Korea, and Tet in Vietnam, this holiday is also observed in countries like Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand.
