Sunday, February 6, 2022
Dear Watertown Public Schools Faculty and Families,
We had an exciting Day 1 of the 55th Annual Swift Basketball Tournament yesterday. It was a great turnout at all of the games and the air was filled with cheers and lots of energy. Good luck to all of our Swift athletes competing again this afternoon and three cheers to all of our WPS athletes across the district for putting in the time and hard work behind the scenes to represent our school district!
Mandates and Transitions
School districts across CT are awaiting the Governor’s announcement on whether or not the Executive Order of Coronavirus mandates will extend or expire on February 15. We anticipate the Governor will hold a meeting on Thursday this week and then a press release shortly there after. With that in mind, the Watertown Public Schools will work closely with our local health department, our neighboring school districts and our regional health partners to ensure we are prepared to make any type of transition as smooth and informed as possible. As soon as more information becomes available, I will make sure to notify all families and faculty directly.
Cheering on Team USA
Watching the Olympics is a special time for viewers (my family included) from all around the world. The Olympics always remind me of the intense commitment athletes make to their sport to represent our great nation. The dedication, the perseverance, and the pride can be seen as each competition ensues and being able to root for Team USA is always an amazing feeling.
Have a great start to the week WPS,
Dr. V
Happenings and Useful Information
Dates to Remember
February 5-6 - 55th Swift Basketball Tournament
February 14 - Valentine’s Day and regularly scheduled BOE meeting 7PM (Superintendent’s Proposed Budget)
February 18 - Early Release Day for Students, PD for Faculty
February 21-22 - President’s Day Weekend
Celebrating the Lunar New Year 2022
On February 1 many Asian countries around the world celebrated the Lunar New Year. Each country calls this special day something a little different: South Korea has ‘Seollal’; Vietnam has 'Tết Nguyên Đán'; and China has 'Chinese New Year'!
In line with Chinese tradition, 2022 is the year of the Tiger. The tiger represents strength, bravery, and courage. Like the New Year (January 1), the Lunar New Year is an opportunity for fresh start and new beginnings!
Supporting the WHS Theatre Production of MAMMA MIA! Click for Poster
Calling all local businesses and community members to "Participate as a Major Sponsor". Please contact Mindi Davidson at davidsonmi@watertownps.org or (860) 307 – 4468
- Platinum Sponsor (Donation of $1000)
- Gold Sponsor (Donation of $750)
- Silver Sponsor (Donations of $500)
- Bronze Sponsor (Donations of $250)
Health and Safety
Based on the January 31, 2022 Covid Report, Watertown’s secondary covid percentages have returned to the ‘orange’. In addition, our district Covid numbers have drastically reduced since we returned to school at the start of January. We are seeing a decline in Covid positive cases in our community and others in our surrounding region. Thank you to all of our WPS faculty and families for your continued partnership and support as we move through these winter months.
- DISTRICT: As we did last year, the Daily Covid 19 Tracker will be updated on the main district website. Click here.
- LOCAL: Our local Torrington Area Health Department continues to provide weekly reports on: Covid-19 positivity and vaccination rates within the Torrington area health district (TAHD) jurisdiction Click here for all weekly updates
- REGIONAL: 1.31.2022 Covid Report | 1.31.2022 Vaccine Rates by Town
Quote of the Week
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. ~ African proverb