Dear Watertown Public Schools Community,
At Watertown Public Schools, our commitment to our core values of Equity, Excellence, and Community guides everything we do. We are proud to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where all students are welcomed and celebrated for who they are. We honor all aspects of our students' various identities - including, but not limited to, their national origin, beliefs, race, immigration status, exceptionalities, gender, and gender identity. As we continue our work to ensure that every student is seen, heard, and valued, we want to highlight ongoing initiatives that align with our core values and reinforce our unwavering support for all students
Equity: Removing Barriers, Ensuring Belonging
Equity in a PreK-12 school system means ensuring that every student has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive, regardless of their background, identity, socioeconomic status, or individual challenges. This involves identifying and removing systemic barriers such as inequitable funding, biased disciplinary practices, or lack of access to advanced coursework. At WPS, we provide targeted support, such as language assistance for Multilingual Learners, additional resources and support for students with disabilities, and culturally responsive teaching that affirms diverse identities. By addressing disparities and creating an inclusive learning environment, equity ensures that all students—not just some—can reach their full potential.
Excellence: High Expectations with Meaningful Support
Excellence is about more than just setting high expectations—it is about providing every student with the necessary support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. To accomplish this, we employ data-driven strategies that address individual learning needs and promote growth.
The District utilizes student performance data to pinpoint areas where additional support is needed. By implementing targeted scaffolds and interventions, we accelerate learning, close opportunity gaps and guide all students toward grade-level proficiency.
At the elementary level, we emphasize representation and inclusivity by providing diverse classroom libraries and engaging students in discussions about the various experiences, beliefs, and families that make up the Watertown community. Ensuring that every student sees themselves reflected in their education fosters a sense of belonging, understanding, and respect from the earliest stages of learning.
By combining equity with excellence, we are building a school system where every student has the tools, resources, and encouragement to succeed and belong.
Community: Fostering a Safe, Supportive, and Inclusive Environment
Community is at the heart of everything we do. At Watertown Public Schools, we are unwavering in our commitment to creating an environment where all students feel safe, valued, and supported. This means taking a firm stance against identity-based discrimination, including harmful language related to gender, gender identity, sexuality, race, and other identities. Our schools must be spaces where respect, kindness, and dignity are upheld at all times.
To foster meaningful and inclusive dialogue, we are launching monthly community circles at both the middle and high school levels. These open-enrollment discussions will provide students with a safe and supportive space to explore topics related to identity, equity, and justice. Issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and other student-driven concerns will be at the forefront, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
In addition to these discussions, we are actively expanding our efforts to promote inclusion and equity through key initiatives, including, but not limited to:
Partnering with the state-sponsored Safe Schools Program to support LGBTQ+ students and ensure our schools remain inclusive and affirming.
Participating in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (MIAA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Summit, empowering student-athletes to lead with inclusivity and respect.
Providing Upstander Training for all 4th and 5th graders, equipping students with the skills to actively stand against bullying and discrimination while reinforcing our shared values of empathy and respect.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive curriculum that honors the rich contributions of Black leaders, scholars, and changemakers. This work extends beyond a single month—it is embedded in our year-round dedication to social justice and historical awareness. Ensuring that all students see their histories and identities reflected in their education is a vital part of fostering a strong community and excellent learning environment.
Standing Firm in Our Commitment
Recent guidance from DESE reinforces that Massachusetts schools remain responsible for providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, including LGBTQ+ students, regardless of federal policy changes. Along these same lines, the Watertown School Committee has unanimously reaffirmed their support for LGBTQ+ students and staff members. And today, Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell released guidance affirming the state’s commitment to equal access to education for all students in Massachusetts. We stand firmly with our local and state officials to ensure that every student in our schools is protected, supported, and empowered to succeed.
If you have any questions, ideas, or concerns, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we will continue to build a school community where every student feels safe, valued, and inspired to achieve their best.
In partnership,
Dede Galdston
Superintendent, Watertown Public Schools
Jeff brings a wealth of experience as a dedicated educator and school leader. His track record includes fostering strong relationships with students and staff, maintaining high academic and behavioral expectations, and implementing initiatives that enhance student learning and well-being. During our visit to Quinn Middle School, we witnessed firsthand the positive culture he has cultivated—one rooted in a clear vision, high expectations, and an unwavering focus on what is best for students. We are confident that his leadership will build upon the great work already happening at Watertown Middle School.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the 15-member Screening Committee for their dedication and countless hours spent reviewing materials and interviewing nine candidates. Their hard work and thoughtful input were instrumental in bringing us to this decision. I also want to thank the 58 individuals who provided valuable feedback after meeting the finalists during their visits to the middle school, the six student tour guides who lead the finalists through the middle school, as well as the eight team members who joined me on site visits this week Your insights and commitment to this process have been invaluable, and I truly appreciate your time and effort.
As we look ahead to the 2025-26 school year, Watertown Public Schools will face several significant transitions. Most notably, we anticipate a monumental move into the new high school in April 2026 and a potential relocation for the middle school at the end of the school year. Given the impact of these moves on both staff and students, I have proposed extending Winter Break to a full two weeks to provide a well-deserved and uninterrupted period of rest before these major transitions.
We understand that this is a change from our current approach to winter break, which typically starts with a half day on December 23rd. Your feedback is very important in this decision and you are invited to fill out the Google form to share your thoughts on this potential change. Please note that the Recreation Department and the Boys and Girls Club will have offerings for students on December 22 and 23.
The Watertown School Committee will be voting on the 2025/2026 School Year Calendar at its meeting on March 3 and is soliciting feedback from families and staff regarding a proposed change for Winter Break. If you would like to provide feedback, please email the School Committee at schoolcommittee@watertown.k12.ma.us.
Parents and guardians, we need your feedback! Please take our confidential 5Essentials survey.
This survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance, better overall experiences for students and teachers, and larger test score gains. The survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child's school.
We need at least 20% of parents/caregivers in a school to complete the survey in order to get the results. The Cunniff (23%) and the Hosmer (20%) have reached that target, with the Lowell (17%), WMS (8%), Early Steps (6%) and WHS (5%) still in need of more responses. We would appreciate being able to see the results for all schools, so please take a moment to fill out this short survey.
As state leaders evaluate new laws and policies surrounding cell phones in public schools, the Watertown School Committee has launched a new ad hoc committee to examine our approach to cell phone usage in our schools.
The task force will be made up of educators, students, parents, administrators, school committee, and a community member with content knowledge and will be charged with putting forward a recommendation to the full School Committee in June.
This task force will meet on March 20, April 17, and May 15 at 6 p.m. Should the advisory group recommend any changes to our current policy and if the School Committee adopts any proposed changes, the goal is to do so over the summer so a new policy could be in effect for the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.
We are very excited to announce the launch of our brand new school-to-family communications platform: ParentSquare
ParentSquare is an app and online portal that provides families with a new way to stay connected with your student’s school. This platform will contain all school-related information and notifications in one convenient location.
ParentSquare will be one of the primary forms of communication between your child’s school and you, so it is important that you complete this sign-up.
To sign-up for ParentSquare
Download the free ParentSquare app for iOS or Android (available in the App Store or Google Play)
Login with your email or phone number registered with Watertown Public Schools
Begin exploring the ParentSquare app!
Good luck to the cast and crew of Anything Goes, the Watertown High School musical for the 2024-2025 school year.
Shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m., with a matinee Sunday at 2 p.m.
For the second year in a row, the WHS musical will be held at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. We are extremely grateful for the Mosesian for providing an amazing space for our WHS productions while the new Watertown High School is built.
Watertown wrestler Tessa Master took home her second-straight state championship this past weekend, becoming the first wrestler in program history to accomplish the feat.
Two other Raiders wrestlers, Brady Gleason and Jimmy Shrestha, had strong performances, placing third and seventh, respectively.
These past two seasons have been among the best in program history, and we are proud of our wrestlers for all their hard work and accomplishments.
Photo credit: Shane Gleason via Watertown News
7th, 8th, and 9th grade students and families are invited to come learn about Watertown's vocational and technical offerings at Vocational and Technical Education Night.
This event was rescheduled from the February 6 snow day and is planned for tonight (2/27) from 6-7 p.m. in the WMS auditorium.
Watertown High School currently has three Chapter 74 Vocational and Technical Education pathway programs: pre-engineering, medical assisting, and digital media communications. Families and students are welcome to come learn about these programs and other options for vocational education.
Students were encouraged to think about Valentine's Day as a perfect day to demonstrate their care for one another, friends, family, and teachers. In addition to this important messaging, students read the book, "A Little Spot of Love on Valentine's Day," and learned how to say "Happy Valentine's Day" in American Sign Language.
Valentine's Day serves as a reminder that we all can show kindness to those we love and care about each and every day.
The Cunniff Elementary School Literacy Week was a huge success.
The week opened up with mystery readers from the community who came to the Cunniff to share a love of reading with students. The week continued with various costumes, fun events, Literacy Night, and more special guests (including everybody's favorite member of the WPS community, Raider).
Thank you to all those who make reading fun!
It's been a busy few weeks at the Hosmer school, highlighted by the annual Winter Warmer and the Boosterthon.
Students, families, staff, and the Hosmer community managed to raise over $17,000 for student enrichment. This includes funding for events like field trips, multicultural week, and school performances.
The Winter Warmer was a huge hit, as always highlighted by the glow-in-the-dark dance party. Thank you to everyone who made these last few weeks a huge success!
From dressing up as centenarians to in-classroom activities, there's nothing quite like the 100th day of school celebration at the elementary level. It is a true elementary school tradition unlike any other.
As you can see, the 100th day of school did not go without the usual pomp and circumstance across Watertown. Please enjoy these pictures of all the fun!
Help support Watertown and its commitment to accessibility.
The City of Watertown is working to develop an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan to ensure residents and visitors have access to all facilities, programs, and services. An important part of this planning process is providing opportunities for the public and people with disabilities to offer input and voice concerns.
The linked survey below is intended to gather preliminary data to assist the planning team in identifying and prioritizing any barriers to access for individuals with disabilities at Watertown’s facilities or within the programs and services it currently offers.
Dr. Deanne Galdston
Email: deanne.galdston@watertown.k12.ma.us
Website: www.watertown.k12.ma.us
Location: 30 Common Street, Watertown, MA, USA
Phone: 617-926-7708
Facebook: www.facebook.com/watertownpublicschools
Twitter: @WatertownSupt