Parent Update 2026-2027

Watertown High School is proud to announce that its athletic program has been named a recipient of the 2025-26 WIAA Award of Excellence.

The WIAA Award of Excellence recognizes schools for their efforts and achievements in the areas of sportsmanship, ethics, integrity, leadership, character and administrative accomplishment. Watertown was one of just 29 schools statewide to earn the distinction for the 2025-26 school year.

This marks Watertown's first Award of Excellence since 2023 and its seventh overall since the award was established 10 years ago. Watertown's seven awards tie for the most among WIAA member schools during that time. Watertown was also one of only three schools in WIAA District 6 to receive the honor this year.

Watertown High School was officially presented with the Award of Excellence this past week at the WIAA District 6 Area Meeting held at Oconomowoc High School.

Earning the Award of Excellence requires an athletic program to meet a comprehensive set of standards established by the WIAA. Those criteria include promoting sportsmanship and leadership among student-athletes and coaches, community service by athletic teams, participation in WIAA leadership and sportsmanship initiatives, coach education, administrative compliance, and maintaining an athletic program free of coach ejections and assaults of officials.

"This recognition is a reflection of the collective efforts of our student-athletes, coaches, families and staff. While success in competition is important, we also want our athletic programs to develop young people who represent Watertown High School and our community the right way. We are extremely proud to once again be recognized by the WIAA for those efforts."

Recipients will be recognized by the WIAA throughout the 2026-27 school year, including at WIAA Area and Annual Meetings, on the WIAA website and social media, and in State Tournament programs.

Picture retake day will take place on Friday, October 2 during lunch hours (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.) in the WHS Media Center. This will be the last chance for students to have their picture taken for the yearbook and an ID card. ID cards are required for entry into school dances. ID cards also let students into home athletic events for free.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during these first four weeks of school. As we all settle into the WHS traffic routine, your efforts make drop-off and pick-up safer and smoother for everyone.

A Few Reminders for Parents and Families:

• Stay in Your Vehicle During Drop-Off/Pick-Up:
• For everyone’s safety and to keep the line moving, please remain in your vehicle when dropping off or picking up your student.
• Drop Off Reminders:
• Please pull forward until you reach the car in front of you.
• Please have your students prepared while in the vehicle for a quick exit while the vehicle is stopped.
• The middle lane should remain open for departing traffic at all times. Please do not drop off your student in the middle lane.
• Parents/Families may use the North Lot for drop off during the times of 7:40 a.m. – 8 a.m.
• Pick Up Reminders:
• During pick up, cars may temporarily park on each side of the drive closest to the curb. The middle lane should remain open for departing traffic.
• Please pay attention to the crosswalks as students are encouraged to use the crosswalk and not dart in front of vehicles.
• Parents/Families may use the North Lot as a waiting pick up area.
• Avoid stopping in undesignated areas, as this can create unnecessary congestion and safety hazards.
• Arrive on Time, But Not Too Early:
• Arriving too early can cause backups and block other traffic. Aim to arrive within the designated time window. Parents/Families may use the North Lot as a waiting pick up area.
• Be Patient and Courteous:
• A little patience goes a long way—thank you for modeling respectful behavior for our students!

We have a Senior Homeroom (9:17 - 9:52) coming up on Thursday, October 1st. We’ll be taking our official Senior Class Picture and a representative from Jostens will also be dropping by to give us the rundown on ordering caps, gowns, and other cool grad gear. Jostens will be returning on the following Thursday, October 8th to take graduation orders.

Please make sure to ask your senior student to see the Jostens packet next week! Additional packets will be available in the Main Office or you can also order online at jostens.com.

Homecoming is almost here! We're excited to celebrate the week of October 4–10. Check out the Homecoming Schedule to find all the activities plans for the week! Students are encouraged to get involved and show their school spirit!

With the Homecoming Dance coming up on Saturday, October 10 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., it’s time to start planning your look! Whether you’re going semi-formal or dressy-casual we want everyone looking sharp and ready to dance. While elevated style is encouraged, standard dress code rules apply—no hats or hoods will be permitted inside the building.

If you plan to bring a guest from another school to the dance, guest passes will be available at the bookkeeping office until Thursday, October 1. All completed guest passes must be submitted to the bookkeeping office no later than Friday, October 2, by 3:30 p.m. Please remember that guests must be at least in the 9th grade and no older than 19 years old.

T-shirts will be delivered to WHS the week of Homecoming. Don't forget to order yours as no extra shirts will be available for purchase.

Our National Honor Society (NHS) students are here to help! During ELT (Extended Learning Time), NHS members are available to provide peer tutoring and academic support to students who may benefit from some extra help.

Whether your student needs help understanding a challenging concept, preparing for an upcoming assessment, staying organized, or completing an assignment, our NHS tutors are ready to lend a hand! Peer tutoring is a great way for students to get individualized support from a fellow student in a welcoming, comfortable environment.

Students who have received Direct Admit Wisconsin offers are encouraged to the complete the Direct Admit Form. Completing the form notifies UWs that made admissions offers that students are interested and want to learn more.

Other resources:

• Next Steps Video and Checklist for directly admitted students
• Direct Admit Form Walkthrough video and other how-to videos
• Direct Admit Form Walkthrough webinars (registration required)
• Downloadable Direct Admit Wisconsin Form: Step-By-Step Guide

As you are aware, Watertown High School is participating in the Direct Admit Wisconsin program for the Class of 2028. UW Direct Admit is an opportunity for 11th grade students to be automatically admitted to participating University of Wisconsin system schools free of charge. Direct Admit Wisconsin offers early and proactive admission to participating Universities of Wisconsin for rising seniors at participating Wisconsin high schools.

In order to participate, 11th grade families must log into Skyward Family Access and “opt-in” by Saturday, May 1, 2027. Directions are below on how to locate the Direct Admit Wisconsin in Skyward Family Access. If you have any questions, contact Mrs. True, WHS counselor, at (920) 262-7500 x6825 or truea@mywusd.org

The Watertown Seal-A-Smile Program is collaborating with Watertown High School by offering a preventative dental sealant program at Watertown High School for grades 9 and 10 during the upcoming school year. Dental staff will come to WHS to provide this program. This program is not meant to be a substitution for regular dental visits.

The Watertown Seal-A-Smile dental sealant program is available at no charge whether your student is covered by dental insurance. The Seal-A-Smile program will bill Medical Assistance or BadgerCare if your student is covered by those programs.

We request that all 9th and 10th grade families consider participating in this program. Please indicate your choice to opt in or opt out by filling out the online form here:

https://sealasmile.wisconsin.gov/Consent/Home/About. Alternatively, paper permission slips are provided below and may be returned directly to the WHS Main Office.

For more information on the Seal-A-Smile program, please visit: https://www.chawisconsin.org/initiatives/oral-health/wisconsin-seal-a-smile/

For more information about the Watertown Seal-A-Smile dental sealant program, please call Watertown Department of Public Health at 920-262-8090 or e-mail at cquest@ci.watertown.wi.us.

Commonly Asked Questions:

What exactly does this program offer for my child?

• Sealants
• Fluoride varnish
• Tooth brushing instructions and oral health education
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• A letter sent home explaining what services were done and suggestions for further treatment

What is a sealant?

• A sealant is a thin, tooth colored, plastic coating that is painted on a tooth to help prevent cavities from forming
• Your child will be checked to determine which teeth can have sealants; sealants will be done that same day

What is a fluoride varnish?

• A fluoride varnish is topical gel that is painted onto the teeth, making them stronger

Did you know?

• In the US alone, children miss about 52 million hours of school each year because of oral health problems
• Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases and conditions can largely affect the ability to learn
• 90% of decay in children’s permanent teeth occurs on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth[1]; sealants serve as a physical barrier to the bacteria that cause decay.

To sign your student up for Seal-A-Smile, please visit: https://sealasmile.wisconsin.gov/Consent/Home/About

We are excited to introduce Kayla Hottinger, who is joining our team as our new Learning Strategist! Kayla holds degrees from UW–Whitewater and Concordia University Irvine.

Originally from Racine, WI, Kayla currently lives in Oconomowoc, WI, with her husband, Jake, their two children—Riley and Carter and their dog, Goose. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, hunting, fishing, following sports, and spending quality time with friends and family.

School counselors are currently conducting senior check-ins to review plans discussed during junior conferences last year. Families are not expected to attend as the meetings are simply follow up conversations.

Watertown High School’s College and Career Planning Night will be held at WHS on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 5:45 - 8:00 p.m. The evening includes multiple breakout sessions and families can choose the sessions that best match their student’s interests and future plans.

Students and families will have an opportunity to explore a wide range of college, career, financial aid, military, and work-based learning options, including:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Learn about the financial aid process and completing the FAFSA. This session is especially important for seniors who are attending or considering a postsecondary institution.

• Universities of Wisconsin: Learn about the 13 Universities of Wisconsin campuses and the UW application process.

• Wisconsin Independent Colleges and Universities: Explore Wisconsin’s private, nonprofit colleges, including information about majors, extracurricular opportunities, affordability, career services, inclusivity, and campus resources.

• Madison College and Wisconsin Technical Colleges: Learn about technical college programs, educational opportunities, and scholarships, including options available through Madison College’s Watertown and Truax campuses.

• UW-Whitewater and UW-Whitewater at Rock County: Learn about the college experience and the admissions process and timeline for both campuses.

• WHS Youth Apprenticeships & Co-Ops: Discover how students can jump-start a career while still in high school through opportunities available through the WHS School to Career program.

• Adult Apprenticeships: Learn about Registered Apprenticeship as a post-high-school option, including how apprenticeships work, where to explore available programs, and how to get started.

• United States Armed Forces: Representatives from multiple branches of the military will share information about military service, education, training, and career opportunities.

Seniors, juniors, and sophomores are strongly encouraged to attend with their families. Whether a student is considering a four-year university, technical college, apprenticeship, military service, or entering the workforce, College and Career Planning Night is an opportunity to gather information and begin, or continue, planning for life after high school.

• Make-Up Picture Day: Friday, October 2 (Lunch Hours)
• Homecoming Week: October 4 - 10
• PSAT Test: Wednesday, October 14
• College & Career Night: Thursday, October 15 - 5:45 p.m.
• Parent Teacher Conferences: Thursday, October 22 - 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, November 20: Senior Picture Submission Deadline

Watertown High School on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WatertownHighSchoolWI

Watertown High School on Instagram at www.instagram.com/watertownhighschoolwi

Watertown Unified School District on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WatertownUnifiedSD

Watertown Unified School District on Instagram at instagram.com/watertownusd