Parent Update 2025

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has released the annual state report cards for all public school districts and schools in Wisconsin. The Watertown Unified School District (WUSD) welcomes this opportunity to reflect on our progress, celebrate our growth, and continue our ongoing commitment to learning and continuous improvement.

As a district, our mission is clear: We serve our students by providing educational opportunities that promote academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning. Guided by our Core Values of Empathy, Honesty, Integrity, Perseverance, and Respect, and anchored in our Strategic Plan - we view this data as one more tool to guide our work forward.

WUSD Superintendent Dr. Jarred Burke shared, “The state report card provides important information about how our students are growing and achieving. Just as importantly, it helps us identify where we can improve. We view this data not as a final score, but as part of our continuous improvement model, a way to celebrate our successes and refine our systems so that every student continues to grow.”

The WUSD extends its sincere appreciation to our students, whose hard work and perseverance are the foundation of every success; to our staff, whose expertise and dedication bring our mission to life each day; to our parents and families, whose partnerships support student growth; and to our community, whose commitment ensures that our schools remain places of excellence, innovation, and opportunity.

WUSD’s traditional aim of academic excellence continues to evolve through innovation and transformation. From strengthening literacy and math instruction, to expanding college and career readiness pathways and apprenticeships, to deepening connections across our schools and community, our focus remains the same: ensuring high levels of learning for all students.

As the District reviews this year’s report card data, leadership teams will use the results to inform next steps, align improvement strategies, and guide professional learning, always with the goal of enhancing student outcomes and strengthening our schools.

To view the state report card for the WUSD visit: https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/o/wusd/page/district-accountability-reports. For more information about the Watertown Unified School District and our Strategic Plan, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/district.

End of 1st Trimester: Friday, November 21

A friendly reminder that the 1st Trimester officially ends on Friday, November 21, so if you or your student have any concerns about academic progress in any course, now is the time to communicate with your student’s teacher(s) and/or your student’s WHS counselor to be sure your student finds success! Students and families may also contact the Student Services Office by phone at (920) 262-7550.

WHS students will have an early release day on November 21 and will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Buses will run at the regular time.

Here are a few reminders as WHS quickly transitions from the end of the 1st trimester to the beginning of the 2nd trimester:

Trimester 1 grades are due on Monday, December 1, so you should be able to view those "final" grades on starting on December 2. Of course, you can always view grades via Skyward for the most up to date information.
Trimester 2 will start on Monday, November 24. Students should view and/or print their schedules via Skyward before Monday. Lunch periods with be shared with students on Monday.
Parents and students are reminded that students may drop a course during the first three days of the trimester with parent and Student Services approval. The deadline to make a schedule change is Monday, December 1st. To request a schedule change, please complete the schedule change request form.

Students Last Name A-He:

Amy True, WHS Counselor
truea@mywusd.org

Students Last Name Hi-Ph:

Erikka Olson, WHS Counselor
olsone@mywusd.org

Students Last Name Pi-Z:

Matthew Dunn, WHS Counselor
dunnm@mywusd.org

ASVAB Opportunity for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

Watertown High School students in grades 10, 11, and 12 have the opportunity to complete the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) on Monday, December 22nd, at 8:00 a.m.

The ASVAB is a nationally recognized assessment that helps students identify their skills, abilities, and career interests. Results can guide students toward potential career pathways, both military and civilian. For students who are considering military service, the ASVAB is also used to determine eligibility for specific military occupations.

An optional interpretation session will be offered after testing to help students understand their results and how they connect to future goals. There is no cost to participate.

Families and students can learn more about the ASVAB, including sample questions, by visiting the ASVAB website.

To register, please complete the following form:
ASVAB Sign-Up Form

Food Resources

We understand that the recent government shutdown and the resulting pause in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits may be creating hardship for some families in our community.

Please know that our school breakfast and lunch programs will continue to operate as usual, providing nutritious meals to all students each day. Families who may need assistance with meal costs are encouraged to complete a free and reduced-price meal application.

There are many community programs and organizations that provide food resources for families. These services help ensure that families have consistent access to nutritious and affordable meals.

Watertown Food Pantry - (920) 390-4252

209 N 9th St, Watertown, WI 53094

The Bread Basket - (920) 390-2575

208 S 3rd St, Watertown WI 53094

Ruby’s Pantry - St. Peter's Lutheran Church

W4661 South Street, Lebanon, WI 53047

Next pop-up pantry:
Must register the first time you attend
Cost is $25 per share.

Free & Reduced-Price Meal Applications

Families may apply for food service benefits anytime through out the year.

To apply:

Online: Login into Skyward Family Access -->Select Food Service Tab on left hand side -->Click Application to start the online process.
Paper Application: https://watertownunified.healtheliving.net/what-we-do/meal-applications/

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Nutrition Services at 920-262-7536.

Kick off your Holiday Season with the Watertown High School Music Department at our annual Holiday Concert, Carols & Bells. A tradition for over 40 years, musicians from band, choir, and orchestra will dazzle and delight you with both sacred and secular Holiday classics. This concert features non-stop music on a grand stage from five ensembles, and the opportunity for you to participate in sing-a-long carols. Continue the Tradition or begin a new one with your family this Holiday Season.

This year's concert will take place on Sunday, December 7 at 4 p.m. and Monday, December 8 at 7 p.m. in the WHS Auditorium. Please make sure to purchase your tickets before they sell out!

Deadline is Friday, November 21

Senior yearbook photos must be uploaded directly to the Herff-Jones website at yearbookshare.com/eShare using the school code 825. The senior photo should be a headshot with no hands visible in the picture. The deadline to upload your senior picture is Friday, November 21, 2025. Please note that hard copy photos and emailed senior photos will not be accepted. Make sure to follow the guidelines and submit your photo on time to be included in the yearbook.

WHS held it's Song of the Day Contest today! First hour classrooms who meet their goal for the week were eligible to call in. Mr. Harms' 1st hour class was the 15th caller with the correct song title and artist, which was "Firework" by Katy Perry. The class was treated to cookie treats! Congratulations!

Congratulations to Gosling band members Sophia Anderson, Alexa Muza, Clara Bernhardt, and Charles Sukow for being named All-Conference musicians!

They met and worked with more than 80 musicians from across the Badger Conference to prepare and perform a concert Tuesday night in Verona. They performed music from contemporary composers under the direction of Dr. Serena Weren from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Watertown German teacher Kim Schneider was recently recognized by the Milwaukee chapter of DANK (the German-American National Congress) for her efforts in promoting German language and culture in and beyond the classroom. The national German-American Congress, founded in 1959, seeks to bring together German-Americans in the pursuit of cultivating and presenting their heritage and interests on local, regional and national levels. The Milwaukee chapter of DANK recognized Schneider and Nicolet High School German teacher Mark Wagner for their work in offering exchange programs, language competitions, local chapters of the National German Honor Society and other exposure to German language and culture. The recognition was accompanied by a monetary award, which in Watertown
will be used to support the 20th anniversary celebration of the of the Watertown-Heringen Exchange Program.

Art Showcase: Wednesday, November 19 - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
End of Trimester 1 (WHS 11:30 Early Dismissal): Friday, November 21
Start of Trimester 2: Monday, November 24
Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
Trimester 1 Grades Posted to Skyward: Tuesday, December 2