Parent Update 2025

As we move toward the holiday season, we want to take a moment to recognize the hard work and growth our students have demonstrated this fall. Trimester One will officially conclude on Friday, November 21, and we encourage all students to finish strong and reach out to teachers if they need any final support.

We look forward to a fresh start as Trimester Two begins on Monday, November 24. This is a great opportunity for students to set new goals, build on their successes, and continue developing positive habits that support their learning.

Also, as a point of emphasis to start the 2nd trimester, students are reminded that wearing hats and hoods is against the district dress code. Students are expected to keep hats off and hoods down throughout the day in all school environments, including the cafeteria during lunch. We appreciate your support and partnership as we stay aligned with WUSD expectations.

Please also remember that Thanksgiving Break will run from Wednesday, November 26– Friday, November 28. We hope everyone enjoys a restful and safe holiday with family and friends.

Because next week is a short week, there will be no parent update sent out, but regular communications will resume the following week.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break!

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting student success and strengthening our school community, we invite you to participate in our Fall Parent Survey. Your thoughts, experiences, and insights are invaluable in helping us understand what’s working well and where we can improve.

The survey is quick, easy to complete, and your responses will remain confidential. Your feedback will directly help us enhance programs, communication, and support for all students. Please complete the survey by Tuesday, November 25.

WHS Fall Parent Survey

Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective. Together, we can continue to create a positive and enriching learning environment for every child.

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.

As we begin the new trimester, I want to share a few important reminders that help ensure a smooth, successful experience for all students.

Attendance Expectations

Regular attendance is directly linked to academic success, positive social connections, and overall school engagement. Even a few missed days can create gaps in learning that are difficult for students to make up. Please help your child start the trimester strong by arriving on time and attending school each day unless illness prevents it.

Guidelines for Illness

For the health of all students, please keep your child home if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms. They should be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning. When absences occur, encourage your child to check in with teachers and keep up with assignments as they are able.

Holiday Travel Planning

As we approach the holiday season, we know many families may be planning trips. Please avoid scheduling travel during school days whenever possible. Missed instructional time is difficult to replicate, and extended absences can be challenging for students academically and socially. If travel during school days is unavoidable, notify our attendance office and your child’s teachers as early as possible so we can help minimize disruptions.

With the start of this new trimester, our focus remains on helping every student thrive. Strong attendance, healthy routines, and proactive communication all make a significant difference. Thank you for your partnership in reinforcing these habits at home.

Student Attendance Rewards

We are pleased to share information about the Trimester 1 Attendance Reward! Students who met the criteria of 98% attendance, no late arrivals, and no unexcused absences will receive this recognition. Necessary details will be shared with students and parents during the first week of December. Thank you for maintaining such dependable and consistent attendance.

We’re happy to share that we will have a Trimester 2 Attendance Reward Program and we’d love your partnership in helping students feel motivated and supported each day. Students who earn 95% attendance (no lates or unexcused attendance) for trimester 2 will have a chance to win a prize. We know that consistent attendance helps students feel connected, confident, and successful, and this is a wonderful opportunity to cheer them on together. Thank you for all you do to encourage your child—your support truly makes a difference.

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.

Ms. Else's AP Human Geography students explored the concept of gerrymandering through a hands-on activity using M&Ms to represent different voting populations. They experimented drawing district boundaries and saw how the same population can produce very different electoral outcomes. And they had a fun treat to close out the trimester!

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
WUSD 11:30 a.m. Early Release: Tuesday, December 23
No School - Winter Break: Wednesday, December 24 - Friday, January 2
School Resumes: Monday, January 5
No School - Staff Professional Development: Monday, January 19