Parent Update
Watertown High School
Parent Update 5.30.25
Greetings WHS families,
It was a great week at WHS filled with celebrations as we wind down the last few weeks of the school year. It is also tournament season with our many sports and activities, so be sure to check out the event calendar and cheer on the Gosling Nation to victory!
Be sure to review the updates below as we work hard to close out the school year!
News and Note from Principal Kerr
Greetings WHS Families
I wanted to share with you the news that I have accepted a principal position in another district beginning on July 1st. While I am excited for this new opportunity, I will always carry my #GoslingPride with me. I will be working hard during the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
It has been an honor to serve the WHS learning community over the last 14 years as a teacher, coach, associate principal, and building principal. I am proud of the great things we have accomplished for our students and know this work will continue at a high level. I am personally as well as professionally grateful for the community’s support over the years.
We have amazing students and staff and I look forward to a great end to the school year!
Sincerely,
Josh Kerr, Principal
Watertown High School
Grades and Gradebook Checks
(Especially Seniors!)
As we continue through the trimester, please continue checking your student’s grades in Skyward and communicate with your student’s WHS teachers if there are any academic concerns. This is especially important for our seniors who are close to the finish line! With only a few weeks remaining in the trimester as well as the school year it is more important than ever to ensure that your student makes the most of the academic opportunities available in their classes. It is a busy, exciting time of year and WHS staff want to partner with WHS families to ensure every student has a fantastic, successful end to the school year!
Class of 2029 - Freshman Experience
Tuesday, August 19
WHS will host the Class of 2029 Freshmen Experience for all incoming freshman students on Tuesday, August 19th from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Freshmen Experience will begin at 8 a.m. in the WHS Commons. The event will provide incoming freshmen with an opportunity to prepare for the transition to high school through sessions designed to introduce students to life as a WHS student. Families can register via Skyward.
During the event, incoming freshmen will have an opportunity to get to know their classmates, explore the building, learn important skills to prepare them for the school year, meet WHS faculty, ask questions of current WHS students, run through a mock schedule, and learn more about co-curricular offerings. The event provides the perfect opportunity to jump start your student’s experience at WHS.
25-26 Student Schedules
Please be aware 25-26 student schedules will not be released until late-August. Students will be asked to review their schedules in Skyward at that time. Changes to students 25-26 schedules can be made after schedules are released until the first day of school. Students wishing to drop a class, will need to complete the form which will become available in late August. School counselors will be working on selected days during the second and third week of August and will respond to emails at that time.
Senior Graduation Information
Graduation Ceremony Student Picture
Empire Photography will be photographing every graduate as they receive their diploma at the commencement ceremony. To ensure you can easily access and order your graduate's photos after the ceremony, please take a moment to pre-register using the QR code or visit www.empirephotos.com/WatertownHS10
Pre-registering helps properly identify each graduate and deliver proofs to families as quickly as possible after the ceremony.
Empire will capture multiple angles of each graduate, including the diploma presentation and special moments throughout the ceremony.
WHS Library
Student Immunization Reminders
Students in Grades 9-11
Immunizations (also called vaccines or shots) are one of the most important ways to protect children from diseases. Immunizations are especially important for school-aged children because children in school are regularly in close contact with others who may be able to spread these diseases.
For the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, all students will need receive the required immunizations or an appropriate waiver. Please contact Lynn Gilbert, School District Nurse for any questions, or visit the DHS website for more information on school vaccine requirements.
Summer School 2025
Summer School 2025 will run from Wednesday, June 18 until Friday, July 18 with no school on July 3rd, 4th, and 7th. The Summer School Open House will take place on Tuesday, June 17 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Dean of Student Update
Our last attendance incentive is still out there to be achieved! Students who have 90% or better attendance from May 9 through June 6 will earn the opportunity to participate in the first Activity Day at WHS on the last day of school, June 10. Students have signed up for three different sessions to participate in for the June 10 Activity Day. Some of the events for the day include: bean bags, tennis and pickleball, video game rooms, card and board game rooms, adult coloring, bring your own crafts/projects, a movie and more! The staff is looking forward to a fun filled last day with students!
Schedule for the Activity Day
8:00-8:10: First hour–Attendance, talk about schedules
8:10-8:15: Passing time
8:15-9:00: Traditional ELT (Pull kids that need to finish assessments
9:05-9:50: Session 1
9:55-10:40: Session 2
10:45-11:30: Session 3
Chromebook Technology Reminders
Parents and Students in Grade 9, 10, & 11
As we head into the summer break, we want to remind you that you will be keeping your Chromebooks over the summer months. This means you will have continued access to educational resources, allowing you to stay connected and engaged in learning opportunities.
It's important to remember to take good care of your Chromebook during this time to ensure it remains in good working condition for the next school year. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your Chromebook:
Keep it safe: Avoid dropping or bumping your Chromebook. Use a protective case if possible.
Keep it clean: Regularly clean the screen and keyboard with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquids or harsh chemicals.
Keep it charged: Charge your Chromebook regularly to ensure it's ready when you need it.
Keep it secure: Treat your Chromebook like any other valuable item. Avoid leaving it unattended in public places.
Use it responsibly: Follow your school's guidelines for appropriate use of your Chromebook, and remember that it's a tool for learning.
By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your Chromebook remains a valuable resource throughout the summer and into the next school year.
Parents and Students in Grade 12
As the school year comes to a close, we want to remind you that seniors will be returning their Chromebooks on Monday, June 9. It's important to prepare for this process to ensure a smooth return and to properly conclude your time with the device.
Here are some important reminders to help you prepare for the return of your Chromebook:
Remove personal items: Clear your Chromebook of any personal stickers, decals, or accessories that you may have added.
Clean your Chromebook: Give your Chromebook a thorough cleaning, including the screen, keyboard, and case, to ensure it's in good condition for return.
Check for damage: Inspect your Chromebook for any damage or issues. Report any problems to the school's IT department.
Return all accessories: Remember to return any accessories that were issued with your Chromebook, such as chargers or cases.
Follow return instructions: Follow the school's instructions for returning your Chromebook, including the date, time, and location for return.
Returning your Chromebook is an important step as you prepare to move on to the next chapter of your academic or professional journey. Thank you for taking care of your Chromebook throughout the year, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Student Work Permits
Student work permits must be obtained online through the Department of Workforce Development's Equal Rights Division website. Below is a link on how parents/guardians can create an account and complete the work permit.
Rooms Reminder
Thank you to the many parents and guardians that have already logged in to Rooms – the WUSD’s new app-based two-way secure messaging tool that enables parents, teachers, coaches and students to stay better connected.
Rooms is now live across all grade levels. If you have not yet logged in to Rooms, we ask you to please do so now. Communication is already being sent home via Rooms and Rooms will be the primary way we communicate with all families at the start of the 2025-26 school year. We do not want you to miss out on any important updates or information!
To access Rooms, download the Watertown USD app by clicking the link below appropriate for your mobile device or computer. You will be prompted to log in with your phone number or email address attached to your student’s Skyward account. If you have any issues logging in, please contact Melissa Lampe, WUSD Communications Specialist at lampem@mywusd.org.
Link for Android: https://aptg.co/9F12nP
Link for iPhone: https://aptg.co/ZkZ2jK
Link for desktop login: edurooms.com (log in with your email linked to Skyward at registration)
Great Things Happening at WHS!
Professional Baking
Mrs. Fuller's Professional Baking class designed and created cupcakes for the cupcake competition!
Peace Garden Clean Up
This last Saturday WHS students participated in the yearly Peace Garden Clean Up. Everyone was able to successfully weed, rake, and spread mulch to make the entire garden beautiful. Thank you so much to everyone who helped. It was a fun and productive morning!
National Honor Society
To finish up NHS’s monthly appreciation, they decided to recognize and give out gifts to the high school’s administrators.
UW-Whitewater Percussion Visit
Band students enjoyed a performance visit from a UW- Whitewater percussion trio on Tuesday. The college students performed a classic 1960s piece called Lift Off!, and fielded questions from our musicians in a short Q&A session.
Name that Tune
Mr. Cornelius' class earned a treat this morning for the 7th caller to correctly identify the song!
Upcoming Dates
- Senior Fees Due: Friday, May 30
- Senior Scholarship Ceremony: Monday, June 2 (7 p.m.)
- WUSD Last Day of School: Tuesday, June 10 (Dismissal 11:30 a.m.)
- Senior Graduation Practice: Friday, June 13 (10 a.m.)
- Class of 2025 Graduation Day: Saturday, June 14 (10 a.m.)
- Summer School Starts: Wednesday, June 18
- Watertown Athletic Calendar
Parent Resources
WHS Phone Numbers
WHS Main Line: 920-262-7500
- Press 1 for Attendance Office
- Press 2 for Student Services/Requesting a Transcript
- Press 3 for Main Office (Administration/Athletics)
- Press 4 for Bookkeeping Office
- Press 5 for Nutrition Services
- Press 6 for WHS Health Room
WHS Attendance: 920-262-7537
WHS Student Services: 920-262-7550
Check Us Out...
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Watertown Unified School District on Instagram at instagram.com/watertownusd