Parent Summer Newsletter 2026

We hope you are enjoying your summer! We are excited to provide you with some general information about the student registration process and the upcoming 2026-27 school year.

Online Skyward Registration will be available starting on Monday, July 27. All families are required to go through the Online Skyward Registration process which can be completed from your home. Online Registration can be found via Skyward Family Access on the left hand side. Online registration must be completed using the full web-based version of Skyward Family Access. It cannot be completed through the mobile app.

Families will be given the opportunity online to pay fees with a credit card, near the end of the registration process. Paying online will result in a 3% convenience fee. You may also mail your payment to Watertown High School, Attn: Bookkeeping, 825 Endeavour Dr., Watertown, WI 53098.

The Watertown Unified School District has active guidelines regarding the waiver of school fees. Under this policy (po6152.01), the Board will waive assessed fees for students whose parent(s) are unable to afford them, ensuring these costs do not act as barriers to their educational program.

Families that qualify through Direct Certification, will be notified of eligibility via email or mail and must complete the "Consent to Share Information Form" before any fees may be waived.

Families that do not qualify through Direct Certification but believe that they qualify for Free or Reduced Meals must first complete the required income-based application on the WUSD website at https://watertownunified.healtheliving.net/what-we-do/meal-applications/, or request a paper application from any school office, in order to receive consideration for the waiving of fees. If the application is approved as eligible, families will be notified via email or mail and must complete the "Consent to Share Information Form" before any fees may be waived.

Students who qualify for an approved fee waiver will have their fees removed from Skyward once all steps have been completed.

Students requesting bus transportation for the 2026-2027 school year, must complete the GoRiteway Bus Form by Saturday, August 1, 2026 to guarantee routing the first week of school.

There are some important updates regarding Watertown High School athletics registration and schedules for the upcoming school year. Please review the major changes below:

• Platform Transition: Athletic registration ("Red Card" paperwork) will no longer be available through Skyward Family Access. Additionally, athletic schedules will no longer be hosted on rSchool/Arbiter.
• Introducing BOUND: Moving forward, WHS Athletics will use a new platform called BOUND for both athletic registration and sports schedules. Please see the attached document for detailed information and step-by-step instructions on setting up your account.
• Physical Exam Forms: You can now conveniently scan and upload your student’s physical forms directly to their BOUND account. Paper copies of the physical form are no longer required to be turned into the Athletic Office.
• Fall Sports Kick-off Meeting: Our Fall Sports Kick-off Meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 4th at 6:30 PM in the WHS Auditorium. Any student-athlete who has not previously viewed the "Red Card" video—and plans to participate in sports this year—is required to either attend the Fall Sports Kick-off meeting or watch the video via Skyward Family Access alongside a parent or guardian. Both the student and a parent/guardian must sign off confirming they have either attended the meeting or viewed the video.

Note for Co-Parenting / Split Households: To prevent duplicate files, please designate only one parent or guardian to complete the online athletic paperwork in Bound. If you have any questions, please email Kelley Piasecki at piaseckik@mywusd.org or call 920-262-7502.

Thank you for your cooperation as we transition to this new system. Go Goslings!

Cheer (Football season):

• Red card paperwork due NO LATER THAN Thursday, July 23, 2026
• First practice: Monday, July 27, 2026

• Red card paperwork due NO LATER THAN Thursday, July 30, 2026
• Equipment handout/First practice: Tuesday, August 4, 2026

• Red card paperwork due NO LATER THAN Thursday, August 6, 2026
• First practice: August 10, 2026

• Red card paperwork due NO LATER THAN Thursday, August 6, 2026
• First practice: August 11, 2026

• Red card paperwork due NO LATER THAN Thursday, August 6, 2026
• First practice: August 11, 2026

• Red card paperwork due NO LATER THAN Thursday, August 13, 2026
• First practice: August 17, 2026

• Red card paperwork due NO LATER THAN Thursday, August 13, 2026
• First practice: August 17, 2026

• Red card paperwork due NO LATER THAN Thursday, August 13, 2026
• First practice: August 17, 2026

We will utilize cashless ticketing options for the upcoming 26-27 school year. Watertown High School is excited to offer this option and make the gate admission process easier and more convenient for our families and students. WHS students will still gain free admission at the gate with a current ID card in hand. We will offer several admission pass options to help you and your family save money all year long at our home events.

When we say cashless - we mean cashless. You can pre-purchase your passes or individual tickets online ahead of time OR make use of our credit/debit card readers at the gate with no advanced purchase or account needed. No more scrambling to remember to stop by the gas station on the way to the game to get cash…use your card or Apple Pay at the gate. Starting in the Fall, you will be able to click on “Tickets” at the top of the Watertown High School BOUND public site to begin your ticketing experience.

WHS will host the 2026 Freshman Experience for all incoming freshman students on Wednesday, August 19th from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. The Freshman Experience will begin at 8 a.m. in the WHS Commons. The event will provide incoming freshman with an opportunity to prepare for the transition to high school through sessions designed to introduce students to life as a WHS student.

During the event, incoming freshman 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. If you have not signed up for the event, please contact Jen Devers or Jen Pennington to register.

Individual student schedules will be made available to students and families on Monday, August 17.

• Changing a student's schedule affects more than just your student's classes. It can impact class sizes, teacher assignments, and the overall school schedule. Because of this, schedule changes are limited.
• Students may make schedule changes during the DROP/ADD Period, which includes the first three days of the trimester (September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd). Changes made at this time are once again limited to availability. Note this applies to each of the three trimesters during the school year. Make sure you review the reasons below carefully. Course registration is important, and changes are not guaranteed. There are numerous reasons for this, including classes closed after reaching seating capacity, conflicts with classes offered at specific times, changes that may interfere with the ability to meet graduation requirements, etc.
  
  
• Acceptable reasons for a schedule change include:
• You have been accepted into:
• Early College Credit Program (ECCP)
• Start College Now (SCN)
• Youth Apprenticeship

• You already earned credit for the course (through summer school or credit recovery)

• There is an error in your schedule, such as:

• A missing required class

• Being placed in the wrong course level

• Taking classes out of order (example: Spanish II before Spanish I)

• You are a senior missing a graduation requirement

• You need to change course levels (example: Honors Biology → Standard Biology)
  
  

• Requests for Schedule Changes will be processed starting on August 24. No requests for schedule changes will be reviewed or acted upon until August 24.
• We will not make schedule changes for the first trimester after September 3rd. Please see page 10 of the WHS Course Description Book for more information on the Drop/Add Policy.
• Please contact the student services office at 920-262-7550 with any questions.

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, families should complete step 1a of the Skyward Registration Process and check the box that reads: "I would like to participate in the Direct Admit Wisconsin Program." If you have any questions regarding the program, contact Mrs. True, WHS counselor, at (920) 262-7500 x6825 or truea@mywusd.org

The 2026-2027 yearbooks can be purchased online through the Herff-Jones website: http://bit.ly/2WFzrGD. The WHS order number is 3818 (if needed).

This year, the yearbook fee will be $55. This is the only way to purchase a yearbook for this school year. Please plan accordingly as no extra yearbooks will be ordered.

The deadline to purchase a 2026-2027 yearbook is Friday, April 30, 2027. FYI...The 2026-2027 yearbook will not arrive to WHS until August, 2027.

All parking information will be collected online via Skyward Family Access under Online Forms. Parents will need to enter the following information into the online form: student driver’s license number, car make, model, year, color, current insurance vendor and policy number.

Parents will need to add the parking fee of $100 to the checkout process when completing the registration. The parking fee must be paid in full. Parking hang tags for those students who have completed the registration process and fee payment will be handed out during the first week of school.

Please mark your calendars for our Back to School Night on Wednesday, August 26th from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The purpose of this informal event is to provide our families the opportunity to meet faculty and learn more about the curricular and co-curricular offerings available at WHS. All faculty will be in attendance.

Student locker information will be available on Skyward Family Access starting on August 26th.

This year’s Academic Award winners will be recognized on Wednesday, August 26th at 7 p.m. in the WHS Auditorium. Invites will be emailed home to students and families who will be honored.

As we move into the 2026-27 school year, please keep the following items in mind:

• The WHS school day will begin at 8 a.m. and dismiss at 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, school will begin at 8:00 a.m. and dismiss at 2:15 p.m.
• We will continue with the 35-minute Extended Learning Time (ELT) enrichment period at the conclusion of 1st hour every day. During ELT, students will have an opportunity to make up assessments, receive additional instructional support from their teachers, and receive important information. ELT will include a schedule that will allow movement so students are able to access teachers and classes for which they need additional support. Please note that to start the school year, students will report to their assigned homeroom until further notice in order to receive essential information to begin the school year.

WUSD will continue with the early release on Wednesdays at 2:15 p.m. Buses will depart immediately after school on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.

While we fully expect that the majority of the students will leave WHS following the 2:15 p.m. dismissal each Wednesday, we understand that may not be possible, nor practical, for all students. Consequently, we have a plan of supervision for students who need to remain at WHS as follows:

• Supervised areas will include the commons for those interested in having a place to study.

Network Photography will be at WHS to take student pictures on Thursday, September 3rd (Student Last Name A – L) and Friday, September 4th (Student Last Name M – Z) in the WHS Auditorium. It is important that your student has their picture taken to secure a student ID card. Picture make-up day will take place on Friday, October 2 from 10:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the WHS Media Center.

• Senior yearbook photos will need to be uploaded directly to the Herff-Jones website: https://yearbookshare.com/eShare and the school code is 825. The senior photo should be a headshot with no hands in the photo. The deadline to upload your senior picture is Friday, November 20, 2026. Hard copy photos and emailed senior photos will not be accepted.

• Parents are reminded to double check the spelling of their senior’s name in Skyward as that name will be used for the yearbook and graduation purposes (diploma, etc.). If you want a middle name on your student’s diploma, please make sure it is updated in Skyward before the school year begins.

On Wednesday, October 14th, sophomore and junior students have the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT, or “practice SAT,” at WHS. The PSAT is an optional, online 2.5 hour test (appx 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.) that is taken in preparation for the college admission process. The PSAT has a Reading, Writing, and Math section. Results are used to create the National Merit Scholarship score. Students who take the PSAT during their junior year are considered for the National Merit Scholarship competition. The most common reason students take the PSAT include:

*To receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses and focus preparation efforts
*To see how you compare to others applying to college
*To enter the competition for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11)
*To help you prepare for the SAT

If your student is interested in this opportunity, please add the PSAT ($20) to your student fees via Skyward. Limited spots are available, so be sure to sign up soon. The deadline to sign up is Friday, September 4th.

Every 9th grade student at Watertown Unified School District will again be issued a Chromebook for the upcoming school year! This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to integrate technology into the classroom and ensure that all students have the tools they need for success.

To help your child make the most of their new Chromebook, here are some best practice strategies for taking great care of their school-issued device:

1. Handle with Care: Remind your child to always carry their Chromebook with both hands. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it to prevent screen damage.

2. Keep It Clean: Encourage your child to clean the screen and keyboard regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the device.

3. Charge Responsibly: Make it a routine to charge the Chromebook every night so it’s ready for the next school day. Remind your child to avoid overcharging and to unplug the charger once it’s fully charged.

4. Store Safely: Ensure your child stores their Chromebook in a safe place when not in use, away from food, drinks, and extreme temperatures. This will help prevent spills and other accidents.

5. Use with Care: Teach your child to avoid downloading unauthorized apps or software that could harm the device or compromise school network security.

6. Report Issues Promptly: If your child encounters any issues with their Chromebook, encourage them to report it to their teacher. Early intervention can prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones.

Thank you for your support in helping us take good care of these valuable learning tools. Student Chromebooks will be distributed at the Freshman Experience Event on August 19. Students who are unable to attend the event, will receive their Chromebooks on the first day of school.

Please remember that every upcoming 10th, 11th, and 12th grade student at Watertown High School had the opportunity to use their school-issued Chromebook throughout the school year and over the summer. This initiative is designed to ensure that our students have continuous access to educational resources and can stay engaged in learning all year round.

To help your child take great care of their Chromebook, here are some best practice strategies:

1. Handle with Care: Encourage your child to always carry their Chromebook with both hands.

2. Keep It Clean: Remind your child to clean the screen and keyboard regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the device.

3. Charge Responsibly: Make it a habit to charge the Chromebook fully before use. Ensure that the charger is unplugged once the device is fully charged to prevent overcharging.

4. Store Safely: Ensure your child stores their Chromebook in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, near water, or in places with extreme temperatures, such as a car.

5. Use Securely: Remind your child to use their Chromebook in a safe and secure environment. Avoid using it in places where it could be easily stolen or damaged.

6. Report Issues Promptly: If your child experiences any issues with their Chromebook, encourage them to report it to the school's IT department immediately. Addressing problems early can prevent them from becoming larger issues.

7. Stay Engaged: Encourage your child to use their Chromebook for educational purposes over the summer. There are many online resources and programs that can help them prepare for the upcoming school year.
   
   

We are excited about the learning opportunities that continuous access to technology will provide for our high school students. Thank you for your support in ensuring that these devices are well cared for during the summer and beyond.

Wisconsin has updated its immunization requirements for child care and school entry.

If your child will be in 12th grade during the 2026/2027 school year, we need to have dates of two ACWY containing meningitis vaccines, unless the first dose was given after your child was 16 years old. Parents/guardians may sign a personal conviction or religious waiver for these meningitis vaccines, just as they may for other vaccinations, or have a medical waiver signed by a healthcare practioner.

If you have any questions about the new immunization requirements, please contact either your child’s medical provider or Lynn Gilbert, WUSD School Nurse, at 920-262-1460 x 3219.

Families will find the 2026 Free and Reduced Price School Meal form on the Nutrition Services webpage. Forms can be turned in to any of the district schools. A new form must be completed each school year.

Under Wisconsin Statute 120.12 (22), students who qualify for free and reduced lunch will have their AP exam(s) cost waived. Families must complete the paperwork for free/reduced lunch each year. If you have not yet done so, that paperwork should be completed by October 1st to ensure that there is no gap in your student receiving free/reduced lunch benefits.

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

The Shared Community Mission Group, which is a group of 13 churches in Watertown committed to

outreach assistance for children and families, will again distribute free school supplies thru the SOS: Support Our Students program.

This year the school supplies will be handed out in the gym of St. Henry Parish Center, 300 Cady Street on the afternoon of Monday, August 10, Tuesday, August 11, and the morning of Wednesday, August 13.

Families that cannot afford school supplies for their children are invited to join us. The group will serve children enrolled in grades 4K through high school.

Every family must pre-register and receive an appointment time to pick up school supplies. This year will offer an in-person pick up. Children will be escorted by a volunteer with a list of their school and grade’s desired items to select their own supplies.

Children will be able to choose a new backpack, one extra item from the favorite “Hodge Podge table” and a book from the” Books to Grow On” program sponsored by Christ United Methodist Church. The Watertown Food Pantry will also have bags of food available.

Beginning July 20 thru July 31, 2024 families can register for SOS Free School supplies at the following churches: Christ United Methodist, Ebenezer Moravian, Watertown Moravian, St. Bernard’s Catholic, First Congregational-UCC, First Baptist, New Life Church, River Valley Alliance, Good Shepherd Lutheran, Immanuel Ev. Lutheran, and St. Paul’s Episcopal church.

One can also register at the following outreach programs:

• Summer Sandwiches in the Park on Wednesdays from 11:30 to 12:30 at Riverside Park sponsored by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church;

• Summer Sandwiches in the Park on Fridays from 11:30-12:30 at Timothy Johnson Park sponsored by Ebenezer Moravian Church;

• Watertown Food Pantry and Personal Essential Pantry at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church;
• Bread and Roses on Thursday evenings at the former Windwood Country Club
• Loaves and Fishes on Monday evenings at Watertown Moravian Church;
• Mary’s Room at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
• Watertown Family Connections at the Watertown Public Library

• Freshman Experience: Wednesday, August 19 - 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Back to School Night: Wednesday, August 26 - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Academic Awards: Wednesday, August 26 - 7 p.m.
• First Day of School: Tuesday, September 1
• Picture Day: September 3 & 4 - 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• No School - Labor Day: Monday, September 7
• 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.

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