Smore logo
remove_red_eye 3.3K
page background
Logo

PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER

WHS: October 11, 2024

PRINCIPAL'SNEWSLETTERWHS: October 11, 2024

To translate this newsletter, please use the link to the right.


Para traduzir este boletim, clique nele e use o link à direita.

Para traducir este boletín, haga clic en él y luego use el enlace a la derecha.

لترجمة هذه الرسالة من المدرسة ، اضغط عليها ثم استخدم الرابط الموجود على اليمين.

Այս տեղեկագիրը թարգմանելու համար կտտացրեք այն, ապա օգտագործեք աջ կողմում գտնվող հղումը:

Чтобы перевести этот бюллетень, нажмите на него, затем воспользуйтесь ссылкой справа.

Bu bülteni çevirmek için üzerine tıklayın ve ardından sağdaki bağlantıyı kullanın.

WHS SCHOOL SITE

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

zoom_out_map

YOUNG FELLAZ BRASS BAND VISIT

On Monday our WHS Musicians and Dancers participated in a workshop and performance with the Young Fellaz Brass Band from New Orleans. Students learned about the culture and tradition of jazz inspired street music. It was a joyful experience for all brought to us by The Friends of Watertown Music and the annual Honkfest. Viva la Musica!

zoom_out_map

3D SCIENCE

After learning about proteins in their biochemistry unit, Honors Biology students research a specific protein and use the 3D printer to print models of its structure. (From left to right: Zoe, Hamdan, Kashif)

zoom_out_map

Last Thursday, Mr. Espada, Mr. Karp, and Ms. Livingston took our ELL Level 2 US History I (Founding to Reconstruction) class to the Watertown Free Public Library as part of their unit on freedom and what it means to us and others. At the WFPL Teen Room, librarians Carey and Kelly helped amplify students' voices by providing our students with materials to create their own signs to express a freedom important to them. The signs will be displayed in front of the library in the coming weeks leading up to the election. Students were excited to share their opinions and make their voices heard in their community!


Big thanks to Mr. Espada, Mr. Karp, Nurse Healy, Ms. Livingston, and Mr. Brewer for helping make this field trip happen!

zoom_out_map

GAME ON

Our Ping Pong Club is a HIT!! We most definitely have future Table Tennis Olympians brewing.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

FAMILY-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for our virtual family conference sessions! Don't forget that our in-person conferences are next Tuesday, October 15th, at 6:00 pm. We will have room maps and directions ready for you when you arrive.


If you have yet to sign up and would like to, you can do so here: WHS Fall Conferences

PSAT and SAT

REMINDER!

10th and 11th graders will take the PSATs and 12th graders who previously registered for SAT School Day will test next Thursday, October 17th. Students should arrive at 8:30 am with their charged Chromebook, Chromebook charger, calculator, and pencil. Late test takers may not be able to test. Room locations will be posted in the morning announcements on Tuesday and in the hallway by the Main Office and the library on the 2nd floor.


9th and 12th graders should arrive to school at 11:30 am.


FAQ:

Today during Advisory, students conducted the Digital Readiness Check for next Thursday's PSAT School Day (10th & 11th graders) and SAT School Day (previously registered 12th graders). Below are some answers to questions students had, in case families have similar questions.


  • I didn't have my Chromebook today. Can I still test?
    • Yes, but you need to bring your school-issued Chromebook to school on Tuesday and complete the exam set up in the library or with your school counselor. This will not take long.
  • Can I use my own computer to test?
    • No. It must be your school-issued Chromebook.
  • I have accommodations in the classroom, do I get them for the PSATs?
    • Maybe. Accommodations for CollegeBoard assessments (like PSATs and SATs) must be approved by CollegeBoard at least 6 weeks in advance. Speak with your school counselor if you believe that you have been approved for accommodations and they were not listed in your exam setup.
  • Where will I test?
    • Students will receive an email with their room locations on Tuesday. Lists will also be posted in the morning announcements and outside the Main Office and library.
  • I still have questions.
    • Please reach out to your school counselor.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Unfortunately, we had significant network problems earlier this week. Because of that, our teachers were pushed back in finalizing their grades and progress reports were not ready to be issued today. Students will now receive their Quarter 1 progress reports on Tuesday, October 15th.

zoom_out_map

NO SCHOOL & INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

Monday, October 14th, is Indigenous Peoples Day! There will be NO school.


Come celebrate the day with us on Sunday the 13th at the Hosmer Elementary School! There will be crafts, music, dancing, storytelling, food, and it is FREE admission for all. See you there!!

COMING UP: FINANCIAL AID NIGHT

Please join the WHS Guidance Department for Financial Aid Night next Wednesday, October 16th, in the WMS Auditorium. A representative from MEFA (Massachusetts Education Financing Authority) will provide an overview of the financial aid process, updates regarding the FAFSA, and resources to support students and families with this work. Students and families in all grades are welcome.

SPIRIT WEEK

ATTENTION STUDENTS! NEXT WEEK IS SPIRIT WEEK!

zoom_out_map

READY TO DANCE?

Don't forget! Homecoming Dance is on October 19th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, in the WMS gym! This year's theme is ~spooky~. PLUS we have a special surprise performance this year from our Student Rock Band! Don't miss out!!


Tickets are CASH only - $10 pre-sale, $12 at the door. Tickets are on sale before and after school until the 18th. If your student would like to bring a non-WPS student guest, they must check in with Mr. Brewer and complete an approval form.


We are also looking for snack and drink donations! If you would like to donate, please drop them off in the WHS Main Office by October 18th.


IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

  • Any students with outstanding sessions are not permitted to attend the dance. Any students with questions regarding their sessions can speak to Mr. Brewer (brian.brewer@watertown.k12.ma.us)
  • Although the theme is spooky, regular Halloween costume regulations are in place (no masks, no inappropriate outfits)

zoom_out_map

THINK PINK!

WHS is ready to THINK PINK! Every October for Breast Cancer Awareness month our Spirit Committee students sell t-shirts and donates 100% of the funds to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Shirts are on sale before and after school until the 16th, and are $15 each. Think Pink with us!


If families want to donate additional funds and/or buy a t-shirt, please email emily.ollero@watertown.k1.ma.us.

YEARBOOK ALREADY?

Although it is only October, we are already working on this year's yearbook! This year, ALL students will be in the yearbook!


Don't miss our EARLY BIRD sale from October 15th to 25th to receive $15 off! Expect an email from Legacy Studios with a link to purchase!

WATERTOWN SOCCER NIGHT!

Don't miss Watertown Soccer Night on the 26th!! Check out the below flyer for all information and don't forget about the community service opportunity available: 4:45 - 8:00 pm, contact Naomi Shea (naomijean@comcast.net)

PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS!!

We have been receiving calls from our neighbors about student street parking. Please take a moment to review our city's parking policies.


  • There is a 2hr parking limit. If broken, WPD will issue parking tickets.
  • It is ILLEGAL to idle. Other than being illegal, this contributes to more traffic and poor environmental conditions.


For more information on parking, please review the Watertown Police Department's parking regulations here.


Please remember to be kind and respectful neighbors :)

PHOTO OPT-OUTS

If you do not want your student to be featured in photos posted by the school (newsletter, website, social media) please complete this form: Student Photo Opt-Out

IMPORTANT REMINDERS IMPORTANT REMINDERS

CLASS DUES

Class dues are collected every year from every student. Dues are $15 with a $5 late fee collected after the deadline (announced by advisor). Only cash or checks (made out to the City of Watertown) are permitted. These dues go towards all class events, gifts, scholarships, and more. Students who have not paid their yearly dues will, unfortunately, be turned away from class events.


If for any reason your family needs assistance with these dues, please connect with your student's class advisor. All information will remain confidential.


  • Grade 9: Bannon Beall & Caitlin Davis
    • bannon.beall@watertown.k12.ma.us // caitlin.davis@watertown.k12.ma.us
  • Grade 10: Emily Ollero
    • emily.ollero@watertown.k12.ma.us
  • Grade 11: Malcom Cooke
    • malcom.cooke@watertown.k12.ma.us
  • Grade 12: Graham Madden
    • graham.madden@watertown.k12.ma.us

WATERTOWN COMMUNITY NEWS WATERTOWN COMMUNITY NEWS

WATERTOWN COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

Our Watertown Educators Association is sponsoring an blood drive on October 30th!

OCTOBER EVENTS OCTOBER EVENTS

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY EVENT

  • October 13, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
  • Hosmer Elementary School

NO SCHOOL

  • October 14

IN-PERSON FAMILY-TEACHER CONFERENCES

  • October 15, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Sign-ups Required

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT

  • October 16, 6:00 pm
  • WMS Auditorium

PSAT & SATS

  • October 17
  • 11:30 am start for grades 9 & 12

HOMECOMING

  • October 19, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
  • WMS Auditorium
  • Tickets required

SENIOR PORTRAITS

  • October 21 & 22 - WMS Auditorium
  • Sign-ups required

SEAL OF BILITERACY TESTING

  • October 25
  • Grade 12 only

WATERTOWN SOCCER/SENIOR NIGHT

  • October 26, 5:00 pm
  • Victory Field

WHS OPEN HOUSE

  • October 28, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
  • WHS

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS WINTER REGISTRATION
See this newsletter for information about winter sports and how to register.

MORE NEWSLETTERS MORE NEWSLETTERS

SEPTEMBER IN THE MOXLEY MUSIC ROOM

HELPFUL LINKS HELPFUL LINKS

Save the Dates
Who to Contact
2024-2025 School Year Calendar
Early Dismissal Reporting Form
Absent Reporting Form
PREVIOUS PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTERS
How are we doing?

How are we doing?

Thank you for taking the time to complete our survey! Please use this space to tell us what practices are working for you and your student and/or what practices you believe could be better.

launch forms.gle
Joel Giacobozzi
Joel is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter