PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER
WHS: October 11, 2024
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
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!
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)
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!
GAME ON
Our Ping Pong Club is a HIT!! We most definitely have future Table Tennis Olympians brewing.
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.
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!
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)
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
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
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
- Grade 10: Emily Ollero
- Grade 11: Malcom Cooke
- Grade 12: Graham Madden
WATERTOWN COMMUNITY NEWS
WATERTOWN COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
Our Watertown Educators Association is sponsoring an blood drive on October 30th!
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