Parent Update

Watertown High School

Parent Update 5.16.25

Greetings WHS families,

It was a great week at WHS with the conclusion of AP testing on Friday, May 16th! With only a few weeks left in the school year I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of our families for your continued support throughout the year. Your partnership is essential in creating a successful learning environment for our students.

As we approach the close of the school year, we are already planning for an exciting 2025-26 school year. Stay tuned for upcoming communications about important back-to-school information.

In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to your student’s teachers with any questions as we finish out another incredible school year!

Chromebook Technology Updates

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.

Senior Graduation Information

Graduation Parent Information

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.

DWD Work Permit Information

Social Media Trend Awareness

Unfortunately there is an emerging social media trend on TikTok called the "#ChromebookChallenge." This trend involves students deliberately damaging school-issued Chromebooks, often by inserting items like pencil lead into USB ports. This act can cause the devices to smoke or even catch fire, posing a significant safety risk to students or those around them. School districts across the state are experiencing these incidents of device damage.

We appreciate your support and ask that you have a conversation with your student to remind them of the serious nature and subsequent consequences of engaging in this activity. Please note WHS administration is sending a communication to students on Friday, May 9th via email as well as an all school announcement.

It is important to reiterate that any students engaging in this activity will be held responsible for the full $250 Chromebook replacement cost. Additionally, any actions that expose other students to toxic smoke or flames from igniting a lithium battery in a classroom could result in further disciplinary measures and potential charges. Students that intentionally damage property will be subject to significant school disciplinary consequences per the WHS Student Handbook and WUSD BOE policy, up to and including a referral to the Watertown Police Department. Students could also be charged or fined for costs associated with any potential fire department response as a result of intentionally setting their chromebooks on fire.

Thank you for your support and prompt attention to this serious matter as we promote a safe school environment.

WHS Student Handbook
WUSD BOE Policy 5309.2: Code of Classroom Conduct
WUSD BOE Policy 5314: Vandalism

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)

Art Walk - May 28

Great Things Happening at WHS!

Senior Addie Nass conducts the Concert Band at their spring Concert on May 1. Addie will be attending Luther College to continue her musical journey in the fall.