Parent Update 25-26

Hi Gosling Families,

People often refer to February as a slow month, but the energy at WHS has been amazing this week. I am appreciative of the commitment to academics and extracurriculars from our staff and students. There is a lot to be proud of at WHS.

We’ve had a great few weeks! Our winter sports teams continue to compete and show their best efforts, both in and out of the Gym (and pool). Our SkillsUSA, Academic Decathlon, and Watertown Blue Revue teams are in full swing as they prepare for State. Please check the WHS Athletics website for upcoming contests and consider joining the Gosling Nation.

I want to give an advance shout-out to everyone who will be competing at the WHS Trivia Night this Saturday. This is my first time at this event, and I am looking forward to this amazing event.

This week, during my classroom observations, I have noticed a concerted effort from our teachers to have students collaborating, keeping students engaged and active. From hands-on experiments, podcasts, and presentations, we want our students to feel connected to each other and to content.

Remember that student do not have class on Monday, February 9 as WUSD staff will be participating in professional development activities. We look forward to seeing your students on Tuesday, February 10!

We always appreciate your partnership and support. If you have any questions about any recent school communication or need help connecting to upcoming events, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Have a great weekend!

Warmly,

Jason Widiker

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Please mark your calendars for our upcoming state assessments. To ensure an optimal testing environment for our students, we will be implementing a modified attendance schedule on the following dates:

Wednesday, March 18: ACT Testing

Juniors: Will report to school to take the ACT (Appx. 8 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.)
Freshmen, Sophomores, & Seniors: No school - This allows for a quiet, focused environment for our testers.

Wednesday, March 25: PreACT Secure Testing

Freshmen: Will report to school to take the PreACT Secure test (Appx. 8 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.)
Sophomores: Will report to school to take the PreACT Secure & WI Forward (Social Studies) test (Appx. 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Juniors & Seniors: No school - This allows for a quiet, focused environment for our testers.

Junior ACT Sunday Prep Opportunities

WHS will host ACT prep courses for Science, and Math on Sunday afternoons in February and March. Students can sign up for an individual course for a fee of $12 per course. To secure a spot, please register with Mrs. Klinger in the Bookkeeping Office. A minimum of 12 students is needed to avoid cancellation. Refunds will only be issued if the school cancels the sessions. The dates and times for each course are as follows:

2/22/26 - Math - 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
3/15/26 - Science - 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

The 5K Irish Jig Jog is “running for our kids” with all proceeds supporting public and private school classrooms throughout the city. Last year over $23,500.00 was raised on this event alone while over $52,500.00 was given out through the Educational Foundation of Watertown.

Sponsored by the Watertown Regional Medical Center and other local individuals and businesses, the Jig Jog features live music, school cash rewards, team competition, a colorful shirt, valuable costume prizes from local merchants, Watertown Rocks and the popular .4 mile children’s Little Leprechaun Run. To encourage healthy habits, we offer a special family registration rate. Beginning and ending at our beautiful public library, the course jigs and jogs past historic homes, including the Octagon House.

Join over 500 walkers and runners on Saturday March 14th to celebrate the coming of spring and being Irish, if only for a day. We have many more walkers than runners participate! Go to www.WatertownJigJog.com for more information. Register before March 1st to guarantee a long sleeve shirt and special bonus prize.

The 2025-2026 yearbooks can be purchased online through the Herff-Jones website: https://bit.ly/4rllaIP. 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.

Ticket Sales

Ticket sales being on Monday, February 9th!

February Rotary Students

Watertown High School is proud to announce our Rotary Club outstanding seniors! These students have demonstrated excellence in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and community service. Each Monday, WHS seniors will join the Rotary Club at their weekly meetings, providing an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and connect with community leaders. This program highlights the dedication and hard work of our students and fosters valuable connections between WHS and the Watertown community. Congratulations to all our recognized seniors!

Ashley Almendarez Martinez is the daughter of Ma Mercedes Martinez Vazquez and Juan Fransiso Almendarz Castillo. Ashley has been involved in the WHS Band Program and also a member of HOSA (Future Health Professionals) for four years. She has been a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, AVID, and the Dual Language Program where she earned the Biliteracy Seal with Distinction. Ashley has also volunteered her time at Rakefest, the Freshman Experience, the elementary Kindness Retreat, and bell ringing for the Salvation Army. When she isn’t working as a CNA at Marquardt Health Center, she’s preparing for her next chapter at UW–Madison, where she will double major in Biology and Spanish.

Nathan Rocole is the son of Brad and Jaclyne Rocole. Nathan has been a dedicated four-year member of both the WHS Soccer and Wrestling programs. He is an active member in the National Honor Society and currently tutoring students through their student tutoring program. Nathan has also been involved in INTERACT (Student Rotary), mentoring students during the Freshman Experience, supporting the Milwaukee Veterans Stand Down program. Nathan currently works at Thermo-Tech Mechanical Insulation and is committed to pursuing a future in the dental profession.

Melanie Vande Slunt is the daughter of Aaron and Karen Vande Slunt. Melanie has been a committed four year member to both the WHS Band and the Girls Soccer program. She is also a member of National Honor Society and Skills USA. Currently an engineering intern with the City of Watertown, she aims to major in aerospace engineering and realizes her dream of becoming a missile systems engineer.

Song of the Day

WHS held the Song of the Day Contest last Friday (1/30)! First hour classrooms who meet their goal for the week were eligible to call in. Mrs. Nowatske's 1st hour class was the 23rd caller with the correct song title and artist, which was "Basketball" by Kurtis Blow. The class was treated to homemade cookies! Congratulations!

National Honor Society

In January, our National Honor Society students spread a little winter cheer beyond the walls of our school. They baked homemade cookies, packaged them with festive winter stickers, and delivered them around town as a heartfelt thank-you to the people who make an everyday impact on our community.

Stops included the Lebanon Police Station, Lebanon Fire Department, Gentle Healer Pet Clinic, and Meade Medical Center. Through this small act of kindness, our students showed big appreciation for those who serve, care for, and protect others every day.

We are so proud of our NHS students for leading with gratitude and reminding us all that simple gestures can make a big difference!

Wisconsin Scholastic Art Award

Watertown High School AP Art & Design Student Isaac Van Buren was selected by judges at the Wisconsin Scholastic Art Awards for three awards. Isaac received a Silver Key and an Honorable Mention for individual works of art and Silver Key for his art portfolio. His piece "Snakes and Apples" is currently on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum and he will be recognized during a ceremony at the museum on February 7th.

Song of the Day

WHS held it's Song of the Day Contest today! First hour classrooms who meet their goal for the week were eligible to call in. Mr. Kemp's 1st hour class was the 1st caller with the correct song title and artist, which was "Hand Clap" by Fitz & the Tantrums. The class was treated to cookies! Congratulations!