Friday, December 16, 2022
Dear Watertown Public Schools Faculty, Students, and Families,
It always amazes me when we reach the month of December. Time seems to whiz by in a flash.
These past two weeks have been filled with evening performances showcasing the hard work and dedication of our students. Swift Middle School band and orchestra filled the air with music on Monday and Wednesday. And last weekend, WHS theater received rapturous applause from the audience over several shows for their witty rendition of Alice in Wonderland. The arts always have the power to bring joy and happiness to all. It is undeniably an integral part of a student’s academic experience and watching the nights of rehearsal and performance come to fruition on stage is a delight!
And…the spirit of giving can be felt throughout our schools. Whether it’s a pajama day or a ‘giving tree’ set up in the lobby, students, faculty and staff show that the holiday season is not just for receiving but giving too!
Don’t forget, Free meals end on 12/22!
The Watertown Public Schools will be returning to the regular lunch plan when students return to school on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. The State’s free meal grant finishes at the end of this year.
Meal prices beginning Jan.3
Elementary Breakfast: $1.75
Elementary Lunch: $3.00
Secondary Breakfast: $2.25
Secondary Lunch: $3.50
Reduced Breakfast: $0.30
Reduced Lunch: $0.40
Please note the following:
Students that already qualify for free or reduced-price meals via a meal application or direct certification will continue to receive those benefits.
SUBMIT! a Free & Reduced Lunch Application if you have not already. The meal application can be requested from your child’s main office, downloaded here, or completed directly online via MySchoolApps. Even if you’re not sure if you’ll qualify - Fill one out!
REFILL! Your child’s MySchoolBucks account: MySchoolBucks remains the preferred method of submitting school meal payments. MySchoolBucks allows you to set automatic balance reminders so your child never runs out of funds. Alternatively, students can add funds to their account in the cafeteria by cash or check.
Information regarding SNAP Benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps) can be found here. Qualifying for SNAP increases food funding at home and also qualifies you for free school meals. A copy of the SNAP application can be completed on the CT Department Social Services website.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend Watertown,
Dr. V
Important Dates and Happenings
December 22 - Early Dismissal for Students
December 23 to January 2 - Winter Break, Students and faculty return on Tuesday, January 3
*Central Office will be open during select hours during the break. Please call ahead before visiting!
January 5 - Early Dismissal for Students, PD for faculty
January 9 - Regular BOE Meeting, 7PM
January 12 - Grade 6 Chorus and Select Choir at Swift, 6PM
January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 19 - Early Dismissal for Students, PD for faculty
Pictures from Around the District
Hanukkah and Christmas 2022
Sunday night was the start of Hanukkah! An important Jewish festival that is rooted in the history of the Maccabees. Hanukkah’s tradition of lighting the Menorah for eight nights represents the miraculous oil that was found by the Maccabees that should’ve only burned for one day, but lasted for eight! Hanukkah is celebrated at home with friends and family, through special foods, songs and the exchange of gifts. Wishing all of our Jewish families a very Happy Hanukkah filled with happiness and joy!
The month of December is also the time of Advent for Christians. As we approach the end of the month, Christian families will celebrate one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar, Christmas! Acknowledging and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is a time where Christians are reminded of the miracles, love and compassion that his birth represents.
Educational, Safety, Mental Health and Food Insecurity Resources
As required under Public Act 21-46, the CSDE has updated Educational, Safety, Mental Health and Food Insecurity Resources for Families and Students. This resource also includes Support & Services | Wrap CT (connectingtocarect.org) developed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Quote of the Week
“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour”. ~ John Boswell