Dr. V's Weekly Update: Jan 25-29, 2021

Alison Villanueva, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Watertown Families, Friday, January 29, 2021

As the weekend awaits, it looks like it’s going to be a cold one! It is officially the end of my first week in Watertown and it has been an absolute delight touring schools to see our students and teachers in action. Each week I look forward to sending out a compilation of happenings from around the district. Below you will find updates, highlights, and some useful information. I’m already looking forward to week two!

Always with kindness,

Dr. Villanueva (but everyone calls me Dr. V)

Happenings and Useful Information

School Status

We continue to monitor each of our schools learning model status on a daily basis. If there is a change to your child’s learning model, you will be notified immediately by your child's school. For the week of February 1-5, 2021, John Trumbull, Polk, and Judson Schools will be Full in person. Swift Middle and WHS will be Hybrid.

Athletics

Watertown HS - Winter sports are in full swing and it is great to see the students back in school and active.  All contests will start by February 9th and we look forward to our athletes having the opportunity to compete!

Swift MS - We are proud to announce an intramural basketball program that will take place during February and March.

WHS Highlights

Superintendent’s First Week and a Few Fun Facts

Did you know there is a first day of school for superintendents too? 

Questions from a Watertown elementary student (answers included): “Dr. V what is your favorite…”

Color: Navy Blue

TV Series: Downton Abbey

Food: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Animal: Polar Bears

Picture Book (until I have a new favorite!): Happy Birthday Cupcake by Terry Border

Check out some of the fun welcome wagons I bumped into during my first week in Watertown! 

Health and Safety

If you are looking for daily Covid-19 information, you can always visit our district website at www.watertownps.org. The WPS Covid-19 Dashboard is updated daily.

Board of Education Update

On Monday, January 25th, the board of education voted to retire the current Watertown High School Indian Mascot. Watertown Public Schools are currently working to determine a clear and collaborative process to not only re-imagine a mascot but also to enhance our K-12 curriculum to include local Watertown and Native American history. The district looks forward to partnering with faculty, students, and families on this important work and learning more about local Watertown and Native American history. 

Food Service

Breakfast and lunch are available to all in-person learners for free! This will continue throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Each student is entitled to one free breakfast and lunch per day. Students who take second meals will be charged the usual meal price.

For remote learners and all children 18 or under, the Watertown Food Service department is providing free meal pickup. Meals pickup is held between 9:15-10:00AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the Watertown High School bus loop. No registration or pre-ordering is required.

Note: If there is not school on a Monday or Wednesday, meal pickup will be on the following day. Ex: If school is cancelled on a Monday due to a holiday or snow, meal pickup will be on Tuesday. Menus for in-person meals and meal pickup can be found HERE or you may copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://www.watertownps.org/o/watertown-public-schools/browse/47446

If you have any questions please reach out to the Food Service Director, Joanna Schipke at Schipkejo@watertownps.org or (860)945-4819.

Quote of the week

“We develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and obstacles” Stephen Covey