Parent Update
Watertown High School
Parent Update 10.4.24
Thanks to our students and staff for making this a fantastic week of Homecoming events at WHS! There is SO MUCH #Goslingpride and we can expect this to continue at our parade as well as the football game later this afternoon.
Have a great weekend and be sure to review the updates below!
Homecoming 2024
Don't forget about the many Homecoming Activites taking place today (Friday) as well as the Homecoming Dance which will take place tomorrow (Saturday) from 8 pm - 11 pm).
Distinguished Alumni 2024
Congratulations to Karla Mullen for being selected as the 2024 Distinguished Alumni! Mrs. Mullen has made outstanding contributions to the Watertown community. Mrs. Mullen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education degree from Carroll University. With this education, she taught English and social studies at Watertown High School for almost 20 years. She earned many awards for her teaching including the Darcey Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award, the Lawrence University Outstanding Teaching in Wisconsin Award, the 2000 Governor's Humanities Award, and the WCTELA Lucile Pooley Award. Mrs. Mullen was also recognized as a Kohl Foundation Fellow. Additionally, in 1999, she earned her certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. While teaching at Watertown High School, Mrs. Mullen connected with and inspired many students through her innovative teaching style. Beyond her students, Karla mentored numerous young teachers, helping them to have the confidence and the courage to try innovative instructional strategies and make a difference for the students of Watertown High School. She, along with her colleague, helped establish the symbolic International Peace garden at the current high school which welcomes every person who comes to Watertown High School. Even after her retirement in 2002, Karla helped design and pilot the Watertown Unified School District teacher mentoring program, served on the Board of Governance for Endeavor Charter School and continued to volunteer working with students in the district. In addition, Mrs. Mullen worked as a consultant for other school districts helping to support new teachers, providing mentoring for teachers seeking National Board certification and facilitating the development of high quality curriculum.
Whereas as many of her peers left Watertown to find their success, Karla has made Watertown her home. She has humbly contributed positively to the community in a variety of ways. Karla and her husband Bill ran an iconic Watertown business, Mullen's Dairy Bar, for 20 years. Their former business is one of the small businesses in downtown Watertown that gives people hope that small businesses can thrive in our community. Beyond that, Mrs. Mullen has served on many local and state boards including the Wisconsin Humanities Council, the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission, and more recently, the Watertown Health Foundation. Through these boards, Karla has helped to ensure literacy, education and health services and programs reach more people. In her free time, Karla also volunteers for the Watertown Area Cares Clinic.
WHS College & Career Planning Night
Parent/Guardian Communication
Partnering with parents and guardians is one of the most important things our school can do to ensure success. Families are highly encouraged to reach out to our incredible WHS staff at any time if they have questions or concerns about their student’s success. The WHS team is here to support in any way we can!
With that in mind, families are welcome to call or email WHS teachers at any time. If parents or guardians would like to have a face to face meeting with teachers, be sure to schedule an appointment with the teacher in advance. Teacher contact information can be found on the WHS website staff directory.
If you have any questions, please contact the WHS Administration at any time. We look forward to partnering with families to ensure all of our students find success at WHS!
AP School Honor Roll
Watertown High School has been named to the 2024 AP School Honor Roll! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP program are delivering results and broadening access for students. Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing their school’s college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Taking AP courses demonstrates to college admissions officers that students have sought the most challenging curriculum available to them, and research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students.
Dean of Students Update
It has been a very awesome homecoming week! Lots of school spirit and pride on display everyday!
Some short but important reminders!
48 hours are given to clear a TR (truancy) for missing a class period or a scheduled ELT session. After 48 hours, any detention time that has been assigned will stand.
Please, please, please check your school email daily! This is the fastest way to find out if detention time will be assigned and to clean up any errors with attendance.
If a teacher requests you for ELT, that takes priority and is where you need to attend for the days ELT. Check your email and Edficiency daily. https://whs.edf.school/
It is an honor to work in such a great high school with such awesome students and staff! GO GOSLINGS!
School Pictures
Picture Proofs Now Available
Students who had their picture taken on September 5 & 6 can pick up their picture proof in the main office for families to order pictures through Network Photography.
Friday, October 11
Picture Retake Day will take place on Friday, October 11 during lunch hours (11:09 - 12:56). Please see the attachment below with details.
Senior Pictures
Goslings Blankets
Are you looking for a special gift for your WHS student for the holidays, their birthday or even graduation? Or even for yourself to support your Watertown Goslings on the upcoming chilly nights?Our specially designed Gosling NubaySoft blankets make a GREAT gift and are super soft, durable and very large!
Don't delay as there are only 30 blankets available for purchase! Blankets can be purchased for $70 by paying the Watertown High School bookkeeper, located at the front entrance of the high school. Check, Cash, and Credit Card accepted (small service fee applies). Or pay online here: https://watertownusd.revtrak.net/whs-gosling-blankets/
WHS Fundraiser
As part of an effort to raise funds to support the positive celebrations within our community, WHS is partnering with Jersey Mike’s in Johnson Creek from October 2nd-October 6th. On October 2nd, WHS students received a fundraiser card for a free sub at Jersey Mike’s in Johnson Creek (New location is at 485 Wright Rd, Unit 103). When students bring the fundraiser card to Jersey Mike’s in Johnson Creek they will receive a free sub in return for a $3 donation toward Watertown High School. Thanks to Jersey Mike’s for their support of our community!
UW Direct Admit
Current Senior Students/Parents
Direct Admit Seniors! You have received your direct admit offers, now what?
- Students should complete the Direct Admit form via the UW Admissions Pathway Portal as soon as possible. Create an account (use your personal email) and follow the steps. The form must be submitted no later than May 1, 2025. After May 1, 2025 the direct admit offer(s) will expire and the student will need to complete a traditional admission application.
- View the next steps checklist
- Reminder: Completion of the Direct Admit Form is not a formal commitment to attend a UW. This form connects students with the UW university of universities they are interested in attending and will allow universities to communicate critical and important next steps to students.
- Students who need help with account creation or completion of the Direct Admit form may contact the Go Wisconsin team for assistance.
- Students, please reach out to Student Services if you have any questions or concerns.
Current Junior Students/Parents
The Watertown Unified School District is participating in a the state program called Direct Admit Wisconsin. Direct Admit Wisconsin is designed to provide a place for all Wisconsin high school students to access a world-class public education by proactively offering them admission to the Universities of Wisconsin. Families will need to opt-in to this program in Skyward at a later point in the school yaer.
Based on a review of your student’s 11th grade transcript (grade point average, math coursework, progression towards graduation), you and your student will receive an email in July, 2025 indicating which UWs are providing them direct admission, and the next steps they are to take in order to learn more about enrolling within the Universities of Wisconsin. Juniors will be presented with Direct Admit Wisconsin information at a later date during homeroom time.
There are 10 UWs participating in Direct Admit Wisconsin for Fall 2026. They are UW-Green Bay, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout, UW-Superior and UW-Whitewater. For further information on Direct Admit Wisconsin will be available later in the school year.
Staff Spotlight: Noelle Else
Ms. Else will also be an assistant coach for the WHS Boys' Swim Team in the winter season as she loves the sport of swimming, having been on the WHS swim team for four years while at WHS. She enjoys spending time with her mom and friends, but also enjoys a good board game!
Great Things Happening at WHS!
October Rotary Students
WHS senior students are recognized for their academic achievements, participation in athletics, school organizations, and the contribution to the Watertown Community. Students will join the Watertown Rotary Club each Monday at their weekly meetings and luncheons.
Aubrey Keddington is the daughter of Holly and Richard Keddington. She has been involved in multiple activities while at WHS including Girls Swim, WHS Carolers, River City Rhapsody, WHS Musicals, and Athletic Leadership. Aubrey is also a member of: National Honor Society (Secretary), Tri-M Music Honor Society (President), and National Art Honor Society. Aubrey is currently acting as President of the INTERACT (Student Rotary) club and the Secretary of Ecology Club. Aubrey was also selected to participate in Badger Girls State this past summer. Aubrey is currently working as a head lifeguard and swim instructor and plans on attending a four year university to study Cellular Biology or Pre-Med.
Sara Rodriguez Machado is the daughter of Zoraida Machado and Cesar Machado. Sara has been associated with National Honor Society, Tri M Music Honor Society, and the German Honor Society (Secretary). She has also been recognized for her score on the German National Exam and as an AP Scholar. When not at WHS, Sara is providing violin and piano lessons in addition to volunteering at a Bible study. After high school, Sara is looking to obtain her BBA in Accounting as well as becoming a certified translator.
William Wrolstad is the son of Kristin Wrolstad and Jeremy Wrolstad. William has been a part of SkillsUSA as a member, an officer, and as the head of electrical engineering on the solar car. He has also been a member of Show Choir, WHS Carolers, WHS Musical, Academic Decathlon, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and INTERACT (Student Rotary). Recently, William was recognized as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist. After high school, William is looking to get a degree in a STEM related field.
Congratulations to the Gosling Marching Band on their 3rd place finish in class triple-A at the Waukesha South Marchfest competition last weekend! Check out the band’s show, The Lost City, this Friday night at halftime of the Varsity football game.
Pictured are WHS students dressing up for USA day this week!
Mr. Kerr, WHS Principal, and Mr. Cornelius, WHS Business Education Teacher, show off their Red, White, and Blue this week on USA Day.
Important Upcoming Dates
- College & Career Night: Monday, October 7 at 5:50 p.m.
- German Host Family Orientation Meeting: Monday, October 7 at 6:30 p.m.
- Picture Retake Day: Friday, October 11
- German Exchange Partners visit WHS: October 12 - 20
- AP Exam Fee Deadline: Wednesday, October 16
- Parent Teacher Conferences: Tuesday, October 22 from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- No School: October 24 & 25
- Senior Pictures Due: Friday, November 1
Parent Resources
WHS Phone Numbers
WHS Main Line: 920-262-7500
- Press 1 for Attendance Office
- Press 2 for Student Services/Requesting a Transcript
- Press 3 for Main Office (Administration/Athletics)
- Press 4 for Bookkeeping Office
- Press 5 for Nutrition Services
- Press 6 for WHS Health Room
WHS Attendance: 920-262-7537
- Please leave a message if no answer as messages are continually checked in the Attendance Office.
WHS Student Services: 920-262-7550
Check Us Out...
NEW! Watertown High School on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WatertownHighSchoolWI
NEW! Watertown High School on Instagram at www.instagram.com/watertownhighschoolwi
Watertown Unified School District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WatertownUnifiedSD
Watertown Unified School District on Instagram at instagram.com/watertownusd