Parent Update

Watertown High School

Parent Update 2.7.25

Greetings WHS families,

Thanks to the WHS community for another great week! We did see an uptick in illness related absences among students as well as staff over the last few days. A friendly reminder to encourage your student to communicate with their teachers when they are absent to make a game plan to make up any missed work. ELT is a great resource for this very purpose and students can always request specific teachers in advance through Edficiency. We hope everyone feels better as we work through this patch of the winter months!

A quick reminder that Monday, February 10th is a professional development day for staff across the WUSD and school will not be in session. We appreciate the community’s support as the WHS departments work hard to enhance instruction for all of our incredible students. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Tuesday, February 11th.

Have a healthy, restful Super Bowl weekend!

WUSD Referendum Information

On Tuesday, April 1, our community will vote on a recurring operational referendum question for the WUSD. If the referendum is approved by voters, the district would be able to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $7 million per year, starting in the 2025-26 school year.

We would use these funds to:

Strengthen school safety
Retain & attract top talent
Protect high-quality programs & services
Expand opportunities for students

Like many Wisconsin school districts, the WUSD is struggling with its budget because state education funding is not enough, state aid has decreased, and costs are rising due to inflation. Learn more at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.

The April 1, 2025 referendum has the potential to significantly impact funds supporting the quality of programs, staff, and safety measures in place at WHS, and across all district school buildings. Our goal is to ensure that families and community members have as much information as possible to make an informed decision. Great resources to review include the WUSD referendum page as well as the FAQ document (FAQ in Spanish).

In the meantime, if you have any questions I can help answer, always feel free to reach out to me, WHS Principal Josh Kerr, at kerrj@mywusd.org or (920) 262-7500 x6809.

Annual “Ice Out” Fundraiser

Tickets on Sale Online until February 17th

WHS SkillsUSA has partnered with YES Watertown again this year to host the annual Ice Out Fundraiser AND IT IS ON THE RIVER!!!!! Online ticket sales are open for $10 each or 3 for $20 and can be purchased using the inner-department sites or social media. Ticket sales go until February 17th online and all proceeds support SkillsUSA students in grades 6-12.

WatertownSTEM - IceOut

10 each OR 3 for $20

sites.google.com

Yearbook Orders

Deadline to Order Tuesday, April 8, 2025

The 2024-2025 yearbooks can be purchased online through the Herff-Jones website: http://bit.ly/2WFzrGD. The WHS order number is 3818 (if needed).

This year, the yearbook fee will be $50. This is the only way to purchase a yearbook for this school year. Please plan accordingly as no extra yearbooks will be ordered.

Student Parking Regulations

Students are reminded that they must purchase a parking permit and abide by the parking regulations if they plan to park at WHS. Students must park in the student parking lot. Parking permits can be purchased with Mrs. Klinger in the Bookkeeping Office. Students who park on school grounds without a parking permit will be ticketed.

WHS Library

Mental Wellness Update

Parent Training

Watching a child struggle with their mental health can make a parent feel helpless. Several studies have found issues like depression, anxiety, and ADHD in a child can lead to increased stress and feelings of guilt. It can even cause a parent to develop their own mental health concerns. What’s the best way to help both the child and the parent thrive? One method backed by science is called ‘Parent Training.

https://www.wfsb.com/2024/05/23/how-parent-training-can-help-families/

Dr. Alan E. Kazdin has numerous books and free videos online.

ACT Overview

ACT Prep Courses

WHS will be offering ACT prep courses in the areas of Science, English and Math on Saturdays mornings. Students can sign up for an individual course for a fee of $12 per course OR students can sign up for all 3 courses for $30. Students interested in participating should sign up with the Bookkeeper, Mrs. Klinger, in the Front Entrance Office. The date and time for each course are as follows:

3/8/25 - Math - 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Stacci Barganz, WUSD Advanced Learning Coordinator, will be offering a general test prep session for students on Tuesday, February 18 from 3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the WHS Lecture Hall.

WHS Musical: Footloose

Advanced Ticket Sales

Advanced ticket sales begin on Monday, February 10 at 10 a.m.

Health Room Update

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Gosling Flight Feather Winners

Over 125 Gosling Flight Feather were turned in last month! We would like to recognize the students and staff who were chosen at random to receive a prize. Don’t forget to submit a Gosling Flight Feather for someone going great things at WHS!

Kaden Fisher, Grade 12

Jordan VanDyck, Grade 9

Nathan Anderson, Grade 10

Rachel Carl, Grade 11

Julian Byrne, Grade 12

Millie Fields, Grade 10

Kaleb Reiss, Grade 9

Layla Turner, Grade 9

Mr. Moulton, WHS Science Teacher

Mrs. Gilbert-Crane, WHS English Teacher

Mrs. Strobel, WHS Art Teacher

Great Things Happening at WHS!

FBLA District Competition was held on Saturday, February 1. Ella Mock is currently running for Vice President of Region 5 and is pictured running her display booth.

FBLA District Competition was held on Saturday, February 1. Pictured is Miliani Trujillo and Ella Mock with their medals. Ella Mock took 1st place and Sarin Johnson took 3rd place and both will be headed to the state competition at the end of March.

Mrs. Schultz's Companion Animals class is pictured learning about dog parts.

Mrs. Schultz's Companion Animals class is pictured labeling a real dog based on what they learned in class.

February 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.

Drew Kaufmann is the son of Andrew and Robin Kaufmann. Drew has been a four year member of the Band program and Cross Country team. Drew plans on participating in Track and Field this spring to become a four year participant in the program. He also participates in National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Forensics. Drew plans to attend Ripon College to study business and Spanish.

Sofia Wehking is the daughter of Jane Brotski and Brad Wehking. Sofia has been a four year member of the Watertown Blue Revue Dance Team. She is also active in National Honor Society, National German Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and the Pit Orchestra. Sofia volunteers her time as a dance coach for the youth. Sofia currently works at Wellness Chiropractic and will be attending St. Thomas University to study English.

Megan Doherty is the daughter of Kevin and Jean Doherty. Megan has been a four year member of the Girls Basketball and Volleyball teams at WHS. She has also been a four year member of FFA (currently Secretary) and Association of Business Students. Megan is also a three year member of National Honor Society, Athletic Leadership Club, and Track and Field team. She is also serving as Vice President of the Spanish Honor Society this year.

When Megan is not at WHS, she can be found leading the 4-H Club as their President, serving as a member of the WIAA Student Athlete Leadership Team or refereeing youth basketball. Megan is planning on attending a four year university to study business analytics and Spanish.

Important Upcoming Dates

No School - Staff Professional Development Day: Monday, February 10
Local Scholarship Deadline: Monday, March 3, 2025
End of Trimester 2: Thursday, March 6 (No early release)
No School - WHS Work Day: Friday, March 7
WHS Musical - Footloose: Friday, March 7 - Sunday, March 9
Start of Trimester 3: Monday, March 10
Junior State Wide ACT Test: Wednesday, March 12 (no school for grades 9, 10, & 12)
Career Fair: Wednesday, March 19
Spring Break: Monday, March 24 - Friday, March 28
Watertown Athletic Calendar