Parent Update
Watertown High School
Parent Update 9.13.24
Thanks to our students and staff for an incredible 2nd week of the school year! This week students acclimated to the routines as our community set the stage for a fantastic 1st trimester. This is an exciting, busy time so please reach out to WHS staff if you have any questions or need any support for your student. Please consider filling out a Gosling Flight Feather for WHS staff member that has gone above and beyond for your student (see nomination form below). Have a great weekend and be sure to review the updates below!
Senior Graduation Information
- Senior class picture order forms are available in the Main Office and are due on Tuesday, September 17.
- Jostens will return on Tuesday, September 17 during lunch to take Graduation orders.
Homecoming 2024
Homecoming 2024 Class Shirts
Homecoming shirts will be available to purchase for $11 until Monday, September 16. Shirts can be ordered using the link to the online store: Homecoming Class Shirts.
Dean of Students Update
Was another great week at WHS! It has been really cool to witness firsthand all of the servant leadership going on in this building from both students and staff. Gosling Nation is strong in the way people look out for each other here!
A quick reminder about ELT. Students will receive a lunch detention if they are not present in their assigned location. Please make sure to check your Securely Flex emails every morning to make sure you are reporting to the correct place.
ELT Securly Flex Update
Thanks to our students for their flexibility as we navigate the Securly Flex updates. We are working hard to troubleshoot issues with Securly Flex staff.
A message has been sent to students encouraging them to choose an activity in Securly Flex every day. Activities include meeting with teachers during "Office Hours" or clubs/activity meetings. This is extremely important because if a student doesn't identify an activity they will be assigned to their homeroom teacher.
Please check in with your student and encourage them to identify a choice in Securly Flex each day. Students are able to meet with their teachers to receive help, make up assessments, or review instructional materials.
Students can access Securly Flex via their website or via the app on their phone. Below is the presentation regarding Securly Flex that students received last week.
WHS ACP Update
On Monday, September 9th and Tuesday, September 10th WHS students continued in their homerooms and participated in an Academic and Career Planning (ACP) activity designed to promote reflection as we begin the school year. ACP resources will be shared throughout the year and will culminate in a WHS Career Fair in March, 2025.
Additional ACP resources can be found on the WHS Academic and Career Planning website. Note that Xello can only be accessed using student @mywusd.org email accounts, click here to log into Xello. Families are encouraged to explore the website and resources with their students!
Stay tuned for additional details as we prepare all of our students for careers after high school! We look forward to supporting your student’s journey to prepare for future career opportunities!
Direct Admit Updates: Class of 2025
Students who need help with account creation or completion of the Direct Admit form may contact the UW HELP team for assistance.
Gosling Flight Feather
We are excited to announce the continuation of the 'Gosling Flight Feathers' program, an initiative designed to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary efforts of our students, teachers and staff. This special program, created last spring, is an opportunity for you to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and positive impact that staff members of our school community bring to our high school.
The 'Gosling Flight Feathers' are more than just a symbol—they represent the high standards and unwavering commitment that our educators and support staff embody each day. Whether it's a teacher who goes above and beyond to help a student succeed, a staff member who creates a welcoming environment, or someone who contributes to making our school a better place in countless ways, this is your chance to honor their efforts.
Here’s how you can participate:
Nominate a Staff Member: If you know of a teacher or staff member who deserves recognition, please take a moment to submit a nomination. Think about the positive impact they’ve had, the extra miles they’ve gone, or the small acts of kindness that have made a big difference.
Share Specific Examples: Provide details about why you’re nominating them. Specific examples help paint a clearer picture of their contributions and the impact they’ve made on our community.
Submit Your Nomination: Follow the simple submission process provided in the linked Google form here. The form will be active all school year and will be accessible from the weekly Smore newsletter. All nominations will be reviewed, and all nominated individuals will be honored with a 'Gosling Flight Feather' at our upcoming monthly school assemblies.
By participating in this program, you’re not just recognizing individual achievements; you’re helping to foster a culture of appreciation and encouragement within our school. Let’s work together to celebrate those who inspire, uplift, and make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and the broader school community.
Thank you for your support and for helping us shine a light on the amazing work happening every day at our school. - Mrs. Jennifer Bault, WHS Associate Principal
Host Families Sought for German Exchange Students
Sina is 16 years old and has two rabbits and four colonies of bees. She likes to spend time with friends listening to music, watching shows, and traveling. She says, "I am very excited to see Watertown High School and experience the American lifestyle." You can be the host family Sina or one of her friends needs for their visit in October! Simply email schneiderk@mywusd.org or call (920) 341-1708 for more information.
Staff Spotlight: Katherine Ciolkosz
Ms. Katie Ciolkosz is joining WHS as a Social Studies Teacher. Ms. Ciolkosz earned her degree from UW-Eau Claire and taught three years at Franklin Public Schools. Ms. Ciolkosz got involved in teaching because she wanted to give back to the system that helped her find purpose in life. When not at WHS, Ms. Ciolkosz enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking her dogs, and gardening.
Great Things Happening at WHS!
WHS National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
Congratulations to Watertown High School Senior William Wrolstad who has been named a Semifinalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Competition!
Today the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
The National Merit Scholarship winners of 2025 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 382,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.
Pictured are two Student Council members reading daily announcements.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Online Registration via Skyward Deadline: Friday, September 13
- Seniors Jostens Order Deadline: Tuesday, September 17 (Lunch Hours)
- Homecoming Week: September 29 - October 5
- German Host Family Orientation Meeting: September 30 at 6:30 p.m.
- College & Career Night: Monday, October 7
- 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 Resources
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