The Watertown Unified School District will hold meetings this week at the dates and times listed below:
▪ Special Board Meeting in Closed Session - Monday, March 9, 5:30 p.m.
▪ Educational Services Committee - Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 a.m.
▪ Sub Committee of the Planning Committee - Tuesday, March 10, 10 a.m. (at Connections Café, 1308 W. Main St.)
▪ Planning Committee - Wednesday, March 11, 5:30 p.m.
▪ Special Board Meeting in Closed Session - Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m.
All meetings will take place at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St., unless otherwise noted.
🗳 Referendum presentations and meet & greets will also take place this week at the following dates and times:
▪ Presentation at LEAP Elementary School - Tuesday, March 10 5-6 p.m.
▪ Presentation at Watertown High School - Thursday, March 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
▪ Meet & Greet at Irish Jig Jog at Watertown Public Library - Saturday, March 14, 9:30-11 a.m.
▪ Special Board Meeting in Closed Session - Monday, March 9, 5:30 p.m.
▪ Educational Services Committee - Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 a.m.
▪ Sub Committee of the Planning Committee - Tuesday, March 10, 10 a.m. (at Connections Café, 1308 W. Main St.)
▪ Planning Committee - Wednesday, March 11, 5:30 p.m.
▪ Special Board Meeting in Closed Session - Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m.
All meetings will take place at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St., unless otherwise noted.
🗳 Referendum presentations and meet & greets will also take place this week at the following dates and times:
▪ Presentation at LEAP Elementary School - Tuesday, March 10 5-6 p.m.
▪ Presentation at Watertown High School - Thursday, March 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
▪ Meet & Greet at Irish Jig Jog at Watertown Public Library - Saturday, March 14, 9:30-11 a.m.
The Watertown High School Academic Decathlon team is headed to Nationals after winning first place at the state competition in Green Bay in February!
The team has established a GoFundMe to raise $10,000 to offset travel expenses to the National competition in California at the end of April. To learn more and/or to support the team's fundraising effort, please click the link below or scan the QR code on the flyer.
https://gofund.me/d91e47c25
The team has established a GoFundMe to raise $10,000 to offset travel expenses to the National competition in California at the end of April. To learn more and/or to support the team's fundraising effort, please click the link below or scan the QR code on the flyer.
https://gofund.me/d91e47c25
The Watertown Daily Times and Realty Executives Platinum recently teamed up to sponsor a new city-wide Teacher of the Month contest. Congratulations to our very own Miranda Weinheimer of Lincoln STEM Elementary School for being named February's Teacher of the Month! 🌟
NHS Students Hosting Community Book Drive 📚
The Watertown High School National Honor Society is running a community book drive now through early April. The NHS students are asking all community members to donate gently used or unused children's books to the book drive. Book donation bins are located at the Schultz Family YMCA, Watertown Senior Center, Watertown Family Practice, St. Bernard's Church, and in the media center at WHS. Students will then hand out the donated books to youngsters at the Watertown Children's Day Community Fair at WHS on Saturday, April 11. Any books that remain will be donated to charity. Thank you!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
The Watertown High School National Honor Society is running a community book drive now through early April. The NHS students are asking all community members to donate gently used or unused children's books to the book drive. Book donation bins are located at the Schultz Family YMCA, Watertown Senior Center, Watertown Family Practice, St. Bernard's Church, and in the media center at WHS. Students will then hand out the donated books to youngsters at the Watertown Children's Day Community Fair at WHS on Saturday, April 11. Any books that remain will be donated to charity. Thank you!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Today (Friday, March 6) is National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day. Thank you to our Watertown Unified School District building maintenance staff - Wayne Zastrow, Charlie Krebs, Scott Hiller, Marcos Galindo, Jeff Hiller, and Dustin Moke for all they do to keep our facilities safe and well-maintained!
We also extend our thanks to our Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Kevin Sukow for always keeping his department running smoothly, and to recently retired maintenance team members Paul Minning and Dennis Schwenkner. 🔨🔧🔩
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
We also extend our thanks to our Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Kevin Sukow for always keeping his department running smoothly, and to recently retired maintenance team members Paul Minning and Dennis Schwenkner. 🔨🔧🔩
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
The Watertown High School spring musical, Pippin, debuts tomorrow evening! This will be a show you won't want to miss - from the beautiful set design, to the costumes, to the amazing performances - buy your tickets today!
Performances will take place in the WHS auditorium Friday and Saturday (March 6 & 7) at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday (March 😎 at 3 p.m. Tickets for reserved seating can be purchased online at goslingmusic.org.
Pippin tells the story of a young prince in the Middle Ages searching for an extraordinary life, passion, and meaning. Guided by a theatrical troupe and their Leading Player, Pippin explores war, politics, and romance before discovering that true happiness lies in ordinary moments, not extraordinary endeavors.
Enjoy these two photos which provide a sneak-peek into this amazing show...🎭💫
It's School Social Worker Appreciation Week 🏫
This week we are proud to celebrate our dedicated School Social Workers Lauren Eisenberg, Lisa Tuozzo, Shelbie Proudfoot-Komro, and Chris Weddig for all they do to support students in the Watertown Unified School District. 💙
This week we are proud to celebrate our dedicated School Social Workers Lauren Eisenberg, Lisa Tuozzo, Shelbie Proudfoot-Komro, and Chris Weddig for all they do to support students in the Watertown Unified School District. 💙
Schurz Elementary School recently welcomed Andy Boxell of the National Weather Service to talk to 1st grade students about his job and changing weather. Students have been reading stories this week about weather as part of their literacy curriculum. The students enjoyed Mr. Boxell's presentation and asked him lots of questions.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Come learn more about the April 7 Operational Referendum by attending a meet & greet this Saturday or by tuning in to a live virtual referendum presentation Monday evening. Here are the details:
▪ Saturday, Feb. 28 - Watertown Public Library Maker's Space, 10-11:30 a.m. (meet & greet)
▪ Saturday, Feb. 28 - Watertown Piggly Wiggly, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (meet & greet)
▪ Monday, March 2 - Facebook & YouTube live referendum presentation
🏫 Why is the referendum needed?
The Watertown Unified School District is facing an operational budget deficit. This means the amount of money coming into the school district from state aid and property taxes is not enough to fund daily operating expenses such as salaries, utilities, transportation, and building maintenance.
The WUSD has already cut more than $1.2 million from its operating budget coming into this school year, but a growing annual budget gap of more than $4.5 million remains due to the expiration of the last operating referendum (2018-2023), rising costs due to inflation, inadequate state and federal funding, and more.
On Tuesday, April 7, the community will vote on an referendum question for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. If approved, the school tax impact on a home valued at $200,000 would be roughly $192 per year.
Please visit our website for more information at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
▪ Saturday, Feb. 28 - Watertown Public Library Maker's Space, 10-11:30 a.m. (meet & greet)
▪ Saturday, Feb. 28 - Watertown Piggly Wiggly, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (meet & greet)
▪ Monday, March 2 - Facebook & YouTube live referendum presentation
🏫 Why is the referendum needed?
The Watertown Unified School District is facing an operational budget deficit. This means the amount of money coming into the school district from state aid and property taxes is not enough to fund daily operating expenses such as salaries, utilities, transportation, and building maintenance.
The WUSD has already cut more than $1.2 million from its operating budget coming into this school year, but a growing annual budget gap of more than $4.5 million remains due to the expiration of the last operating referendum (2018-2023), rising costs due to inflation, inadequate state and federal funding, and more.
On Tuesday, April 7, the community will vote on an referendum question for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. If approved, the school tax impact on a home valued at $200,000 would be roughly $192 per year.
Please visit our website for more information at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
Webster Elementary School held its Cool, Awesome and Terrific Students (CATS) lunch on Friday, February 20th. Each month, students are selected by teachers in grades 5K-5 for making great gains in an academic area or by working super hard. Students selected this month enjoyed eating lunch with Webster Art Teacher Miss Babino.
Picture 1 - Grades K, 1, & 2
Top Row (left to right): T.J. Rentschler, Adrian Brown, Arthur Gallas
Next Row (left to right): Lailani Delkamp, Cruz Fine, Colton Jantz
Bottom Row (left to right): Olivia Enockson, Eliana Kowalik, Antonio Olguin
Picture 2 - Grades 3, 4, & 5
Top Row (left to right): Mya Selvie, Hazel Mechelke, Cal McFarland
Next Row (left to right): Mason Karl, Hudson Knuth, Praise Malia Nanyama
Bottom Row (left to right): Shea Magyar, Rowan Schimmel, Ilirida Limani
Picture 1 - Grades K, 1, & 2
Top Row (left to right): T.J. Rentschler, Adrian Brown, Arthur Gallas
Next Row (left to right): Lailani Delkamp, Cruz Fine, Colton Jantz
Bottom Row (left to right): Olivia Enockson, Eliana Kowalik, Antonio Olguin
Picture 2 - Grades 3, 4, & 5
Top Row (left to right): Mya Selvie, Hazel Mechelke, Cal McFarland
Next Row (left to right): Mason Karl, Hudson Knuth, Praise Malia Nanyama
Bottom Row (left to right): Shea Magyar, Rowan Schimmel, Ilirida Limani
🎭 Tickets are selling fast - don't miss your chance to see the Watertown High School production of Pippin! Our talented students and dedicated Music Department staff always put on an awesome show!
The musical will take place in the WHS Auditorium on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. The public is welcome! Tickets may be purchased online at goslingmusic.org or at WHS during regular school hours 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
February is CTE (Career and Technical Education) Month. We would like to recognize the Watertown High School CTE teachers for all their hard work and dedication to their students and programs. 🌟
The following pictures are just a glimpse into the world of CTE and some of the many projects, activities, and enrichment opportunities our students are always working on. 🚜🧁🌺
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
The following pictures are just a glimpse into the world of CTE and some of the many projects, activities, and enrichment opportunities our students are always working on. 🚜🧁🌺
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting tonight, Monday, Feb. 23 in the Commons at Watertown High School. A Detachment Hearing will take place at 5 p.m. followed by the Board of Education meeting starting at 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Sub-Committee of the Curriculum, Educational Services & Policy committees will meet at 1 p.m. at the Educational Service Center.
To view the meeting agendas and to access virtual log in information, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
Come learn more about the April 7 Operational Referendum by attending an event listed below:
▪️ Referendum Presentation - Schurz Elementary School, Wed., Feb. 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
▪️ Referendum Meet & Greet - Watertown Pubic Library, Sat., Feb. 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
▪️ Referendum Meet & Greet - Watertown Piggly Wiggly, Sat. Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Sub-Committee of the Curriculum, Educational Services & Policy committees will meet at 1 p.m. at the Educational Service Center.
To view the meeting agendas and to access virtual log in information, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
Come learn more about the April 7 Operational Referendum by attending an event listed below:
▪️ Referendum Presentation - Schurz Elementary School, Wed., Feb. 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
▪️ Referendum Meet & Greet - Watertown Pubic Library, Sat., Feb. 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
▪️ Referendum Meet & Greet - Watertown Piggly Wiggly, Sat. Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Last week, Erin Steuerwald and Kelley Piasecki of the Watertown High School Athletics Department accompanied WHS athletes Nohra Good, Briella Moe, Breanna Meracle, Breanna Wolfgram, and Maddie Novotny to the first FASTForward Conference held at Waukesha North High School. The FASTForward Conference is designed to connect and empower female high school athletes from across the region.
Throughout the day, the athletes engaged in meaningful conversations, listened to inspiring speakers, and explored topics that impact them both on and off the field of play. The conference created a space for learning, reflection, and growth. From hearing personal stories of perseverance to discussing leadership, confidence, and teamwork, our athletes were reminded of the strength found in community and the power of supporting one another.
The day was filled with positive energy, thoughtful dialogue, and moments that encouraged them to see themselves as leaders in their schools and beyond. Most importantly, they experienced the value of listening - to speakers, to one another, and to their own voices. It was a day centered on connection, encouragement, and building a strong network of female athletes who will continue to uplift each other long after the conference ended. 💙
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Throughout the day, the athletes engaged in meaningful conversations, listened to inspiring speakers, and explored topics that impact them both on and off the field of play. The conference created a space for learning, reflection, and growth. From hearing personal stories of perseverance to discussing leadership, confidence, and teamwork, our athletes were reminded of the strength found in community and the power of supporting one another.
The day was filled with positive energy, thoughtful dialogue, and moments that encouraged them to see themselves as leaders in their schools and beyond. Most importantly, they experienced the value of listening - to speakers, to one another, and to their own voices. It was a day centered on connection, encouragement, and building a strong network of female athletes who will continue to uplift each other long after the conference ended. 💙
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Discover eCampus Academy, Watertown Unified School District's innovative K-12 online charter school designed for learners across our district, community and the entire state of Wisconsin.
With over 600 courses available; from foundational 4K learning to advanced college-level offerings, and access to 22 online career pathways and 21 advanced courses, eCampus Academy brings education to students wherever they are, on their terms.
Whether your child is seeking flexibility, personalized instruction, or rigorous academic opportunities, eCampus Academy binds tradition, innovation and transformation to prepare every student for success in school and beyond. Learn more today at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/o/ecampus.
With over 600 courses available; from foundational 4K learning to advanced college-level offerings, and access to 22 online career pathways and 21 advanced courses, eCampus Academy brings education to students wherever they are, on their terms.
Whether your child is seeking flexibility, personalized instruction, or rigorous academic opportunities, eCampus Academy binds tradition, innovation and transformation to prepare every student for success in school and beyond. Learn more today at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/o/ecampus.
Out of the 14 teams in our region, the Watertown High School Visual Arts Classic team came home with the 2nd place trophy in Quiz Bowl, 3rd place Overall Team, and 9 individual First Place State Qualifiers!
Pictured are back row (left to right): Annie Van Der Linden, Siobhan Connolly, Isaac VanBuren, Sophia Anderson, Brooklyn Wegner, Kailee Thao, Oli Holz; middle row (left to right): Charlie Pliska, Payton West;
front row (left to right): Kaitlyn Schuch, Lyle VanGundy, Gabriella Emmrich-Cardozo, Saige Fekete, (not pictured: Mack Christian)
Congratulations, students! ✨
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Pictured are back row (left to right): Annie Van Der Linden, Siobhan Connolly, Isaac VanBuren, Sophia Anderson, Brooklyn Wegner, Kailee Thao, Oli Holz; middle row (left to right): Charlie Pliska, Payton West;
front row (left to right): Kaitlyn Schuch, Lyle VanGundy, Gabriella Emmrich-Cardozo, Saige Fekete, (not pictured: Mack Christian)
Congratulations, students! ✨
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
It's a busy week for WUSD Board of Education meetings and operational referendum presentations.
Board meetings include:
▫️ Human Resources Committee - Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m.
▫️ Special Board Meeting in Closed Session - Feb. 16, 6 p.m.
▫️ Policy Review Committee - Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m.
▫️ Curriculum Committee - Feb. 18, 7:30 a.m.
▫️ Fiscal Management Committee - Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Public Operation Referendum Presentations
▫️ Watertown High School Library - Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m. (TONIGHT)
▫️ Douglas Elementary School - Feb. 17, 5-6 p.m.
▫️ LIVE presentation on Facebook & YouTube, 6-7 p.m.
For more information, and to view the meeting agendas, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
Board meetings include:
▫️ Human Resources Committee - Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m.
▫️ Special Board Meeting in Closed Session - Feb. 16, 6 p.m.
▫️ Policy Review Committee - Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m.
▫️ Curriculum Committee - Feb. 18, 7:30 a.m.
▫️ Fiscal Management Committee - Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Public Operation Referendum Presentations
▫️ Watertown High School Library - Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m. (TONIGHT)
▫️ Douglas Elementary School - Feb. 17, 5-6 p.m.
▫️ LIVE presentation on Facebook & YouTube, 6-7 p.m.
For more information, and to view the meeting agendas, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
The Watertown Unified School District is facing an operational budget deficit. This means the amount of money coming into the school district from state aid and property taxes is not enough to fund daily operating expenses such as salaries, utilities, transportation, and building maintenance.
The WUSD has already cut more than $1.2 million from its operating budget coming into this school year, but a growing annual budget gap of more than $4.5 million remains due to the expiration of the last operating referendum (2018-2023), rising costs due to inflation, inadequate state and federal funding, and more.
On Tuesday, April 7, the community will vote on an referendum question for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. If approved, the school tax impact on a home valued at $200,000 would be roughly $192 per year.
We invite the community to learn more about the upcoming operational referendum by attending an upcoming referendum presentation or community engagement session. More information can also be found on our website at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
The WUSD has already cut more than $1.2 million from its operating budget coming into this school year, but a growing annual budget gap of more than $4.5 million remains due to the expiration of the last operating referendum (2018-2023), rising costs due to inflation, inadequate state and federal funding, and more.
On Tuesday, April 7, the community will vote on an referendum question for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. If approved, the school tax impact on a home valued at $200,000 would be roughly $192 per year.
We invite the community to learn more about the upcoming operational referendum by attending an upcoming referendum presentation or community engagement session. More information can also be found on our website at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
💡 Got a Student with Big Ideas? Let’s Get Them Funded!
Parents, is your child a natural leader, a creative problem-solver, or someone who just loves to help? The Watertown Unified School District’s Advanced Learning Department is looking for student changemakers in grades K–12 to take the lead!
The Student Mini Grant Program gives students the chance to act as project managers for their own ideas. Through the generous support of our local business community, seed money is available to help our students turn their ideas into action.
The Details:
💰 Classroom Projects: Teachers can lead their entire class in a project with a grant of up to $100.
💰 Student Projects: Individual students or small groups can apply for up to $50.
🤝 The Support: Students choose their own Mentor (a parent, teacher, or older student) to act as a consultant and guide.
🚀 Real-World Skills: From budgeting to project management, students learn what it takes to be a visionary leader.
Important Note: Because we want to ensure every project is set up for success, our team will review all proposals based on originality and community impact. While we wish we could fund every idea, grants will be awarded to the most prepared and impactful proposals.
How to Apply: Students can pick up an application in their school’s Main Office. Proposals are due by February 27.
Let’s empower our students to stop waiting for change and start leading it! 🎓
Parents, is your child a natural leader, a creative problem-solver, or someone who just loves to help? The Watertown Unified School District’s Advanced Learning Department is looking for student changemakers in grades K–12 to take the lead!
The Student Mini Grant Program gives students the chance to act as project managers for their own ideas. Through the generous support of our local business community, seed money is available to help our students turn their ideas into action.
The Details:
💰 Classroom Projects: Teachers can lead their entire class in a project with a grant of up to $100.
💰 Student Projects: Individual students or small groups can apply for up to $50.
🤝 The Support: Students choose their own Mentor (a parent, teacher, or older student) to act as a consultant and guide.
🚀 Real-World Skills: From budgeting to project management, students learn what it takes to be a visionary leader.
Important Note: Because we want to ensure every project is set up for success, our team will review all proposals based on originality and community impact. While we wish we could fund every idea, grants will be awarded to the most prepared and impactful proposals.
How to Apply: Students can pick up an application in their school’s Main Office. Proposals are due by February 27.
Let’s empower our students to stop waiting for change and start leading it! 🎓
🗳 Community to Vote on WUSD Operational Referendum
On Dec. 15, 2025, the Watertown Unified School District Board of Education approved placing a $4.5 million Operational Referendum question on the April 7, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the referendum would support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses for the district. The referendum would last for a duration of five years. Funding would be for operations only - not for new buildings or major building projects.
Funding from the last operational referendum expired in 2023. Despite careful planning and cutting more than $1.2 million from the 2025-26 budget, the WUSD is experiencing a budget shortfall that is not sustainable long term. We invite the community to learn more about why the referendum is needed. Please send any questions you may have to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
On Dec. 15, 2025, the Watertown Unified School District Board of Education approved placing a $4.5 million Operational Referendum question on the April 7, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the referendum would support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses for the district. The referendum would last for a duration of five years. Funding would be for operations only - not for new buildings or major building projects.
Funding from the last operational referendum expired in 2023. Despite careful planning and cutting more than $1.2 million from the 2025-26 budget, the WUSD is experiencing a budget shortfall that is not sustainable long term. We invite the community to learn more about why the referendum is needed. Please send any questions you may have to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
