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.
A group of Watertown High School students recently traveled to Minocqua and Eagle River, WI to learn about natural resources through outdoor education and Careers in Environmental Science. Students visited the Northwoods Wildlife Center in Minocqua where they learned about Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education and birds of prey! Students then continued to Eagle River where they stayed on campus at a natural resource school called Trees for Tomorrow. Here they participated in cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, survival skills, wildlife signs and tracking, and lake ecology. The trip was available to students in AP Environmental Science and/or the Ecology Club.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The Watertown High School Forensics Team had a successful start to the season at the DeForest tournament on Saturday, Jan. 31. 💫
Keep up the great work, Goslings!
Keep up the great work, Goslings!
Congratulations to the following students in grades 3-8 whose artwork or writing was selected out of almost 1,000 pieces from southeast Wisconsin to be published in the regional Southern Lakes Anthology:
Riverside Middle School: DeMarcus Smith, Josey Weber, Evelyn Winkelman, Ivy Muza
Douglas Elementary School: Kristine Sharlow
Lincoln STEM Elementary School: Isabell Lin, Benjamin Jobgen, Abram Deaton
Webster Elementary School: Marley Weber, Rawson Schweickhardt, Levon Cantrall, Wade Heller, Betsy Keepman, Evelina Grinwald, Braelyn Rein
A special congratulations to 4th grader Rawson Schweickhardt, whose artwork Star Cruiser was considered for cover art (but was ultimately not chosen.)
A special congratulations to 4th grader Marley Weber, whose poetry "Moments Before Gold" was chosen out of all 4th grade writing pieces to be the 4th grade "read-aloud" at the May Awards Celebration, where all of the published students will receive a copy of their book!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Riverside Middle School: DeMarcus Smith, Josey Weber, Evelyn Winkelman, Ivy Muza
Douglas Elementary School: Kristine Sharlow
Lincoln STEM Elementary School: Isabell Lin, Benjamin Jobgen, Abram Deaton
Webster Elementary School: Marley Weber, Rawson Schweickhardt, Levon Cantrall, Wade Heller, Betsy Keepman, Evelina Grinwald, Braelyn Rein
A special congratulations to 4th grader Rawson Schweickhardt, whose artwork Star Cruiser was considered for cover art (but was ultimately not chosen.)
A special congratulations to 4th grader Marley Weber, whose poetry "Moments Before Gold" was chosen out of all 4th grade writing pieces to be the 4th grade "read-aloud" at the May Awards Celebration, where all of the published students will receive a copy of their book!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The Watertown Unified School District is holding two meetings tonight - a listening session regarding the potential closure of Lincoln STEM Elementary School and an operational referendum presentation.
The school closure listening session will take place in the Lincoln School gymnasium from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Due to fire code restrictions, in-person seating capacity will be limited to roughly 220 attendees. Public comments this evening from those in the audience and from those participating virtually will be limited to three minutes each. To access meeting login information to join virtually or by phone, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
An operational referendum presentation will be held at Webster Elementary School from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend this presentation to learn more about the referendum and to ask any questions they may have. Please enter through doors closest to the flag pole along 12th Street.
The school closure listening session will take place in the Lincoln School gymnasium from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Due to fire code restrictions, in-person seating capacity will be limited to roughly 220 attendees. Public comments this evening from those in the audience and from those participating virtually will be limited to three minutes each. To access meeting login information to join virtually or by phone, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
An operational referendum presentation will be held at Webster Elementary School from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend this presentation to learn more about the referendum and to ask any questions they may have. Please enter through doors closest to the flag pole along 12th Street.
There are several WUSD Board of Education meetings this week, as well as four opportunities to learn more about the April 7 Operational Referendum. To view the meeting agendas, please click here: https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
Board meetings include:
Educational Services Committee, Feb. 10, 7:30 a.m. - Educational Service Center
School Closure Listening Session - Feb. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Lincoln STEM Elementary School
Sub-Committee of the Planning Committee - Feb. 11, 4 p.m. - Connections Café
Planning Committee - Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m. - Educational Service Center
Operational Referendum informational opportunities include:
Referendum presentation, Feb. 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Webster Elementary School
Meet & greet, Feb. 12, 4-7:30 p.m. - Webster Elementary School conferences
Meet & greet, Feb. 13, 7 p.m. - Girls Basketball Game, Watertown High School
Meet & greet, Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Indoor Winter Farmers Market, Watertown Public Library
🏆 STATE CHAMPIONS!!!
What a weekend - the Watertown Blue Review Dance Team earned the top spot as Hip Hop Champions at the WACPC State Dance Competition and also took 3rd place in Division II Kick - way to go!
What a weekend - the Watertown Blue Review Dance Team earned the top spot as Hip Hop Champions at the WACPC State Dance Competition and also took 3rd place in Division II Kick - way to go!
🚌 Celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Week! 🌟
February 9-13, 2026 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Week. Join us in recognizing our bus drivers for all they do to support our schools and for the care and safety they provide for our students. Thank you!
February 9-13, 2026 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Week. Join us in recognizing our bus drivers for all they do to support our schools and for the care and safety they provide for our students. Thank you!
The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education is holding special community listening and information sessions regarding the potential closure of Lebanon LEAP and Lincoln STEM elementary schools.
The first meeting will take place tonight, Thursday, Feb. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at LEAP Elementary School, W4712 Co. Rd. O. This meeting will be held in the school's gymnasium. Due to fire code restrictions, in-person attendance will be limited to roughly 200 attendees. The meeting will be livestreamed this evening and also available for viewing next week on the WUSD Board Meeting YouTube channel.
Public comments this evening from those in the audience and from those participating virtually will be limited to three minutes each. To access meeting login information to join virtually or by phone, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
The listening and information session for Lincoln STEM Elementary School will take place Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Lincoln gymnasium. In-person capacity due to fire code restrictions at that location will be limited to roughly 220 attendees. A virtual meeting link will be provided for that meeting early next week.
The first meeting will take place tonight, Thursday, Feb. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at LEAP Elementary School, W4712 Co. Rd. O. This meeting will be held in the school's gymnasium. Due to fire code restrictions, in-person attendance will be limited to roughly 200 attendees. The meeting will be livestreamed this evening and also available for viewing next week on the WUSD Board Meeting YouTube channel.
Public comments this evening from those in the audience and from those participating virtually will be limited to three minutes each. To access meeting login information to join virtually or by phone, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
The listening and information session for Lincoln STEM Elementary School will take place Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Lincoln gymnasium. In-person capacity due to fire code restrictions at that location will be limited to roughly 220 attendees. A virtual meeting link will be provided for that meeting early next week.
In January, Watertown High School National Honor Society students spread a little winter cheer beyond the walls of our school. They baked homemade cookies, packaged them with festive winter stickers, and delivered them around town as a heartfelt thank-you to the people who make an everyday impact on our community.
Stops included the Lebanon Police Station, Lebanon Fire Department, Gentle Healer Pet Clinic, and Meade Medical Center. Through this small act of kindness, our students showed big appreciation for those who serve, care for, and protect others every day.
We are so proud of our NHS students for leading with gratitude and reminding us all that simple gestures can make a big difference!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Stops included the Lebanon Police Station, Lebanon Fire Department, Gentle Healer Pet Clinic, and Meade Medical Center. Through this small act of kindness, our students showed big appreciation for those who serve, care for, and protect others every day.
We are so proud of our NHS students for leading with gratitude and reminding us all that simple gestures can make a big difference!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
