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
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.
🗳 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.
🏆 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 invites members of the community to help share information regarding the upcoming April 7, 2026 Operational Referendum. To join in this effort, please take a moment to view and fill out this form by Jan. 8: https://bit.ly/44AhWbO.
Please send any questions to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
Please send any questions to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
Don't forget, tomorrow (Tues. Dec. 23) is an early release day for the Watertown Unified School District. Schools will dismiss tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. Happy Holidays! 🎄
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Join us tonight for Briefings with Supt. Dr. Jarred Burke from 6-7 p.m. at the Watertown Public Library. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the upcoming operational referendum and to discuss issues relevant to the Watertown Unified School District.
Please come with questions - we look forward to seeing you there!
Please come with questions - we look forward to seeing you there!
We're proud to be Goslings everyday. 🌟
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Watertown High School's National Honor Society members have been busy spreading kindness these past few months! In November, a student-led team baked homemade treats and delivered them to our local police and fire departments to say thank you. Many of our members volunteered with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign, ringing bells across the community to support a great cause. We also jumped in to help at Douglas Elementary School's Family Night, running and supervising architecture-themed stations for families — such a fun night! And to top it off, a small group of students created goody bags for our amazing bus drivers to show our appreciation.
So proud of our NHS students for leading with service, heart, and community spirit!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
So proud of our NHS students for leading with service, heart, and community spirit!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
We have so much to celebrate everyday at the Watertown Unified School District. Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community members for supporting our schools. 💙
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Community Survey Responses Due Nov. 17
A community survey to gauge voter support for a potential spring 2026 operational referendum for the Watertown Unified School District has been mailed to area households over the past two weeks. The survey, coordinated by School Perceptions, asks voters for feedback regarding their support of three different operational funding levels for the school district. District voters are asked to return the paper survey or complete it online by the end of the day Monday, Nov. 17.
Voters living within the school district boundary who did not receive the mailed survey, or who wish to request an additional copy for another voting-age member of their household, are invited to call Lynn Linskens at (920) 262-1460 ext. 3202 or email linskensl@mywusd.org. Thank you for sharing your opinions with us through the survey, and for helping us continue to honor our tradition of excellence, while embracing the innovation and transformation needed to prepare learners for the future. 🍎
A community survey to gauge voter support for a potential spring 2026 operational referendum for the Watertown Unified School District has been mailed to area households over the past two weeks. The survey, coordinated by School Perceptions, asks voters for feedback regarding their support of three different operational funding levels for the school district. District voters are asked to return the paper survey or complete it online by the end of the day Monday, Nov. 17.
Voters living within the school district boundary who did not receive the mailed survey, or who wish to request an additional copy for another voting-age member of their household, are invited to call Lynn Linskens at (920) 262-1460 ext. 3202 or email linskensl@mywusd.org. Thank you for sharing your opinions with us through the survey, and for helping us continue to honor our tradition of excellence, while embracing the innovation and transformation needed to prepare learners for the future. 🍎
Giving back with purpose 💙🛠️
Watertown High School National Honor Society members spent the day recently with Cornerstone Of Grace restoring sheds, raking leaves, and pulling weeds — helping to create a more welcoming space for the women and children the organization supports. NHS students said they are proud to serve our community and make a difference, one brushstroke and rake at a time. 🌿🎨
Watertown High School National Honor Society members spent the day recently with Cornerstone Of Grace restoring sheds, raking leaves, and pulling weeds — helping to create a more welcoming space for the women and children the organization supports. NHS students said they are proud to serve our community and make a difference, one brushstroke and rake at a time. 🌿🎨
The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education is seeking to gauge voter support for a potential future operational referendum through a survey that will be mailed to all school district households later this week.
The Board of Education has hired School Perceptions, an independent education research firm, to conduct the survey and to ensure all responses are kept confidential.
The survey has recently been emailed to WUSD staff members, and it will also be emailed to WUSD parents and guardians this week. If multiple members of one household would like to take the survey, additional copies can be obtained by contacting Lynn Linskens at (920) 262-1460 ext. 3202 or by emailing linskensl@mywusd.org. Each survey contains a unique confirmation code to avoid duplication.
The survey response deadline is Nov. 17. The Board of Education thanks the community for its support of our public schools and strongly encourages all voters in the district to complete the survey. For more information, visit: https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
The Board of Education has hired School Perceptions, an independent education research firm, to conduct the survey and to ensure all responses are kept confidential.
The survey has recently been emailed to WUSD staff members, and it will also be emailed to WUSD parents and guardians this week. If multiple members of one household would like to take the survey, additional copies can be obtained by contacting Lynn Linskens at (920) 262-1460 ext. 3202 or by emailing linskensl@mywusd.org. Each survey contains a unique confirmation code to avoid duplication.
The survey response deadline is Nov. 17. The Board of Education thanks the community for its support of our public schools and strongly encourages all voters in the district to complete the survey. For more information, visit: https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
Attention Winter athletes!!
The weather Wednesday evening was perfect for the first Watertown Ceramics Celebration at Watertown High School co-hosted by the Watertown Arts Council and the WUSD Art Department.
During the free community event, attendees viewed raku firing and smoke demonstrations and talked with students as they sculpted and glazed clay bowls, cups and figurines. In addition, pottery, jewelry, and other crafts were on display by local artists.
Mark your calendar for the next free community arts event – the K-12 Student Art Showcase on Nov. 19 at WHS.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
During the free community event, attendees viewed raku firing and smoke demonstrations and talked with students as they sculpted and glazed clay bowls, cups and figurines. In addition, pottery, jewelry, and other crafts were on display by local artists.
Mark your calendar for the next free community arts event – the K-12 Student Art Showcase on Nov. 19 at WHS.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Homecoming weekend came to a close Saturday evening as more than 650 students attended the annual Homecoming Dance at Watertown High School. Thank you to all the staff and students who worked so hard to plan such fun and memorable Homecoming festivities. 💙
Landsverk Field at Watertown High School was a sea of blue and white as the home stands were packed with students, staff, families and community members all there to cheer on the Goslings!
Sharing photos of the Homecoming Court from Friday's Watertown High School Homecoming Parade. 👑🎉
Following Friday's pep assembly, the annual Homecoming Parade took place on Main Street in downtown Watertown. Temps topped 90 degrees as the community came together to cheer on the Goslings!
