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!
🚌 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!
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!
🎭 Mark your calendar - tickets for the Watertown High School Music Department's production of Pippin go on sale Monday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at goslingmusic.org!
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. Tickets may also be purchased at WHS during regular school hours 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
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. Tickets may also be purchased at WHS during regular school hours 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
💙🏫 It's School Counselor Appreciation Week and we invite you to join us in thanking our very own caring and compassionate school counselors - Mindy Ganser, Bryce Steckbauer, Kelly Cunningham, Jesse Leonhardt, Lora Konz, Avery Harris, Erikka Olson, Matthew Dunn, and Amy True. The Watertown Unified School District is fortunate to have you, and we thank you for all you do for our students!
⚠️ The Rock River Forensics Tournament scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Watertown High School has been cancelled.
👏 Congratulations to Watertown High School for being named to the College Board 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll as a SILVER member!
Watertown High School has earned this designation because 58% of its seniors took at least one AP exam during their high school career, with 45% earning a score of three (out of five) or higher to earn college credit. In addition, 13% of seniors have taken five or more AP exams as students at WHS!
The Honor Roll recognition is based on criteria that reflects a school's commitment to college readiness by providing opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This is the first year WHS has earned the silver distinction after previously being recognized at the bronze level.
“I am so proud of our students and teachers for all the work they put into AP studies at Watertown High School,” said WHS Associate Principal Jennifer Pennington. “Whether a student is bound for college or career post high school, we are dedicated to making sure they are well prepared for what lies ahead. This continued recognition from the AP Honor Roll, and especially with us moving up to the silver level, is a positive reflection of this work and our extensive AP course offerings.”
There are currently 22 AP courses offered at WHS taught by 20 teachers. Courses include AP Biology, AP Computer Science, AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP Macroeconomics, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Culture and Literature, and more.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Watertown High School has earned this designation because 58% of its seniors took at least one AP exam during their high school career, with 45% earning a score of three (out of five) or higher to earn college credit. In addition, 13% of seniors have taken five or more AP exams as students at WHS!
The Honor Roll recognition is based on criteria that reflects a school's commitment to college readiness by providing opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This is the first year WHS has earned the silver distinction after previously being recognized at the bronze level.
“I am so proud of our students and teachers for all the work they put into AP studies at Watertown High School,” said WHS Associate Principal Jennifer Pennington. “Whether a student is bound for college or career post high school, we are dedicated to making sure they are well prepared for what lies ahead. This continued recognition from the AP Honor Roll, and especially with us moving up to the silver level, is a positive reflection of this work and our extensive AP course offerings.”
There are currently 22 AP courses offered at WHS taught by 20 teachers. Courses include AP Biology, AP Computer Science, AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP Macroeconomics, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Culture and Literature, and more.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
🇩🇪 Upper level German students enjoyed learning about German holiday traditions this past December.
After making "Zimtsterne" (cinnamon star cookies) together, which we used for St. Nick's Day, German 6 & 8 students pursued different paths. Third year students learned how to write recipes and successfully translated recipes into German, while fourth year students researched holiday traditions in Germany and gave interactive presentations to the whole class. Finally, the classes came together again to watch a video of "Hansel & Gretel," where they were introduced to the source of the allusions in an article about gingerbread houses. They then built gingerbread houses on the foundation of this background knowledge.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
After making "Zimtsterne" (cinnamon star cookies) together, which we used for St. Nick's Day, German 6 & 8 students pursued different paths. Third year students learned how to write recipes and successfully translated recipes into German, while fourth year students researched holiday traditions in Germany and gave interactive presentations to the whole class. Finally, the classes came together again to watch a video of "Hansel & Gretel," where they were introduced to the source of the allusions in an article about gingerbread houses. They then built gingerbread houses on the foundation of this background knowledge.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
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.
Watertown High School will host Freshman Preview Night for all current area 8th graders on Thursday, Jan. 15. This event is an excellent way to learn more about the high school and its many academic and extracurricular offerings. No need to pre-register, just attend!
The Gosling Nest at Watertown High School provides an incredible amount of support to our students all throughout the school year and especially at Christmastime. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, and to the countless donors who make the Gosling Nest possible. 💙
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!
Last night's Watertown High School Carols & Bells Holiday Concert was wonderful! Tickets still remain available for tonight's 7 p.m. performance in the WHS auditorium. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $5 for adults and $4 for senior citizens and children under 18.
We'd love to see another full auditorium tonight! This is a great opportunity to celebrate the holiday season and show support for our incredibly talented student musicians and staff. 🎶🎄
We'd love to see another full auditorium tonight! This is a great opportunity to celebrate the holiday season and show support for our incredibly talented student musicians and staff. 🎶🎄
