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
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...🎭💫
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.
🎭 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.
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!
🚌 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 Nickels, 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!
