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.
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.
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.
🚌 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!
💙🏫 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!
🖍 WUSD 4K & 5K registration opens today at 10 a.m.!
The Watertown 4 Kids (4K) program and the 5K program are open to children who will be four or five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026. To register, visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/enrollment-and-registration.
Watertown 4 Kids is a community-based and school-based tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten offered at six WUSD and affiliated locations. Full day 4K and full day 4K bilingual options are available. If you are interested in full day 4K, please register ASAP.
If online access is needed to register a child, parents/guardians may register in person at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St., from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call (920) 262-1460 ext. 3217 to schedule.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The Watertown 4 Kids (4K) program and the 5K program are open to children who will be four or five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026. To register, visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/enrollment-and-registration.
Watertown 4 Kids is a community-based and school-based tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten offered at six WUSD and affiliated locations. Full day 4K and full day 4K bilingual options are available. If you are interested in full day 4K, please register ASAP.
If online access is needed to register a child, parents/guardians may register in person at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St., from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call (920) 262-1460 ext. 3217 to schedule.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Douglas Elementary School students had SNOW much fun last week during recess. ❄⛄
Webster Elementary School kicked off its Kids' Heart Challenge with an assembly last Thursday. Webster students learned about ways to stay healthy and take care of their hearts. They also learned about ways they can raise money for the American Heart Association to help others with 'special hearts.' 💙
Grades 2/3 students at Lincoln STEM Elementary School kicked off 2026 by choosing a word of the year.
They reflected on 2025, and identified a word that would help them be the very best they can be this year. Students even made bracelets to wear as a daily reminder of their special word. These Pandas are ready to make this their best year yet!
They reflected on 2025, and identified a word that would help them be the very best they can be this year. Students even made bracelets to wear as a daily reminder of their special word. These Pandas are ready to make this their best year yet!
The Schurz Elementary School Carnival took place this past Friday with the gymnasium, main hallway, and several classrooms filled with fun activities for children and their families to enjoy. Thank you to everyone at Schurz for organizing such a nice event and thank you to the Watertown High School National Honor Society students for helping to run the crafts and activities.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Watertown Unified School District 4K registration opens on Monday, Feb. 2. Several 4K Open Houses have been scheduled, and are listed in the flyer below.
To register for the Fall 4K program, children must be four-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. To register for the Fall 5K program, children must be five-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. Half-day and full-day options are available for 4K. The 5K program is full day. Watertown 4-Kids learning programs include STEM, Environmental & Agricultural, eCampus, Traditional, Multi-Age, Dual Language & more!
For more information, email Cheryl at hollatzc@mywusd.org or call (920) 262-1460.
To register for the Fall 4K program, children must be four-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. To register for the Fall 5K program, children must be five-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. Half-day and full-day options are available for 4K. The 5K program is full day. Watertown 4-Kids learning programs include STEM, Environmental & Agricultural, eCampus, Traditional, Multi-Age, Dual Language & more!
For more information, email Cheryl at hollatzc@mywusd.org or call (920) 262-1460.
Attention Parents and Guardians of 3 & 4-year-olds in Watertown!
The Watertown Unified School District is seeking 3 & 4-year-old students to join our Little Goslings Program. The Little Goslings Program is a play-based program focused on routines and social skills and is designed around the needs of our youngest learners with learning delays. As part of the program we seek Peer Models, same aged peers who display strong social skills, communication, and are toilet trained, to join our class. Peer Models help support an inclusive setting for all learners while participating in creative activities, strengthening school readiness and communication skills, and fostering relationships.
The next Peer Model screening will take place January 13, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Douglas Elementary School. To register your child for a screening or to learn more, click the link below or contact WUSD Special Education Program Manager Rebekah Faas at faasr@mywusd.org.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyPrCtYpw16s8f1tc_Lj9tmgz0B8Td94grJXLWax4VcE63tw/viewform.
The Watertown Unified School District is seeking 3 & 4-year-old students to join our Little Goslings Program. The Little Goslings Program is a play-based program focused on routines and social skills and is designed around the needs of our youngest learners with learning delays. As part of the program we seek Peer Models, same aged peers who display strong social skills, communication, and are toilet trained, to join our class. Peer Models help support an inclusive setting for all learners while participating in creative activities, strengthening school readiness and communication skills, and fostering relationships.
The next Peer Model screening will take place January 13, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Douglas Elementary School. To register your child for a screening or to learn more, click the link below or contact WUSD Special Education Program Manager Rebekah Faas at faasr@mywusd.org.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyPrCtYpw16s8f1tc_Lj9tmgz0B8Td94grJXLWax4VcE63tw/viewform.
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!
