Today, Friday, May 1, is National Principals' Day!
Join us in recognizing our dedicated WUSD principals for all they do to support our schools. Thank you to Brad Clark of Webster Elementary School, Kayla Wendt of both LEAP and Lincoln Elementary schools, Emily Lessner of Douglas Elementary School, Casey Rusch-Weiland of Schurz Elementary School, Mike Cunningham and Leigh Ann Graf of Riverside Middle School, and Jason Widiker of Watertown High School. 💙
🍎 Today is School Lunch Hero Day! Thank you to all the amazing members of the WUSD Nutrition Services staff. We appreciate you and all you do for our students!
Douglas Elementary School: Lindsay Kruesel, Rebecca Uecker, and Beth Unser
LEAP Elementary School: Shari Uecker
Lincoln STEM Elementary School: Jan Peterson
Schurz Elementary School: Antonette Herschi, Sharon Loppnow, and Karen Zautner
Webster Elementary School: Laural Connolly, Sherri Hesse, Shawn Vogel
Riverside Middle School: Karen Borth, Julie Butler, Lori Dathan, Peggy Hackney, Theresa Marasch, Gloria McDonald (Production Manager), and Deanna Tompsett
Watertown High School: Kristine Eckert, Diane Haseleu, Patty Huth, Kierstyn Jackman, Mary Kraimer, Terry Kraimer, Janina Kroll, David Leonsteiner, Donna Neeman, Patricia Olivos, Deborah Pfeifer, Jackie Pochowski, Tami Reynolds, Mandy Rytkonen, Monica Stone, Daisy Tubbs, Jessica Wallace, Doris Wright, and Tina Zastrow.
Office Team: Sheila Price (Program Supervisor), Michelle Yelk (Administrative Assistant), and Nancy Kopplin (Production Manager WHS)
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Douglas Elementary School: Lindsay Kruesel, Rebecca Uecker, and Beth Unser
LEAP Elementary School: Shari Uecker
Lincoln STEM Elementary School: Jan Peterson
Schurz Elementary School: Antonette Herschi, Sharon Loppnow, and Karen Zautner
Webster Elementary School: Laural Connolly, Sherri Hesse, Shawn Vogel
Riverside Middle School: Karen Borth, Julie Butler, Lori Dathan, Peggy Hackney, Theresa Marasch, Gloria McDonald (Production Manager), and Deanna Tompsett
Watertown High School: Kristine Eckert, Diane Haseleu, Patty Huth, Kierstyn Jackman, Mary Kraimer, Terry Kraimer, Janina Kroll, David Leonsteiner, Donna Neeman, Patricia Olivos, Deborah Pfeifer, Jackie Pochowski, Tami Reynolds, Mandy Rytkonen, Monica Stone, Daisy Tubbs, Jessica Wallace, Doris Wright, and Tina Zastrow.
Office Team: Sheila Price (Program Supervisor), Michelle Yelk (Administrative Assistant), and Nancy Kopplin (Production Manager WHS)
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Next week, May 4-8, 2026, is Teacher Appreciation Week. 🍎
Today, Tuesday, April 28, is National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Please waive or say thank you to our dedicated school bus drivers when you see them for always safely transporting our students to and from school, to athletic and extra-curricular events, on fieldtrips, and more. 🚌
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
WUSD Third Grader Meadow Maroo Ties for First in Nation with Perfect WordMasters Score 🌟🏆
The Watertown Unified School District’s Advanced Learning Department is proud to announce that third-grade student Meadow Maroo has achieved a perfect score on the third and final meet of the national WordMasters Challenge™ Gold Division. By correctly answering all 20 questions on this rigorous analytical reasoning assessment, Maroo tied for first place in the nation for Gold List 3.
The WordMasters Challenge™ is a prestigious national competition that tests students' mastery of high-level vocabulary and their ability to solve complex analogies. Unlike standard memorization tests, the Gold Division is specifically designed for students with superior verbal reasoning skills. Meadow’s perfect score places her in the top fraction of one percent of participants nationwide.
This extraordinary accomplishment is a direct result of the support provided by Watertown’s Advanced Learning Department, under the direction of Stacci Barganz. Meadow’s success was guided by the mentorship of WordMasters coach and Advanced Learning Team Member Jayne Barta, who worked closely with Meadow and her teammates to master the nuances of the Gold Division curriculum.
"Meadow’s achievement is a rare and remarkable feat," said Stacci Barganz, Advanced Learning Coordinator. "A perfect score in the Gold Division requires not just a vast vocabulary, but the logic and critical thinking skills of a much older student. We are thrilled to see her hard work recognized on a national stage."
✨ National Honors ✨
While Meadow Maroo led the district with her first-place finish, several other WUSD students achieved elite national rankings this year under the coaching of Jayne Barta, Teresa Jensen, and Sue Pochop:
⭐ Tied for 2nd Place Nationally: Patrick McCarthy (List 1), Rosie Long (List 3), Margaret Vickroy (List 2), Oliver Hensler (List 2), Silas Crawley (List 3), and Jameson Newell (List 2).
⭐ Tied for 3rd Place Nationally: Amelia Manchester (List 3), Connor Young (Lists 2 & 3), Patrick McCarthy (List 3), Walter Fredrick (List 2), Izabella Mung'aithi (List 2), Miles Schneekloth (List 2), and Oliver Hensler (List 3).
📆 Advanced Learning Awards Night & Parent Meeting
The community is invited to celebrate the achievements of Meadow and other high-achieving students at the upcoming Advanced Learning Awards Night and Parent Meeting.
▪️ Date: May 4, 2026
▪️ Time: 6:30 p.m.
▪️ Location: Watertown High School (WHS) Auditorium
This event will recognize student progress and provide parents with valuable information regarding the future of the Advanced Learning program.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
The Watertown Unified School District’s Advanced Learning Department is proud to announce that third-grade student Meadow Maroo has achieved a perfect score on the third and final meet of the national WordMasters Challenge™ Gold Division. By correctly answering all 20 questions on this rigorous analytical reasoning assessment, Maroo tied for first place in the nation for Gold List 3.
The WordMasters Challenge™ is a prestigious national competition that tests students' mastery of high-level vocabulary and their ability to solve complex analogies. Unlike standard memorization tests, the Gold Division is specifically designed for students with superior verbal reasoning skills. Meadow’s perfect score places her in the top fraction of one percent of participants nationwide.
This extraordinary accomplishment is a direct result of the support provided by Watertown’s Advanced Learning Department, under the direction of Stacci Barganz. Meadow’s success was guided by the mentorship of WordMasters coach and Advanced Learning Team Member Jayne Barta, who worked closely with Meadow and her teammates to master the nuances of the Gold Division curriculum.
"Meadow’s achievement is a rare and remarkable feat," said Stacci Barganz, Advanced Learning Coordinator. "A perfect score in the Gold Division requires not just a vast vocabulary, but the logic and critical thinking skills of a much older student. We are thrilled to see her hard work recognized on a national stage."
✨ National Honors ✨
While Meadow Maroo led the district with her first-place finish, several other WUSD students achieved elite national rankings this year under the coaching of Jayne Barta, Teresa Jensen, and Sue Pochop:
⭐ Tied for 2nd Place Nationally: Patrick McCarthy (List 1), Rosie Long (List 3), Margaret Vickroy (List 2), Oliver Hensler (List 2), Silas Crawley (List 3), and Jameson Newell (List 2).
⭐ Tied for 3rd Place Nationally: Amelia Manchester (List 3), Connor Young (Lists 2 & 3), Patrick McCarthy (List 3), Walter Fredrick (List 2), Izabella Mung'aithi (List 2), Miles Schneekloth (List 2), and Oliver Hensler (List 3).
📆 Advanced Learning Awards Night & Parent Meeting
The community is invited to celebrate the achievements of Meadow and other high-achieving students at the upcoming Advanced Learning Awards Night and Parent Meeting.
▪️ Date: May 4, 2026
▪️ Time: 6:30 p.m.
▪️ Location: Watertown High School (WHS) Auditorium
This event will recognize student progress and provide parents with valuable information regarding the future of the Advanced Learning program.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Happy Administrative Professionals Day to this amazing group of WUSD employees - thank you so much for all you do to support our staff, students and families.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Vian Abdulrahman, Terri Danner, Jen Devers, Jaime Fischer, Jill Geske, Danielle Hansen, Jennifer Harris, Cheryl Hollatz, Diane Klemm, Kathryn Klinger, Jill Kulick, Kelly Kwapil, Amy Liesch, Lynn Linskens, Sherrie Loeffler-Tietz, Dawn McBride, Jennifer McCrory, Sarah Miller, Kelley Piasecki, Katie Pirkel, Amanda Ristow, Jaclyne Rocole, Sara Schmitz, Alex Stankey, Angel Vander Steeg, Jean Vesper, Amy Wesemann, Jennifer Willis, Michelle Yelk and Laura Zautner. 💙
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
We extend our sincere appreciation to Vian Abdulrahman, Terri Danner, Jen Devers, Jaime Fischer, Jill Geske, Danielle Hansen, Jennifer Harris, Cheryl Hollatz, Diane Klemm, Kathryn Klinger, Jill Kulick, Kelly Kwapil, Amy Liesch, Lynn Linskens, Sherrie Loeffler-Tietz, Dawn McBride, Jennifer McCrory, Sarah Miller, Kelley Piasecki, Katie Pirkel, Amanda Ristow, Jaclyne Rocole, Sara Schmitz, Alex Stankey, Angel Vander Steeg, Jean Vesper, Amy Wesemann, Jennifer Willis, Michelle Yelk and Laura Zautner. 💙
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
📖 This week is National Library Week and we're celebrating with the theme of “Find Your Joy.” This is a special week to spotlight our seven school libraries across the WUSD and highlight the vital role our library staff plays in fostering learning and community.
Our libraries serve as welcoming spaces where students feel safe, comfortable, and inspired to learn. From robust book collections that spark a lifelong love of reading, to engaging in STEM activities, our certified library media specialists provide vital instruction in technology, information literacy, research skills, and digital citizenship. Every day, they help our students grow as readers, thinkers, and responsible digital citizens.
Thank you to our incredible library staff for creating environments where curiosity thrives and every student belongs.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Due to the inclement weather forecasted, all after school activities are cancelled today, Friday, April 17, 2026. This includes any athletics and the Show Choir Spectacular.
WUSD Show Choirs Perform this Weekend 🎤🎵🎸🕺
This Friday, April 17, make plans to attend the Show Choir Spectacular in the Watertown High School Auditorium starting at 7:30 p.m. This fun, high-energy event will feature the WHS show choirs River City Rhapsody and Femme Fusion, as well as our elementary show choir, Pizazz! Tickets can be purchased at the door: Adults, $3; Seniors, $2; and WHS students and children under age six, free.
Then on Sunday, April 19, catch an encore performance our show choirs at WHS at 4 p.m. as they open for Wisconsin Singers - the premier University of Wisconsin-Madison student-led performance troupe. This year’s troupe features four WHS alumni!
Wisconsin Singers' 58th season original show, "Star of the Show," blends pop, rock, and musical hits from the past 50 years. Audiences will hear over 60 songs in this fast-paced production, including fan favorites from artists like The Weeknd and Madonna, as well as Broadway numbers from award-winning musicals including "Hamilton" and "Wicked."
Tickets are $15 for general admission adults and $12 for students and seniors, and are available at www.goslingmusic.org., or at the door on Sunday.
Wisconsin Singers has provided high energy musical entertainment to communities across the Midwest since 1967. The troupe is made up of singers, dancers, lighting and tech designers, and an eight-piece live band, all full-time UW-Madison students studying across 30 majors. The student-run organization will perform over 35 shows this season, combining professional quality production with the energy and creativity of UW-Madison students.
This Friday, April 17, make plans to attend the Show Choir Spectacular in the Watertown High School Auditorium starting at 7:30 p.m. This fun, high-energy event will feature the WHS show choirs River City Rhapsody and Femme Fusion, as well as our elementary show choir, Pizazz! Tickets can be purchased at the door: Adults, $3; Seniors, $2; and WHS students and children under age six, free.
Then on Sunday, April 19, catch an encore performance our show choirs at WHS at 4 p.m. as they open for Wisconsin Singers - the premier University of Wisconsin-Madison student-led performance troupe. This year’s troupe features four WHS alumni!
Wisconsin Singers' 58th season original show, "Star of the Show," blends pop, rock, and musical hits from the past 50 years. Audiences will hear over 60 songs in this fast-paced production, including fan favorites from artists like The Weeknd and Madonna, as well as Broadway numbers from award-winning musicals including "Hamilton" and "Wicked."
Tickets are $15 for general admission adults and $12 for students and seniors, and are available at www.goslingmusic.org., or at the door on Sunday.
Wisconsin Singers has provided high energy musical entertainment to communities across the Midwest since 1967. The troupe is made up of singers, dancers, lighting and tech designers, and an eight-piece live band, all full-time UW-Madison students studying across 30 majors. The student-run organization will perform over 35 shows this season, combining professional quality production with the energy and creativity of UW-Madison students.
Summer School Registration opens on Monday, April 13th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/o/summerschool.
Tomorrow - Tuesday, April 7 - is Election Day 🗳
Our community will vote on an operational referendum for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support district operational, instructional, and day-to-day maintenance expenses. If the referendum is approved, what would this mean for your taxes?
▪ A property with an assessed value of $100,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $96 per year or $8 per month
▪ A property with an assessed value of $200,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $192 per year or $16 per month
▪ A property with an assessed value of $300,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $288 per year or $24 per month
The WUSD recognizes it is asking for financial support at a time when many household budgets are already stretched thin. The district is working hard to reduce its operating budget - already cutting expenses by more than $1.2 million coming into the 2025-26 school year. Even with an approved referendum, deep budget reductions will still need to be made.
To learn more about the Operational Referendum and why it is needed, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
Our community will vote on an operational referendum for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support district operational, instructional, and day-to-day maintenance expenses. If the referendum is approved, what would this mean for your taxes?
▪ A property with an assessed value of $100,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $96 per year or $8 per month
▪ A property with an assessed value of $200,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $192 per year or $16 per month
▪ A property with an assessed value of $300,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $288 per year or $24 per month
The WUSD recognizes it is asking for financial support at a time when many household budgets are already stretched thin. The district is working hard to reduce its operating budget - already cutting expenses by more than $1.2 million coming into the 2025-26 school year. Even with an approved referendum, deep budget reductions will still need to be made.
To learn more about the Operational Referendum and why it is needed, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
We encourage all Watertown area residents to be informed regarding the WUSD Operational Referendum that is on the ballot this Tuesday, April 7.
To learn more about the referendum, and what's at stake whether it passes or fails, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
To learn more about the referendum, and what's at stake whether it passes or fails, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
Today, Wednesday, April 1, 2026 is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day. Thank you to our Watertown Unified School District Paraprofessionals for all they do to support learning in our schools. 💙
On Tuesday, April, 7, our community will vote on a referendum for the WUSD that would provide the district with $4.5 million per year for five years to fund operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. This funding, if approved, would not be for new buildings or major building remodeling projects.
🗳 Election Day is just ONE WEEK from tomorrow!
On Tuesday, April 7, our community will vote on an operational referendum for the Watertown Unified School District that would provide (if approved) $4.5 million per year for five years to fund district operational, instructional and maintenance expenses.
To learn more about the referendum and why it is needed, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
On Tuesday, April 7, our community will vote on an operational referendum for the Watertown Unified School District that would provide (if approved) $4.5 million per year for five years to fund district operational, instructional and maintenance expenses.
To learn more about the referendum and why it is needed, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
The Watertown Unified School District is seeking students who will be 3-years-old as of Sept. 1, 2026 to join our Little Goslings Peer Model Program.
This play-based program is designed around the routines, needs, and social skills 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 Wednesday, April 22 from 10-11 a.m. at Douglas Elementary School. To register your child for a screening or to learn more, contact WUSD Special Education Program Manager Rebekah Faas at faasr@mywusd.org or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyPrCtYpw16s8f1tc_Lj9tmgz0B8Td94grJXLWax4VcE63tw/viewform.
This play-based program is designed around the routines, needs, and social skills 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 Wednesday, April 22 from 10-11 a.m. at Douglas Elementary School. To register your child for a screening or to learn more, contact WUSD Special Education Program Manager Rebekah Faas at faasr@mywusd.org or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyPrCtYpw16s8f1tc_Lj9tmgz0B8Td94grJXLWax4VcE63tw/viewform.
Don't delay - register your child for kindergarten today! 🏫
Registration is now open for Watertown Unified School District's 4 & 5 year-old kindergarten programs. There are full and half-day options available for 4K, and 5-year-old kindergarten is full-day for students.
To enroll, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/enrollment-and-registration.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Registration is now open for Watertown Unified School District's 4 & 5 year-old kindergarten programs. There are full and half-day options available for 4K, and 5-year-old kindergarten is full-day for students.
To enroll, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/enrollment-and-registration.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
The Watertown Daily Times and Realty Executives Platinum recently teamed up to sponsor a new city-wide Teacher of the Month contest. Congratulations to our very own Miranda Weinheimer of Lincoln STEM Elementary School for being named February's Teacher of the Month! 🌟
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
