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.
Riverside Middle School SkillsUSA students recently competed at the State Leadership and Skills Conference and excelled in the middle school-level competitions!
The students worked hard and spent long hours practicing. Their work ethic and dedication paid off last Wednesday night when they were called on stage to stand on the podiums in front of over 1,700 Wisconsin students. A big congratulations to these young people!
1st Place Job Demonstration A - Genevieve Giannetto
1st Place Urban Search and Rescue - Genevieve Giannetto & Jocelyn Jilek
1st Place Extemporaneous Speaking - Joceyln Jilek
2nd Place Urban Search and Rescue - Zoey White & Seth Domer
2nd Place Additive Manufacturing Team - Arya Bernhardt & Elise Hensler
3rd Place Prepared Speech - Remedy Yang
3rd Place Job Demonstration Open - Addilee Skrobak
A delegation of students from around the state voted our very own Camila Siebenlist to be the Middle School State Officer for the 2026-27 school year! Congratulations Camila!
Please enjoy these photos from the event.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
The students worked hard and spent long hours practicing. Their work ethic and dedication paid off last Wednesday night when they were called on stage to stand on the podiums in front of over 1,700 Wisconsin students. A big congratulations to these young people!
1st Place Job Demonstration A - Genevieve Giannetto
1st Place Urban Search and Rescue - Genevieve Giannetto & Jocelyn Jilek
1st Place Extemporaneous Speaking - Joceyln Jilek
2nd Place Urban Search and Rescue - Zoey White & Seth Domer
2nd Place Additive Manufacturing Team - Arya Bernhardt & Elise Hensler
3rd Place Prepared Speech - Remedy Yang
3rd Place Job Demonstration Open - Addilee Skrobak
A delegation of students from around the state voted our very own Camila Siebenlist to be the Middle School State Officer for the 2026-27 school year! Congratulations Camila!
Please enjoy these photos from the event.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
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.
A group of Riverside Middle School 8th graders are currently in Washington, D.C. learning about and seeing history close-up. The students and staff chaperones have so far toured the Pentagon, the many monuments, the National Archives, the Jefferson Memorial, the Spy Museum, and more. We look forward to hearing all about their trip when they return. ✈
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Tree removal will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery next to Riverside Middle School March 25-31 (weather permitting). Please note the cemetery will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic during this time.
RMS Spring Musical Debuts Tonight!
The Riverside Middle School Drama Club will present Goosebumps Phantom of the Auditorium by R.L Stine tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Saturday (March 21) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the RMS gymnasium. The musical is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students, and children age 4 and younger are free.
The musical stars RMS 6th, 7th, & 8th graders. The story follows Brooke and Zeke, two enthusiastic students cast as the leads in their school’s mysterious production of The Phantom. As strange notes and spooky happenings begin to disrupt rehearsals, the cast wonders if the legend of the real phantom haunting the auditorium might be true. What unfolds is a fun, fast-paced mix of mystery and comedy as the students work together to uncover the truth. 👻
The Riverside Middle School Drama Club will present Goosebumps Phantom of the Auditorium by R.L Stine tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Saturday (March 21) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the RMS gymnasium. The musical is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students, and children age 4 and younger are free.
The musical stars RMS 6th, 7th, & 8th graders. The story follows Brooke and Zeke, two enthusiastic students cast as the leads in their school’s mysterious production of The Phantom. As strange notes and spooky happenings begin to disrupt rehearsals, the cast wonders if the legend of the real phantom haunting the auditorium might be true. What unfolds is a fun, fast-paced mix of mystery and comedy as the students work together to uncover the truth. 👻
Congratulations to our Riverside Middle School students who participated in the Southern Lakes Advanced Learners Network Academic Bowl last week. Each student competed in one category: math, ELA, social studies, or science. Then the team competed in a current events round. Your Riverside Middle School team took FIRST PLACE! Team members included:
Brycen Bauknecht
Zander Unkel
Baye Klug
Kinsley Strobel
Eli Stegeman
Mykaela Mung'aithi
Asher Smith (3rd place 6th grade social studies)
Naomi Mung'aithi (2nd place 6th grade science)
Parker Wheeler (2nd place 7th grade math)
Eliana Keddington (2nd place 8th grade math)
Elise Hensler (2nd place 8th grade science)
Jake Ruetten (1st place 6th grade math)
Audrey Arnett (1st place 7th grade social studies)
Ava Carpenter (1st place 8th grade ELA)
Evelyn Mora-Perez (1st place 8th grade math)
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Brycen Bauknecht
Zander Unkel
Baye Klug
Kinsley Strobel
Eli Stegeman
Mykaela Mung'aithi
Asher Smith (3rd place 6th grade social studies)
Naomi Mung'aithi (2nd place 6th grade science)
Parker Wheeler (2nd place 7th grade math)
Eliana Keddington (2nd place 8th grade math)
Elise Hensler (2nd place 8th grade science)
Jake Ruetten (1st place 6th grade math)
Audrey Arnett (1st place 7th grade social studies)
Ava Carpenter (1st place 8th grade ELA)
Evelyn Mora-Perez (1st place 8th grade math)
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
It's School Social Worker Appreciation Week 🏫
This week we are proud to celebrate our dedicated School Social Workers Lauren Eisenberg, Lisa Tuozzo, Shelbie Proudfoot-Komro, and Chris Weddig for all they do to support students in the Watertown Unified School District. 💙
This week we are proud to celebrate our dedicated School Social Workers Lauren Eisenberg, Lisa Tuozzo, Shelbie Proudfoot-Komro, and Chris Weddig for all they do to support students in the Watertown Unified School District. 💙
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.
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.
