National Principals' Day has been extra special at Webster Elementary School, as the staff and students planned a special surprise for Principal Brad Clark, who is retiring at the end of the school year. In addition to decorations and well wishes hung all throughout the school, students and staff planned a "Dress like Mr. Clark" day complete with his signature lanyard, walkie-talkie, quarter-zip pull-over, and/or dress shirt and tie.
Thank you, Mr. Clark! Go Wildcats!
Thank you, Mr. Clark! Go Wildcats!
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
These awesome Webster Wildcats spent time this past week cleaning up the school playground in honor of Earth Day and helping to pick up branches at Washington Park. 🌏 🌳
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
Webster Elementary School held its Cool, Awesome, and Terrific Students (CATS) lunch on Friday, April 17. Each month, students are selected by teachers in grades 5K-5 for making great gains in an academic area or by working super hard. Selected students get to enjoy lunch with Webster Principal Mr. Brad Clark.
Picture 1 - Grades K, 1, & 2
Top Row (left to right): Lydia Wehrmann-Troemel, Hannah Strickler, Italia Huesca Hernandez
Next Row (left to right): Conner Reinhart, Theo Woodard, Penelope Yiannackopoulos
Bottom Row (left to right): Madden Goodman, Lizzy Jeffrey, Percy Griffin
Picture 2 - Grades 3, 4, & 5
Top Row (left to right): Isaac Schlueter, Cooper Reichert, Lyamari Van Dyck
Next Row (left to right): Brody Salas, Aleyah Andruss, Kairyn Tumapang
Bottom Row (left to right): Nora McFarland, Macy Moulton, Karter Hoffmann
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Picture 1 - Grades K, 1, & 2
Top Row (left to right): Lydia Wehrmann-Troemel, Hannah Strickler, Italia Huesca Hernandez
Next Row (left to right): Conner Reinhart, Theo Woodard, Penelope Yiannackopoulos
Bottom Row (left to right): Madden Goodman, Lizzy Jeffrey, Percy Griffin
Picture 2 - Grades 3, 4, & 5
Top Row (left to right): Isaac Schlueter, Cooper Reichert, Lyamari Van Dyck
Next Row (left to right): Brody Salas, Aleyah Andruss, Kairyn Tumapang
Bottom Row (left to right): Nora McFarland, Macy Moulton, Karter Hoffmann
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.
The Webster Elementary School grades K-2 and grades 3-5 classes have been busy in the library recently learning about engineering, fiction vs. nonfiction genres, and working on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) building kits.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
A decades-long tradition reborn! 🧮✨
After many years away, our district officially returned to the Math 24 arena through the Southern Lakes Advanced Learners Network! This fast-paced mental math challenge requires students to combine four numbers using any operation to reach exactly 24 - all in a matter of seconds.
A huge shoutout to the three trailblazing students - Anna Gerike, Marley Weber, and Tenley Wehner - who stepped up to represent the WUSD and pave the way for a new generation of mathletes. We’re so proud of them for breaking the ice and showing the grit it takes to restart a legacy. This is just the first step in building our Math 24 program back to its full strength! 🧠⚡
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
️
After many years away, our district officially returned to the Math 24 arena through the Southern Lakes Advanced Learners Network! This fast-paced mental math challenge requires students to combine four numbers using any operation to reach exactly 24 - all in a matter of seconds.
A huge shoutout to the three trailblazing students - Anna Gerike, Marley Weber, and Tenley Wehner - who stepped up to represent the WUSD and pave the way for a new generation of mathletes. We’re so proud of them for breaking the ice and showing the grit it takes to restart a legacy. This is just the first step in building our Math 24 program back to its full strength! 🧠⚡
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.
