The first class of WUSD Dual Language students will graduate tomorrow, and to commemorate their completion of the Dual Language program, seniors Ashley Almendarez, Ximena Garcia, Laura Peralta Paulino, and Kylie Trip painted an inspirational mural for future language students.
The mural has a papel picado decoration in the middle with the phrase "Anything is possible" in Spanish and is adorned on the upper corners with an eagle and a quetzal, two symbolic birds found in Mexico and Central America.
The papel picado is surrounded by an arch of cempasúchil (marigold) flowers that are typical during Día de Muertos for helping guide spirits home, and the hope is that these flowers will, in turn, guide language students in their studies at WHS.
The Dual Language Class of 2026 also painted a mural of a monarch butterfly (a symbol of Mexican culture, particularly in the Michoacán area where millions of monarchs migrate to every year) last year beneath the phrase, "Your wings already exist, all you need to do is fly."
"This group has been an inspiration for future classes of Dual Language students and has set the bar high," said WHS Advanced Spanish Language teacher Eric Kleine. "As the first Dual Language class, these students were 'guinea pigs' throughout their entire K-12 education in the WUSD, and they exceeded all expectations along the way."
Kleine added, "Now, with the addition of the murals, their trailblazing legacy will live on at WHS for years to come."
Other 2026 graduates of the Dual Language Program include Emanuel Castellón, Erik García, Hector Herrera, Lincoln Smith, Diego Urbina Cruz.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
The mural has a papel picado decoration in the middle with the phrase "Anything is possible" in Spanish and is adorned on the upper corners with an eagle and a quetzal, two symbolic birds found in Mexico and Central America.
The papel picado is surrounded by an arch of cempasúchil (marigold) flowers that are typical during Día de Muertos for helping guide spirits home, and the hope is that these flowers will, in turn, guide language students in their studies at WHS.
The Dual Language Class of 2026 also painted a mural of a monarch butterfly (a symbol of Mexican culture, particularly in the Michoacán area where millions of monarchs migrate to every year) last year beneath the phrase, "Your wings already exist, all you need to do is fly."
"This group has been an inspiration for future classes of Dual Language students and has set the bar high," said WHS Advanced Spanish Language teacher Eric Kleine. "As the first Dual Language class, these students were 'guinea pigs' throughout their entire K-12 education in the WUSD, and they exceeded all expectations along the way."
Kleine added, "Now, with the addition of the murals, their trailblazing legacy will live on at WHS for years to come."
Other 2026 graduates of the Dual Language Program include Emanuel Castellón, Erik García, Hector Herrera, Lincoln Smith, Diego Urbina Cruz.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay


Watertown High School students interested in a career in science or healthcare have the option to take Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Engineering classes. PLTW includes four courses that introduce students to biological concepts, laboratory skills, and clinical skills. These courses challenge students’ ability to use critical thinking, collaboration, and reasoning as they work through diagnosing and treating patients, as well as innovating new solutions to some of today’s most critical health care issues.
Pictured are the 23 seniors who recently earned their white coat by completing at least the PLTW- Medical Interventions and PLTW-Biomedical Innovations courses, with over 2/3 of the students completing all four PLTW Biomedical courses.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Pictured are the 23 seniors who recently earned their white coat by completing at least the PLTW- Medical Interventions and PLTW-Biomedical Innovations courses, with over 2/3 of the students completing all four PLTW Biomedical courses.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay

**2026 Retiree Recognition**
The Watertown Unified School District extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members retiring this year. We thank them for their dedication to our schools, and for working so hard to make not only our classrooms, but our community, a better place.
Today we recognize retiring staff member Pam Suski for her 34 years of service to the WUSD. Thank you, Pam, we wish you all the best in your retirement! 💙
The Watertown Unified School District extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members retiring this year. We thank them for their dedication to our schools, and for working so hard to make not only our classrooms, but our community, a better place.
Today we recognize retiring staff member Pam Suski for her 34 years of service to the WUSD. Thank you, Pam, we wish you all the best in your retirement! 💙

**2026 Retiree Recognition**
The Watertown Unified School District extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members retiring this year. We thank them for their dedication to our schools, and for working so hard to make not only our classrooms, but our community, a better place.
Today we recognize retiring staff member Stephannie Gilbert-Crane for her 23 years of service to the WUSD. Thank you, Stephannie, we wish you all the best in your retirement! 💙
The Watertown Unified School District extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members retiring this year. We thank them for their dedication to our schools, and for working so hard to make not only our classrooms, but our community, a better place.
Today we recognize retiring staff member Stephannie Gilbert-Crane for her 23 years of service to the WUSD. Thank you, Stephannie, we wish you all the best in your retirement! 💙

This is such a special tradition 🎓💙
Yesterday afternoon, many of our Watertown High School seniors returned to their elementary schools as part of the annual Graduation Walk. Pictured are our seniors at Douglas, LEAP, Lincoln, Schurz, and Webster elementary schools.
Graduation will take place this Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. in the WHS field house. A video link to view the ceremony can be found here - https://youtube.com/live/_-a1HzqtpUA?feature=share.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Yesterday afternoon, many of our Watertown High School seniors returned to their elementary schools as part of the annual Graduation Walk. Pictured are our seniors at Douglas, LEAP, Lincoln, Schurz, and Webster elementary schools.
Graduation will take place this Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. in the WHS field house. A video link to view the ceremony can be found here - https://youtube.com/live/_-a1HzqtpUA?feature=share.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay





**2026 Retiree Recognition**
The Watertown Unified School District extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members retiring this year. We thank them for their dedication to our schools, and for working so hard to make not only our classrooms, but our community, a better place.
Today we recognize retiring staff member Jean Heiden for her 28 years of service to the WUSD. Thank you, Jean, we wish you all the best in your retirement!
The Watertown Unified School District extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members retiring this year. We thank them for their dedication to our schools, and for working so hard to make not only our classrooms, but our community, a better place.
Today we recognize retiring staff member Jean Heiden for her 28 years of service to the WUSD. Thank you, Jean, we wish you all the best in your retirement!

**2026 Retiree Recognition**
The Watertown Unified School District extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members retiring this year. We thank them for their dedication to our schools, and for working so hard to make not only our classrooms, but our community, a better place.
Today we recognize retiring staff member Mike Gross for his 10 years of service to the WUSD. Thank you, Mike, we wish you all the best in your retirement! 💙
The Watertown Unified School District extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members retiring this year. We thank them for their dedication to our schools, and for working so hard to make not only our classrooms, but our community, a better place.
Today we recognize retiring staff member Mike Gross for his 10 years of service to the WUSD. Thank you, Mike, we wish you all the best in your retirement! 💙

🎓 300+ Seniors to Graduate on June 6, 630 Advanced Placement Tests Administered at WHS
On Saturday, June 6, just over 300 seniors attending Watertown High School, Endeavor Charter School, and eCampus Academy will receive their diplomas. Congratulations to these students! ⭐
Throughout the month of May, 403 students in grades 9-12 took one or more Advanced Placement (AP) exams. WHS offers 23 AP courses, which provide high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit prior to graduating. A total of 630 tests were administered this month! Way to go, Goslings! ⭐
On Saturday, June 6, just over 300 seniors attending Watertown High School, Endeavor Charter School, and eCampus Academy will receive their diplomas. Congratulations to these students! ⭐
Throughout the month of May, 403 students in grades 9-12 took one or more Advanced Placement (AP) exams. WHS offers 23 AP courses, which provide high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit prior to graduating. A total of 630 tests were administered this month! Way to go, Goslings! ⭐

✨ National Honor Society Inductees
On Sunday, May 17, a ceremony was held at Watertown High School to induct seven additional students into the National Honor Society. The students earned this achievement through their dedication to leadership, service, and character.
Congratulations to our newest NHS members!
The new inductees include:
Trey Budreau
Dexter Haversack
Macallister Hayes
Theo Heier
Juniper Stocklin
Landon Washetas
Cannon Jo Wiley
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our graduating NHS officers. Their leadership, service, dedication, and positive impact helped shape our chapter and inspire fellow students. We are grateful for all they have contributed and wish them the very best in their next endeavor.
2025-2026 Leadership:
President - Andrew Harms
Vice President Service/Events - Gillian Mihalko
Secretary/Media - Jack Sullivan and Allison Howlett
Tutoring Coordinators - Brady Lessner and Ezra Smith
NHS Faculty Advisors: Mrs. Gilbert Crane and Mrs. Klubertanz
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
On Sunday, May 17, a ceremony was held at Watertown High School to induct seven additional students into the National Honor Society. The students earned this achievement through their dedication to leadership, service, and character.
Congratulations to our newest NHS members!
The new inductees include:
Trey Budreau
Dexter Haversack
Macallister Hayes
Theo Heier
Juniper Stocklin
Landon Washetas
Cannon Jo Wiley
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our graduating NHS officers. Their leadership, service, dedication, and positive impact helped shape our chapter and inspire fellow students. We are grateful for all they have contributed and wish them the very best in their next endeavor.
2025-2026 Leadership:
President - Andrew Harms
Vice President Service/Events - Gillian Mihalko
Secretary/Media - Jack Sullivan and Allison Howlett
Tutoring Coordinators - Brady Lessner and Ezra Smith
NHS Faculty Advisors: Mrs. Gilbert Crane and Mrs. Klubertanz
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Thank you to Watertown High School alumni and parent Bob Mudler for recently sharing his insights and experiences as a local business owner with students in Diane Webber's Entrepreneurship classes.
We appreciate Mr. Mudler sharing his real-world experience with our students!
We appreciate Mr. Mudler sharing his real-world experience with our students!

Watertown Unified School District employees who are retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year were honored at a special breakfast and recognition ceremony Friday morning, May 15. During the ceremony, each retiree was recognized for their time, dedication, and positive impact upon the district, and presented with a gift.
The 14 retiring staff members provided 357 years of combined service to the WUSD. The retirees are (seated) from left: Sue Pochop, 31 years; Lisa Clark, 27 years; Michelle Yelk, 34 years; (back row) Dennis Schwenkner, 10 years; Patricia Loftus, eight years; Mike Gross, 10 years; Pam Suski, 34 years; Lora Konz, 26 years; Wendy Davis, 26 years; Connie Held, 36 years; and Brad Clark, 32 years. Not pictured: Stephannie Gilbert-Crane, 23 years; Jean Heiden, 28 years; and Paul Minning, 32 years. 💙
The 14 retiring staff members provided 357 years of combined service to the WUSD. The retirees are (seated) from left: Sue Pochop, 31 years; Lisa Clark, 27 years; Michelle Yelk, 34 years; (back row) Dennis Schwenkner, 10 years; Patricia Loftus, eight years; Mike Gross, 10 years; Pam Suski, 34 years; Lora Konz, 26 years; Wendy Davis, 26 years; Connie Held, 36 years; and Brad Clark, 32 years. Not pictured: Stephannie Gilbert-Crane, 23 years; Jean Heiden, 28 years; and Paul Minning, 32 years. 💙









