COVID-19 Update March 15, 2020

Good evening Watertown Public Schools Families and Staff,

Governor Baker just announced that all schools in Massachusetts, with the exception of residential programs, will be closed until April 7. Our Watertown leadership team is meeting tomorrow to continue our diligent planning of continuous learning experiences for our students and will be providing families with our plan mid-week, as noted in my March 13th update.

The Importance of Social Distancing

I want to emphasize once again the need for social distancing. The state-wide school closure is meant to slow the spread of COVID 19 and we must work together to practice social distancing. This means students should not be visiting friends, gathering at playgrounds or parks, or meeting in public spaces. We encourage students to play outside, but only with household members when possible. Please see the WPS Website for more information about COVID-19, with links to official public health resources: MA DPH and CDC at Update Center Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information.

Food Support for Students

We will be distributing grab and go lunches for students beginning tomorrow in the Watertown High School rear parking lot. We have worked with our school nutrition department to develop essential services for students experiencing food scarcity and/or insecurity to have access to meals that will comply with social isolation expectations. Meals will be distributed in the faculty parking lot on Barnard Ave behind Watertown High School, Monday - Friday from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Please note that all meals must be taken and consumed off-site. If assistance is needed to access the food station, please contact lunch_line@watertown.k12.ma.us or call (617) 926 7766. Additional food resources can be found at https://www.watertown-ma.gov/250/Watertown-Food-Pantry.

Building Closure

All of our schools are closed. If you need to get into a building, please contact your school’s principal. The Middle School is scheduling a systematic pick up of Chromebooks over the next few days. Principal Martin will be contacting middle school families with a schedule for the pickup. If your child has medication(s) that are needed during this time period, please contact the Student Services Office at 617-926-7766 or email kathleen.desmarais@watertown.k12.ma.us.

Thank you for your continued support and please know that your Watertown Public School community is here for you and will be continually providing updates as information becomes available.

Kind regards,

Dr. Dede Galdston, Superintendent