
Parent Newsletter 11.3.23
Watertown High School
Weekly Update
Have a great weekend and review the information below! A reminder there are only a few weeks left in the first trimester - families are encouraged to review grades in Skyward and reach out to staff as needed. Remember to adjust your clocks this weekend as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end!
End of 1st Trimester: Friday, December 1
A friendly reminder that the 1st Trimester officially ends on December 1st so if you or your student have any concerns about academic progress in any course, now is the time to communicate with your student’s teacher(s) and/or your student’s WHS counselor to be sure your student finds success! Students and families may also contact the Student Services Office by phone at (920) 262-7550.
Students Last Name A-He:
- Amy True, WHS Counselor
- truea@watertown.k12.wi.us
Students Last Name Hi-Ph:
- Erikka Olson, WHS Counselor
- olsone@watertown.k12.wi.us
Students Last Name Pi-Z:
- Matthew Dunn, WHS Counselor
- dunnm@watertown.k12.wi.us
WHS students will have an early release day on December 1st and will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Buses will run at the regular time.
Chromebook Update
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to discuss the positive uses of Chromebooks and how you can support your child's use of this technology to enhance their learning experience. In today's digital age, Chromebooks have become invaluable tools for education, offering numerous benefits for students.
Positive Uses of Chromebooks:
- 1. Access to Educational Resources: Chromebooks provide students with instant access to a vast array of educational resources, including e-books, online research tools, and educational websites. This enables them to delve deeper into subjects and explore a wide range of learning materials.
- 2. Collaborative Learning: Chromebooks are excellent for promoting collaborative learning. Students can work on group projects, share documents, and communicate with their peers effectively. These collaborative skills are crucial for their future success in the workforce.
- 3. Digital Organization: Chromebooks help students develop strong organizational skills. They can keep all their notes, assignments, and schedules in one place, reducing the likelihood of losing important materials.
- 4. Enhanced Productivity: Chromebooks offer a range of applications and extensions that can improve productivity. Students can use tools like Google Docs for writing assignments, Google Sheets for data analysis, and various educational apps for specific subjects.
- 5. Digital Literacy: Using Chromebooks helps students become digitally literate. This is a crucial skill in our increasingly tech-driven world, and it will benefit them both academically and professionally.
Ways to Support Your Child's Use of Chromebooks:
- 1. Set Clear Expectations: Establish guidelines for the appropriate use of the Chromebook, such as limiting recreational screen time during homework hours.
- 2. Create a Designated Workspace: Encourage your child to use the Chromebook in a quiet, organized space with minimal distractions to optimize their learning environment.
- 3. Familiarize Yourself with the Technology: Take some time to learn about the Chromebook and its features. This will allow you to help your child troubleshoot technical issues and support their learning.
- 4. Regularly Communicate: Keep the lines of communication open with your child. Discuss their experiences with the Chromebook, any challenges they face, and their progress.
- 5. Monitor Internet Usage: Be mindful of the websites and applications your child accesses. Use parental controls and monitoring tools to ensure they are using the Chromebook for educational purposes.
- 6. Encourage Balance: Encourage your child to balance screen time with other activities such as physical exercise, reading, and face-to-face social interactions.
- 7. Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your child's academic achievements facilitated by the use of the Chromebook. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue using the device responsibly.
By embracing the educational potential of Chromebooks and providing support and guidance, you can help your child make the most of this valuable learning tool. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to work together to ensure your child's success.
Thank you for your ongoing support in our mission to provide the best education possible for your child.
Panorama Survey
District Wide Social Emotional Learning Survey
On Monday, November 13th students will be taking our district-wide social-emotional learning survey. We thank you and your family for being our valued partners as we work together to educate the students at Watertown High School. In order to learn more about students’ experiences at WUSD, your student is asked to provide feedback via an online survey administered three times a year. The fall survey will be administered at school on Monday, November 13th. It should take approximately 15 minutes to complete and will ask students to self-reflect on the following topics:
● Self-Management
● Social Awareness
● Self-Efficacy
● Learning Strategies
● Emotion Regulation
More information can be found in the district wide email that was sent a few days ago. If you would prefer your student opt out of taking the survey, please notify Student Services, fill out the opt out form or email Mrs. True at truea@mywusd.org by November 9, 2023. We thank you, in advance, for your role in improving the learning experiences of our students at Watertown Unified School District.
Student Services Update
Junior Conferences
Beginning in November, counselors will be starting junior conferences. We will be assigning times to students and highly encourage parents/guardians to attend. Parents/guardians will receive an emailed invitation with a Google calendar invite as well as a reminder postcard. Attached is a slide deck, outlining information that will be covered with students. Counselors will also send out a follow-up email, summarizing the discussion for parents and students. We look forward to working with your student to prepare them for their future goals!
School Picture Information
Senior Graduation Pictures
Senior yearbook photos will need to be uploaded directly to the Herff-Jones website: www.hjeshare.com and the school code is 825. The senior photo should be a headshot with no hands in the photo. The deadline to upload your senior picture is Friday, November 3, 2023. Hard copy photos and emailed senior photos will not be accepted.
Watertown Gosling NubaySoft Blankets
As the weather is getting colder, don't forget to purchase a NubaySoft ™ D-Luxe Blankets! They are super soft, HUGE and big enough for two people! By using your blankets at home, at the park, or at the game, our goal is to help student families feel included and connected to our great culture. Pricing is $70 each. To order, go to: https://sites.google.com/spectatorblankets.com/watertown-goslings/home
Great Things Happening Around WHS!
In October the National Honor Society put together goodie bags in appreciation for our bus drivers. NHS students delivered the bags to our drivers before their routes. It was a positive experience for both our students and our drivers. I believe a few tears of gratitude were shed :)
Pictured is Bus Driver, Craig Crogan, receiving a goodie bag from the NHS Students.
Pictured is NHS Member, Alora Thomas (right), handing over a goodie back to Bus Driver, Kim Wehrhahn (left).
Earlier in October, Watertown High School students were treated to a German Fest sponsored by our local chapter of the National German Honor Society. After school, students guessed how many German candies were in a jar--congratulations to Connor Hawes for coming closest!
Earlier in October, Watertown High School students were treated to a German Fest sponsored by our local chapter of the National German Honor Society. First hour classes competed in a daily trivia contest to win root beer floats and warm pretzels--Ms. Meissner's class enjoyed the prize!
Earlier in October, Watertown High School students were treated to a German Fest sponsored by our local chapter of the National German Honor Society. Students also looked for a new daily hiding sport for Hannah the Bear, winning German chocolate for bringing her back.
Watertown High School National Honor Society members spent Sunday at Bypass Farm where they sold animal treats and bandanas for pets. The funds that they raised will be split between the Watertown Humane Society and Heroes for Heroes.
Students enjoyed dressing up for Halloween this week! Pictured are students who made a stop in the Main Office to show off their costumes!
Important Upcoming Dates
- Senior Yearbook Pictures Due: Friday, November 3
- Senior Jostens Graduation Meeting: Monday, November 6 (during ELT)
- Senior Jostens Graduation Orders Deadline: Thursday, November 9 (lunch hours)
- No School: Monday, November 20 - Friday, November 24
- End of Trimester & 11:30 a.m. Early Release: Friday, December 1
Parent Resources
WHS Phone Numbers
Watertown High School: 920-262-7500
Attendance Line: 920-262-7537
Student Services: 920-262-7550
Watertown High School Fax: 920-262-7545
Attendance Fax: 920-262-7538
Student Services Fax: 920-262-7589