The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education is holding special community listening and information sessions regarding the potential closure of Lebanon LEAP and Lincoln STEM elementary schools.
The first meeting will take place tonight, Thursday, Feb. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at LEAP Elementary School, W4712 Co. Rd. O. This meeting will be held in the school's gymnasium. Due to fire code restrictions, in-person attendance will be limited to roughly 200 attendees. The meeting will be livestreamed this evening and also available for viewing next week on the WUSD Board Meeting YouTube channel.
Public comments this evening from those in the audience and from those participating virtually will be limited to three minutes each. To access meeting login information to join virtually or by phone, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
The listening and information session for Lincoln STEM Elementary School will take place Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Lincoln gymnasium. In-person capacity due to fire code restrictions at that location will be limited to roughly 220 attendees. A virtual meeting link will be provided for that meeting early next week.
The first meeting will take place tonight, Thursday, Feb. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at LEAP Elementary School, W4712 Co. Rd. O. This meeting will be held in the school's gymnasium. Due to fire code restrictions, in-person attendance will be limited to roughly 200 attendees. The meeting will be livestreamed this evening and also available for viewing next week on the WUSD Board Meeting YouTube channel.
Public comments this evening from those in the audience and from those participating virtually will be limited to three minutes each. To access meeting login information to join virtually or by phone, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
The listening and information session for Lincoln STEM Elementary School will take place Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Lincoln gymnasium. In-person capacity due to fire code restrictions at that location will be limited to roughly 220 attendees. A virtual meeting link will be provided for that meeting early next week.
In January, Watertown High School National Honor Society students spread a little winter cheer beyond the walls of our school. They baked homemade cookies, packaged them with festive winter stickers, and delivered them around town as a heartfelt thank-you to the people who make an everyday impact on our community.
Stops included the Lebanon Police Station, Lebanon Fire Department, Gentle Healer Pet Clinic, and Meade Medical Center. Through this small act of kindness, our students showed big appreciation for those who serve, care for, and protect others every day.
We are so proud of our NHS students for leading with gratitude and reminding us all that simple gestures can make a big difference!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Stops included the Lebanon Police Station, Lebanon Fire Department, Gentle Healer Pet Clinic, and Meade Medical Center. Through this small act of kindness, our students showed big appreciation for those who serve, care for, and protect others every day.
We are so proud of our NHS students for leading with gratitude and reminding us all that simple gestures can make a big difference!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
🎭 Mark your calendar - tickets for the Watertown High School Music Department's production of Pippin go on sale Monday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at goslingmusic.org!
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. Tickets may also be purchased at WHS during regular school hours 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
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. Tickets may also be purchased at WHS during regular school hours 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
💙💛 Watertown Unified School District 5th-8th graders participated in the Southern Lakes Advanced Learners' Network Math Meet at UW-Whitewater on Wednesday, January 7. 💫
On the 5th and 6th grade team, Oliver Hensler and Brynleigh Wegner were the top 2 scorers in 5th grade, and Jake Ruetten and Zander Unkel led the 6th graders. Oliver Hensler took 1st place overall in 5th grade, among hundreds of students! The 5th and 6th grade team took 6th place overall. Nice job, team! 👏👏
On the 7th and 8th grade team, Kinsley Strobel and Parker Wheeler were the top two 7th grade scorers, and Eliana Keddington and Oliver Wegner were the top two 8th grade scorers. Eliana Keddington took 3rd place overall in 8th grade, among hundreds of students! The 7th and 8th grade team took 5th place overall.
Awesome job, everyone! 👏👏
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
On the 5th and 6th grade team, Oliver Hensler and Brynleigh Wegner were the top 2 scorers in 5th grade, and Jake Ruetten and Zander Unkel led the 6th graders. Oliver Hensler took 1st place overall in 5th grade, among hundreds of students! The 5th and 6th grade team took 6th place overall. Nice job, team! 👏👏
On the 7th and 8th grade team, Kinsley Strobel and Parker Wheeler were the top two 7th grade scorers, and Eliana Keddington and Oliver Wegner were the top two 8th grade scorers. Eliana Keddington took 3rd place overall in 8th grade, among hundreds of students! The 7th and 8th grade team took 5th place overall.
Awesome job, everyone! 👏👏
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education will hold three meetings this week:
📆 Human Growth & Development Committee - Feb. 3, 5-6:30 p.m. at Madison College, 1300 W. Main St.
📆 Special Board of Education Meeting in closed session - Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St.
📆 School Closure Listening Session - Feb. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Lebanon LEAP Elementary School, W4712 Co. Rd. O
For additional meeting information, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
💙🏫 It's School Counselor Appreciation Week and we invite you to join us in thanking our very own caring and compassionate school counselors - Mindy Ganser, Bryce Steckbauer, Kelly Cunningham, Jesse Leonhardt, Lora Konz, Avery Harris, Erikka Olson, Matthew Dunn, and Amy True. The Watertown Unified School District is fortunate to have you, and we thank you for all you do for our students!
🖍 WUSD 4K & 5K registration opens today at 10 a.m.!
The Watertown 4 Kids (4K) program and the 5K program are open to children who will be four or five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026. To register, visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/enrollment-and-registration.
Watertown 4 Kids is a community-based and school-based tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten offered at six WUSD and affiliated locations. Full day 4K and full day 4K bilingual options are available. If you are interested in full day 4K, please register ASAP.
If online access is needed to register a child, parents/guardians may register in person at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St., from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call (920) 262-1460 ext. 3217 to schedule.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The Watertown 4 Kids (4K) program and the 5K program are open to children who will be four or five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026. To register, visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/enrollment-and-registration.
Watertown 4 Kids is a community-based and school-based tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten offered at six WUSD and affiliated locations. Full day 4K and full day 4K bilingual options are available. If you are interested in full day 4K, please register ASAP.
If online access is needed to register a child, parents/guardians may register in person at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St., from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call (920) 262-1460 ext. 3217 to schedule.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Fifth-grade students in the Watertown Unified School District recently attended a Kindness Retreat at Watertown High School. This fun-filled, high-energy special event was facilitated by Youth Frontiers to promote empathy and kindness. Pictured are students and staff from Webster Elementary School as well as high schoolers who served as student mentors.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Lincoln STEM Elementary School recently hosted its annual Career Day. Professionals from across our community generously donated their time to talk to students about what they do for a living. Some visitors brought along equipment for students to test or try on, as well as tasty treats!
Thank you to Donald Winkelman/Do Right Concrete; Tonya Maier/Mullen's Dairy Bar; Nick Oliver/WorkSmart Systems, Inc.; Travis Steckbauer/Dave's Plumbing & Repair; Chelsea Deaton/Marshfield Medical Center; Kayla Fonseca/Faith Technologies, Inc.; Tom Delany/Jefferson Co. Human Society, Brad Retzlaff/HeatTek, Inc.; and Stacy Schroeder/Watertown Police Department.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Watertown High School Art Student Ruby Repp was awarded a state Honorable Mention in the Youth Art Month Flag Design Contest. She will be recognized with a prize at the state Youth Art Month Celebration in Madison in March. She is seen here with her design based on this year's theme, "The World Needs Art."
Douglas Elementary School students had SNOW much fun last week during recess. ❄⛄
The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting tonight (Monday, Jan. 26) at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center.
In addition, Board members may be present to connect with the community at the following engagements this week:
🌟 Chamber Lunch & Learn at the Watertown Public Library - Thursday, Jan. 29, 12-1 p.m. (registration required)
🌟 Meet & Greet at the Watertown Public Library - Friday, Jan. 30, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (open to the public, questions welcome)
In addition, Board members may be present to connect with the community at the following engagements this week:
🌟 Chamber Lunch & Learn at the Watertown Public Library - Thursday, Jan. 29, 12-1 p.m. (registration required)
🌟 Meet & Greet at the Watertown Public Library - Friday, Jan. 30, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (open to the public, questions welcome)
⚠️ The Rock River Forensics Tournament scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Watertown High School has been cancelled.
Webster Elementary School kicked off its Kids' Heart Challenge with an assembly last Thursday. Webster students learned about ways to stay healthy and take care of their hearts. They also learned about ways they can raise money for the American Heart Association to help others with 'special hearts.' 💙
Watertown High School students Elisabeth Huhn and Eleyna Stadler joined musicians from Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois in the University of Dubuque Honor Band on Friday with guest clinician Dr. Nolan Hauta. 🎵
Grades 2/3 students at Lincoln STEM Elementary School kicked off 2026 by choosing a word of the year.
They reflected on 2025, and identified a word that would help them be the very best they can be this year. Students even made bracelets to wear as a daily reminder of their special word. These Pandas are ready to make this their best year yet!
They reflected on 2025, and identified a word that would help them be the very best they can be this year. Students even made bracelets to wear as a daily reminder of their special word. These Pandas are ready to make this their best year yet!
The Schurz Elementary School Carnival took place this past Friday with the gymnasium, main hallway, and several classrooms filled with fun activities for children and their families to enjoy. Thank you to everyone at Schurz for organizing such a nice event and thank you to the Watertown High School National Honor Society students for helping to run the crafts and activities.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education will hold three committee meetings this week.
The Human Resources Committee will meet this evening, Monday, Jan. 19, at 5 p.m. and the Fiscal Management Committee will also meet this evening at 6:30 p.m. The Curriculum Committee will meet tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 7:30 a.m. All meetings will take place in the Board Room of the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge. St.
In addition, Board members will host engagement sessions this week to connect with the community regarding the upcoming referendum and other school-related topics. Find them at:
📆 Chamber Business After Hours - Thursday, Jan. 22, 4-6 p.m., Earth Angel Sound Healing, 204 S. Water St.
📆 Literacy Night - Thursday, Jan. 22, 6-7 p.m. at Lincoln STEM Elementary School
📆 Boys Basketball Game - Friday, starting at 5:45 p.m. at Watertown High School
👏 Congratulations to Watertown High School for being named to the College Board 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll as a SILVER member!
Watertown High School has earned this designation because 58% of its seniors took at least one AP exam during their high school career, with 45% earning a score of three (out of five) or higher to earn college credit. In addition, 13% of seniors have taken five or more AP exams as students at WHS!
The Honor Roll recognition is based on criteria that reflects a school's commitment to college readiness by providing opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This is the first year WHS has earned the silver distinction after previously being recognized at the bronze level.
“I am so proud of our students and teachers for all the work they put into AP studies at Watertown High School,” said WHS Associate Principal Jennifer Pennington. “Whether a student is bound for college or career post high school, we are dedicated to making sure they are well prepared for what lies ahead. This continued recognition from the AP Honor Roll, and especially with us moving up to the silver level, is a positive reflection of this work and our extensive AP course offerings.”
There are currently 22 AP courses offered at WHS taught by 20 teachers. Courses include AP Biology, AP Computer Science, AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP Macroeconomics, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Culture and Literature, and more.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Watertown High School has earned this designation because 58% of its seniors took at least one AP exam during their high school career, with 45% earning a score of three (out of five) or higher to earn college credit. In addition, 13% of seniors have taken five or more AP exams as students at WHS!
The Honor Roll recognition is based on criteria that reflects a school's commitment to college readiness by providing opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This is the first year WHS has earned the silver distinction after previously being recognized at the bronze level.
“I am so proud of our students and teachers for all the work they put into AP studies at Watertown High School,” said WHS Associate Principal Jennifer Pennington. “Whether a student is bound for college or career post high school, we are dedicated to making sure they are well prepared for what lies ahead. This continued recognition from the AP Honor Roll, and especially with us moving up to the silver level, is a positive reflection of this work and our extensive AP course offerings.”
There are currently 22 AP courses offered at WHS taught by 20 teachers. Courses include AP Biology, AP Computer Science, AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP Macroeconomics, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Culture and Literature, and more.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Join us tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 15, for Briefings with Supt. Dr. Jarred Burke from 12-1 p.m. in the Terrace Room at the Watertown Senior and Community Center, 514 S. First St. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the upcoming operational referendum and to discuss issues relevant to the Watertown Unified School District.
Please come with questions - we look forward to seeing you there!
Please come with questions - we look forward to seeing you there!
