Local Students Honored for Excellence in 2026 National Spanish Examinations ✨
The Watertown Unified School District is proud to announce that seven of its students have earned national recognition for their exceptional performance on the 2026 National Spanish Examination.
Students from Watertown High School competed against thousands of others nationwide, demonstrating high levels of proficiency in Spanish language and culture. The National Spanish Examinations are administered each year in grades 6 through 12 and are sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).
The following students have been recognized for their achievements:
⭐ Level 3: Audrey Stiefvater earned a Bronze medal, and Ellie Mudler received an Honorable Mention.
⭐ Level 4: Haylie Wegner and Henry Zimmerman both earned Bronze medals. Brevon Kamrath and Taija Garcia were awarded Honorable Mentions.
⭐ Level 5: Kacie Tripp earned a Bronze medal at the highest level of competition.
"We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedication to mastering a second language," said Jana Zimmerman, Spanish teacher and advisor of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. "Attaining a medal or honorable mention on a national scale is a testament to their hard work and the strength of our world language program."
The National Spanish Examination is the largest of its kind in the United States, with over 150,000 students participating annually. These exams are used to assess the interpretive communication and linguistic proficiency of students studying Spanish as a second language.
Pictured (left to right) are WHS students: Henry Zimmerman, Haylie Wegner, Taija Garcia, Ellie Mudler, Kacie Tripp, and Audrey Stiefvater. Not Pictured: Brevon Kamrath.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
The Watertown Unified School District is proud to announce that seven of its students have earned national recognition for their exceptional performance on the 2026 National Spanish Examination.
Students from Watertown High School competed against thousands of others nationwide, demonstrating high levels of proficiency in Spanish language and culture. The National Spanish Examinations are administered each year in grades 6 through 12 and are sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).
The following students have been recognized for their achievements:
⭐ Level 3: Audrey Stiefvater earned a Bronze medal, and Ellie Mudler received an Honorable Mention.
⭐ Level 4: Haylie Wegner and Henry Zimmerman both earned Bronze medals. Brevon Kamrath and Taija Garcia were awarded Honorable Mentions.
⭐ Level 5: Kacie Tripp earned a Bronze medal at the highest level of competition.
"We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedication to mastering a second language," said Jana Zimmerman, Spanish teacher and advisor of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. "Attaining a medal or honorable mention on a national scale is a testament to their hard work and the strength of our world language program."
The National Spanish Examination is the largest of its kind in the United States, with over 150,000 students participating annually. These exams are used to assess the interpretive communication and linguistic proficiency of students studying Spanish as a second language.
Pictured (left to right) are WHS students: Henry Zimmerman, Haylie Wegner, Taija Garcia, Ellie Mudler, Kacie Tripp, and Audrey Stiefvater. Not Pictured: Brevon Kamrath.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Happy School Nurses Day to our dedicated and caring school nurse, Lynn Gilbert, and to her equally dedicated and caring health room assistants:
Tracey Rein - Webster Elementary School
Rachel Hanson - Douglas Elementary School
Emma Conti - Schurz Elementary School
Lisa Dominguez - Riverside Middle School
Adam Fessler - Riverside Middle School
Ash Oswald - Watertown High School
Thank you to all these special staff members for all they do for our schools! 💗
Tracey Rein - Webster Elementary School
Rachel Hanson - Douglas Elementary School
Emma Conti - Schurz Elementary School
Lisa Dominguez - Riverside Middle School
Adam Fessler - Riverside Middle School
Ash Oswald - Watertown High School
Thank you to all these special staff members for all they do for our schools! 💗
The Watertown High School Junior Prom was held this past Saturday, May 2, in the WHS Commons. The theme for the evening was “A Night in Rio.” This year’s Prom was attended by more than 400 students, followed by an incredible fun-filled Post Prom at the Watertown Elks Lodge. Callie Wehner was crowned queen and Andre Leija was crowned king. 👑
Pictured is the 2026 Junior Prom Court (front row, from left) King Andre Leija escorting Queen Callie Wehner; (second row) Briella Moe escorted by Ethan Leinstock, and Braden Cronce escorting Stella Koellen; (third row) Breanna Meracle escorted by Dexter Haversack, and Theo Heier escorting Angie Hickey; (fourth row) Cassie Jones escorted by Landon Washetas, and Alex David escorting Ellie Mudler.
Pictured is the 2026 Junior Prom Court (front row, from left) King Andre Leija escorting Queen Callie Wehner; (second row) Briella Moe escorted by Ethan Leinstock, and Braden Cronce escorting Stella Koellen; (third row) Breanna Meracle escorted by Dexter Haversack, and Theo Heier escorting Angie Hickey; (fourth row) Cassie Jones escorted by Landon Washetas, and Alex David escorting Ellie Mudler.
Today marks the start of Teacher Appreciation Week! This is a special week to show extra appreciation to our amazing teachers for all they do to support the students and families of the Watertown Unified School District. We also recognize our staff for all they do to support one another. Thank you, WUSD teachers!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
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
The Watertown High School FFA will host its annual Plant Sale tomorrow, Friday, May 1, from 4-6 p.m. and on Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the WHS Greenhouse. Come shop for beautiful plants and flowers grown by our students. Proceeds support WHS agricultural programs. 🌸🌼🌺
Learn more by following the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/25502073622781419.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Learn more by following the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/25502073622781419.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Next week, May 4-8, 2026, is Teacher Appreciation Week. 🍎
The Watertown High School Academic Decathlon team did a great job at Nationals! The whole team gave it their all, and we are so proud of them.
Josef Habeck-Miller earned gold in Science with a score of 727.3. Brennan Gironimi earned bronze in Speech with a score of 916.7. Lily Small earned gold and a scholarship as the MVP and overall team top scorer with 5,937.8 points. These awards were earned on a National stage with 685 students competing!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Josef Habeck-Miller earned gold in Science with a score of 727.3. Brennan Gironimi earned bronze in Speech with a score of 916.7. Lily Small earned gold and a scholarship as the MVP and overall team top scorer with 5,937.8 points. These awards were earned on a National stage with 685 students competing!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Elementary-school age students attending the WUSD's eCampus Academy gathered in-person yesterday morning for a special STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) event at the Educational Service Center.
Several activity stations were set up where students could explore Ozobots and Osmos (learning robots & coding tablets), make their own putty, create cardboard box forts, and even paint a small flower pot to plant with seeds to take home.
eCampus Academy is an innovative online charter school serving students in grades K-12. For more information, visit ecampusacademy.org.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Several activity stations were set up where students could explore Ozobots and Osmos (learning robots & coding tablets), make their own putty, create cardboard box forts, and even paint a small flower pot to plant with seeds to take home.
eCampus Academy is an innovative online charter school serving students in grades K-12. For more information, visit ecampusacademy.org.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Shout-out to these two incredible orchestra students, Mack Christian and Megyn Prochaska, for representing Watertown High School at WSMA State Solo & Ensemble! In total, 47 students from our school (orchestra, band, and choir) qualified and participated at the state level at UW-Whitewater this past Saturday. What an amazing accomplishment across the entire music program!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
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. 🌏 🌳
💻 Did you know that the Watertown Unified School District is home to online charter school eCampus Academy? While most of the learning through eCampus is done virtually, students may gather in person for testing, some face-to-face instruction, and for field trips!
♻ Our eCampus Academy elementary schoolers recently visited Wisconsin's largest recycling center in Germantown. Staff and students partnered with Waste Management (WM) and the Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful campaign to learn about ways to recycle, and what products are made from recyclable materials. Students toured the sorting facility, saw front loaders pushing the recycling piles, and got to ride in a recycling truck!
⭐ eCampus Academy is an innovative K-12 online charter school designed for learners across our district, community and the entire state of Wisconsin. With over 600 courses available; from foundational 4K learning to advanced college-level offerings, and access to 22 online career pathways and 21 advanced courses, eCampus Academy brings education to students wherever they are, on their terms.
Whether your child is seeking flexibility, personalized instruction, or rigorous academic opportunities, eCampus Academy binds tradition, innovation and transformation to prepare every student for success in school and beyond. Learn more today at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/o/ecampus.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
♻ Our eCampus Academy elementary schoolers recently visited Wisconsin's largest recycling center in Germantown. Staff and students partnered with Waste Management (WM) and the Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful campaign to learn about ways to recycle, and what products are made from recyclable materials. Students toured the sorting facility, saw front loaders pushing the recycling piles, and got to ride in a recycling truck!
⭐ eCampus Academy is an innovative K-12 online charter school designed for learners across our district, community and the entire state of Wisconsin. With over 600 courses available; from foundational 4K learning to advanced college-level offerings, and access to 22 online career pathways and 21 advanced courses, eCampus Academy brings education to students wherever they are, on their terms.
Whether your child is seeking flexibility, personalized instruction, or rigorous academic opportunities, eCampus Academy binds tradition, innovation and transformation to prepare every student for success in school and beyond. Learn more today at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/o/ecampus.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
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
WHS Prom set for May 2 ✨
The Watertown High School 2026 Junior Prom is set for Saturday, May 2 in the WHS Commons from 8-11:30 p.m. The presentation of the court/crowning of King and Queen will start at 9:30 p.m. Spectators attending the court presentation will be admitted for free, but they must leave after coronation. Spectators should not arrive until 9:20 p.m.
Admission for students to the Prom is $30, which also includes admittance to the Post Prom festivities at the Watertown Elks Lodge. Post Prom will be held from 11:30 p.m.-2 a.m., and includes a food buffet, games with prizes, and incredible door prizes. All Post Prom activities are made possible thanks to generous donations from area businesses and parents of WHS students. This year’s Prom theme is “A Night in Rio.”
Members of the 2026 WHS Junior Prom Court are:
Back Row (left to right): Theo Heier, Alex David, Landon Washetas, Braden Cronce, Dexter Haversack, and Andre Leija. Not pictured: Ethan Leinstock. Front Row (left to right): Briella Moe, Cassie Jones, Ellie Mudler, Stella Koellen, Angie Hickey, Callie Wehner, and Breanna Meracle.
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
