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Principal's Newsletter - May 14, 2026

Posted Date: 05/14/26 (03:15 PM)


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PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER

Watertown High School

May 14, 2026

STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make Teacher Appreciation Week such a meaningful celebration of our educators!

The week was filled with wonderful moments of appreciation - the PTSO hosted Munchkin Monday, a full lunch from Panera, and a dessert bar, while our Culinary Arts students served a delicious buffet breakfast and contributed chocolate-covered strawberries to the dessert spread. We are also grateful to the many families and students who donated treats and volunteered their time to help make each event such a success.

A special thank you goes to You Got Flowers, a nonprofit founded by A WHS parent, for generously donating beautiful bouquets for our teachers. You Got Flowers has been supporting our staff with floral donations for several years, and we are truly appreciative of their continued kindness.

It truly took a community effort, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped celebrate our teachers in such a thoughtful and joyful way!
Flowers from You Got Flowers in front of a whiteboard that says "Happy Teacher Appreciation Week"
Culinary Arts students in front of the chocolate covered strawberries they made

GOVERNOR HEALY AT WHS

Last year, our incredible chemistry teacher, Ms. Mundy, was honored as one of the 2025 Massachusetts STEM Teachers of the Year!

During Teacher Appreciation Week, Governor Maura Healey made a surprise visit to Ms. Mundy and her students. She spent time in the classroom engaging students in a Q&A, discussing her vision for STEM education across Massachusetts, and presented us with an official proclamation recognizing the efforts of Massachusetts teachers.

Following the classroom visit, Governor Healey shared a special message of appreciation for all of our teachers over the intercom!

VISITING THE FREIGHT FARM

Our Freight Farm has been a popular destination this spring! Ms. Johnson’s and Mr. Ullian’s students planted lettuce seeds about six weeks ago and recently enjoyed harvesting their fresh crop. Along the way, they learned about hydroponic gardening and how plants can grow without soil, using nutrient-rich water systems instead.

To bring the experience full circle, students also put their culinary skills to use by preparing and enjoying a fresh salad with their harvest.

COLLEGE OFFICIAL

Congratulations to our football student-athletes Joe Wilson, Caleb Hardy, Jayden Ortiz, and Lucas Bray on officially committing to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level! Joe will play at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Caleb at the University of Rochester, Jayden at Curry College, and Lucas at Plymouth State University. We are incredibly proud of their hard work!

ARMENIAN HERITAGE MONTH

The Armenian Club held an assembly on April 17 to commemorate the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and honor those lost. The presentation highlighted Armenian culture, history, and the community’s resilience.

In continuation of Armenian Heritage and History Month celebrations, the Armenian class also organized a culturally immersive potluck experience. Staff and students enjoyed a wide variety of traditional homemade dishes, including barbecue and kebabs prepared by students and families, as well as salads and sweets prepared across generations. Special guest Officer Margaryan joined the celebration, bringing Raider along with additional traditional Armenian foods such as baklava, string cheese, basturma, and bread. Everything was delicious!
Student on stage at the assembly playing the piano
Dishes served at the Armenian potluck

FINAL IN-HOUSE FIELD TRIP

Our last in-house field trip this year was a great success! Students had the opportunity to connect with professionals working in clean energy, housing, planning, and technology, gaining insight into how different interests and experiences can shape a wide range of career paths. Speakers shared thoughtful advice about life after high school, highlighting that success can take many forms - whether through college, the trades, public service, or other paths that may look different than expected.

The day also included hands-on learning around Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), giving students a chance to explore real-world challenges related to housing and sustainability in Massachusetts. Led by Mr. Welch, Mr. Birch, Mr. Poillucci, and students from our High Performing Building Innovators club, students navigated a full-scale ADU floor plan and learned about energy-efficient design and building practices used in today’s housing projects.

A huge thank you to Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for sponsoring this work, and our incredible guest speakers for helping students see the many possibilities ahead of them!

NEW BOOTS

In February, our Construction Technology program received two pallets of Brunt work boots from Maverick Workwear in North Reading, Massachusetts. After unpacking the shipment, students had the opportunity to select the style that best fit their needs, both in the classroom and in the workplace.
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

QUARTER 4 PROGRESS REPORTS

Quarter 4 progress reports were distributed to students during advisory on Tuesday!

Additionally, families should have received their student's progress report through ParentSquare! We are excited to use this new feature moving forward. If you did not receive your student's report or have additional questions, please reach out to Hope Sulzman at hope.sulzman@watertown.k12.ma.us.

UPCOMING MCAS EXAMS

Grade 10 Math MCAS
All grade 10 students will take the Math MCAS next Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20. Grade 10 students must arrive to school no later than 8:30 AM. Students in grades 9, 11, and 12 should arrive by 11:30 AM, with the option to arrive earlier and work quietly in the cafeteria.

Grade 9 Science MCAS
All grade 9 students and select grade 10 students will take the Science MCAS on June 2 and 3. These students should arrive to school no later than 8:30 AM. Students in grade 10 who are not testing and all grade 11 students should arrive by 11:30 AM, with the option to arrive earlier and work quietly in the cafeteria.

Testing students need to bring their Chromebook to school, fully charged.

SENIOR EVENTS

Seniors are very busy with their end-of-year events! Please refer to this document for full details of each event below: Senior Events 2026

  • May 21: Athletic Awards*
  • May 28: Seniors' Last Day!
  • May 28: Senior Awards
  • June 2: Kimball Farm Trip
  • June 3: Prom!
  • June 4: Senior BBQ
  • June 5: Graduation
  • June 5: All Night Party

Important Notes:
  • *Athletic awards will start at 7:30 PM instead of 7:00
  • Students receiving an award for the athletic and academic award nights will or already have received an invitation
  • Students will receive their cap, gown, and yearbook on May 28 after their early dismissal (12:15 PM)
  • Tickets are NOT required for graduation
  • Tickets for the ANP are on sale until May 22!

Please remember that senior "skip day" is not an authorized event and will count as an unexcused absence, unless accompanied by a doctor's note.

ALL NIGHT PARTY

Our PTSO is preparing for its annual All-Night Party for the senior class - a longstanding tradition that provides graduates with a safe, supervised, and substance-free opportunity to celebrate together one final time!

We are currently seeking volunteers to support the event on both June 4 and June 5. All are encouraged to help chaperone, whether for a few hours or the entire evening, and we are looking for at least 10 Senior parents/guardians to help on June 4. Please use this sign-up sheet if you would like to volunteer! Thank you for your continued support in helping make this tradition a memorable experience for our seniors!

Additionally, tickets for the party are now on sale! Students can pick up permission slips from Ms. Ollero and return the signed form along with payment to her as well. Cash, checks payable to WHS PTSO, and online payments through Give Butter are accepted. The deadline for tickets is next Friday, May 22.

CTE AWARDS & PAC MEETINGS

Please join us next Wednesday, May 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM in the WMS auditorium to celebrate the accomplishments of our students taking Career and Technical Education courses and pathways! Refreshments will be provided, courtesy of our Culinary Arts students!

After the award ceremony and refreshments, the Program Advisory Committees (PACs) for the WHS vocational/technical pathways will have their spring meetings. Anyone is welcome to join to help plan equipment and curriculum for:
  • Pre-Engineering
  • Medical Assisting
  • Digital Media Communication
  • Early Childhood Education & Care

Please reach out to CTE Director, Laura Alderson, at laura.alderson@watertown.k12.ma.us for more information!

NO SCHOOL: MAY 25

There is no school on Memorial Day, May 25! Watertown will be hosting its annual Memorial Day Parade beginning at noon. More information can be found on the city's website!

JUNIOR CRUISE

The Junior Cruise is on Friday, May 29! All students and families should expect to receive an email from Emily Ollero, class advisor, with specific information about drop-off/pick-up at the Commander's Mansion.

Please note: students must be present for at least half of the school day (at least 11:30 AM) in order to participate in ANY evening activities (prom, junior cruise, etc.).

All other details about the cruise can be found on this document. Please reach out to Emily Ollero with any questions (emily.ollero@watertown.k12.ma.us)!

SPRING ORCHESTRA CONCERT

Please join us next Tuesday, May 19, from 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the WMS Auditorium for our Spring Orchestra concert, featuring all of our Watertown string players from grades 6 to 12! This event is free and open to all.

BAND NEWSLETTER

Check out our latest WMS/WHS School Band Newsletter!

PSAT/SAT TEST PREP

Please see this test-preparation resource, created by our school counseling team, to access SAT preparation materials, testing information, and exam-day expectations. If you have any questions, please reach out to the counseling office.

JUNIOR FUTURE PLANNING

MEFA, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, recently shared this timeline that shares tasks for students to complete throughout junior and senior year. Students and families will be provided with more information about steps students can take at the end of the school year to be prepared for the fall. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's school counselor!
 

COMMUNITY NEWS

TUESDAY NIGHT TALKS WITH WPD

Tuesday Night Talks, hosted by the Watertown Police Department, are back! Please join them next Tuesday, May 19, from 6:30-8:30 PM at the Watertown Police Station (552 Main Street, Watertown) to meet the WPD's Clinicians. Participants will learn about their Co-Response Jail Diversion Program and gain insight into the array of services and support they provide to our community.

To register, please call 617-600-1315 or email clawson@police.watertown-ma.gov.

INTERN AT THE LIBRARY

The Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) is looking for a high school student who wants to support their efforts in making Watertown a vital, innovative, and equitable place for its residents this summer, June 29 to August 8. There will be opportunities to:

  • Gain valuable professional experience working in a local government department
  • Help the library deliver exceptional service to their patrons
  • Explore a passion to advance library service and promote community for all who use their services

The WFPL is committed to an inclusive workplace, and succeed when they have a team that represents a diverse set of identities, backgrounds and abilities. They encourage applicants who would make this a reality. BIPOC and/or multilingual teens are highly encouraged to apply.

Applications close on June 1. Please review the full description for more details and how to apply.

CITY-WIDE FOOD DRIVE

It's almost time for the Watertown Helps Out Community Food Drive! The drive will run from Tuesday, May 26, to Tuesday, June 9! All WPS schools will have donation boxes, as well as these locations:
  • Mosesian Center for the Arts
  • Watertown City Hall
  • Watertown Free Public Library
  • Watertown Police Department
  • June 9 Pride Event at Saltonstall Field

PICKUP SOCCER TOURNAMENT

Join Project Literacy, part of the city’s library, and the Watertown Recreation Department for a pickup soccer tournament celebrating the World Cup and Watertown’s diversity on May 23, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM! Project Literacy students will lead teams, and both kids and adults are invited to join the fun.

No registration is needed - just come ready to play! The tournament will take place at Saltonstall Park next to the library, with snacks and an ice cream truck available throughout the event.

2ND ANNUAL WATERTOWN DIVERSITY AND BELONGING CELEBRATION

We invite all Watertown families to join us at the 2nd annual Watertown Diversity and Belonging Celebration at Filippello Park on June 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM! The night will be filled with live music, featuring our very own WHS Jazz Band, WMS Choir, and our faculty band, games, ice cream, a bouncy house, and more! Families are also encouraged to bring a picnic dinner.

This event, established last year, is a way for families to come together and celebrate another year of wonderful work by our students and the caregivers who support them. This event was organized by our WPS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Office in collaboration with the WPS Diversity and Belonging Councils, Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown Parks and Recreation Dept, and our Fine Arts/Performing Arts Department. See you there!

WATERTOWN HELPS OUT

As a reminder, all students are required to complete 36 hours of community service, over four years, to graduate!

Recent volunteer opportunities have been shared in the morning announcements and the Community Service Google Classroom (join code: kevmxwm). Additionally, the Watertown Community Foundation is hosting its 12th annual Watertown Helps Out event for the entire month of May!

With the support of local company sponsors and the City of Watertown, community service projects throughout the month will connect people who live and work in Watertown to nonprofits in need of help.

There are currently more than 400 volunteer opportunities available! Volunteer opportunities include sorting clothing donations for Eco Fest, staffing the Watertown Community Paddle and Herring Fest, clean-up of the Watertown–Cambridge Greenway, assembling hygiene kits for people experiencing homelessness, planting Memorial Day flags at local cemeteries, sprucing up the Miyawaki forest, painting faces at Watertown Pride, and much more! New projects will continue to be added throughout May.

Sign up today at https://signup.com/go/uDCBscE to volunteer in our community!
 

PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS

MAY'S ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE

Get excited for May's Attendance Challenge! Students who are in school every day, with no tardies or class absences, will be celebrated with a special treat (a very tasty treat) at the end of the month! 

2026-2027 COURSE SELECTIONS

May 1 was the deadline for families to review and sign-off on their student's course requests for next year. If you haven't already, please do this as soon as possible. Guidance counselors sent notifications via ParentSquare with instructions on accessing these course requests and completing the form. Please contact Ryan Dowd with any questions (ryan.dowd@watertown.k21.ma.us). 
 

SAVE THE DATES

SPRING ORCHESTRA CONCERT

  • May 19, 7:00 PM, WMS auditorium

GRADE 10 MATH MCAS

  • May 19 & 20
  • All grade 10 students must arrive to school by 8:30 AM
  • All other students arrive at 11:30 AM

CTE AWARDS & PAC MEETINGS

  • May 20, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
  • WMS auditorium, cafe, and classrooms BG33 and BG01

SENIOR ATHLETIC AWARDS

  • May 21, 7:30 PM, WMS auditorium
  • Students receiving an award will receive an invitation

NO SCHOOL

  • May 25

SENIORS' LAST DAY

  • May 28, 12:15 PM dismissal
  • Caps, gowns, and yearbooks will be distributed in the tent at 12:15

SENIOR AWARDS

  • May 28, 7:00 PM, WMS auditorium
  • Students receiving an award will receive an invitation

JUNIOR CRUISE

  • May 29
  • Arrive at Commander's Mansion by 4:45 PM
 

HELPFUL LINKS

Save the Dates
Who to Contact
2025-2026 School Year Calendar
Early Dismissal Reporting Form
Absent Reporting Form
Cell Phone Attestation Form
WHS Family Guide
 
How Are We Doing Form