WHS Principal's Newsletter - November 4, 2026

With so many exciting things happening at WHS, we've outgrown our small highlight section of our bi-weekly newsletter. This is a great problem to have. Starting this week, we will be launching the Raider Rewind, a monthly newsletter dedicated to highlighting the events, activities, accomplishments, and everyday moments from the prior month that make WHS such a special place. 

Check out October's Rewind by clicking on the button below. 

Make sure to follow us on social media so you never miss out on WHS news and updates! Follow the links to view our pages.

X: @watertownhigh 

Facebook: Watertown High School 

Our school counseling team have been very busy working with our students! Here is a brief update:

Recently, the school counseling team visited all 9th-grade students in their science classes to help students understand how to navigate high school successfully by addressing common challenges, reminding students how to schedule a meeting with their counselor, and setting personal and academic goals.

Counselors have been continuously working with students in grade 12 to support the future planning process, regardless of whether students are interested in pursuing college, trade school, apprenticeship programs, or employment after graduation.

Students in grades 10 and 11 will be visited in classes later this winter to address healthy relationships and an introduction to the future planning process. 

Students will receive their report card during advisory on November 20. The school counseling team will be reaching out to families whose student(s) received a D/F in the term, as well as meeting with students to discuss ways to improve their academics.

For more information, please visit our guidance website or reach out to your student's school counselor.

Over the next week, students in grades 10 and 11 will receive their PSAT scores from the in-school administration in October. During advisory this Friday, November 6, these students will learn how to access their scores, understand what it means, and how to get tailored feedback and practice if they are interested in taking the SAT.

If you are interested in learning more, please visit the College Board website or reach out to your student's school counselor.

In honor of Veterans Day, there will be no school next Wednesday, November 11. 

The Superintendent invites parents and caregivers of students with disabilities who have an IEP or 504 Plan to participate in fall listening sessions to share their experiences, celebrate progress, and discuss ongoing concerns. Feedback will help guide the district’s Special Education Improvement Strategy and identify priorities for continued improvement. Additional listening sessions will be held in the spring.

Sessions will be held at each school, and families are welcome to attend any session, regardless of which school their student attends!

A virtual session will also be held on Zoom for families who are unable to attend in person on November 4 from 7:00 - 8:00 PM.

Dr. Ceronne Daly, WPS Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, partnered with Dr. Charmain Jackman, a distinguished psychologist who spent 17 years as a school-based clinician and founder of InnoPsych, to host a listening session for families of neurodivergent students and students with disabilities. She will also be holding a focus group on November 17 via Zoom and two listening sessions in December to support families as part of our Community Healing Project. More information about the project was posted on ParentSquare by Dr. Daly. 

Additionally, the School Committee will hold a listening session on November 30. 

No preparation is needed for any of these sessions. Come as you are, share as much or as little as you would like, and know that your voice matters in this process. 

If you would like an interpreter or any other accommodation to participate in any of these offerings, please contact Superintendent Galdston at 617-926-7708 or deanne.galdston@watertown.k12.ma.us as soon as possible so we can make arrangements. If you are unable to attend but would still like to share your thoughts, you are always welcome to reach out directly by email or in person.

Our Armenian Club, the Armenian Genealogy Conference, and the Armenian Archives Restoration Project are co-hosting a film presentation on November 22 at 2:00 PM in the WMS Auditorium! Everyone is invited to come watch "The Melody of Armenia" (Les Melodies de l'Armenie), by N. Korganian, produced by Cinema Armenia, and restored by George Aghjayan. See you there!

All students received a Family Preparedness Packet during advisory, regardless of their family's immigration status. WPS is committed to ensuring that every student is supported and every family feels prepared. Students who were absent during advisory can pick up their packet in the main office. 

An electronic version, along with translated copies, are available in this folder. 

If you were unable to attend Senior Future Planning Night or would like to review the presentation again, you can view the PowerPoint slides here. 

If you were unable to attend Financial Aid Night or would like to review the presentation again, you can view the PowerPoint slides here.  

Additionally, please visit our Guidance Department's website which includes more information about the future planning process and how to reach out to your student's counselor. 

Class dues are collected every year from every student. Dues are $15 with a $5 late fee collected after the deadline (announced by advisors). Payments can be made with cash, check, or online through ParentSquare (available soon). These dues go towards all class events, gifts, scholarships, and more. Students who have not paid their yearly dues will, unfortunately, be turned away from class events. If for any reason your family needs assistance with these dues, please connect with your student's class advisor. All information will remain confidential.

Grade 9: Ms. Edwards & Ms. Antonellis

Grade 10: Ms. DePamphilis & Ms. Barker

Grade 11: Ms. Beall & Ms. Davis

Grade 12: Ms. Ollero & Mr. Marston