Schools

WHS Changes Policies on Dress Code, Cellphone Use; School Committee Discusses Policy for Reporting Harassment

By |

The sign for the temporary Watertown High School at PFC Richard Moxley Field. (Courtesy by City of Watertown)

(UPDATED Aug. 20: Additional information was added about the cellphone policy at the high school and the personal electronic device policy.)

When the 2025-26 School Year begins in September, Watertown High School students will have a new dress code, and fewer days to add or drop a class. The School Committee also discussed the sex-based harassment reporting policy, and heard about individualized instruction for math and literacy, and district policy changes. The School Committee approved the changes to the WHS Handbook at its meeting on July 28.

Schools

High Marks for Watertown Superintendent on 2024-25 Annual Review

By |

Watertown Superintendent Dede Galdston. Members of the School Committee gave the Superintendent high marks when they met on July 28, but added a few areas where they would like to see more work. Superintendent Yearly Review: A Shining Endorsement 

Superintendent Dede Galdston has delivered yet another strong school year at the helm of Watertown Public Schools, according to the positive annual review for the 2024-25 school year from members of the School Committee. Overall, five committee members – out of a total of seven – marked her performance as “Exemplary”, the highest mark possible, with the two others giving her the second highest mark of “Proficient.”

“Dr. Galdston continues to provide the blueprint for what a superintendent should be,” wrote School Committee Vice Chair Lily Rayman-Read in her overall review, with School Committee Chair Kendra Foley adding that, “she is a tireless leader who is dedicated to the continual improvement of the district.” 

Some highlights in the review included “Instructional Leadership” – with five marks of “Proficient” and two of “Exemplary” – and “Management and Operations”, which received four “Proficient” and three “Exemplary” marks. Her “Professional Practice” and “Professional Culture” also netted her four “Exemplary” marks each. 

Multiple committee members touted the district’s successful implementation of the ParentSquare communication platform. 

Committee member Lisa Capoccia wrote that she would like to see clear data on the success of ParentSqaure, and that more could be done to meet and program with, “community organizations (and their clients, customers, or members) that serve or represent student groups with the highest needs.” Still, she also praised many of Galdston’s efforts, adding that, “not highlighted in either Goal document include Superintendent Galdston’s ongoing commitment to offering monthly Coffee with the Superintendent sessions, her collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown, and her visibility at community events both in and outside WPS.”

Galdston also received high marks for “Finance, Operation, and Human Resources”, with committee members Mark Sideris (who is also City Council President) and Rayman-Read both agreeing that she exceeded expectations. 

Rayman-Read mentioned Director of Finance and Operations Lisa Gibbons and Director of Human Resources Amanda Owens – both brought on by Galdston – who she noted had done, “incredibly robust work.” Sideris similarly wrote that, “there has been a very robust push to make sure we are hiring a diverse staff to align with our diverse student population.”

“Student Learning” also netted positive marks from everyone, with Amy Donohue bringing up the successful K-5 literacy program Wit and Wisdom.

Around Town

Rodent Problem Growing Due to Trash Strike, Board of Health Rules on Tobacco Sale Violation

By |

The rodent problem in Watertown has been exacerbated by trash left on the street during the trash strike. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Board of Health heard about the impact the trash strike is having on Watertown’s rodent problem during its July meeting. The board also discussed proposed changes to the City’s tobacco regulations, and discussed a reported violation at a business in town. Rodents

During the July 16 meeting, Watertown Public Health Director Abbey Myers provided updates on issues that have come before the Board of Health. The “biggest topic” brought up was the ongoing, multi-week trash strike which has overwhelmed sanitary services in Watertown, and has now led to a steadily rising rodent problem.

Around Town

Planning Board Approves Accessory Unit in Carriage House Under ADU Ordinance

By |

Types of accessory dwelling units, also called ADUs. (Graphic from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities)

The Watertown Planning Board has decided to conditionally approve a Site Plan Review for a new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) within the carriage house on a property on Hovey Street after a brief meeting on July 9. An ADU, as per the City of Watertown Ordinance Guidelines, is a “self-contained housing unit that includes sleeping, cooking, and sanitary facilities on the same lot as the principal house or apartment building.”

A recent ruling at the state level, part of the Affordable Homes Act of 2024, has allowed the construction of ADUs – which must be under 900 sq. ft. – to be built “by-right” in any single-family zoning districts, though this generally means any district where single-family homes are allowed either by-right or by special permit.

Schools

School Committee Hears Results of Survey of Watertown Students, Parents & Teachers

By |

At the Watertown School Committee’s June 23 meeting, school leaders coalesced to tackle a diverse agenda – from contract renewals to electronic device usage in school – while taking another look into how students, families, and teachers experience life in the Watertown School System. 5Essentials Survey

The centerpiece of the evening was the unveiling of results from the district’s 5Essentials Survey, a response-based study developed by the University of Chicago Consortium which collects feedback from students, guardians, and teachers on the district’s instructional climate, school culture, and other key metrics. Now in its fourth year of implementation in Watertown, the survey has proven to be a vital tool in shaping school policy and improving classroom practices. According to the memo supplied by Superintendent Deanne Galdston, “the 5Essentials framework identifies five core components that, when present and strong, reliably predict school improvement and student outcomes.”

These five essential components are: Supportive Environment, Ambitious Instruction, Collaborative Teachers, Effective Leaders, and Involved Families. More details about the 2024-25 5Essentials Study can be found here.