Schools

Last Day to Fill Out Watertown Schools’ Parent Climate Survey

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Watertown school officials seek to find out about their experience in the Watertown Public Schools with a Parent/Guardian Climate Survey. Dec. 23 is the final day to submit the survey. The survey is being done in conjunction with the UChicago Impact, a group out of the University Chicago that provides tools and assistance to schools. Superintendent Dede Galdston sent out the following message:

This is a reminder that we are asking parents and caregivers to complete a culture and climate survey based on their experiences in the Watertown Public Schools.

Police/Fire

Watertown Woman Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle in Dedham

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A pedestrian struck and killed on a roadway in Dedham has been identified as a Watertown woman. The Norfolk County District Attorney’s office identified the woman as Marguerite Scanlon, 63, of Watertown, according to a post on the Norfolk DA’s Facebook page. “The matter remains under investigation by Dedham Police Department, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police, and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office and no charges are in place at this time,” the message reads. The incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday on Bridge Street (Rte. 109) in Dedham, according to WCVB Channel 5.

Around Town

City Surveying Residents About Qualifications, Characteristics Desired in Next City Manager

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The process to hire the next City Manager for Watertown has begun, and residents can weigh in on what they think the most important qualifications and characteristics for the next chief executive of the City to have. They survey is being conducted online, and the City sent out the following message:

“Watertown residents, please participate in this citizen survey which is designed to help identify the desired experience and attributes of Watertown’s next City Manager. Your opinions will assist our recruitment consultant and the City Manager Screening Committee as they identify candidates and work to narrow the field to a small group of finalists to submit to the City Council.” The survey has five questions about the next City Manager:

Which professional qualifications are most importantWhich personal characteristics are most importantWhat challenges and opportunities are most critical for the City Manager to be able to addressThe most important thing a new City Manager should know about Watertown, andWhat other information the City Manager Search Committee should know in the search for a new City Manager

Access the public input survey by clicking here.

Around Town

Board of Health Reinstates Indoor Mask Mandate Citing Sharp Increases in COVID-19 Cases

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People must wear face masks or coverings in Watertown while inside after the Board of Health reinstated the indoor face covering mandate Monday night. Health Director Larry Ramdin said cases of COVID-19 in Watertown have increased sharply since early November, and recommended the indoor face mask mandate be reinstated. The Board of Health voted unanimously to start the mandate on Dec. 21, 2021, and it will be in effect until rescinded by the Board. “We have had an explosion of cases in Town since the 3rd of November,” Ramdin said.

Government

The Voice of the East End Bids Farewell After 16 Years as a Watertown Councilor

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Retiring District A Councilor Angie Kounelis, right, with her mother Evangelia. After 16 years, Angeline Kounelis — Angie to most — represented District A for the final time as a Councilor on Dec. 14. She not only represented East Watertown, to many she spoke for them and was a trusted advocate for their needs. In the wake of her final Council meeting, Kounelis said she has been flooded with notes of thanks, congratulations and appreciation.

Entertainment

Watch Perkins School’s Students Perform in the Annual Holiday Concert

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Students at Perkins School for the Blind sang in the annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 16. Perkins School for the Blind held its annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 16, and if you missed it (or want to catch it again), the concert can be viewed online. The school included the following message with the concert announcement:

“Every year, our student musicians perform beautiful choral and instrumental works, showcasing the ways music can be accessible for all.