Schools

See Photos from the Opening of the New Hosmer School & Rededication

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Charlie BreitroseParents and students head to the grand opening celebration of the new Hosmer School on Feb. 1, 2022. Watertown’s newest elementary school opened for the public to see Tuesday afternoon, and the bright and spacious three-story Hosmer School wowed those who roamed its halls and classrooms.

Superintendent Dede Galdston welcomed attendees who crowded the courtyard between the two wings of the Eastside school, and noted that it was just four months ago that the City opened another new school. “Many superintendents and city managers go through their entire career never opening a school and here we are opening the second in a year and a third on the way,” Galdston said, referring to Cunniff and Lowell schools. “And a new high school in the not too distant future.”

Around Town

Lego Robotics, Sports for Kids & Adults, Vacation Programs Coming Up in Rec Dept.’s Winter Session II

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Registration is open for Watertown Recreation’s Winter Session II and there are a multiple activities from which to choose. Activities for youth include Lego Robotics for grades 2-5, All-Sports programs for elementary school aged kids, creative crafts and more. Middle schoolers can participate in Cops ‘n Rec futsal, volleyball and a fun & games night. Volleyball is also available for high school students. The Recreation Department is running week-long programs during February and April vacations.

Around Town

Watertown’s Shick House to be Remembered with Historic Marker

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Watertown Free Public LibraryThe Shick House has been located on Grove Street since the 1800s. It was home to the owners of one of the few Jewish farmers in Massachusetts. Bob Bloomberg recalls the first time he got to look inside the Shick House. The house oozed history, but it was clear then, he said, that the home of the owners of one of the few Jewish-owned farms in Massachusetts was not in good shape. “I was in the house twice, the first time was about a year ago, and at that point we could go to the second floor,” said Bloomberg, a member of the Historical Society’s board who has researched the history of the house.

Around Town

New Watertown News Commenting Policy: Full Names Required

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Commenters will now be required to sign their full names on stories on the Watertown News site starting Feb. 1, 2022. Previously one comment was allowed anonymously. Commenters can also provide more information about themselves, such as what town, neighborhood or street they live on, or other pertinent information, but it is not required. If I cannot easily confirm a name you may be asked to provide more information, which will not be published.

Schools

Community Forum to be Held on Watertown High School Project This Week

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Ai3 ArchitectsAn illustration of what the outside of the new Watertown High School will look like. A Community Forum to discuss the Watertown High School project will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m.

The meeting will be held virtually on Zoom, and will also be broadcast on Watertown Cable. The forum is the ninth one focused on the new WHS, according to the announcement from the School Building Committee. The most recent plan, which would cost an estimated $198 million, calls for the old school to be torn down and the new one constructed on the same site.

Around Town

Veterans Office Wants to Hear from Groups Interested in Marching in Memorial Day Parade

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Charlie BreitroseMembers of the Watertown AmVets Post wave to the crowd during the Memorial Day Parade. Planning has begun for the 2022 Watertown Memorial Day Parade, and groups interested in participating can reach out to the City. The Watertown Veterans Services Office, which organizes the event, sent out the following announcement:

It has been two years since the City of Watertown has been able to hold a Memorial Day Parade. Watertown Veterans’ Services is looking to hear from organizations interested in participating in the 2022 Memorial Day Parade. Interested organizations should contact Watertown Veterans Services: 617-972-6416 or PGeorge@watertown-ma.gov.

COVID-19

Watertown Schools Offering Free At-Home COVID Tests

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Students in the Watertown Public Schools will be able to get at-home testing using kits provided by the State beginning Feb. 7. Last week, Superintendent Dede Galdston sent out an announcement about the at-home antigen testing. This will be done in addition to the weekly pool testing conducted by the Watertown Schools. The at-home testing is voluntary, and Galdston encouraged students to sign up by Feb.

Around Town

Snow Emergency Has Ended in Watertown

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The Watertown Department of Public Works sent out the following announcement about the snow emergency put in place during the blizzard on Jan. 29. The Snow Emergency has been lifted as of 7 AM on Monday, January 31, 2022. Thank you for your patience as the Department of Public Works cleared out the snow over the weekend. There may be some snow removal this evening.