Schools

District Opens New Central Registration Office & New Enrollment Procedure

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The new centralized registration office for the Watertown Public Schools opened this week, and already had dozens of new students enrolling. 

In the past students and parents would go to the school to register, but the Central Registration Office was created in part to make sure that classes in Watertown’s elementary schools do not become overcrowded. Along with the new office, located in the Phillips Building, 30 Common St., the School Committee heard about the flow chart to decide where students will be placed. Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald said the goal is to keep classes between 18-20 students for Pre-K through first grade, 20-22 for grades 2 and 3 and 22-24 for fourth and fifth grades. The placements will be made by the Central Office Team and elementary school principals based on location, siblings and class size, said the District’s Data Manager Lauren Harwood. “The goal is to keep children in their neighborhood schools,” Harwood said.

Real Estate

See All the Open Houses Around Watertown This Weekend

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There are plenty of open houses for home seekers to visit this weekend in town. $349,000 – 75 Lexington St. Unit 2, 4 room, 2 bed, 1 bath 2/3 family, Open House: Sunday 11-1

$434,900 – 229 Watertown St. Unit 3, 5 room, 2 bed, 1.5 bath townhouse, Open Houses: Saturday 12-2 Sunday 12-2

$525,000 – 20 Paul St. Unit 20, 11 room, 3 bed, 2 bath 2/3 family, Open Houses: Friday 12-1:30 Saturday 12-2 Sunday 12-2

$899,000 – 193 Watertown St., 7 room, 4 bed, 3.5 bath colonial, Open Houses: Saturday 1-3:30 Sunday 12-3

$479,900 – 10 Pine St.

Jean Fitzgerald

Supporters Come Out to Praise Superintendent, But Some Parents Still Dissatisfied

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Two messages came through loud and clear at Wednesday’s School Committee meeting: there is a lot of love in Watertown and its schools for Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald, and that there is a sizable group of parents frustrated by the state of the schools – and they aren’t going away. Dozens of people came out to express their trust, admiration and love for Fitzgerald, who has been the target of a petition organized by a group of Watertown parents asking for the School Committee to take a vote of no-confidence for the superintendent. Many who work in the Watertown Public Schools praised Fitzgerald’s work, her commitment to the schools and her character. Watertown High School English teacher Vivienne Mulhall said she has been the best superintendent in her time. “It wold be disingenuous of me to say I always agree with Dr. Fitzgerald, I haven’t.

Entertainment

Salute the Veterans in an End of Summer Concert in Watertown

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The Town of Watertown will host a free concert to salute veterans at Saltonstall Park. The End of Summer Concert – A Salute to our Veterans, will take place on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Saltonstall Park – outside of Town Hall. The rain location is the Watertown Free Public Library. Music by the world famous Hal McIntyre Orchestra, directed by Don Pentleton, featuring a tribute to Frank Sinatra.

Development

Community Meeting Set for First Phase of the Arsenal on the Charles Renovation

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The Watertown Planning Department announced the first community meeting for the renovation of the Arsenal on the Charles by Athenahealth. The meeting on Phase One of the AODD Campus Master Plan will take place Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, from 6:30-8 p.m. at 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, in Building 311 (in the Arsenal on the Charles). When you arrive at Building 311, the hosts will direct you to the meeting room. Click on this link to see the documents relating to Phase One.

Bookstore

Bookstore Opening Up in New Belmont Development

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While not inside the borders of Watertown, a new bookstore is opening in the near proximity. A husband and wife team will open the book store in the former Macy’s building in Belmont Center, according to a report on The Belmontonian. The new venture will join the Foodies Urban Market also going into the building. Find out more details by clicking here.

Government

Friend Pays Tribute to Longtime Town Councilor, Purple Heart Recipient

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At the end of last week’s Town Council meeting, a long-time follower of Watertown government paid tribute to a former Council Vice President and friend, Ray Musetti. Musetti died on Aug. 3 at the age of 92, and a funeral service was held on Aug. 8. Musetti’s friend, Burt Greenberg, spoke about the man who was involved in many groups around Watertown, including being Past Commander American Legion Post 99, Past Distinguished President Watertown Kiwanis Club, Lodge Piave Fiume #1036, Waltham-Watertown Lodge #953, the Disabled American Veterans, and the AMVETS, according to the obituary on Legacy.com.

Elections

Last Day to Register to Vote in the State Primary Coming Up Soon

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Massachusetts will hold a State Primary on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, and to take part you must be registered to vote by Friday, Aug. 18. The election includes the Democratic Primary for the District 3 Governor’s Council seat, where incumbent and Watertown resident Marilyn Petitto Devaney faces Peter Georgiou, an attorney from Lincoln. The council advises on the governor on appointments to such as judges, members of the Parole Board and the Industrial Accident Board.