Schools

Come to the Last Superintendent’s Coffees of the Year, Meet the New Superintendent

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The last superintendent’s coffee for this school year is scheduled for April 26, from 9-10:30 a.m. and from 7-8:30 p.m., in the Data and Innovation Lab on the 3rd Floor of the Phillips Building, announced interim Superintendent John Brackett. This coffee will be a superintendents’ coffee. Joining me at each session will be incoming superintendent Dr. Deanne Galdston. We can chat about current issues but will allow ample time for Dr. Galdston to share reflections on her transition and entry plan and to get to meet those in attendance. I hope you will be able to join us.

Around Town

Watertown’s Canino Inducted into Westfield State’s Criminal Justice Hall of Fame

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Town native and Watertown High School graduate Carlos Canino was honored by his alma mater – Westfield State College – for his accomplishments in criminal justice and on the athletic field. Canino currently works as the Deputy Assistant Director Field Operations for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, after a long career with the agency. He also was a standout in football at Westfield state. Canino be inducted in to the WSC Criminal Justice Hall of Fame along with fellow 1988 Westfield graduate Cheryl Bassett. Westfield State sent out the following announcement before the event:
Former Westfield State University athletic standouts Carlos Canino ’88 and Cheryl Bassett ’88 will be inducted into the school’s criminal justice Hall of Fame on April 5.

Schools

Watertown High School Looking for New Mascot to Represent ‘Raiders’ Nickname

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After the first effort to come up with a mascot to go along with Watertown High School’s Raiders nickname stalled, school officials will once again look at the issue. 

Two years ago the School Committee decided to let the status quo remain, which was to have no emblem to represent the Raiders. The issue became a contentious one because some groups – particularly WHS alums – felt they were not being included in the discussion because the selection process was limited to students at the high school. Others opposed the use of the cartoonish Native American symbol being used by many youth sports, and some opposed any logo portraying an Indian. Interim Superintendent John Brackett said he has been approached by several people asking for a mascot for the high school. “(The mascot) brings a common identity to the Watertown High School Raiders, and are often used by other youth groups,” Brackett said.

Dede Galdston

School Committee Approves Contract for New Watertown Superintendent

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The School Committee officially welcomed Watertown’s next superintendent, Dede Galdston, on Monday night when they also approved her contract. 

Galdston told the School Committee she is grateful for the appointment and she is excited to be coming to Watertown. “First off, than you all for believing in me and having the confidence that I will shepherd you through the coming years and helping the children of Watertown move forward,” Galdston said. She will continue to work in her current position of assistant superintendent in Billerica through the end of June, but she has already started getting to know her new district. “I have been here already, and I can’t wait to get started with the work,” Galdston said. The incoming superintendent brought her husband and four sons to the School Committee meeting.

Lowell School

Superintendent Announces Appointment of New Lowell School Principal

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After a long, intense search, Stacey Phelan was named as Lowell School’s new principal. Phelan will begin her new position on July 1, 2017, said interim Superintendent John Brackett. She comes to Watertown from Swampscott, where she has been the principal of Hadley Elementary School for the past three years. Before that she was vice principal at Connery Elementary School in Lynn. “She has worked at both high-performing schools and turn around schools,” Brackett said.

School Budget

Watertown School Budget Includes Staff Cuts Despite Increasing Funds

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The Watertown Schools will lose several positions in the 2017-18 school year as school officials look to control the increasing costs, but classes will still be under the class-size guidelines in the elementary schools. Interim Superintendent John Brackett presented the budget to the School Committee Monday night. The total budget would be $45.71 million, which is 5 percent above the current year’s budget. It comes in more than $700,000 below the requests from principals and department heads. Interim Business Manager Mary DeLai said that four percent of the increase comes from staff salary and compensation.

Schools

Donations Being Accepted for Watertown High All-Night Graduation Party

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The Watertown High School PTSO is once again hosting the All Night Party for Graduating Seniors. It’s a night of entertainment, food and fun while keeping the seniors in a safe environment on graduation night. We are accepting donations of gift cards and food for the event. If you would like to make a donation let us know at watertownptso@gmail.com. If you would to make a monetary donation; check can be made payable to WHS PTSO and mailed to Watertown High School 50 Columbia Street or make a donation online at www.YouCaring.com/Classof2017-watertown-high-school.

Schools

Register for Watertown Adult & Community Ed Classes, Town Wide Yard Sale

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Watertown Adult and Community Education is now registering for Spring classes. Classes begin on April 27, and include courses in arts & crafts, TV production, technology, movement & fitness and more. There are also online courses that Watertown residents can take advantage of. People may register by mail or drop off registrations at Watertown High School, 50 Columbia St., Watertown

View the Adult and Community Education courses and find out how to register by clicking here. Any questions, contact Rita Foglia, Program Coordinator at rita.foglia@watertown.k12.ma.us or 617-926-7764.