Schools

Watertown Girl Named Student of the Term by Minuteman High School

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Minuteman High School has selected four outstanding students as Students of the Term for Term Two of the current school year, including one from Watertown, according to the school. This honor is awarded every term to one student from each grade level based upon nominations from teachers. The criteria include exceptional academic achievement and good citizenship, according to Assistant Principal Brian Tildsley. The students chosen are freshman Paul Gleason of Wayland, sophomore Tazmin Anbar of Watertown, junior Brodie Hawkes of Waltham and senior Catherine Maxwell of Arlington. All four were given certificates in recognition of this award, had a photo taken with the teachers who nominated them and were treated to lunch at Minuteman’s student-run restaurant, The Fife & Drum.

Dean's List

Watertown Student Makes Dean’s List at the University of Maine

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The University of Maine recognized 2,298 students for achieving Dean’s List honors in the fall 2016 semester. Of the students who made the Dean’s List, 1,714 are from Maine, 523 are from 31 other states and 61 are from 27 countries other than the U.S.

Among the students who received Dean’s List honors for fall 2016, completing 12 or more credit hours in the semester and earning a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, was Watertown’s Cody Orvik.

Business

Belmont Savings Gives Gift to Watertown Eduction Foundation During Spelling Bee

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Belmont Savings Bank presented the Watertown Education Foundation (WEF) with a $2,750 check during the annual Town Wide Spelling Bee, the bank announced. The money was provided by the Watertown Education Rewards Checking account. For every new Watertown Education Rewards Checking account opened through Belmont Savings, the bank gives both the WEF and the account owner $50, and .25% annual interest on the average monthly balance in the account is put toward school programs.

Founded in 1990 by engaged citizens of Watertown, the WEF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting improvements in the town’s education system by assisting school programs and encouraging support from citizens and businesses of Watertown.

Schools

Superintendent Hosting Second Coffee with Parents, Residents

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Watertown Superintendent John Brackett will be available to meet with parents and residents on Tuesday. 

Brackett sent out the following announcement:

I hope you will be able to join us for the 2nd Superintendent Coffee/Tea on Tuesday, January 24. We offer two opportunities for your convenience; 9:00 am or 7:00 pm. We will meet in the 1st floor classroom in the Phillips Building. Enter from the Marshall St parking lot and it is on the right at the bottom of the stairs. Hope to see you.

Schools

Final Week to Take Survey About Qualities for Next Watertown Superintendent

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The search for Watertown’s next superintendent of schools is rolling along, and the School Committee seeks input from parents, residents and others in the Watertown Community, but the deadline is quickly approaching. The district’s online surveys about hiring the next superintendent will be accepted until Friday, Jan. 20, the same day by which those seeking the superintendent position must submit their applications. The survey includes 10 questions, including a couple where you rate the importance of issues facing the schools (academics, school facilities, communication with parents and finances, etc.) and one to rate the importance of qualities and experience the next superintendent should have. Also, participants have the chance to write about what their vision is for the Watertown Public Schools, what strengths they would like to maintain and areas they want to see improved.

Schools

Lowell School Principal Duct Taped to the Wall to Raise Money for Books

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Lowell School Principal Phil Oates found himself taped to a wall, but it was for a good cause. The Lowell PTO hosted a spare change challenge during our Book Fair in December. There were two jars to choose from: one to shave Mr. Oates’ beard, and the other being duct taped to the wall. From the picture above you can see what the winning challenge was. The effort raised over $600 dollars and Mr. Oates kindly participated.

Charity

New Rotary Club Program Provides Meals for Watertown Kids on Weekends

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A new program sponsored by the Rotary Club, called Food for Thought, is providing some Watertown students who might go hungry over the weekend with two breakfasts, two lunches and two snacks each week.  

During the week, these students can get free or discounted meals at school. About 30 percent of the students in Watertown are in the Free and Reduced Lunch program, said Watertown resident Lilia Weisfeldt, who came up with the idea for the program. “Over the weekend the kids don’t have access to the program and a lot of kids go without any food,” Weisfeldt said. “We give them a bag of food over the weekend so they can go back to school Monday not hungry and ready to learn.”