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Back to School: One School Welcomed a Large Kindergarten, Middle School Renovations Shift, Draft Cellphone Policy

By Charlie Breitrose | 17 hours ago

Cunniff Elementary School has a particularly large number of kindergartners this fall. (Photo by Watertown Public Schools)

Students in Watertown returned to class this month, including a large number of kindergartners on one campus. Back to School nights will be held this week, and the School Committee also heard about a proposal that would prevent students from using cellphones and other devices anytime during the school day.

Council Sees Plans for 2 Parks; Asks About Crosswalks Near Bemis Park, Facilities at How Park

Drawings for the improvements at Bemis Park.

Two parks on the westside of Watertown will be renovated in the near future, and City Councilors had questions about the features of the park, as well as the pedestrian crossings for one of the parks.

City Looking at How to Create Public-Private Partnership to Redevelop Watertown Square Parking Lots

An illustration from the Watertown Square Area Plan with the municipal parking lot behind CVS outlined in red. The City Council is considering redeveloping that area.

City Councilors will be wearing a second hat when it comes to the redevelopment of the parking lots behind CVS, the Watertown Library and perhaps others in Watertown Square.

Full Middle School Renovation is Off the Table, City Could Turn Focus to a New Senior Center

Watertown Middle School (Courtesy of Watertown Public Schools)

Watertown cannot afford to totally renovate or rebuild Watertown Middle School, City Manager George Proakis told the City Council this week.

More Headlines

JIM’S VIEW: Watertown Field Hockey Beats Belmont to Win 100th Straight Game

See What’s Coming to the 2025 Faire on the Square on Saturday

Two Multistory Residential Projects Proposed in New Watertown Square Zoning

Around Town

City Calls for Art to Revitalize Coolidge Square During Mt. Auburn St. Construction

By Guest Writer | July 22, 2025

A map of Coolidge Square showing possible installation locations.

The City of Watertown today announced “Open for Business,” a new public art initiative inviting artists and artist teams to submit proposals for temporary outdoor art installations in Coolidge Square. This project aims to maintain the vibrancy of the neighborhood and support local businesses during the ongoing reconstruction of Mount Auburn Street.

Around Town

Group Seeking to Bring Food Co-op to Area Hosting Virtual Open House

By Guest Writer | July 22, 2025

The Charles River Food Co-op will host an open house on Wednesday, July 23 at 8 p.m. The group has more than 950 members, and the remote open house is a chance to meet others interested in local, organic food.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Driver Faces OUI Charge After Hit and Run, Shoplifter Busted

By Charlie Breitrose | July 21, 2025

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.

Entertainment

Watertown Cultural Council Announces Results of 2024-2025 Grants Season

By Guest Writer | July 21, 2025

Attendees at the Watertown Cultural Council Grantee Celebration. (Contributed Photo)

By Lawrence KessenichWatertown Cultural Council member

The Watertown Cultural Council (WCC) has completed its 2024-2025 grants season, awarding just under $35,000 in grants to a variety of individuals and organizations. The grants were funded by Massachusetts Cultural Council, and, for the first time, the Commonwealth’s funds were matched by funds from The City of Watertown, enabling the WCC to double its impact on Watertown’s cultural life.

Entertainment

Comedian Paula Poundstone Performing at Watertown’s Mosesian Center for the Arts

By Guest Writer | July 21, 2025

The Mosesian Center for the Arts will be hosting renowned comedian Paula Poundstone in December. See more information from the MCA below.

Around Town

Sidewalk Excavation, Drainage Work Continues on Mt. Auburn St.

By Guest Writer | July 20, 2025

During the week of July 21, sidewalk work will continue in East Watertown, and Drainage Work will take place in Coolidge Square. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown.

Real Estate

More Than 20 Watertown Homes Were Sold This Week

By Charlie Breitrose | July 20, 2025

Condos, townhouses, single families, two families and three families were sold this week.

Around Town

Negotiations Fail to Reach Agreement in Trash Strike

By Charlie Breitrose | July 19, 2025

Watertown DPWWatertown trash and recycling and compost bins.

The two sides met Friday to discuss the trash strike impacting more than a dozen other communities, including Watertown, but left without coming to an agreement.