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Detailed Designs of Middle School Being Created to See if City Can Afford a New School

By Charlie Breitrose | March 9, 2026

A vision of what a new Watertown Middle School could look like created by Ai3 Architects and presented to the School Committee in June 2025.

Architects have started creating detailed designs for a new Watertown Middle School to determine how much a new school would cost, and that information will be used by the City to see whether Watertown’s budget can handle a project expected to cost significantly more than $100 million.

LETTER: Watertown Grieves Civil Rights Leader Bernard Lafayette Who Helped Spread Dr. King’s Teachings to Town

Dr. Bernard Lafayette and Watertown Kingian Nonviolence Trainer Holly Cachimuel, who is a former Watertown teacher.(Photo by Chuck Dickinson)

The death of legendary civil rights icon Dr. Bernard Lafayette on March 5 resonates deeply throughout the city of Watertown. “Doc” first came here for several days in 2016, at the behest of former Watertown Middle School teacher Ruth Henry. Henry had trained in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Resolution under Dr. Lafayette. Lafayette had promised Martin Luther King, Jr. before his 1968 assassination that he would spread King’s nonviolence teaching and practice around the world.

What New Industries Might be Attracted to Watertown, Changes to the Square Discussed by City Manager

City Manager George Proakis spoke at the Watertown Business Coalition’s City Update on March 5, 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown became a magnet for life science companies in the last several years, and City Manager George Proakis said the building boom in that industry may be slowed, but other industries may be attracted to the same things: proximity to Boston and the universities in the area, easy access, and a nice place to be.

Several Owls Visit Mount Auburn Cemetery During Long-Running Program Hosted by Owl Enthusiasts & Rescuers

Marcia Wilson holds a Eurasian Eagle Owl during the Eyes on Owls event at Mount Auburn Cemetery. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Mount Auburn Cemetery recently welcomed a couple who have devoted their lives to observing and caring for owls. They have traveled around New England in search of the raptors, from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Rye, New Hampshire, to Nantucket, and have ventured as far as Alaska, Serbia and Nunavut in the north of Canada to catch a glimpse of owls.

More Headlines

School Committee Votes on Watertown Middle School Start Time for 2026-27

Boston Bruins Player Gets an Education About a Sport for the Blind at Perkins School

WHS Sports: Wrestler Reaches 100 Wins; Girls Basketball & Boys Hockey in Tourney Play

Around Town

Watertown Company Cleans Up Along Charles River During Day of Service

By Guest Writer | October 10, 2023

A team of employees from WiTricity cleaned up the riverfront near Watertown Square. (Courtesy of WiTricity)

The following information was provided by WiTricity:

Headquartered in Watertown Square, WiTricity is the global leader in wireless charging with a particular focus on wirelessly charging electric vehicles. As part of our commitment to our community and to environmental responsibility, more than 30 people from the WiTricity team spent the afternoon dedicated to community service by cleaning up the area surrounding the river at the Galen Street Bridge on Oct. 5.

Around Town

LETTER: Industrial Noise Pollution from Watertown Impacting Newton Neighbors

By Guest Writer | October 10, 2023

Dear Watertown News editor,

I’m writing to ensure that you, and your readers, are aware of an issue at Watertown’s border. Industrial noise pollution is dominating the Charles River and the residential neighborhoods it borders. Those of us most affected have formed an association and reached out to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection seeking immediate help in ensuring the installation of noise-mitigation devices such as sound blankets and fan silencers.

Government

State Rep. Owens Hosting Pair of Office Hours in October

By Guest Writer | October 10, 2023

State Rep. Steve Owens

The following announcement was provide by State Rep. Steve Owens’ office:

State Rep. Steve Owens, a Democrat in the 29th Middlesex District made up of parts of Watertown and Cambridge, has upcoming office hours in Cambridge and Watertown.

Government

NEW TIME: Two Chances to Hear from Council President Candidates

By Charlie Breitrose | October 9, 2023

(Note: The time of the Chamber’s debate has changed. See the new time below)

The two candidates for City Council President will appear in a pair of candidate events this week. WCA-TV & Watertown News Hosting Live Forum

On Wednesday, Oct. 11, Watertown Cable News, Watertown Cable Access Corp and Watertown News will host an election forum featuring the two candidates running for City Council President. Incumbent Mark Sideris is being challenged by former Town Council President Clyde Younger.

Schools

Watertown Schools Receive Recognition, Superintendent Gets Raise & More

By Guest Writer | October 9, 2023

By Kendra FoleySchool Committee Chair

The 2023-2024 school year is underway in Watertown and we hope you are having a good start to your year.

Around Town

Hear from People Leading Watertown Square Revitalization Effort at Kick-Off Event

By Guest Writer | October 9, 2023

The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

Join us for the Watertown Square Plan Kick-off Event – A (more) Walkable Watertown on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at 64 Pleasant Street.

Around Town

Closings in Watertown for Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day Holiday

By Guest Writer | October 8, 2023

Several City facilities will be closed on Monday, Oct. 9 for the Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day holiday.

Around Town

LETTER: Resident Backs School Committee Candidate in November Election

By Guest Writer | October 8, 2023

Dear Watertown voters,

I’m writing to urge voters to elect Lisa Capoccia for School Committee.

For those of you, like myself, who do not have school age children or grandchildren in Watertown, we know a healthy, thriving community requires a healthy, thriving school community.