Schools

School Committee Approves Interim Student Services Head, Creates Subcommittee to Review Special Education

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The School Committee approved the hiring of the interim Director of Student Services, who will oversee the special education program in the Watertown Public Schools, and also created a subcommittee focused on Student Services that will look at the district’s special education program. The moves made at the July 27 meeting, came in the wake of a push by parents of students in the special education program to make changes to the program and remove the Director of Student Services for not providing the services needed by students and creating an environment of fear and distrust. The discussion around Watertown’s Special Education program has become heated, including an online threat directed toward one of the School Committee members. Parents Concerns

For the past few School Committee meetings, parents have spoken about their experiences, their concerns about the special education program in Watertown, and what they would like to see change. Many have spoken about not feeling heard, being targeted for asking for services for their children, and not trusting Watertown special education program.

Entertainment

Watertown Arts Day — Enjoy the 6th Arts Market, Dance, Culture & Community

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Watertown will be brimming with arts activities on Aug. 8, 2026. The day begins with the annual Watertown Arts Market at Arsenal Park, featuring more than 100 artists, music, performances, kids’ activities and food for sale. Afterward, catch a Latin dance performance and lessons nearby, hosted by the Mosesian Center for the Arts. See details provided by the Watertown Arts Market, below.

Sports

Watertown Man Leaps into National Finals of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior

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Matt D’Amico (right) who grew up in Watertown, with American Ninja Warrior Coach and business partner Lucas Reale during the recent Eastern Regional Finals. (Photo by Scott Everett White/NBC)

Remember when you were 6 years old and got your first baseball mitt or hockey stick, in anticipation of playing games that would become the passion of a lifetime? Well, there’s a whole new generation of young athletes passing on team sports for the opportunity to attend Obstacle Training Facilities that offer Ninja Warrior classes. Matt D’amico represents one such example, a local boy turned young man, and his story of independence, effort, determination and maturity – ultimately leading to success in more ways than one. Matt D’amico, 25, lives in Billerica, but is born and bred in Watertown. Matt attended Watertown schools until eigth grade and then was home-schooled through the age of 16. At that point, he made a decision that has changed his life in only good ways- Matt began training to be an American Ninja Warrior. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🇳🇬Akbar Gbajabiamila🇺🇸 (@akbar_gbaja)

For the uneducated, which included me prior to writing this story, “Ninja Warrior” is a highly demanding obstacle course competition and sport.

Real Estate

Record Breaking Home Sale in Watertown, Single Family Goes for $2.6+ Million

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The home that fetched a record-breaking figure in Watertown. (Courtesy of Compass)

A four-bedroom Colonial near Oakley Country Club sold for the highest price on record for a single-family home in Watertown. The home at 122 Garfield Street closed for $2.65 million on July 15, 2026. The seller’s agent was Sarah Shimoff of Compass. The home with four bedrooms, three full baths and one half bath was rebuilt and refinished in 2016-17, and has views of the Country Club.

Elections

State Rep. Candidate Debate to be Hosted by Watertown News, Watertown Cable

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In the first of two debates for races in the Sept. 1, 2026 State Primary, the candidates for 10th Middlesex State Representative will appear in a live televised debate on Watertown Cable Access Television. The debate is co-sponsored by Watertown News. State Rep. John Lawn and challenger Alison Leary, who is a Newton City Councilor, will be in the Watertown Cable studio for the debate on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 at 7 p.m. The moderator will be Watertown Cable Anchor Jim Vershbow.

Development

City Council to Hold First Discussion of Watertown Square Project, Including a Parking Garage

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The proposed Demonstration Project in Watertown Square — which includes a parking garage, a residential building, retail space, and green open space — will be discussed by the City Council on Aug. 10 at the Watertown Library. See more information provided by the City of Watertown, below. The City Council, sitting as the Redevelopment Authority, is hosting a hybrid meeting to have an initial discussion regarding the Demonstration Project plan. We encourage you to join and participate in the meeting.

Government

Bodywork Businesses Shutdown by City, One Had “Items of Sexual Nature”

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Watertown Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Watertown Police Department, Zoning & Code Enforcement Team, Inspectional Services Division, and with assistance from the FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation — Human Trafficking Task Force, conducted inspections of bodywork establishments in Watertown on July 22, 2026, resulting in closure of multiple businesses due to violations of the City’s rules and regulations. These inspections were carried out in accordance with the City of Watertown’s rules and regulations governing bodywork with the goal of ensuring compliance to safeguard residents and businesses in Watertown, as well as protect against human trafficking. This joint operation was conducted at four establishments, resulting in all locations being shut down. One of the locations, Thai Body Spa (12 Belmont St.), was shut down due to items of sexual nature present, no Certificate of Occupancy, and no bodywork permit. The other three locations were closed down for failing to acquire appropriate certifications, including a Certificate of Occupancy and/or bodywork permit.