Schools

Watertown Schools Set Later Start Date, Staff to Use Extra Time to Prep for COVID-19 Learning

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The School Committee voted Monday night to move the first day of school to Sept. 22, 2020, but teachers and staff will return to work before Labor Day. The time before classes start will be used for training and preparation for teaching during COVID-19. This includes starting with virtual learning for almost all students. This model will continue until students can return to school in smaller numbers than a typical school year.

Arrests

Police Log: Pair Pinched on Drug Charges, 2 Bicycles Stolen

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

Aug. 11, 1:20 p.m.: A Watertown Police detective was dropping something off at an address on Sycamore Street when he spotted two men asleep in a black BMW. The detective recognized the car and when he looked inside he saw a large clear plastic bag with a brown substance inside, which he believed was fentanyl. Other items consistent with drug dealing were also found in the car.

Schools

School Committee to Discuss Reopening of Watertown Schools

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With the beginning of school just weeks away, the Watertown School Committee will discuss the reopening plan on Monday night, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.

At the last School Committee meeting, members voted to go with the “Bridge to Hybrid” plan, where Watertown students will start the year remotely and then move to a hybrid model where students will alternate days attending classes in person and remotely. With the goal of moving to a hybrid model when the COVID-19 outbreak allows, students will be split into two cohorts for the elementary and middle schools. These will be used when the in-person learning begins under the hybrid model, but the cohorts will also be used in the beginning when students are doing remote learning. See the draft sample school schedules by clicking here.

Around Town

Find Out About Health, Fitness for the Whole Family at Upcoming Open House

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Find out about upcoming health and fitness activities for children and adults at an open house co-hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition, Ballroom in Boston and Get Lively. The open house, on Aug. 27 will feature local fitness and recreation businesses, including dance, fitness, martial arts, and more. There will be demonstrations, tours, fitness challenges and a raffle for a produce box. Organizers will provide a socially distant environment to ensure safety for all participants.

Around Town

Candidates Q&As for 10th Middlesex State Rep.: Lawn vs. Leary

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Candidates for the 10th Middlesex State Representative election, John Lawn of Watertown and Alison Leary of Newton. Incumbent State Rep. John Lawn faces a challenge from Newton City Councilor Alison Leary for the 10th Middlesex State Representative seat, which includes the Westside of Watertown. Watertown News presented each candidate with a set of questions about their positions, concerns and more. See what they said. Both seek the Democratic nomination for the 10th Middlesex District.

Around Town

Find Out About the Candidates Running to Replace State Rep. Hecht

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Three candidates seek to become the new State Representative for the 29th Middlesex District, which includes much of Watertown and part of Cambridge. Watertown News reached out to the candidates and asked them some questions about their priorities, experience and themselves. Three Democrats are running to replace retiring State Rep. Jonathan Hecht. No Republican is on the ballot. The district includes Watertown Precincts 1-9, as well as, Cambridge Ward 9, Ward 10’s Precinct 3 and Ward 11’s Precinct 2.

Business

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Opens Watertown Location

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Pizza lovers can now order a coal-fired pie from Frank Pepe Pizzeria, which recently opened at Arsenal Yards. The opening of the Neapolitan pizza restaurant was announced by Arsenal Yards on Twitter this week. The restaurant started in New Haven, Conn., and specialty pizzas include the original tomato pie and white clam pizza. Salads are also available. The pizza news we've all been craving – @pepespizzeria is NOW OPEN at #ArsenalYards!Place an order for takeout, delivery or curbside pickup today.

Early Voting

Find Out About Early Voting, Mail In Ballot Drop Offs & Who’s Running

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The 2020 Election is nearly here, with voters in Watertown and Massachusetts going to the polls twice in two months. Many voters are taking advantage of the mail-in ballots, and early voting starts soon. The Town Clerk’s office has already received hundreds of mail in ballots, which are available due to the COVID-19 outbreak, said Watertown Town Clerk John Flynn. State officials send the requests for mail-in ballots to the Town Clerk’s office, and staff sends out the ballots. “We have mailed out over 7,000 ballots,” Flynn said. “This is the first challenge to an incumbent U.S. Senator for years.