Schools

State Recognizes Hosmer Elementary for Improvements on MCAS

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(Courtesy of Watertown Public Schools)

The following information was provided by the Watertown Public Schools:

The Hosmer Elementary School has been named a School of Recognition by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education following the release of 2023 accountability data. Hosmer is just one of 65 schools in the state to earn this honor. The Hosmer School outperformed 2023 MCAS targets in both Math and English Language Arts while also improving on scores from 2022. Hosmer recorded a 93% score in DESE’s Progress Towards Targets metric. The state considers 75% as the threshold for meeting or exceeding targets.

Government

City Bulking Up Cyber Security After Council Approves Funding

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(Courtesy of City of Watertown)

The internet can be a treacherous place where identities can be stolen, scams are perpetrated, and websites get hacked. Watertown will take steps to keep the City’s websites secure, and up and running by increasing cybersecurity. On Sept. 12, the City Council approved funding to increase protection on municipal websites and networks. City Manager George Proakis told the City Council that he supports the efforts of Watertown’s Chief Information Officer Chris McClure.

Around Town

Man Behind the Water Shuttle to Boston Leads Tour Along River

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Drew Rollert, left, the Watertown man who wants to start a boat service to Boston from Watertown Square, guided a Walk N Talk along the River on Sept. 14. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

“The best way to get to Boston is by boat!” Drew Rollert told a group of people who joined the Live Well Watertown/Watertown Business Coalition Walk N Talk along the Charles River on Sept. 14.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Scammer Impersonates U.S. Marshal, Amazon Customer Service Scam

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

(For Aug. 7-27)

Aug 8, 12:30 a.m.: An officer patrolling in Watertown Square ran the plates of a grey BMW and discovered the vehicle had a revoked registration. The vehicle was pulled over and the officer confirmed the owner was driving. The man said he had purchased the vehicle from a friend.

Around Town

Watertown’s Renee Gaudette Named Executive Director of Playworks New England

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Renee Gaudette has been named Executive Director of Playworks New England. (Courtesy Photo)

The following announcement was provided by Playworks New England:

Growing up a latchkey kid, Renee Gaudette spent her afternoons on the basketball court, playing four-square and tag. Now, she is back on the playground as the new Executive Director for Playworks New England. The Watertown native brings more than 20 years of youth development and leadership experience. Part of a national organization, Playworks New England partners with schools, school districts and community organizations across all six New England states to ensure more than 68,000 youth experience safe and healthy play during and beyond the school day.

Government

New Public Pedestrian Path to Go from Walnut St. to Arsenal St. Through Private Property

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A Google Map with the pedestrian path shown in green. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to get from Arsenal Street to Walnut Street through private property after the City Council approved an easement agreement with the owners of the property. On Tuesday night, the City Council approved the agreement between the City and the owners of the property at 85 Walnut Street — BP3-BOS4 250 Arsenal Place LLC — for the pedestrian path, as well as for a sewer line, said Assistant City Manager Steve Magoon. The City will pay $1 for the easement according to the agreement. The path runs to Walnut Street through a pocket park, then goes through the parking lot of the 85 Walnut St.

Government

Watertown Hires First Human Resources Director

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Colleen Doyle has been hired as Watertown’s first Human Resources Director. (Courtesy of the City of Watertown)

The City of Watertown hired the new, and first, director of the Human Resources Department. The department replaces the Personnel Department. The City sent out the following announcement of the new hire:

City Manager George Proakis is pleased to announce that Colleen Doyle will join Watertown on Oct. 12, 2023 as the City’s first Director of our new Human Resources department.