Schools

Student Records for Watertown High Class of 2018 to be Destroyed Soon, Copies Available

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The Watertown Public Schools provided the following announcement:

Kathleen Desmarais, M.Ed, Director of Student Services, is notifying the public that in accordance with  Massachusetts Student Records Regulations temporary records which have been maintained by the school system for the Class of 2018 are about to be destroyed. Former students have the right to receive copies of any or all of these records prior to their destruction.  

After July 1, 2025, only the transcript, which includes the minimum information necessary to reflect the student’s educational progress, will be on file for at least sixty years. Transcript information includes only name, address, course titles, grades, and grade level completed. 

The temporary record contains all other information maintained by the school about the student. All temporary records must be destroyed no later than seven years after the student leaves the school system. 

Former students from the classes of 2018-2024 may contact the Watertown High School Guidance Office at 617-926-7736 prior to July 1st and arrange to pick up their records.

Schools

WHS Grad Night Tradition — All Night Party — Continues, Volunteers Needed

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The All Night Party provides a substance free place for seniors to get together on graduation night. Volunteers do much of the set up, and chaperoning. The following piece was provided by the Watertown High School PTSO:

For decades, Watertown High School seniors have celebrated their graduation at the All Night Party, a cherished tradition organized by the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO). This event is a labor of love for parents, teachers, and community members who dedicate their time and resources to create a memorable and safe celebration for the graduates. The All Night Party provides a substance-free environment for seniors to gather and celebrate together one last time.

Schools

Q&A: WHS Principal Joel Giacobozzi Shares About His Love for the School, Watertown & Construction

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Watertown High School Principal Joel Giacobozzi

When someone tells you they have the best job in the world, you might be skeptical. Sit down and speak with Watertown High School Principal Joel Giacobozzi for a few minutes, however, and it quickly becomes clear that he truly has deep passion and love for WHS and the whole community. So much so he said he wished he grew up here. These days, the high school is just half of his job. Giacobozzi has served as the interim principal at Watertown Middle School for a year and half, while in the meantime leading WHS at the temporary campus, and being part of the team overseeing the construction of the new high school building.

Schools

Watertown High School Earns National Recognition for STEM Education

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The sign for the temporary Watertown High School at PFC Ricard Moxley Field. (Courtesy by City of Watertown)

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Public Schools:

Watertown High School has been named a Distinguished School by Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a national nonprofit organization aimed at educating and preparing students for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics careers. The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their STEM programs. To be eligible for the designation, WHS had to meet multiple criteria in the 2023-24 school year such as number of PLTW courses available to students, percent of students enrolled in PLTW, and percent of students taking more than one PLTW course. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from PLTW,” said Laura Alderson, Career and Technical Education Coordinator for Watertown Public Schools. “WHS has been partnering with PLTW since 2015 for our Pre-Engineering program.

Environment

Lt. Gov. Recognizes Watertown as Part of Inaugural Group of Climate Leader Communities

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City Council President Mark Sideris speaks with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll at the Climate Leader Communities event held in Watertown on May 2. (Courtesy of the DOER)

Watertown’s efforts to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases were recognized by the State on Friday. The Healey-Driscoll Administration held the celebration of the state’s first 19 certified Climate Leader Communities outside the “crown jewel” of Watertown’s green efforts: the net-zero energy high school now being constructed on Columbia Avenue. The Climate Leader Communities program encourages municipalities to lower municipal emissions, maximize the efficiency of buildings and transportation, and slash energy costs. CLC certified communities can apply for grants of up to $1.15 million for projects that reduce municipal emissions.

Entertainment

Watertown High School Musical, “Anything Goes,” Hits the Mosesian Center Stage

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This year’s Watertown High School Musical, “Anything Goes,” will go on stage at the Mosesian Center for the Arts from Feb. 28 to March 2. See the information provided by the school below. Come enjoy an evening of live musical comedy performed by the students of Watertown High School. Anything Goes is a story of laughter and love with a little intrigue to boat (boot!). The show is presented in two acts with a 15-minute intermission.

Schools

LETTER: Family of Former WHS Head Master Seeks to Keep Gym Dedicated in His Name

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(The following letter was originally written to Watertown School Committee Chair Kendra Foley)

Dear Ms. Foley,

Thank you for this opportunity to share our recommendation for the naming of the Gymnasium or the Auditorium at the new Watertown High School. We would like for Dr. John J Kelley, former principal of Watertown High School, to continue to be honored by the school. As you know, the gym at Watertown High School was dedicated to Dr. Kelley in the early 1990s. The decision to name the gym after him was based on not just his many years of service to the school and the community, but also on the positive and long-lasting impact he had on individual students throughout his career. While time has passed since the dedication of the gym, nothing about Dr. Kelley’s impact has changed.