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.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Arshile Gorky Movie, Snow White PJ Party, Playoff Hockey, Middle School Musical

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This weekend has something for fans of musicals, Disney, hockey, art, and people who want to get creative. Friday afternoon, Hatch Makerspace is open for people who want to try their hands at vinyl cutting, 3D design and more. Young actors at Watertown Middle School will go on stage three times with a musical version of Mary Poppins. On Saturday night, Watertown’s semipro hockey team will try to clinch the championship. Learn about Armenian artist and former resident Arshile Gorky on Friday night.

Schools

Watertown Middle School Principal Selected, Will Begin Over Summer

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Jeff Gaglione has been selected as Watertown Middle School’s next principal. Watertown Middle School will have a new principal. Superintendent Dede Galdston announced the selection of Jeff Gaglione as the new WMS principal. He currently works in Hudson, and will take over in the summer. The school is currently being led by Joel Giacobozzi, who is also the Watertown High School principal.

Schools

Four Finalists for Watertown Middle School Principal Visiting Campus

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Watertown Middle School (Courtesy of Watertown Public Schools)

The search for the next Watertown Middle School principal has reached the finalist stage. This week, the four finalists will be visiting the middle school and have a meet and greet with parents and families. Two are currently principals and two are assistant principals. The following information was provided by the Watertown Public Schools:

We are excited to welcome four outstanding finalists to Watertown Middle School next week as part of our search for our next principal. Each candidate brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education.

Schools

Familiar Architecture Firm Picked to Design Watertown Middle School, Committee Concerned with Budget & Getting “A Team”

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Watertown Middle School

A familiar firm has been selected to design the new Watertown Middle School, but members of the School Building Committee had concerns about getting the firm’s “A Team,” and whether the City can afford to build the kind of school they want for the students of Watertown. Wednesday night, the School Building Committee selected Ai3 Architects to do the feasibility study for the new middle school. The firm that designed Watertown’s three elementary schools and the new high school. Ai3 was one of four finalists, and narrowly got the top ranking by the nine members of the committee. Each firm presented ideas for how they would approach building the school.

Schools

Finalists for Designing the New Watertown Middle School to be Interviewed by Building Committee

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Watertown Middle School

The finalists for architecture firms seeking to design the new Watertown Middle School will be interviewed in public by the School Building Committee, including one with experience working in town. Four firms will be interviewed at the meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. at City Hall. In November, the City Council voted to make make improving Watertown Middle School a priority. City Manager George Proakis said the option with the most bang for the buck is to knockdown the older part of the building, constructed in 1922, and renovating and modernizing the newer section, added in 1998.

Government

City Council Votes to Make Renovating Watertown Middle School a Priority

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Watertown Middle School

Watertown Middle School will be the next major project constructed by the City of Watertown. Tuesday night, the City Council voted to move the school to the top of the Capital Projects list. One of the primary reasons was to take advantage of the cost savings provided by using the modular classes set up on Moxley Field for students while the school is under construction. The City Council held a special meeting after City Manager George Proakis asked Councilors said a decision must be made about when to take on the middle school project because the modular classrooms currently serving as the temporary Watertown High School will be removed in 2026 unless the City extends the lease. The Middle School is not the only project on the list of priorities.