WHS Parent Update
May 5, 2023
Principal Update
Greetings Gosling Families,
We turned the corner into May this week - be sure to read the updates below as there is important information related to the updated WHS start time beginning on May 8, the upcoming Bentzin Speaker, and much more as we step into spring!
The week of May 8 is Teacher Appreciation week! Families are encouraged to take some time to reach out to your student's teachers next week as we celebrate the endless efforts of our teaching staff to support our students. I am extremely proud of our staff and all they do to support our community. Please join me in making this a memorable week for our dedicated staff!
Josh Kerr, Principal
Watertown High School
WHS Instructional Minutes
Updated Start Time 5/8/23-6/8/23
As you are aware, the winter weather this school year resulted in several inclement weather days that subsequently closed school. Unfortunately, this will require Watertown High School to recover approximately one (1) hour of instructional time before the end of the school year to remain in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s minimum number of instructional minutes.
To recover the lost instructional time, WHS will modify the daily schedule to begin at 7:57am from Monday, May 8th through the end of the school year. 1st period at WHS will be extended by three minutes, otherwise there will be no other impact on the WHS daily bell schedule.
We realize this is an adjustment for our students and families but hope this will have a minimal impact on the rest of the school year. If you have any additional questions or concerns about the impact this may have on your student’s ability to arrive at school on time, please contact your student's Associate Principal.
AP Testing
Bentzin Speaker - Justin Shaifer
WHS is excited to share that we have scheduled our 2023 Bentzin Speaker - Justin Shaifer. Justin will be presenting to WHS students on Thursday, May 18 during 1st and 2nd hours.
School to Career Program
The School to Career program offers WHS students the opportunity to explore future careers while getting .5 credits per trimester—and get paid for the time working with area employers. We have one- and two-year programs that students can start their junior or senior year. Programs include the Cooperative Skills Program through the Department of Public Instruction and the Youth Apprenticeship Program through the Department of Workforce Development. Students can gain experience in high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand career areas, see enclosed for program options.
We have an informational meeting on May 8, 2023, at 6:00 PM via Zoom: https://shorturl.at/B0178
All new students enrolled in the 2023-2024 School to Career Program are required to attend, and students who are interested in joining are welcome to attend.
The School to Career Program students benefit from the program through
⮚ Real-world on-the-job experience
⮚ Truly experience a career path before investing time and money beyond high school
⮚ Earn advanced standing credits for technical college or university
⮚ Earning a state-recognized certificate of occupational proficiency upon completion that could go towards an adult apprenticeship
⮚ Strengthening college and scholarship application content
⮚ Getting paid and earning WHS credit while working
To enroll in one of these programs, students will apply by completing and turning in the following:
1. See the link to print and complete the application: https://shorturl.at/cEF23
2. Attend an information meeting with a parent or guardian—see the enclosed flyer for details.
3. Turn in materials to me by May 31, 2023.
For more information, go to the Watertown High School Course Guide, the Jefferson County School to Career website at http://jcstc.org/, or, contact me at tarpeys@mywusd.org.
Junior ACT Retake Information
Junior students who took the statewide ACT test in March should have received their score in their MyACT.org account. Regardless of a college’s ACT submission requirements, a strong ACT score supports an application for admission. Be sure to check the admissions requirements of the colleges you hope to attend. ACT scores remain an important consideration for scholarships and course placement. Unsure if you should re-take the ACT? Make an appointment with your school counselor.
ACT registration is online at myact.org. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch, or may be experiencing financial hardship, should see their school counselor for a fee waiver.
Upcoming ACT Test dates:
June 10, 2023 (May 5th registration deadline)
July 15, 2023 (June 16th registration deadline)
Grades and Gradebook Checks
(Especially Seniors!)
As we continue through the trimester, please continue checking your student’s grades in Skyward and communicate with your student’s WHS teachers if there are any academic concerns. This is especially important for our seniors who are close to the finish line! With only a few weeks remaining in the trimester as well as the school year it is more important than ever to ensure that your student makes the most of the academic opportunities available in their classes. It is a busy, exciting time of year and WHS staff want to partner with WHS families to ensure every student has a fantastic, successful end to the school year!
Senior Graduation Information
Graduation Ceremony - Saturday, June 10 at 10 am in the WHS Fieldhouse
Graduation Tickets
This is your last chance to request graduation tickets if you haven't done so already. Tickets will be available for pick up starting on Monday, June 5.
Click here to request your tickets!
Senior Fees
We would like to remind parents that all school fees must be paid in full in order for your child to participate in the Graduation Ceremony. Fees can be paid by cash or credit card and are due no later than Friday, May 19, 2023.
Graduation Practice
Rehearsal will begin on Friday, June 9th at 10 a.m. All seniors participating in Graduation are REQUIRED to attend Graduation Rehearsal.
Graduation Video
The Graduation Committee is looking for childhood (baby/elementary age) pictures for the senior slideshow. Pictures can be submitted to whsgradpics@gmail.com. The deadline to submit pictures is TODAY Friday, May 5.
Watertown Gosling NubaySoft Blankets
Due to popular demand, we brought these amazing NubaySoft ™ D-Luxe Blankets BACK! They are super soft, HUGE and big enough for two people! By using your blankets at home, at the park, or at the game, our goal is to help student families feel included and connected to our great culture. Pricing is $70 each. To order, go to: https://sites.google.com/spectatorblankets.com/watertown-goslings/home
Free COVID-19 Antigen Self Tests
The WHS Health Room has a free supply of COVID-19 Antigen Self Tests. If you are in need of a
box of tests, please have your student stop in the Main Office and talk with Dawn Teesch, WHS Health Room Assistant.
Summer Jobs
- Lawn Maintenance (Must be 18 years old):
- Monday - Friday from 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Wage: $15.71 per hour
The Respect Campaign
A reminder to students and their families, that the respect nomination form is posted on the WHS website and posters with QR codes are posted around the building. Be sure to nominate a student or staff member!
Great Things Happening at WHS
WHS Orchestra students competed at State Solo Ensemble at UW-Whitewater last Saturday. The group received a 1 at State.
Congratulations to the WHS Forensics Team on competing at the WISDAA State Forensics tournament on Saturday, April 22 at DeForest High School.
WHS Advanced Photography students paired up with Fuelify a local business on North Water Street. Fuelify is a Boba shop with energy teas, milk teas, smoothies, coffee & caffeine free drinks as well! The owners graciously made us Boba drinks of different flavors and in exchange we photographed their products for use in their marketing. The Advanced Photography classes had great results and were excited to share their artwork with Fuelify.
Students from INTERACT, ACADEC, and Ecology Club gather on Friday mornings for breakfast and socialization!
Important Upcoming Dates
- May 6: Prom 8 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
- May 8 - 12: Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 19: Senior Fees Due
- May 29: No School - Memorial Day
- May 30: Art Walk Celebration - 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Awards 6 p.m. Town Center)
- June 8: Early Release 11:30 a.m. - Last Day of School
- June 9: Graduation Practice - 10 a.m.
- June 10: Graduation Day - 10 a.m.