Principal's Newsletter
January 11, 2021
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Welcoming Students Back
We are thankful to welcome students back into the building this week. Pool testing continues as one way of keeping our students safe, and we appreciate the student cooperation.
Last week was a heavy week for our students and staff and I am proud that our staff gave space for students to speak about their reactions and feelings as much or as little as they chose. I want to share an excerpt from my communication to the faculty at WHS,
"Whatever you teach, I’d ask that we hold space to discuss what happened in this nation’s capital and Georgia’s state capital building yesterday, to the extent you feel comfortable. It is more than a news story, more than a flash in the pan, and certainly more than some students can process on their own. I consider it a blessing that these young people will look to us for guidance on how to make sense of it all. The good news is that we don’t have to have all the answers; we need only provide the time, space, and safe environment for students to untangle their thoughts."
MLK Jr. Day and Black history month
This holiday marks the beginning of a season of celebrating black history, as well. During the month of February, students will be learning about influential black figures from around the world during Friday classes. We look forward to our special programming and welcome feedback.
Students in our Kingian club have also been hard at work helping administrators design a professional development around implicit bias that includes plenty of student voice. In a season of reduced interaction, we are excited to welcome all the student voice we can get!
Weekly Covid Pool Testing
There is a slight change in schedule for cohort B pool testing tomorrow. Nurse Jones will be at the high school testing from 12:15pm to 3:30pm instead of the regular 11am to 3:30pm. Please show up if you are signed up.
Moving forward, only positive pools and close contacts will be alerted with the weekly testing results. If you do not receive an update 24-48 hours after your child participates in pool testing, it means their pool tested negative. Positive pools will be contacted as soon as possible and given further information and instructions at that time. Students are able to test before school, after school, and during lunch. The testing location is in the hallway by the gymnasium.
Again, if you wish for your student to be tested, please fill out this form. Please note, pool testing is only offered to students who participate in IN PERSON learning, we are not currently able to test fully remote students. The only exception are student-athletes that are planning to participate in winter sports and are fully remote. Because these students will be in contact with other students, they will be offered pool testing. Student-athletes that are learning remotely received a direct email with sign-up instructions. Student-athlete testing (remote student-athletes only) takes place on Tuesdays from 2:30-3:30pm.
If your student's pool tests positive, it is highly recommended that family members quarantine until individual test results are available (usually within 24 hours).
For more detailed information on the testing, click here.
Class of 2021 Fundraising
While we don't know what will be possible yet, we do know we want to celebrate the class of 2021. If the All Night Party after graduation can't be held due to COVID, what do we want to do instead? It makes sense to put a plan A and plan B together and do some fundraising now so we can send the class off in style.
If you're interested in being involved, join our next PTSO zoom meeting on 1/13 at 6:30pm or email Kristen Fitzpatrick at fitzpk@gmail.com.
ACCESS Testing
Your school and ESL teachers will let you know the schedule. Your school will be testing your student on the days they are in-person. If your student is a virtual student they will be invited in on a day or time other students are not in-person. Most testing will be complete before February vacation.
Please contact Kate Phillipson, ESL Coordinator, if you have any questions about the testing. You can email Kate at kathryn.phillipson@watertown.k12.ma.us, or call at 617-581-8200.
Monthly Information Session with MRC & Triangle Inc.
Attention students and families of students on Individualized Education Programs and 504 Plans who would like to learn more about transition services. Massachusetts Rehabilitation
Commission (MRC) and Triangle Inc. will be holding virtual information sessions for students on the fourth Thursday of every month from 6-7 pm.
The meeting will discuss MRC and Triangle Inc. services and supports for students on IEPs and 504 Plans. Students and parents are encouraged to attend.
If you are interested in attending please email Evaluation Team Chair, Sara York
(sara.york@watertown.k12.ma.us) or complete the google sign-up sheet.
Here is the Zoom link for the meeting.
Meeting Dates:
January 28th
February 25th
March 25th
April 29th
May 27th
WHS Guidance Update
Ed-Tech Update
Here is a link to the weekly Family Ed-Tech for All Newsletter & LIVE Ed-Tech Support Sessions
Do you need help with Ed-Tech? Please complete the WPS Ed-Tech Support Request Form. A member of the WPS Ed-Tech team will reach out to you within 1 school day.
Additional Updates:
1. Please visit our WPS Family Ed-Tech for ALL Website for updated resources
2. Here is a link to the WPS Student Data Privacy Initiative Website
3. How to install Google Read and Write on Chrome
Spanish and Portuguese Family Guide Videos will be posted soon
WHS Wellness/PE Update
WHS Hybrid Protocols Handbook
WHS Administrators have also created a video that outlines all the protocols mentioned in the handbook.
The Hybrid Protocols Handbook can be viewed here. The video can be found here.
Meal Program Updates
The grab & go meal site is open every Monday:
- 12:00pm - 1:30pm
- 4:30 - 6:00pm