Parent Newsletter 12.1.23
Watertown High School
Weekly Update
Believe it or not Friday, December 1st marks the end of the 1st trimester at WHS! I want to thank our students, staff, and families for their hard work supporting a great start to the 23-24 school year. Here are a few reminders as WHS quickly transitions from the end of the 1st trimester to the beginning of the 2nd trimester:
- Trimester 1 grades are due next Wednesday, so you should be able to view those "final" grades on Thursday afternoon. Of course, you can always view grades via Skyward for the most up to date information.
- Trimester 2 starts next Monday, December 4th. Students should view and/or print their schedules via Skyward before Monday. Lunch periods with be shared with students on Monday, December 4th.
- Parents and students are reminded that students may drop a course during the first three days of the trimester with parent and Student Services approval. The deadline to make a schedule change is Wednesday, December 6th. To request a schedule change, please complete the schedule change request form.
Second Trimester Homerooms
The start of the second trimester is a great time to review behavioral expectations with students. On Monday, December 4th staff will share the attached presentation with all WHS students during ELT homeroom. Please take a few minutes to review with your student in the coming days. We can’t thank WHS families enough for their support in maintaining high expectations as we prepare students to be college and career ready!
WHS Dress Code Updates
It has come to WHS administration’s attention that the existing WHS Dress Code needed further clarification for students and staff. As a result of this feedback, the following updates have been made to the WHS dress code in line with WUSD Policy #5320. The WHS Student Handbook has been updated on the WHS website. The updated dress code will be effective December 11, 2023. Information will be shared with students the week of December 4th during Homeroom. Please contact WHS administration with any additional questions.
WHS CLOTHING GUIDELINES:
*Note* A student’s attire will be addressed privately and alternative clothing options will be discussed and made available. Parents will be notified when an administrator has a dress code discussion with a student. Administration will attempt to minimize the amount of time a student misses a class.
1. Students Must Wear:
* A shirt (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms), AND
Pants/jeans/shorts or the equivalent that cover the entirety of the student’s backside (for example, a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, a dress, etc.), AND
Shoes
*Courses that include attire as part of the curriculum (for example, professionalism, public speaking, and job readiness) may include assignment-specific dress, but should not focus on covering bodies in a particular way or promoting culturally-specific attire. Activity-specific shoes requirements are permitted (for example, athletic shoes for PE).
Undergarments should not be visible (excepting bra straps) bra cups and bands must be covered by a shirt. Pants cannot be worn exposing the top of undergarments. Rips/tears in clothing cannot expose undergarments.
Sports bras cannot be worn without a shirt over the top. Students that wear a shirt that too closely resembles a bra will be asked to put something on over it. A midriff-baring top must cover the ribs.
2. Students May Wear, as long as these items do not violate Section 1 above:
Hats facing straight forward or straight backward. Hats must allow the face to be visible to staff, and not interfere with the line of sight of any student or staff
Religious headwear
Hoodie sweatshirts (wearing the hood overhead is allowed, but the face and ears must be visible to school staff).
3. Students Cannot Wear:
Violent language or images
Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity)
Hate speech, profanity, pornography
Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or consistently marginalized groups
Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice)
Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.
Any item that obscures the face or ears (except as a religious observance)
Clothing that exposes nipples, buttocks, or genitalia
E-Sports State Championship Information
The Watertown E-Sports team for Super Smash Brothers is competing for the state championship on Saturday, December 2nd at Lakeland University. If you would like to cheer us on, you can watch the livestream for the semi-final match vs. Elkhorn on Elkhorn’s twitch channel: http://twitch.tv/ElkhornElks starting at 10:00 am. If (and when) we win, you can watch the D2 Championship match at 11:00 am on the WIHSEA’s official twitch channel: http://twitch.tv/wihsea . No account or sign-up needed to watch. GO GOSLINGS!!!!!
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Testing
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test will be offered at WHS on Tuesday, December 12th. Completing the ASVAB provides students with valuable information on vocational aptitudes and career interests and is the assessment used to determine eligibility for specific military occupations. The ASVAB is free and available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. If you are interested in having your student take the ASVAB test on Tuesday, December 12th, please register them on the google form below.
Yearbooks
2023-2024
The 2023-2024 yearbooks can be purchased online through the Herff-Jones website: http://bit.ly/2WFzrGD. The WHS order number is 3818 (if needed). This year, the yearbook fee will be $50. This is the only way to purchase a yearbook for this school year. Please plan accordingly as no extra yearbooks will be ordered.
Senior Scholarship Information
The WHS local scholarship information was released to senior students. Please check out the WHS scholarship webpage as it is updated frequently with more offerings.
WHS Traffic Reminders
A friendly reminder to use caution and exercise safe driving habits when picking up students after school. Recognizing there is significant traffic outside WHS after school, drivers are encouraged to be patient and polite. WHS administration has received reports of unsafe/inattentive driving during this time and are working on improving the situation.
We understand that pickup time can be frustrating and want to use this opportunity to reinforce the protocols for pickup:
- When approaching the front entrance of the building the two left lanes should only be used to keep traffic moving. The left two lanes should not be used to stop and drop off or pick up students. The far right lane, closest to the school, should be used for stopping and student pickup.
- Driving safe speeds is imperative as the area around WHS, including the drive in the front of the building, is a school zone and subject to reduced speeds for safety reasons.
- Drivers need to signal their intentions for any turning or lane change.
- Note that there are alternate parking areas in the North Parking Lot if families would like to park to pick up their student. Families can also park on the gravel lot on Elm Street and have their student walk to that location.
Senior Privileges
Technology Updates
Attention all scholars & parents -
Your Chromebook is more than just a device; it's your passport to knowledge, exploration, and endless learning possibilities. It's essential to treat it with care and responsibility to make the most of your educational experience.
Here are a few reminders:
- Daily Companion: Your Chromebook isn't just another item in your backpack. It's your learning companion! Bring it to school every day, just like you'd bring your textbooks. It's your tool for research, assignments, and collaborating with classmates.
- Handle with Care: Treat your Chromebook kindly. Avoid placing heavy items on top of it and be mindful of liquids near your device. Small actions can prevent accidents and keep it in top-notch condition.
- Charging Ritual: Imagine your Chromebook as a superhero needing its nightly recharge! Plug it in every night to ensure it's ready for action the next day. A fully charged device means uninterrupted learning without the worry of a drained battery.
Remember, your Chromebook opens doors to a world of knowledge. Taking care of it ensures that these doors remain wide open for your exploration and growth. Embrace the responsibility, and let's make the most of this incredible learning tool together! Stay curious, stay responsible, and let's keep learning!
Great Things Happening Around WHS!
This week WHS hosted the annual WUSD K-12 Student Art Showcase.
WHS Student Council is sponsoring Call an Elf again this year.
Important Upcoming Dates
- End of Trimester & 11:30 a.m. Early Release: Friday, December 1 (Buses run at 3:30 p.m.)
- Start of Trimester 2: Monday, December 4
- WUSD 11:30 a.m. Early Release: Friday, December 22
- Winter Break: December 23 - January 2
- School Resumes: Wednesday, January 3
WHS Phone Numbers
Watertown High School: 920-262-7500
Attendance Line: 920-262-7537
Student Services: 920-262-7550
Watertown High School Fax: 920-262-7545
Attendance Fax: 920-262-7538
Student Services Fax: 920-262-7589