Schools

Watertown Public Schools Partners With Regis College to Enhance Staff Development, Recruitment

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Regis College and Watertown Public Schools announced the establishment of a strategic partnership that will support school employees with unique employee development programs, employee recruitment through access to Regis graduates, collaboration opportunities with Regis faculty on product development and research, discounted tuition rates, and use of the Regis campus facilities. 

“An enduring priority for Regis College since it was founded is to expand access to higher education opportunities,” said Regis College President Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN. “The strategic partnership with Watertown Public Schools will support faculty and staff interested in earning a bachelor, masters or doctoral degree that will enhance classroom instruction for students. This partnership is designed to provide employees of Watertown Public Schools a collaborative, flexible, and convenient way to earn college credits and advance their career through education at a discounted rate with mentorship from accomplished faculty with real-world experience.” 

“Supporting the professional growth and career goals of our employees while diversifying our workforce is a key priority for Watertown Public Schools,” said Aisling Bucci, Recruitment and Cultivation Specialist for Watertown Public Schools. “Our new partnership with Regis College provides valuable opportunities and pathways for our teachers, staff, and the next generation of educators. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our employees, students, and the Watertown community as a whole.” 

This agreement includes discounted tuition for Regis online and hybrid degree programs for school employees and their families, a flexible transfer policy for adult degree completion, and customized academic consulting to align educational programs with corporate goals.

Around Town

Mt. Auburn St. Project: Drainage Installation Work at Arlington St. & Bigelow Ave. Continue

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Newport Construction is continuing to complete the drainage installation work between Arlington Street and Bigelow Avenue on the eastbound side. You can expect to see construction crews in this area from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week ending on Feb. 7, 2025. Traffic Impacts

There will be lane shifts and a potential lane closure during this work, which may also impact street parking in the immediate work area. Currently we do not anticipate any detours.

Entertainment

Small Saves Goes Pizza Crazy in This Week’s Cartoon

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James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Around Town

City Warns of Increase in Dead Birds in Watertown, Bird Flu in Mass.; Tips for Keeping Pets Safe

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The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

Watertown has seen an increase in dead bird sightings. While the state has not yet confirmed the presence of bird flu in Watertown, they have said that bird flu is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in communities where there has not been a confirmed positive. To keep our community safe and healthy, please follow these precautions: 

Keep Your Distance: Avoid interacting with or approaching wild birds, including feeding them. Do not touch any sick or dead birds or other animals. 

Avoid Contaminated Areas: Steer clear of surfaces that may be contaminated with bird saliva, mucus, or feces. 

Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any potential contact with birds. 

Protect Your Pets: Dogs and other pets should always be leashed and kept away from wildlife. Cats are susceptible to bird flu and may die from an infection, so keep your cats indoors to prevent exposure to infected wildlife. 

For Owners of Domestic Poultry or Birds: Prevent shared food or water sources between your birds and wild birds.

Around Town

OBIT: Cynthia Essex, 87, Teacher and Supervisor at Perkins School for the Blind

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Cynthia Essex born on February 14, 1937 and raised in Coventry, Rhode Island, died on January 7, 2025. She graduated from Coventry High School and the University of Rhode Island and later received a master’s degree from Boston College. After graduating from college, she became a third- grade teacher at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA with a specialty in mathematics. She advanced to become Supervisor of the Lower School at Perkins in 1964 and later Supervisor of the Junior and Senior High School. At her retirement after more than 50 years of service, she became a Member of the Corporation at Perkins.

Government

District A Councilor Nicole Gardner Hosting Annual Meeting with Public

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Nicole Gardner, District A Councilor. All City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public according to the recent changes to the City Charter. District A City Councilor Nicole Gardner announced the date of her meeting. See info below. District A City Councilor Nicole Gardner’s Annual Councilor Community Meeting is Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 7-8 p.m. at the Coolidge School Apartments, 319 Arlington Street.

Around Town

Save the Date for Discussion of Accessory Dwelling Units

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The City of Watertown and Watertown Community Conversations will host a community discussion about accessory dwelling units (ADU), also known as in-law units. The input from the event will help inform how Watertown’s ADU Ordinance is written. See information in the announcement from the City, below. Save the Date! The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT), in partnership with Watertown Community Conversations (WCC), will be hosting an “Accessory Dwelling Units Community Dialogue” on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 6 to 8:30 PM, at the at the Coolidge School Apartments, 319 Arlington Street, including time at the beginning for attendees to enjoy light food and beverages.

Around Town

Watertown National Guard Member Earns Promotion

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The following piece was provided by the New York Army National Guard:

Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Huijing Yang from Watertown, Mass., and assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, received a promotion December 16, 2024 to the rank of specialist. Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential. These promotions recognize the best qualified Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).