Schools

Watertown Teachers Union Addresses Salaries, Parental Leave and Other Issues in Contract Negotiations

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Watertown teachers rallied in Watertown Square calling for settling their contract. Photo courtesy of Watertown Cable News / Maya Shwayder. Watertown’s teachers spoke out about their desire for a “fair contract” during Monday’s School Committee, and responded to the statement from the School Committee about the negotiations made during the previous meeting. The teachers contract has expired, and the teachers union — the Watertown Educators Association — has met more than a dozen times to discuss the contract with representatives from the Watertown Public Schools. Last week, to demonstrate their frustration with the negotiations teachers went to “work to rule,” where they only work contracted hours and duties, and would not do any volunteer work.

Schools

Rising Special Education Costs Contribute to $1 Million Shortfall for FY24 Watertown School Budget

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The Watertown Public Schools face a shortfall of around $1 million for the 2023-24 school year (Fiscal Year 2024), due in part to a large increase in the cost of special education. Monday night the School Committee heard the FY24 preliminary budget presentation from School administrators, who said the Watertown Public School’s level-services budget faces a significant deficit. This budget would provide the same level of services and programs available to students during the current school year, though it might require additional staff to provide the service due to increased enrollment in a certain grade or in a particular program, said Heidi Perkins, the WPS Director of Finance and Operations. The Watertown Schools will receive a 3.5 percent increase from the City over the FY23 budget, or $2.84 million, which would make the FY24 budget $55.64 million. The amount needed to cover a level-services budget is $58.47 million, as of Jan.

Schools

Shop, Eat & Raise Money for the Watertown High Class of 2023

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Bling boutique and Donohue’s Bar & Grill will be putting on a fund raiser for the Watertown High School Class of 2023. On Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6-10 p.m. Bling will be selling items for Valentine’s Day and Donohue’s will be serving sweets at the fundraiser. Bling will donate 20 percent of the proceeds to the WHS senior class, and there will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and a cash bar.

Schools

Watertown Teachers Working to Rule, Calling for Settling Contract

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Watertown teachers rallied in Watertown Square on Jan. 25 calling for settling their contract. Photo courtesy of Watertown Cable News / Maya Shwayder. Watertown teachers and Watertown School officials have been in negotiations for a new contract, but have not yet settled. In a step to express their displeasure with the process, teachers have started “working to rule” this week.

Schools

Two BC High Students from Watertown Inducted into National Honor Society

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Boston College High School’s National Honor Society members. The following announcement was provided by Boston College High School:

The following students have been inducted into the Robert J. Fulton, SJ Chapter of the National Honor Society at Boston College High School:

James O’Connor (Class of 2023)

Isaac Compolongo (Class of 2024)

The National Honor Society (NHS) was created by the National Association of Secondary School Principals to recognize high school students who have distinguished themselves in their school and community. Each year eligible juniors and seniors are invited to apply for membership in NHS. Applications are reviewed by a committee of BC High teachers to confirm that each student has attained a high standard of each of these characteristics: scholarship, character, leadership, and service. At BC High, NHS members are committed to service in the school and in the broader community.

Schools

Learn About Vocational Education Opportunities for Watertown Students

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The Watertown Public Schools will host an informational evening about vocational and career technical education opportunities for Watertown students. In past years, Minuteman High School was the choice for a majority of Watertown students looking to learn a trade or take part in vocational education. In recent years, the school in Lexington has not had capacity to accept students from outside the district, and Watertown is not part of the Minuteman District. There are other opportunities, including Medford Vocational High School and programs at Watertown High School. The following information was sent out about the informational session:

“Interested in learning about career and technical education?

Schools

MassBay College Providing Free Computer & Technology Education Courses

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MassBay Community College Wellesley Hills campus, Wellesley Hills, MA, September 2022 (Photo/MassBay Community College). The following announcement was provided by MassBay Community College:

Students new to MassBay will have the opportunity to take advantage of the Bridge to IT Careers by taking computer and technology courses at MassBay for free. Thanks to a three-year, $300,000 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, MassBay will provide unemployed and underemployed workers with education and training in the area of computers and technology. Students can take the following classes for free: Computers & Technology, which is offered in the spring 2023 semester; CompTIA A+ certification, an entry into information technology offered in fall 2023; and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the entire Microsoft suite, which will be available every semester through the College’s Corporate Partnerships & Workforce Development Division. These courses provide students with a bridge to a career in computers or technology, and a foundation to pursue a certificate or associate degree in computer science, computer information systems, cybersecurity, and several other programs. 

“We are extremely grateful for this grant and for the support from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development,” said MassBay President David Podell.

Schools

Watertown High Class of 1964 Looking at Holding 60th Reunion

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The Watertown High School Class of 1964 sent out the following announcement:

Happy New Year 1964 WHS Classmates! We’re in the very initial stages of determining whether there’s enough interest to plan for our 60th class reunion in 2024? An email (whs1964reunion@yahoo.com) has been created to let us know of your interest in attending. When emailing us, please provide the best contact information and if your name has changed, please advise what your name was while at WHS. If you’re still in touch with former classmates who may not see this notice, please inform them of this event.