Watertown Students Earn Academic Honors at Bridgton Academy

The following information was provided by Bridgton Academy:

Bridgton Academy faculty, administrators, and students began the second semester by celebrating scholarly excellence and dedication among the Class of 2023. The Academy community gathered for an uplifting evening awards ceremony, during which students who attained honors (3.0 – 3.25 GPA), high honors (3.26 – 3.74 GPA), and highest honors (3.75-4.0 GPA) were recognized. Bridgton faculty also had the opportunity to recognize a student in each class whose unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge made a tangible, positive impact in the classroom and among peers. Dean of Academics Jamie Izaryk remarked that this ceremony is one of her favorite events of the year, as it presents an occasion for the Bridgton community to recognize student successes, not just as students, but also as people. Mrs. Izaryk notes, “Most of these students are selected for more than just successful final exams, lab reports, and well-executed written assignments.

Construction Underway at Temporary High School Site at Moxley Field

The following information was provided by the Watertown Public Schools, and was part of the Superintendent’s Update:

Construction activity is picking up at Moxley Field, the temporary Watertown High School site beginning next school year. Crews are preparing the property for the installation of the modular buildings, which is expected to begin in January. The new modular high school will house the entire Watertown High School population while the new school building is under construction. Construction is taking place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Deliveries to the site will not be permitted during Middle School morning dropoff and afternoon pickup to minimize disruption in the neighborhood. You can watch the most recent community forum on the Moxley construction efforts here and view a detailed presentation on the project timeline below.

Former Watertown Teacher Earns Statewide Award for Work in Weston Schools

Phil Oates

Phil Oates, a former Watertown Middle School teacher and interim principal at Lowell School, received an honor from the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association for his work as assistant principal at Weston Middle School. He lives in Watertown. The Weston Public Schools published the following announcement:

We are thrilled to announce that our own Mr. Phil Oates has won the MSAA Assistant Principal of the Year Award for 2023! Please join the entire WMS community in congratulating Phil on this amazing accomplishment. The Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association announced today that Mr. Philip Oates, Assistant Principal of Weston Middle School, has been selected as this year’s Assistant Principal of the Year. Phil has served at the Middle School for the past six years. Phil graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Sciences in Mathematics.

Former Basketball Star Tells WHS Students How Drugs Ruined His Career & His Work to Prevent Substance Abuse

Charlie BreitroseFormer basketball star Chris Herren spoke to Watertown High School students about the pitfalls of drinking and drug use. The entire student body recently squeezed into the Watertown High School gymnasium to hear the story of a basketball superstar from Massachusetts whose career was derailed by his need to drug use problems.

Chris Herren starred at Durfee High School in Fall River before heading to Boston College and Fresno State. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets, and then was traded to his hometown team: the Boston Celtics. But while it appeared his career was on the rise, his personal life was crashing. Now Herren spends 220 days a year visiting schools, sports teams, and other groups to tell his story, and the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol.

Nine Watertown Students Earn Honors at BC High School

Boston College High School provided the following announcement:

The following students have been named to the First Quarter Honor Roll at Boston College High School:

·       Rory Kennelly, High Honors (Class of 2023)

·       Koji Obara, High Honors (Class of 2023)

·       James O’Connor, High Honors (Class of 2023)

·       Isaac Campolongo, High Honors (Class of 2024)

·       Emiliano Pedroza, High Honors (Class of 2025)

·       Mason Lombard, Honors (Class of 2023)

·       William MacKerron, Honors (Class of 2025)

·       Owen Driscoll, Honors (Class of 2026)

·       Alexander Podgoretsky, Honors (Class of 2026)

For High Honors a Sophomore, Junior, and Senior must have at least a 3.80 quality point average and all grades “C+” or higher. Freshmen need a 3.6 quality point average and all grades “C+” or higher. For Honors a Sophomore, Junior, and Senior must have at least a 3.20 quality point average and all grades “C-” or higher. Freshmen need a 3.165 quality point average and all grades “C-” or higher. About Boston College High School

Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men in grades 7 to 12.

Watertown Student Honored by Salem State for Academics & Engagement

The following announcement was provided by Salem State University:

Student Success and the First Year Experience office at Salem State University recently inducted 33 outstanding sophomore students into Alpha Omega Psi, an honor society for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and engagement at the university. During their first-year, these students participated in the Salem State University Emerging Scholars Program and successfully completed all requirements while maintaining a commitment to their academic success. Emerging Scholars participants are paired with graduate student success coaches and participate in a variety of guided sessions and focused programs throughout their first year. The program is designed to build students’ academic and life skills. 

The induction ceremony included Emerging Scholars success coaches Rashid Abuelmaali and Carolyn Tracy as well as Emerging Scholars program coordinator, Ashely Figueroa and assistant director Megan Wigton. An inspiring keynote address was given by Assistant Dean of Student Success and the First Year Experience Mathew Chetnik and a virtual greeting was offered by Assistant Vice President Lee Brossoit. Inductees received a formal certificate and a medallion to wear as part of their commencement regalia when they graduate. Chetnik notes, “Emerging Scholars provides students an opportunity to take ownership of their college experience while taking advantage of a coach whose sole focus is to motivate and guide them on that journey. While college can be hectic, these students completed all required sessions and were able to demonstrate a strong academic record at the end of their first year.”

Tracy states, “The students in this program showed up and engaged, even during a pandemic. They persevered to meet the requirements and we are so proud of their efforts. I have no doubt that with their dedication and academic success, they will do well in their future endeavors.”

The Emerging Scholars Program is one of many initiatives at Salem State University designed to connect first-year students with supports which assists them in achieving success on their journey towards college completion.

School Committee Update: MCAS Results, Policy Changes & More

The School Committee has met three times in the last 1.5 months. Below are some updates. 

The Watertown High School field hockey team won the State Championship with a 2-0 win over Sandwich. The team played with poise, intensity and impressive technical ability en route to an undefeated season, their second-straight state title, and the 20th state championship for head coach Eileen Donahue. Congratulations on an incredible season! 

Watertown had other athletic successes this fall: girls soccer had a fantastic season, qualifying for the state tournament and winning two exciting matches; boys soccer and football both made the state tournament; the cross country team had two runners advance to All-States; cheerleading advanced to States; lots of fun (and a great 21-7 win) was had at the 100th Annual Thanksgiving Football Game at Fenway Park. 

The WHS put on a fabulous production of Clue in November. And, the spring musical, Anastasia begins rehearsal this week.

Vocational Committee’s Draft Recommendations Urge Students to Apply to Medford

Medford High School and Vocational Technical High School

A committee looking at vocational education options for Watertown students recently created a set of draft recommendations, including that Watertown students apply to Medford’s vocational program and to continue to examine whether the City should join the Minuteman Vocational High School district. The Ad Hoc Career, Vocational, and Technical Education (CVTE) Committee has been meeting for months, and the chair, School Committee member David Stokes, presented the draft report to the School Committee on Dec. 5. The draft report, and the recommendations, will be discussed at the CVTE Committee meeting on Monday, Dec. 12.