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Watertown’s Special Education Program “Needs Assistance” According to State Report

By Charlie Breitrose | December 12, 2025

For the first time, the Watertown Public Schools’ Special Education program has failed to earn a grade of “Meets Requirements” from state officials. The School Committee heard a report about the shortfalls and possible solutions at its Dec. 8 meeting.

Flock Cameras: City Manager Working Out Details of Contract for License Plate Reading Devices

Watertown’s contract with the Flock Safety company for eight license plate reading cameras was signed in September, but City officials are working on changing the section covering when data will be shared with other law enforcement. Meanwhile, a neighboring community terminated its contract with Flock, and another is determining its own policy for using the cameras.

Police Log: Man Caught Trying to Break Into Cars, Driver Arrested After Flipping Vehicle on Its Side

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.

Community Preservation Funds Approved for 2 Affordable Housing Projects & Work at the Commander’s Mansion

A rendering of the affordable Willow Park affordable housing complex.

Funding for a home for adults with special needs, to help build a 138 unit affordable housing complex, and to replace the elevator at a historic home owned by the City of Watertown were approved by the City Council Tuesday night.

More Headlines

Mixed Use Building With 40 Residential Units on Mt. Auburn St. Approved by Planning Board

Two Bus Lines in Watertown Will Run More Frequently Starting Soon

Watertown Field Hockey Coach Receives National Award

Sports

Watertown Boys Hockey Seeks Another Tourney Bid, Season Begins at Belmont on Satuday

By Charlie Breitrose | December 11, 2025

The Watertown hockey team seeks another trip to the State Tournament in 2025-26. Here the Raiders celebrate a 4-3 double overtime victory over Pembroke in the MIAA Div. 3 State Tournament. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown boys hockey team faces off with Belmont on Saturday in the first regular season game of the year. The Raiders look to return to the State Tournament and make a run as they have in recent years.

Entertainment

Concert of Traditional Armenian Folk Songs Being Held at Watertown Church

By Guest Writer | December 11, 2025

The following announcement was provided by Orchestra Without Borders:

As October draws to a close, preparations are underway for a multidisiplinary celebration of Armenia’s musical heritage in Watertown, home of New England’s largest Armenian community and a new statue of the Armenian musician Komitas.

Around Town

Report on Southside of Town Has List of Buildings, Areas Places That Could Historically Preserved

By Charlie Breitrose | December 11, 2025

A study of the historic buildings in the area south of the Charles River was recently conducted by the City of Watertown. The report is intended to guide future historic preservation efforts in that area of town. The full report can now be viewed.

Sports

Watertown Boys & Girls Basketball Teams Both Tip Off Seasons Against Rivals

By Charlie Breitrose | December 10, 2025

The Raiders hope to celebrate more State Tournament wins in 2025-26. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Basketball is back for Watertown High School (well, at Watertown Middle School for one more year). The season tips off for the boys and girls varsity teams on Friday when each face rival Belmont, as both look to return to the MIAA State Tournament.

Around Town

Watertown Updating FEMA Mitigation Plan, Public Can Take Survey

By Guest Writer | December 10, 2025

The City of Watertown provided the following announcement:

The City of Watertown is updating its FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan to assess its vulnerability to natural hazards and identify strategies to increase the resilience of our community, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Entertainment

Arshile Gorky Exhibit Opening at Armenian Museum of America on Dec. 12

By Guest Writer | December 9, 2025

An exhibit featuring the artwork of abstract expressionism artist Arshile Gorky will open at the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown on Dec. 12. Gorky lived in Watertown for a time, arriving in 1920 as part of a third wave of Armenians immigrants looking to escape persecution. See more details in the announcement from the museum below.

Government

Watertown Police Will Soon Start Using Cameras That Can Capture License Plate Info, ACLU Expresses Some Concerns

By Charlie Breitrose | December 8, 2025

In the next few weeks the Watertown Police Department will have access to new equipment that can capture images of license plates of passing cars. The technology is intended to help with criminal investigations, but some have expressed concerns about how it will be used, including the ACLU of Massachusetts.

Around Town

Lane Shifts & Parking Restrictions on Parts of Mt. Auburn St. This Week

By Guest Writer | December 8, 2025

The Mt. Auburn Street Project includes line striping and tree removal from Dec. 9-12 and there will be lane shifts for motorists and parking restrictions in the areas of the work. See details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.