Watertown Public Schools

30 Common Street, Watertown MA 02472

English / Second Language

Watertown Public Schools > Departments > ESL

General Information about Watertown Public Schools

School Hours

Watertown Public Schools are in session for the school year at the following times.

Cunniff and Lowell: 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Hosmer: 8:20 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Watertown Middle School:  7:40 a.m. - 2:10 p.m.

Watertown High School: 7:55 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

 Registration

 The following documents are required when you register your child for school.

 * Copy of child’s birth certificate

* Two proofs of residency in Watertown (copy of gas/electric bill or copy of mortgage/lease AND copy of telephone bill, license, etc).

* Copy of child’s medical record (must have dates of immunizations and current physical examination by physician).

* Documentation of vision screening by physician.

 Bus Transportation

 Bus transportation is available to eligible students attending the Hosmer School who reside in the district and under certain conditions at Watertown Middle School. Hosmer students residing in the district and living between .75 miles and 1.5 miles from the school and grade 6 students attending Watertown Middle School and who live between .75 and 2 miles from the school must pay a fee.  For additional information, please call 617 926-7716.

 School Meals

 All Watertown Public Schools offer healthy meals every school day. Breakfast costs ($1.00 at Elementary and Middle Schools, $1.50 at the high school); lunch costs ($2.25 at the elementary, $2.75 at the middle and high schools). Your child may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. If you have questions, please call 617 926-7756.

 Progress Reports

 Elementary Schools (Grades K - 5)

Progress reports are issued 2 - 3 times per year depending on grade level. Parent teacher conferences are held for each child during the fall and spring. Notices are sent home with each child prior to conference dates.

 Watertown Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

 Progress reports are issued 4 times per year. Parents are encouraged to have conferences with teachers, guidance counselors and/or administrators whenever they wish. However, appointments are recommended.

 Watertown High School (Grades 9 - 12)

 Progress reports are issued 4 times per year. Parents are encouraged to have conferences with teachers and guidance counselors. Appointments are recommended.

 Homework

 Homework is an important part of a child’s educational program in the Watertown Public Schools. It is assigned at all grades.

 Parent Visitations

 Parents are welcome to visit schools and to observe individual classrooms. Such visits should be scheduled with the principal of each building.

 Student Absences

 Parents are asked to call the Absences Hot Line to report a student absence for any reason. A written excuse signed by the parent and/or guardian giving the date and reason for the absence is required and must be presented by the student on the day he/she returns to school.

 Cunniff School: 617-926-7726

Hosmer School: 617-926-7747

Lowell School: 617-926-7773

Watertown Middle School: 617-926-7783

Watertown High School: 617-926-7725

 Dismissal

 All parents/guardians are required to come to school and to pick up their child when he/she is being dismissed early from school. The dismissal of a child may be requested by telephone. If a student becomes ill while at school, he/she cannot be dismissed unless the school can contact the parent or guardian.

 Canceled - Delayed Opening

 When it becomes necessary to cancel school or delay an opening due to inclement weather, announcements will be made on the following radio and television stations, usually stating between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.: WBZ, WHDH, WEZE, WRKO, WBUR, WCRB, Channels 4, 5, 7 and Media One - Watertown (Channel 9 or 10).

 Adult English Classes

 English as a second language classes for adults take place at Watertown Public Library. For additional information, please call 617 924-8797.

 Interpreter Services

 Interpreters are available for many of the languages spoken in the district. To request an interpreter, please contact your child’s teacher or the school principal.