The Watertown Public Schools offers a unique learning environment that is intellectually rigorous and nurturing with small, responsive classrooms designed to ignite creativity while empowering student resilience and confidence. Located in the greater Boston area, the Watertown Public Schools currently has 2608 students enrolled in its preK-12 program within the Early Steps Preschool, three elementary schools, Watertown Middle School and Watertown High School. Watertown students explore and shape the world around them through a variety of innovative learning experiences and opportunities in a public school setting. Our student body is diverse, reflecting the ever-changing demographics of our community and our nation.
WPS MISSION
WPS prepares all students for life by engaging them in a challenging and meaningful education within an inclusive, diverse community.
EXCELLENCE * EQUITY * COMMUNITY
Resolution on Affirmation of Support for Staff, Students, and Community Members of Color
Whereas, People of Color face greater discrimination, structural discipline, lack of social support both in schools and in society at large;
Whereas, children, adolescents and adults in the Black community face higher rates of social and structural violence and racial discrimination,
Whereas, students’ and staff’s well-being is a fundamental concern of the Watertown School Committee and school boards across the country.
Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Watertown School Committee affirms its immediate support to promote the needs and safety of all staff and students who identify as a person of color,
And Be It Resolved that the School Committee of Watertown, Massachusetts urges state and federal policymakers to support laws and regulations that:
- Provide appropriate and necessary safety measures for People of Color during a period of unrest in this nation, and guarantee the rights and safety of all those protesting for their lives.
- Hold accountable all public officials, police officers, and all those who serve their community for their responsibility to equitably represent and protect the public, and also hold accountable any individuals and organizations that take racist actions or in any other way do harm to the Black Community and People of Color.
- Enhance programming to provide schools with the structure and guidance needed to provide an anti-racist curricula and professional development for all staff to build understanding and awareness of the beautiful history and the challenges of being a person of color, and of the structural and endemic racism in the United States.
The School Committee gives its support to responsible civic actions by students, educators and others who are raising the visibility of this issue and seeking changes in public policy.
2020/2021 School Start Times:
Elementary: 8:15-2:30
Early Release Time: 12:15
Middle School: 8:30-3:00
High School: 8:30-3:05
Early release times for Secondary: 12:30