WMS--Reminder: All students will need corded headphones with a USB-C connector for state testing next week. Some stores carry adaptors that can be connected to headphones with a "traditional" 3.5 mm end if you prefer to not get a new pair. They CANNOT use bluetooth (wireless headphones). Also, please remind them to charge their iPad every single night so it is ready for testing. Thanks for your help!
WMS--Testing season is rapidly approaching! Please remind your chid to get a good night's rest and eat breakfast each morning to best prepare their brain for optimal performance. Please remind them to charge their iPad, too! We do our best to keep test stress low by maintaining a regular schedule where kids just test during their regular classes. I have attached a letter with more information about testing.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12znwnLOlzTH6TGEkfe_VcwBc0fAlSBfd/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12znwnLOlzTH6TGEkfe_VcwBc0fAlSBfd/view?usp=sharing
The Watertown School District will start 2 hours late on Monday, March 16. All morning practices and activities will also start two hours late. No breakfast will be served. All preschool screening times between 8-10 AM will be rescheduled to later in the day on Monday or Tuesday. The rest of Monday's screenings will be as scheduled. Kindergarten screening has been moved to Tuesday, March 17th at the same time. Please call the McKinley Office with questions, 605-882-6350.
For 6th and 7th Grade Parents: It's time to start planning for the 2026 - 2027 school year! Please take a look at the handout your child recently received from their teacher about registration for the upcoming school year. Most importantly, please scan the QR code in that packet or click on the link below to officially register your student and select your their music option. If you have any questions, please email me at todd.brist@k12.sd.us
Click here to register for 7th grade (current 6th graders): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZbK23RJ0IrE5B0V14GfZTYS3Klvc6U3tUtlz_i3an0LpTcA/viewform
Click here to register for 8th grade (current 7th graders): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMAvweioMLcBqu36wZNApjZ93HiHIrppNWswqPMR2Scww5ow/viewform
Dr. Brist, Principal Watertown Middle School
Click here to register for 7th grade (current 6th graders): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZbK23RJ0IrE5B0V14GfZTYS3Klvc6U3tUtlz_i3an0LpTcA/viewform
Click here to register for 8th grade (current 7th graders): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMAvweioMLcBqu36wZNApjZ93HiHIrppNWswqPMR2Scww5ow/viewform
Dr. Brist, Principal Watertown Middle School
Asbestos Notification:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OxYstnrL2U9VG5h7BkS5YUcbM5z9XoN8/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OxYstnrL2U9VG5h7BkS5YUcbM5z9XoN8/view?usp=sharing
2026 Summer Driver Education Registration
Below are three links to register for Driver’s Education. Each link corresponds to a different session.
Please sign up for only one session that best fits your schedule. Do not register for multiple sessions, as this may prevent another student from securing a spot in the program.
Each session is limited to 60 students, for a total of 180 students in the 2026 Summer Program. Once a session reaches capacity, the registration link for that session will automatically close and no additional students will be able to sign up.
Session One: May 26 - May 29, 2026
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv7U-Kkxd8DrabGZsfPEfl1zhLrKdQXQlf_OxEhtNmqhoggw/viewform?usp=dialog
Session Two: June 1 - June 4, 2026
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1utPXytxWIo1rHPINmqlxvJdZSRQZdlHUIPkzemnyBLTe8Q/viewform?usp=dialog
Session Three: June 8 - June 11, 2026
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVCzYFZdnCvFhzfAJQAXRLHzueMf2i2h8DSarWEizYlQWPmw/viewform?usp=dialog
Below are three links to register for Driver’s Education. Each link corresponds to a different session.
Please sign up for only one session that best fits your schedule. Do not register for multiple sessions, as this may prevent another student from securing a spot in the program.
Each session is limited to 60 students, for a total of 180 students in the 2026 Summer Program. Once a session reaches capacity, the registration link for that session will automatically close and no additional students will be able to sign up.
Session One: May 26 - May 29, 2026
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv7U-Kkxd8DrabGZsfPEfl1zhLrKdQXQlf_OxEhtNmqhoggw/viewform?usp=dialog
Session Two: June 1 - June 4, 2026
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1utPXytxWIo1rHPINmqlxvJdZSRQZdlHUIPkzemnyBLTe8Q/viewform?usp=dialog
Session Three: June 8 - June 11, 2026
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVCzYFZdnCvFhzfAJQAXRLHzueMf2i2h8DSarWEizYlQWPmw/viewform?usp=dialog
2026 Summer Driver Education Registration
Be sure to check your calendars this weekend…registration for 2026 Driver Education will open on Monday, February 23rd at 8:00 a.m.!
You will be able to sign up for only one session that best fits your schedule. Do not register for multiple sessions, as this may prevent another student from securing a spot in the program.
Each session is limited to 60 students, for a total of 180 students in the 2026 Summer Program. Once a session reaches capacity, the registration link for that session will automatically close and no additional students will be able to sign up.
Session One: May 26 - May 29, 2026
Session Two: June 1 - June 4, 2026
Session Three: June 8 - June 11, 2026
Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. on Monday…first come, first served!
Be sure to check your calendars this weekend…registration for 2026 Driver Education will open on Monday, February 23rd at 8:00 a.m.!
You will be able to sign up for only one session that best fits your schedule. Do not register for multiple sessions, as this may prevent another student from securing a spot in the program.
Each session is limited to 60 students, for a total of 180 students in the 2026 Summer Program. Once a session reaches capacity, the registration link for that session will automatically close and no additional students will be able to sign up.
Session One: May 26 - May 29, 2026
Session Two: June 1 - June 4, 2026
Session Three: June 8 - June 11, 2026
Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. on Monday…first come, first served!
WMS--Hey, 8th grade families...were you unable to make the registration meeting last week? Never fear, we are here! You can watch a video of the presentation by clicking this link...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLLm07bIdAQ
WMS--Some reminders for the week...
1. Ask your student about their student led conferences slide deck and please view this with them.
2. Informational meetings about high school registration will be held on Thursday at 4 and 6 in the WMS chorus room.
3. Conferences are on Thursday from 1 - 8. Stop in any time!
Check the Live Feed on the WMS website or our Facebook Page for more details!
8th Grade Parents--believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about high school! We hope you can attend one of the informational sessions during conferences (see attached image).
Some other dates to note:
• 2/18--8th Grade Registration for NTHS
• 2/24--WHS Counselors Visit WMS Students During Social Studies
• 2/26--WMS Students Officially Register/Enter Classes into Campus
• 3/4--Customized Arrow Academy Visit to WMS Science Classes
Some other dates to note:
• 2/18--8th Grade Registration for NTHS
• 2/24--WHS Counselors Visit WMS Students During Social Studies
• 2/26--WMS Students Officially Register/Enter Classes into Campus
• 3/4--Customized Arrow Academy Visit to WMS Science Classes
Greetings from WMS! We are adding a layer to our winter/spring conferences. In addition to our traditional conferences (see details below). We are adding a student led conference as an introduction before conferences to make sure each family gets a chance to check on the progress and productivity of their student. The student led conference will give you a peek of where your student is at academically and a broad overview of where they are at behaviorally. The purpose of these conferences is to open a dialogue about school between the student and the family at home. Please take a look at it and complete the Google Form at the end after you watch it with your student. If the link does not work, please click this link to give us some feedback: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevIMboQdECVKamkSZI0X-z-Tbqq-DgPT4K81hiC3O1C7RgWw/viewform?usp=dialog
Remember, the student led conference is just the beginning! If you desire more details or a follow up contact after the student led conference, we will also be holding traditional conferences (drop in/stop by when you have time) on February 12th from 1 - 8 or you can request a call from your child’s advisor or team.
Enjoy the slide show and hope to see you on February 12th!
Remember, the student led conference is just the beginning! If you desire more details or a follow up contact after the student led conference, we will also be holding traditional conferences (drop in/stop by when you have time) on February 12th from 1 - 8 or you can request a call from your child’s advisor or team.
Enjoy the slide show and hope to see you on February 12th!
WMS--Our 8th grade students will be participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress on February 11. Please see attached letter for more information.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LN1POFrUVY0gSzMTWKF5Bg3AU-j3TlaU/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LN1POFrUVY0gSzMTWKF5Bg3AU-j3TlaU/view?usp=sharing
WMS--We will be partnering with LATC on Tuesday, December 2nd to conduct vision and hearing screenings for 7th graders. This is a great opportunity for the LATC students to practice and lets us know if anyone has any potential concerns. If you'd prefer your child not participate in the screening, please email todd.brist@k12.sd.us to opt out.
WMS--Our school will be taking a survey on Monday in partnership with the Department of Health and South Dakota State University to assess the prevalence of tobacco use and examine factors that contribute to tobacco use among school-age youth. You can learn more about the survey by clicking the link below. If you'd like to opt your student out of the survey, please email todd.brist@k12.sd.us
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sWf6PhCI2Z-6AmV-m5DU7_Dii2AjB1Eu/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sWf6PhCI2Z-6AmV-m5DU7_Dii2AjB1Eu/view?usp=sharing
WMS Parents--If you didn't get a chance yet, could you help us out by giving us some feedback on Career and Technical Education? The purpose of this survey is to gather reflections from parents of middle and high school students regarding their knowledge of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that may be offered at your school.
Unsure what CTE is? Check out poster (https://doe.sd.gov/cte/documents/careerpathways.pdf). Your responses will be used as part of the CTE Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CTE-CLNA). The CTE-CLNA is a process of looking at the current CTE program to discover its strengths as well as perhaps challenges in order to identify opportunities to further strengthen the local CTE program. Thank you for your input. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevXb83d6KOtTlJXOLTc63Ln5_TF1dK4V3gAJ7Wvbcm6wzWZQ/viewform
Unsure what CTE is? Check out poster (https://doe.sd.gov/cte/documents/careerpathways.pdf). Your responses will be used as part of the CTE Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CTE-CLNA). The CTE-CLNA is a process of looking at the current CTE program to discover its strengths as well as perhaps challenges in order to identify opportunities to further strengthen the local CTE program. Thank you for your input. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevXb83d6KOtTlJXOLTc63Ln5_TF1dK4V3gAJ7Wvbcm6wzWZQ/viewform
WMS Parents--Would you help us out by giving us some feedback on Career and Technical Education? The purpose of this survey is to gather reflections from parents of middle and high school students regarding their knowledge of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that may be offered at your school.
Unsure what CTE is? Check out poster (https://doe.sd.gov/cte/documents/careerpathways.pdf). Your responses will be used as part of the CTE Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CTE-CLNA). The CTE-CLNA is a process of looking at the current CTE program to discover its strengths as well as perhaps challenges in order to identify opportunities to further strengthen the local CTE program. Thank you for your input. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevXb83d6KOtTlJXOLTc63Ln5_TF1dK4V3gAJ7Wvbcm6wzWZQ/viewform
Unsure what CTE is? Check out poster (https://doe.sd.gov/cte/documents/careerpathways.pdf). Your responses will be used as part of the CTE Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CTE-CLNA). The CTE-CLNA is a process of looking at the current CTE program to discover its strengths as well as perhaps challenges in order to identify opportunities to further strengthen the local CTE program. Thank you for your input. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevXb83d6KOtTlJXOLTc63Ln5_TF1dK4V3gAJ7Wvbcm6wzWZQ/viewform
The Watertown Middle School will be hosting a FREE Girls Night for ALL girls in 7th and 8th Grade who attenf WMS on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5th from 4:30-8:45 pm at WMS. This year's theme: Snow Happy You’re Here! (Winter Wonderland) This event provides a safe environment for girls to discuss topics & participate in activities related specifically to teen girls.
This 100% FREE night includes: Free T-shirt, Dempsey’s Pizza, Soda Corral Drinks, Caribou Hot Chocolate, photobooth selfies with friends, owner of Legends Missy Sinner as guest speaker, ornament crafting, door prizes, cookie decorating, baby animals, gym games, hair styling and much more! Register ONLINE on the WMS website or click the link below. We are also looking for parent volunteers to chaperone, help with the group meal, and provide a door prize. If interested, please note on the Google Form (via SignUpGenus) when you register your daughter.
https://forms.gle/5CHRgsfTd1VryCYVA
This 100% FREE night includes: Free T-shirt, Dempsey’s Pizza, Soda Corral Drinks, Caribou Hot Chocolate, photobooth selfies with friends, owner of Legends Missy Sinner as guest speaker, ornament crafting, door prizes, cookie decorating, baby animals, gym games, hair styling and much more! Register ONLINE on the WMS website or click the link below. We are also looking for parent volunteers to chaperone, help with the group meal, and provide a door prize. If interested, please note on the Google Form (via SignUpGenus) when you register your daughter.
https://forms.gle/5CHRgsfTd1VryCYVA
WMS--1st quarter grades are posted and fall conferences are fast approaching! You can logon to your Campus portal to check 1st quarter grades. Please contact any teachers with questions. Also, fall conferences will be held from 1 - 8 on Thursday, November 6. These are drop in conferences in the teacher's classrooms, so you can stop in any time and see as many or as few teachers as you wish. No appointment or sign up required!
WMS - All WMS students proudly invite their family members who are serving or have served our country to attend our Veterans Day Breakfast on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 8:00 - 9:00 am in the WMS Commons with a short assembly to follow in the gymnasium. Please RSVP by Friday @ 8 am, November 7, 2025
https://forms.gle/7515Huzmx6akWsWdA
https://forms.gle/7515Huzmx6akWsWdA
WMS - Reminder - Tomorrow (10/29/25) is a 12:30pm early dismissal for staff inservice.