Information updated September 2019
District profile
Superintendent: Ron Wilke
Number of schools: four; district office: 1001 Highway 25 NW, Watertown, MN 55388; 952-955-0480; www.wm.k12.mn.us
Watertown-Mayer High School
Principal: Bob Hennen
Details: Serves grades nine through 12; athletic conference: Wright County; 952-955-0600
Watertown-Mayer Middle School
Principal: Nick Guertin
Details: Serves grades five through eight; 952-955-0400
Watertown-Mayer Elementary School
Principal: Marnie Pauly
Details: Serves grades Kindergarten through four; 952-955-0300
Watertown-Mayer Primary School
Community Education Director: Rachel Bender
Special Education Director: Angie Kahle
Details: Serves pre-school age students; community ed. dept.: 952-955-0280
About Watertown-Mayer
Watertown-Mayer is proud of its quality school system, which provides excellent academic and extracurricular program opportunities for all students. With state-of-the-art facilities, integration of technology, and innovative instructional practices, the district seeks to prepare students to be learners for life in the context of an ever-changing world. Be it in the classroom, on stage, or on the field of competition, students are offered a diverse array of learning opportunities, all designed to tap into their interests and passions in order to stimulate a desire to become lifelong learners.
The W-M Primary School is focused on providing a safe, nurturing environment for students. The primary school is the home to Early Childhood Family Education, four-star rated Parent Aware preschool, and nationally accredited Kids Company childcare. Staff provides a comprehensive approach to getting students off to a great start in the school district.
At the W-M Elementary School, students have a personal connection to staff, students, and community. The district takes pride in the character development of being safe, responsible, respectful, and friendly. Serving more than 550 students in grades K to 4, teachers are prepared to meet the needs of each student. The differentiated curriculum focuses on a well-rounded education that integrates language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies using real-world connections and personalized learning practices. This approach, coupled with a commitment to 21st-century learning skills, aid the district in preparing each student for the future. In addition to the core skills, students participate in physical education, music, technology, media literacy, and art programs.
At W-M Middle School, there is an emphasis on the importance of building a strong sense of community school-wide. Staff wants all students to feel connected, empowered, and willing to take academic risks to ensure they continue growing during the middle years. Programming is designed to promote the developmental needs of all young adults. These include competence, relationships, autonomy, and fun.
There is a spectrum of academic offerings, including advanced and “honors” classes in all grades. Additionally, the flexibility exists to support the needs of students who may require remedial instruction or special education services. Students participate in learning that is rigorous, relevant, and that encourages them to practice collaborating, communicating, and to use technology to learn and solve problems. Curriculum offerings reflect a strong focus on the core subject areas of mathematics, English language arts, social studies, and science. Additionally, all students participate in health, physical education and technology programs. Students also have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of athletic offerings and activities such as band, choir, drama, and student council. Exploratory experiences and clubs are offered throughout the school year. All students also participate in an advisory program that emphasizes character education. Counseling and social support is also available to both students and their families.
W-M High School offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on preparing all students for the challenges and opportunities they will face after they graduate. Seventeen College in the Schools courses are offered in the areas of math, science, language arts, social studies, career planning, and agriculture. A mentor program, a variety of vocational programs, four years of German and Spanish, and strong band and choir programs are also offered.
A culture of “Royal pride” is evident, as more than 75 percent of students are involved in W-M activities and athletics. The high school offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including drama, speech, music, athletics, FFA, Business Professionals of America, Knowledge Bowl, mock trial, and others. Athletic and activities programs are supported by quality facilities, such as an all-weather lighted track and field complex, lighted football and softball fields, an indoor swimming pool, gymnastics areas, and a state-of-the-art performing arts center.
Community Education at W-M strives to provide ample opportunities for youth and adult learners to continue with their desire to gain knowledge in various skills. Some examples of offerings include aquatics, adult fitness classes, youth and adult art classes, classes that allow youth to explore, science, engineering and technology, and many more.