Subject: WHS Updates – October 9, 2026 Dear Waterford High School Families, I hope you are having a great week. Below are a few important updates and reminders for the week ahead. Mental Health Fair – Wednesday, October 14 WHS students are invited to our Mental Health Fair on Wednesday, October 14, hosted by our school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers. The morning will focus on mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing and will give students an opportunity to explore resources, connect with community partners, and learn strategies for taking care of themselves and one another. Students will be able to visit a variety of wellness stations, including creative activities, yoga, rock painting, bracelet making, walking on the track, and more. We hope this is a meaningful opportunity for our Lancers to explore, connect, learn, and be well. Music Department Concert – Wednesday, October 14 If you want to see an evening of great musical performances, join us on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. for our music concert. It will feature performances by the WHS Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Choir, and Chamber Orchestra. It is always a great night, and we hope you can join us for this free concert in the WHS auditorium. Picture Day Retakes – Wednesday, October 21 Picture Day was a success, but we know we didn’t get everybody. To make sure we don’t miss you, we have scheduled picture retakes on Wednesday, October 21. Students will be called down by grade to the Field House foyer starting at 8:30 a.m. Any student wanting a retake must return the attached form with parent/guardian signature, your original package, and a retake fee of $10.00 if applicable. WHS_Retakes26.pdf PSAT Testing & NGSS Prep – Thursday, October 22 Grade 9 will take the PSAT 8/9, and Grade 11 will be taking the PSAT - NMSQT in school on Thursday, October 22 followed by an early dismissal schedule. All College Board assessments given during the school day are administered in a digital format using school-issued Chromebooks. Grade 10 students will be taking a practice NGSS computer test before conducting a laboratory investigation on Thursday, October 22 followed by an early dismissal schedule. Grade 12 students will stay home and use the day for post-
secondary planning and college visits, career exploration and job shadowing, and volunteer and internship opportunities. FAFSA Workshop – Tuesday, October 27 WHS will be bringing in financial aid advisors from Mitchell College and Conntac on Tuesday, October 27 at 5PM in the WHS Library to help assist families with completing the FAFSA. Please email Noel Kerr nkerr@waterfordschools.org with any questions. WHS 5K Turkey Trot – Saturday, November 21 WHS Lancer Leadership Council is organizing its annual 5K Turkey Trot that will take place on Saturday, November 21 at 9:30 a.m. at Great Neck. We are looking for sponsors and runners to participate in this walk/run. Please register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Waterford/WHS5KTurkeyTrot. If you would like to be a sponsor for the race, please fill out the Sponsorship Form or pay online using the 2026 Turkey Trot Sponsorship Link. Message from Safe Grad (100% of the proceeds benefit the 2027 Safe Grad after graduation party) The Class of 2027 Safe Grad is now in its 40th year! We will be raising money throughout the year to reach our goal. This fun overnight experience is only made possible with the support of our parents, community, and local businesses. Please consider helping out in any way you can. Donate! Safe Grad Organization is a 501C3, all donations are tax deductible. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/class-of-27-waterfordhigh-school-safe-grad Our Flock a Friend Fundraiser is now live, and dates are filling up fast! The flamingos are looking for places around town to visit before flying South for the winter. WSHSGO Flamingos.docx The Class of 2027 Waterford Safe Grad is now selling the newest version of the Thick D-Luxe 60x80 Lancer Blanket. They have the same amazing quality as previous years with an updated print. These heavy blankets are perfect to keep you warm during all of your outdoor sporting events. Waterford HS Blanket Flyer_v3.1-3.pdf The 2026 Coupon Cards are on sale at 75% off! For only $5 you can get some great deals at LongHorn, Olio, Cafe NV and more. They are good until the end of the year. We will have them at the WHS Community Night and the
10/10 Harvest Festival at Waterford Beach Park or send us an email whssgo@gmail.com. WHSSG Coupon Card Inside.jpeg All Parents Welcome Our next Parents Advisory Coffee meeting of the school year is Wednesday, October 28, from 7:30–8:30 a.m. in the Library Reading Room. Please join the WHS administrative team for an hour of conversation, coffee, and connection. We will share updates about the school year and upcoming events and, as always, set aside time for your questions, ideas, and feedback. We hope you can join us! Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Waterford High School. With Lancer Pride, Kirk Samuelson Principal, Waterford High School