Subject: WHS Updates – November 7, 2025
Dear Waterford High School Families,
As we close the first quarter, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of students arriving to school on time each day. Our first block class begins promptly at 7:25 a.m., and arriving after this time not only affects a student’s own learning but can also disrupt the classroom environment for others.
Beginning in Quarter 2, we will be enforcing the attendance expectations outlined in the Waterford High School Student Handbook. As a reminder, students who accumulate more than five tardies to school in a single quarter will be assigned a two-hour Friday detention.
We understand that mornings can sometimes be challenging, and we truly value our partnership with families in helping students develop strong routines for success. If your family is facing barriers that make on-time arrival difficult, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s administrator or school counselor. We are here to work together and provide support wherever possible.
Here are some reminders and updates about what is scheduled for the next few weeks:
• No School, November 11: There will be no school for students on Tuesday, November 11. The WPS District Calendar can be found at: https://www.waterfordschools.org/parents_family/information/school_year_calendar
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Our fall Parent-Teacher Conference date is Tuesday, November 11. In order to free our faculty up for conferences, there will be no classes that day for students. Parents who wish to schedule conferences can email teachers directly to set up an appointment.
• FAFSA Workshop: WHS will be bringing in financial aid advisors from Mitchell College and Conntac on Wednesday, November 12 at 5PM in the WHS Library to help assist families with completing the FAFSA. Snacks will be provided, and attendees will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. You can sign up for 30-minute time slots using the QR code that was previously mailed or the link on the school website under the school counseling calendar and events tab. Please email Lisa Sweeney lsweeney@waterfordschools.org with any questions.
• Financial Aid Night: Our WHS School Counseling Department would like to invite all parents/guardians of students in Grades 6-12 to a financial planning seminar on Thursday, November 20 from 6:00-7:30PM in the WHS library. It is never too early to start thinking about funding strategies and the most effective ways to save and invest for a post-secondary education. Join us for an evening presentation with a representative from Vaylark Financial Services, who will discuss financial aid, scholarship resources, college loans and a variety of ways to support your child successfully plan for a financial path to college.
• Roundtable Theatre Presents: Juno and the Paycock, an Irish tragicomedy by Sean O’Casey. Recommended for ages 12 and up due to themes of poverty and war, performances will be held on the stage of the WHS Auditorium from November 20–22 at 7:30PM. Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for students and senior citizens, available through GoFan. All seats are on stage, and seating is limited. Accessible seating can be arranged by contacting the director, Patrick Barry at pbarry@waterfordschools.org. See information below on the production and tickets:
o Thursday, November 20 - 7:30pm
o Friday, November 21 - 7:30pm
o Saturday, November 22 - 7:30pm
• WHS 5K Turkey Trot: WHS Lancer Leadership Council is holding its annual 5K Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:30AM at Great Neck. A WHS Turkey Trot race shirt and two Basket Raffle tickets will be given to all pre-registered runners. Please register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Waterford/WHS5KTurkeyTrot. Get a group together for a discounted registration fee.
• Message from Safe Grad: Many thanks to everyone who made the Election Bake Sale a success! Shop at Five Below between November 28 and December 5 and support Safe Grad! Simply show the attached flyer at checkout, and 10% of your purchase will be donated back to Safe Grad. 5 Below-Nov 2025.pdf
• Yearbook: The 2026 yearbook is officially for sale. To purchase your copy at a discounted rate be sure to go to www.buytheyearbook.com before December 5, 2025. Our school code is 16545832601. Please email jbono@waterfordschools.org with any concerns.
• All Parents Welcome: Our next Parents Advisory Coffee meeting of the school year is on Wednesday, November 19, from 7:30-8:30AM in the Library Reading Room. Please join the WHS administrative team for an hour’s conversation and coffee. We will share some information about the school year and some of our upcoming events, and as always, we will set aside some time for any questions you may have. All are welcome and we hope to see you there!
With Lancer Pride,
Kirk Samuelson WHS Principal