Mayer Community Guide 2018-19 | Page 15

Watertown-Mayer District profi le PUBLIC SCHOOL Superintendent: Ron Wilke Number of schools: four; district offi ce: 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 fi ve 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; (952) 955-0200; 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 fi eld 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, birth to kindergarten. The primary school is the home to Early Childhood Family Education, four-star rated Parent Aware preschool, nationally accredited Kids Company childcare, and kindergarten. 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 a ROYAL (Respecting Others, Yourself, And Learning from your experiences). Serving more than 600 students in grades 1 to 5, 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. 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 fl exibility 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 refl ect 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 85 percent of students are involved in W-M activities and athletics. The high school offers a MayerHeraldJournal.com | NewGermanyHeraldJournal.com 13