News release
WATERTOWN, NY —Â Today, Watertown City School District joined other school districts in Jefferson County and the Sandy Creek Central School District, in making the difficult decision to postpone our participation in Fall 2020 interscholastic athletic competitions.
This decision was made after reviewing the parameters set forth by New York State for the allowance of lower risk school sponsored sports beginning September 21, as well as meetings with officials from Section III and the Frontier League. We have also consulted with local public health officials, physicians, school medical directors, students, parents, and the community at large before making this decision.
While we understand this decision may be heartbreaking for many students and their families, the substantial risks associated with holding such events and the possibility that they may lead to COVID-19 outbreaks or exposure is too great to ignore. Thanks to the hard work of our staff, students, families, and community, we have been able to start the 2020-21 school year with in-person learning. We do not want that to be jeopardized. Please know that the health and safety of all of you is and shall remain our top priority.
Watertown City School District will be organizing intramural programs for the modified, junior varsity, and varsity levels to start on October 5 barring any COVID outbreaks. We are very lucky that we are in a position to be able to offer our student athletes the opportunity to be part of a team, focus on their physical fitness, and continue to learn the skills needed to be successful until we can return to interscholastic sports. More information on the intramural programs will be forthcoming from our Athletic Director, George Emrich.
Be well and stay safe.
Patti LaBarr
WCSD Superintendent