JENNIFER NICHOLSON FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in learning more about my campaign for Watertown School Committee.
Click here to read my 2023 Campaign Announcement on Watertown News! Below is my regularly updated Google document with available details and hyperlinks for upcoming WPS district-level meetings.
Please contact me by email me at nicholsonforwatertown@gmail.com.
November 6, 2023
As we’re about to enter the last 24 hours before Election Day, I wanted to share some final thoughts and words of gratitude regarding my campaign:
I was proudly endorsed by the WEA, a group of phenomenal educators that have my utmost respect. Not only have I had the pleasure of working alongside them, but I’m also a K-12 graduate of Watertown Public Schools along with multiple generations of my family. In fact, my children are fourth generation WPS students! I appreciate the countless ways our WPS staff members contribute to our community and the positive impacts they have on the lives of our children each day. Their support of my candidacy is a sincere honor.
I chose not to actively fundraise this election season, but I was still the recipient of immense generosity from so many in our community in a variety of ways. Yard signs displayed, shirts with my name worn, pamphlets distributed, campaign gifts contributed, posts shared, postcards sent, events attended, and every single kind word and show of support means more to me than I can adequately express.
My husband, children, and parents have been the most incredible support system and my biggest cheerleaders. Thank you for always believing in me.
Earlier this fall, my fifth grader told me that witnessing my campaign helped him learn an important lesson: he said he never used to understand why I was proud of him whether he won or lost, but now he gets it. Winning or losing the election wouldn’t change how proud he was of me for trying and caring as much as I do. It’s moments like this that reinforce one of my favorite quotes: “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things.”
I’m ready for Election Day. I’m also ready for the days and years to follow. I will always be invested in our schools and the Watertown community. The opportunity to be elected as a School Committee member would intertwine my passions for public education and public service. I will dedicate myself to the role and work for the entire Watertown community. I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 7 to help make my aspiration a reality.
With sincere gratitude,
Jen
Here is the slideshow from my presentation at Watertown's Democratic Town Committee meeting on October 27, 2023. During this presentation, I outlined a number of initiatives and ideas that I would advocate for as a School Committee member in Watertown.
The two minute clip below is from my closing statement at Watertown News and WCATV's Candidate Forum on October 16, 2023. I explain what I would contribute to the Watertown School Committee.
The image below is a sample of the graphics I would continue to create for the community to spotlight amazing accomplishments, events, and important updates.
UNOFFICIAL PREVIEW OF UPCOMING MEETINGS
Watch Jen's latest preview of upcoming meetings pertaining to WPS.
Meeting details and links available on this document.
MEETING DETAILS
Click here to open a Google document with meeting details including Zoom hyperlinks.
Note: All of this information is publicly available on various sites, newsletters, and emails.
In an effort to centralize meeting details (in line with my campaign goal of increasing public participation), I'll be updating this document as information becomes available and releasing video previews at least twice per month.
I commit to continuing this practice throughout my campaign and for the duration of my tenure as a School Committee member.
PAST MEETING PREVIEWS
UPDATES
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
HOW CAN I HELP WPS?
If elected, I will need to stop working in our schools as School Committee members are not allowed to be employed by the district. I could look for a teaching job out of district, but I’ve decided to be prepared to commit to being regularly available and approachable to all stakeholders. Last election cycle, I took a lot of criticism for being a stay at home parent, but I am a firm believer that everyone makes the choice that is right for their own family in terms of raising their children and my only regret is not standing up for myself in those instances.
My plan would allow my full time focuses to include raising my children, volunteering in the community, and hopefully serving on our School Committee. I commit to holding weekly listening sessions/open forums for the public and a monthly visit to each school. I would ensure that I vary the times for the public to include morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend offerings to allow as many people are able to join as possible. I want to open communication pathways, build relationships, and maintain trust so everyone feels comfortable coming to me outside of my “office hours” as well.
In the superintendent’s recent evaluation by the School Committee, she received glowing reviews. The one area identified as having the most room to grow was communication. This is where I think I can add the most value to our schools. Your voice deserves to be heard and I’m ready to listen. It takes a village so let’s be a strong, united, and collaborative one for our children.
EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
Register to vote by clicking here!
You may also register to vote BY MAIL by completing, signing, and mailing a voter registration form to the Office of the Town Clerk located at:
City Hall
149 Main Street
Watetown, MA 02472
Voter Registration Forms may also be obtained from the City Clerk during regular business hours or by calling 617-972-6486. Additionally, you can click here to obtain the form online.
