We’ve had a lot of momentum building on campus lately! From expanded spaces to inspiring exhibitions, award-winning artwork, and middle school rockets soaring high, our students have been really showing up with creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Here’s a look at some of the wonderful things happening at Watershed:
Our East Building Just Got Bigger!
As of March 1, our East Building will have officially expanded! With our tenant, Roll Recovery transitioning out over the next few weeks, we’re beginning to imagine what’s next for Bay C. While classes will need to wait until we complete change-of-use updates and code upgrades, we’re thrilled to begin sharing the space on tours and dreaming about its future potential.
We’ve sent out a community survey to gather feedback on how our spaces are being used after living in them for 18 months as well as to learn what your ideas are for Bay C and how it can best serve students in the years ahead.
Growth like this takes teamwork - thank you to everyone who helped make it possible!
Academic Support Pilot Program Launches
We’re excited to launch a new Academic Support Pilot Program this past week! Beth Guadagni from Hillside School will be joining select study halls and homework help sessions to provide small-group instruction focused on class assignments, reading comprehension, writing skills, and math support. This pilot will help inform what expanded academic support could look like next year, strengthening our commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them thrive.
Watershed Climbing Team Wins Regionals!
A HUGE congrats to the Watershed Climbing Team! Our boys’ team took FIRST PLACE at the Denver NW Regional Competition! Shoutout to our incredible climbers and to coaches Ethan & Rebecca for guiding them every step of the way. Plus, there were some Individual highlights, too! Leo ’26 took 2nd place, Nadav ’28 landed 3rd place, and Fin ’26 snagged 4th place! Our girls’ team also showed up big - especially impressive as a brand-new team this season. We’re so proud of all of you! Next stop: State Championships on Feb. 28...Way to go, Watershed!
Winter Open House
Our recent Admissions Open House was filled with energy, pride, and powerful student voices. Prospective families shared how impressed they were by our student ambassadors, who led schoolwide tours and thoughtfully answered all of their questions. The way learners articulate their experiences and showcase their work continues to be one of the most compelling reflections of our school community.
Events like this remind us that the heart of Watershed is our students: their confidence, curiosity, and authenticity. We’re excited to have had the chance to welcome some students from the Open House on campus this past week for a shadow day, deepening their look at Watershed.
UPPER SCHOOL China Dynasty Museum
If you haven’t visited Studio 5 lately, you’re missing something incredible! Students in the China In The 21st Century Expedition course (a precursor to one of this year’s May Terms), have transformed their classroom into a living museum showcasing their learning about various Chinese dynasties in order to understand the trajectory of China’s political, economical, and social landscape. The depth of research, craftsmanship, and pride on display is remarkable.
Walking through the exhibit feels like stepping into a student-curated historical experience. The collection is truly some of the most detailed and high-quality work from the year so far - check it out while you have the chance!
Colorado Scholastic Art Awards Recognition
Watershed is thrilled to share exciting news from our art program! Two of our students recently earned prestigious recognition in the Colorado Scholastic Art Awards:
Calvin ’26 earned a Gold Key Award in a newly introduced category: Best Portfolio.
Josie ’27 earned Gold, Silver, and Honorable Mention Awards for her fashion and painting entries.
These awards represent an extraordinary level of creativity, technical skill, and artistic voice. We are so proud of the dedication and courage it takes to submit work at this level and to be recognized among the best in the state. You can read more about these honors on our previous blog!
Trash the Runway: Sustainable Fashion Takes Center Stage
Three of our incredibly talented upper school students took their handmade designs to the CU runway earlier this month at the 16th annual Trash the Runway event! Using only found, non-recyclable materials, Josie ’27, Anna ’27, and Izzy ’28 created show-stopping, high-fashion looks that wowed the audience.
Izzy’s design (crafted from tubes, mylar balloons, Celestial tea linings, and candy wrappers) earned Overall Runner-Up.
Anna’s dress (made from onion and chip bags) won Most Transformed Material.
Josie stunned the runway with a bold design made from book jackets and mylar balloons.
We are blown away by their creativity, craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainable fashion. AMAZING work, everyone!
Middle School Rocket Launch Success
Taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having, our middle school science expedition got to take their learning to new heights.
In the Science Facts of Science Fiction Expedition course, students launched rockets in the field across the street from campus and returned triumphant! Fritz ‘31 crafted a relatively simple rocket that launched an astonishing 340 feet! Although his parachute didn't deploy, the altitude he achieved was truly incredible - students even lost sight of it at one point! (It’s thought that the secret sauce was a small weight ballast he added under the nose cone!) Well done!
Looking Ahead
From expanding our physical space to expanding students’ creativity, confidence, and impact, this season at Watershed has been full of momentum. Our students continue to demonstrate what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity, whether in the studio, on the runway, in the lab, or out in the field.
There is so much to celebrate - and even more ahead. Stay tuned!
