Francine Root Petersen, of Watertown, daughter of the late Leonard and Madolyn (Salotto) Root, passed away on June 14, 2021 at Hospice of Jefferson County at the Ellis Farm.
She is survived by sons, James J. Petersen of Watertown and Leonard R. Petersen of Brookville, FL., sisters Roxanne (Philip) Pratt of Goose Bay, NY and Georgia A. Root of Glen Allen, VA., a daughter-in-law, Julee K. Petersen, Watertown, NY, many cousins, nephews and great nephews, a special family friend who is more like a son, Teddy Sutton. She was predeceased by her beloved son Michael John in 1963 and her constant companion, her Black Labrador Retriever, Seamus.
Rally and protest held on Main Street in front of Watertown Police station wickedlocal.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wickedlocal.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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As Watertown Public Schools take part in a new statewide COVID-19 pool testing program, frustrated parents are focused on the education their children are receiving. Data shows that many of these families are turning to private or homeschooling options versus staying in the public school system.
In its most recent data, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reported that enrollment in public schools across the state is down. Data announced by DESE this past fall showed a decrease of 3.9% in student enrollment from the previous year across all 400 public school districts in the state. This compares to decreases of just .29% and .25% reported in the two years prior. Enrollment numbers are released annually based on October 1 data from individual districts. Watertown public schools represent 2,663 students.