🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

Dear Watervliet High School Families,

As we kick off another great year, I want to let you know that you can expect a weekly emailed newsletter from me every Friday throughout the school year. This newsletter is designed to both inform and celebrate—keeping you updated on important events, announcements, and the many great things happening at WHS.

Each week, new updates will appear at the top, while reminders and ongoing items will remain toward the bottom for your convenience. I encourage you to take a few moments each week to scroll through and stay informed about what’s ahead.

As always, I’m here to support you and your student. The best and easiest way to reach me with any questions or concerns is via email at cpowers@watervlietps.org.

Looking forward to a fantastic year together!

In Panther Pride,

Principal, Watervliet High School

You MUST update your child's enrollment information using this link. Link opens August 1st!

https://www.watervlietps.org/o/wps/page/district-enrollment

If you have any questions about being able to do this--please call or email Teri Richcreek. trichcreek@watervlietps.org or 269.463.0730.

Students will start receiving devices on Tuesday, August 26th IF their enrollment information has been updated.

Join us for Open House and get a first look at your student’s school year!

• Check-in: 5:00–5:30 PM on the cafeteria/gym side of the building to pick up your child’s schedule and a map.

• Format: Walk through your child’s schedule in order, spending 12 minutes in each class to meet teachers and hear about course expectations.

• Students: We recommend bringing your child with you, but it’s not required. Even if your child attended Freshman Orientation, freshman parents and students are still encouraged to attend to connect with teachers and hear about each class. If you need to accompany a MS student at open house, your HS student can participate in open house without you.

• Important: This is a time for general introductions and class information — not private conferences. If you’d like a one-on-one conversation with a teacher, please reach out via email or phone after the event.

• Special Note: The evening will end at 7:30 PM, and we’ll have raffle giveaways throughout the night for those in attendance!

We look forward to welcoming you, connecting with our Panther families, and kicking off a great school year!

Schedule change forms will be available the first week of school. Changes will not happen at orientation or open house unless it is a mistake on our part.

Earlier this week, Ms. Powers emailed all Panther parents a link for a parent engagement survey that will help us to determine the dates, times, and topics for the parent meetings and informational sessions that we offer this year. If you have not yet completed this survey you can do so here:

https://forms.gle/B5gvR8UGp6Mc2agFA

As we begin a new school year at Watervliet High School, we take a moment to send our love and positive energy to the Class of 2025. While graduation is filled with joy, celebration, and well-deserved praise, it’s now—at the start of this new chapter—when things start to feel real. The excitement gives way to uncertainty as our graduates venture out on their own.

Some are headed to college, others are beginning new jobs or pursuing a military path, but all are stepping into unfamiliar territory. It can be scary, but they are ready. They carry with them the love, guidance, and care they received during their time with us.

Though they may no longer be in our classrooms or hallways, they will always be Panthers. And as they take these brave first steps into the world, we’re thinking of them and cheering them on every step of the way.

Once a Panther, always a Panther.

College Bound Michigan unites three key statewide initiatives—Michigan College Month, the College Cash Campaign, and College Decision Day—into one powerful campaign aimed at building and strengthening a college-going culture in high schools and their communities.

This program empowers school counselors, college advisers, community partners, and educators to implement effective systems and practices that connect all students with opportunities for formal education beyond high school—whether through postsecondary certificates, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees.

Our Goals for the Class of 2026:

• Achieve 100% senior participation in completing at least one college application

• Provide structured time, space, and support during the school day for students to work on college applications

• Guide students in getting started on their FAFSA

• Engage underclassmen early in conversations and planning around college and career pathways

Together, let’s ensure every student has a clear path and the confidence to pursue education beyond high school.

Hello Panther Family,

I am very excited to have joined the Science Department here at Watervliet High School. I've lived in Kalamazoo for 7 years now. I completed my undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Chemistry. I previously was working in healthcare at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

In my free time, I love to play volleyball and read. A fun fact about me is that I play on a sand volleyball team with Ms.Irmen. The summer is my favorite time of the year because I get to spend time at the lake with my family and get to celebrate my birthday in the summer. I recently purchased a Kindle and have downloaded endless books to read.

I look forward to the school year and cannot wait to take part in the success and growth of the students here. I hope to later expand my involvements with coaching and student organizations.

Go Panthers!

Ms. Boswell will be teaching Physical Science and Marine and Freshwater Science.

This school year, all high school students will be required to use a school-issued device for their classes. Students will receive their device at the start of the year, and it will be their primary tool for completing assignments, accessing resources, and communicating with teachers.

Why we are requiring school-issued devices:

• Consistency – Ensures all students have the same software, applications, and capabilities needed for classwork.

• Equity – Provides every student with reliable, up-to-date technology regardless of personal resources.

• Security – Protects students with school-managed safety filters and cybersecurity measures.

• Support – Allows our tech team to troubleshoot and repair devices quickly so learning isn’t interrupted.

• Integration – Ensures all devices work seamlessly with our learning management systems and digital curriculum.

We appreciate your support in making this transition smooth for all students. Our goal is to create a consistent, safe, and effective learning environment for everyone.

Watervliet High School junior Julian Cardoso has been selected to serve on the Michigan Department of Education Student Advisory Council (MDE-SAC) for the 2025-2026 school year. Julian is one of a select group of students across the state chosen to provide input on education policy and student success initiatives.

Known for his leadership, compassion, and dedication, Julian will participate in monthly meetings with State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice and MDE leaders, offering feedback on topics like curriculum, mental health, and post-secondary readiness. The council also includes student-led workgroups and limited in-person sessions throughout the year.

“Julian has a rare combination of vision and integrity,” said WHS Principal Christina Powers. “We are proud to have him represent our students at the state level.”

Julian’s selection is a proud milestone for WHS, and his contributions are expected to benefit students both locally and statewide.

Watervliet High School student McKaylen Laws recently returned from the MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camp, held July 20–25, with new skills, friendships, and a renewed passion for leadership.

Selected through a SET SEG scholarship, McKaylen represented WHS at the high-energy, weeklong camp designed to grow student leaders across Michigan. Placed in the Purple Gavel council, she connected with students from around the state and embraced breakout sessions focused on communication, teamwork, and confidence-building.

“The environment was so positive and uplifting,” McKaylen shared. “I left camp feeling more confident and ready to bring that energy back to our school.”

Watervliet High School is proud of McKaylen’s growth and encourages more students to explore future opportunities with MASC/MAHS.

For more information, visit https://mascmahs.org.McKaylen Laws is the second from the right in the back row

Subject: MCAN College Adviser Position Opportunity

For many years, our Panthers have benefitted from the support and guidance of a dedicated MCAN College Adviser at Watervliet High School. This adviser has played a vital role in helping students navigate the FAFSA process and the college admissions journey. Thanks to this partnership, our FAFSA completion rates have averaged around 80% over the past few years—well above the state average.

Unfortunately, due to federal funding cuts this past spring, we lost our MCAN adviser. However, we are pleased to share that funding has recently been renewed, allowing us the opportunity to once again bring this shared position back to our community in collaboration with Coloma High School.

We are actively seeking qualified candidates to fill this important role. Please see the attached position description and consider sharing it with individuals who may be passionate about supporting students as they pursue their post-secondary goals.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our Panthers succeed.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We want to make sure your student doesn’t miss out on valuable scholarship opportunities that can help fund their post-secondary education or training. Scholarships are free money that does not need to be repaid—an incredible resource for your family!

I will be emailing scholarship opportunities on a regular basis, so please encourage your student to check their email frequently and review each one to see if they are eligible.

If your student needs help understanding or applying for a scholarship, Mrs. Tyler and Mrs. Dawson in the main office are available to assist them.

📌 Important notes:

• Scholarships are a great way to reduce the cost of college or technical training

• Each has a specific deadline, so it’s important to stay informed

• We’ll also share these opportunities in the weekly high school newsletter and email them directly to families

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We’re here to support your child in pursuing their goals!

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
1st Source Fieldhouse (Dowagiac Campus). This is primarily for groups of juniors/seniors.

High School teachers will make their individual students aware of the supplies that are needed for each class. If you feel that you need or want to buy school supplies before the start of the school year, high school students usually need folders and spiral notebooks for each class, pens, pencils, highlighters.

THANK YOU to the following Juniors and Seniors who have volunteered to serve as our mentors for the Class of 2029! Mentors are asked to wear Watervliet gear on the day of the event.

Giovanni Ayala

Mackenzie Birmele

Alina Bell

Ashton Coleman

Dylan Collins

Moeko Crago

Jaylee Havenaar

Aubrey Hayes

Kendal Kiefer

Abigail Klopp

Katelyn Kostrzewa

Marissa Lowell

Kalyn Manley

Olivia Mitchell

Chris Parkhurst

Liliana Perez

Kassandra Riggs

Grace Ripley

Shelby Schlipp

Vivienne Sexton

Addison Smith

Riley Smith

Ava Sprague

Izzy Tarantino

Keira Tremblay

Mackenzie Webster

Dear Freshman Parents and Guardians,

I hope you are enjoying your summer and that your student is looking forward to the exciting transition to high school! As part of our commitment to making this a successful start, we are pleased to invite all incoming freshmen to Freshman Orientation on Monday, August 18, from 1:30–5:30 PM at Watervliet High School.

This event is designed to help students feel confident, connected, and prepared for the start of the school year. Students will meet their mentors, learn their way around the building, review expectations, and get important information about academics, extracurriculars, and graduation pathways. The evening will end with a free dinner for students and their families.

🗓️ Freshman Orientation Schedule – August 18

• 1:30 – 1:45 PM | Mentors meet freshmen, pass out name tags, and take attendance (Cafeteria)

• 1:45 – 2:00 PM | Welcome from the Athletic Director (Cafeteria)

• 2:05 – 2:15 PM | Icebreaker activities with mentors and staff (Auditorium)

• 2:20 – 4:55 PM | Rotating sessions by team:

  • School tour, schedules, lockers, lunch/breakfast procedures

  • WHS Handbook Review

  • Graduation requirements, Dual Enrollment, Tech Center, Early Middle College, Clubs, and Sports

  • Classroom expectations and teacher insights

• 5:00 – 5:30 PM | Dinner with mentors, students, and families (Cafeteria)

We strongly encourage all freshmen to attend. This event will help your student start the year with confidence and build early connections with staff, peers, and student mentors.

If your family resides within the district and your child needs transportation to attend orientation, please contact me at cpowers@watervlietps.org so we can assist with arrangements.

We are looking forward to welcoming the Class of 2029 and launching a great school year together!

Estimados padres y tutores de estudiantes de primer año:

Espero que estén disfrutando del verano y que su hijo(a) esté entusiasmado(a) por la emocionante transición a la escuela secundaria. Como parte de nuestro compromiso para asegurar un inicio exitoso, nos complace invitar a todos los estudiantes que ingresarán a noveno grado a la Orientación para Estudiantes de Primer Año el lunes 18 de agosto, de 1:30 p. m. a 5:30 p. m. en Watervliet High School.

Este evento está diseñado para que los estudiantes se sientan seguros, conectados y preparados para el inicio del año escolar. Los estudiantes conocerán a sus mentores, aprenderán a ubicarse en el edificio, revisarán expectativas y recibirán información importante sobre lo académico, las actividades extracurriculares y las rutas hacia la graduación. La tarde concluirá con una cena gratuita para los estudiantes y sus familias.

🗓️ Programa de la Orientación para Estudiantes de Primer Año – 18 de agosto

1:30 – 1:45 p. m. | Los mentores reciben a los estudiantes, entregan etiquetas con nombre y toman asistencia (Cafetería)

1:45 – 2:00 p. m. | Bienvenida del Director Atlético (Cafetería)

2:05 – 2:15 p. m. | Actividades de integración con mentores y personal (Auditorio)

2:20 – 4:55 p. m. | Sesiones rotativas por equipo:

• Recorrido por la escuela, horarios, casilleros, procedimientos de almuerzo/desayuno

• Revisión del manual de WHS

• Requisitos de graduación, Doble Inscripción, Centro Técnico, Early Middle College, clubes y deportes

• Expectativas en el aula y presentación de los maestros

5:00 – 5:30 p. m. | Cena con mentores, estudiantes y familias (Cafetería)

Recomendamos encarecidamente que todos los estudiantes de primer año asistan. Este evento ayudará a que su hijo(a) comience el año con confianza y establezca conexiones tempranas con el personal, compañeros y mentores estudiantiles.

Si su familia vive dentro del distrito y su hijo(a) necesita transporte para asistir a la orientación, por favor comuníquese conmigo a cpowers@watervlietps.org para que podamos ayudarle con los arreglos.

¡Esperamos con entusiasmo dar la bienvenida a la Clase de 2029 y comenzar juntos un gran año escolar!

A letter was recently sent home to families of students who did not return a Chromebook and/or charger at the end of the 2024–2025 school year.

Please take a moment to check with your child to ensure these items were returned. If your student attended summer school, we also encourage you to confirm that they turned in any borrowed devices at the end of the session.

If you have any questions or believe there may be an error, feel free to contact the high school office. Thank you for helping us keep our technology inventory up to date!

IT MAY NOT BE TOO LATE TO GET YOUR CHILD IN A CLASS LISTED BELOW; EMAIL CPOWERS@WATERVLIETPS.ORG WITH INTEREST/QUESTIONS

To better support student success, WHS offers lab support classes in addition to core academic courses. These lab classes are designed to help students strengthen their understanding, stay organized, and stay on track for graduation.

Lab classes are available for:

• Algebra I

• Geometry

• World History

• Physical Science

• English 9

• English 10

Students are placed with the same teacher for both the core class and the lab, ensuring consistency and focused support. During lab time, teachers will:

• Pre-teach and re-teach key concepts

• Provide time for homework completion

• Answer questions and offer one-on-one help

Lab classes count as elective credit, are pass/fail, and do not require additional homework. The primary goal is to help students pass their core academic class and stay on track for graduation.

If you think your student would benefit from a lab support class, feel free to reach out to the high school office for more information.

IT MAY NOT BE TOO LATE TO GET YOUR CHILD IN A CLASS LISTED BELOW; EMAIL CPOWERS@WATERVLIETPS.ORG WITH INTEREST/QUESTIONS

What’s JMG?

JMG is a rigorous classroom program modelled after the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) initiative. It’s part of Michigan’s efforts—led by Youth Solutions, Inc.—to equip high school students with the skills needed to graduate, explore careers, and transition confidently into college or the workforce.
. The program supports over 5,000 youth annually in Michigan and has helped maintain graduation rates above 90%

🧭 What Students Learn

• Soft skills that matter: Workplace readiness, communication, time management, and teamwork

• Career exploration: Resume writing, interview practice, job shadows, and industry tours

• Leadership & self-awareness: Student-led initiatives and goal-setting exercises
  

🤝 Mentorship and Support

Each student is paired with a JMG Specialist, who acts as a mentor, coach, and advocate. Specialists receive training in trauma-informed care to support students academically and emotionally from classroom instruction through post-graduation transition geneseeisd.org+11

📌 How it Fits at WHS

• Offered during the school day as a credit-earning elective

• Helps students:

  • Enhance job readiness and life skills

  • Set and pursue career or education goals

  • Connect with adults and community resources for mentoring and ongoing support

🎯 Why It Matters

• Proven success in helping at-risk youth stay in school and graduate

• Builds confidence, resiliency, and responsibility

• Connects students to real-world opportunities through local workforce networks

What Is It?

AP U.S. History (APUSH) is a year‑long, college‑level survey course offered by the College Board. It covers U.S. history from pre‑Columbian times (c. 1491) to the present, exploring political, social, economic, and cultural developments across nine chronological periods

Course Features & Skills

• Historical Thinking: Students work with primary sources, analyze multiple perspectives, and construct evidence-based historical arguments .

• Content-Based Units: The curriculum is organized into nine units aligned to the AP exam structure, each focusing on major eras like colonization, the Civil War, industrialization, civil rights, and modern America .

• Exam Preparation: Learners practice multiple-choice and short-answer questions, a Document-Based Question (DBQ), and thematic long essay responses—all key parts of the official exam .

Curriculum Themes

Instruction is centered around cross-cutting themes such as:

• American and national identity

• Politics, power, and governance

• Work, exchange, and technology

• Migration and settlement

• Geography and the environment

• Culture and social structures

• America in the global context
  

Why Take AP U.S. History?

• College readiness: The course mirrors freshman-level college U.S. history coursework and supports strong analytical and writing skills
  

• Add weight to transcripts: Success on the AP exam may earn college credit or placement, depending on the college policy
  

• Critical thinking growth: Students develop discipline in interpreting historical evidence, evaluating competing viewpoints, and crafting persuasive arguments.

Prerequisites & Resources

• Recommended: Strong background in reading, writing, and critical thinking; comfort with rigorous, fast-paced coursework .

American Sign Language 1 (ASL 1) is an introductory course that teaches students the fundamentals of ASL, a complete visual language used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the United States.

This course focuses on developing basic communication skills and building a strong foundation in both expressive and receptive signing.

🔑 What Students Will Learn:

• ASL alphabet (fingerspelling) and numbers

• Basic vocabulary and sentence structure

• How to introduce themselves and hold simple conversations

• Use of facial expressions, gestures, and body language as part of ASL grammar

• An introduction to Deaf culture, history, and the values of the Deaf community

🎯 Course Goals:

• Gain confidence in using beginner-level ASL in everyday situations

• Develop respect and cultural awareness of the Deaf community

• Fulfill the world language requirement for high school graduation

AP English Language and Composition (AP Lang) is a college-level course that focuses on the study of rhetoric and nonfiction texts. Students learn how to analyze and craft arguments across a variety of mediums—essays, speeches, articles, editorials, and more.

Rather than focusing on fiction and poetry, AP Lang teaches students to read critically, write effectively, and use language purposefully to inform, persuade, and engage audiences.

🔍 What Students Will Do:

• Analyze nonfiction texts for rhetorical strategies and purpose

• Write evidence-based argumentative, analytical, and synthesis essays

• Study classic and contemporary speeches, essays, op-eds, and articles

• Explore style, tone, diction, and structure in writing

• Prepare for the AP Exam, which includes multiple-choice questions and three timed essays

🎯 Course Goals:

• Strengthen skills in persuasive and analytical writing

• Develop the ability to read critically and think independently

• Understand how authors use language to influence and inspire

• Earn potential college credit or placement through the AP exam

FST is an upper-level math course designed to strengthen students’ skills in algebra, data analysis, and trigonometry—key areas that prepare them for Pre-Calculus, college math, or advanced career pathways in STEM, business, or technical fields.

This course blends real-world applications with rigorous math content to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

🔍 What Students Will Learn:

• Functions: Linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions

• Statistics: Data interpretation, probability, normal distribution, and statistical inference

• Trigonometry: Right triangle trig, unit circle, trig identities, graphs, and Laws of Sines & Cosines

• Applications: Modeling real-world problems using algebraic, statistical, and trigonometric methods

🎯 Course Goals:

• Strengthen mathematical understanding beyond Algebra II

• Prepare students for Pre-Calculus, AP-level math, or college entrance exams

• Apply math concepts to real-life situations and data

• Develop confidence in using multiple mathematical approaches to solve complex problems

SAT Prep is a targeted, skills-based course designed to help students prepare for the SAT college entrance exam. The class focuses on strategies, practice, and content review in the core areas of the test: Reading, Writing & Language, and Math.

Students will learn how to approach each section of the test with confidence, manage their time effectively, and apply test-taking techniques that lead to success.

🔍 What Students Will Learn:

• Strategies for reading comprehension and answering evidence-based questions

• Grammar and usage rules for the Writing & Language section

• Review of key math concepts, including algebra, geometry, and data analysis

• Practice with calculator and non-calculator math sections

• Tips for managing test anxiety, timing, and pacing

• Regular practice with official SAT-style questions and full-length exams

🎯 Course Goals:

• Improve performance in all areas of the SAT

• Build test-taking confidence through repeated practice and feedback

• Help students reach their college admission and scholarship goals

• Identify individual strengths and areas for growth

Dual Enrollment gives high school students the opportunity to take college-level classes while still in high school—earning both high school and college credit at the same time.

Here’s why it’s such a valuable opportunity:

• ✅ Save Money
  Tuition and fees are typically covered by the school district—get a head start on college without the cost!

• 📘 Earn College Credit Early
  Complete real college courses now and shorten your time on a college campus later.

• 🚀 Boost Academic Confidence
  Experience the rigor of college coursework and build skills needed for future success.

• 🧭 Explore Career Paths
  Take courses that align with your interests and future goals—before you graduate!

• 🎓 Smooth Transition to College
  Learn how college classes work in a supportive environment while still receiving high school support.

Dual enrollment is a smart way to challenge yourself, explore your future, and graduate ahead of the game. Interested? Reach out to the WHS Counseling Office to learn more!

Check out this data from our Spring Semester!