🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

Today we celebrated our first High Five Friday of the year, and our staff definitely understood the assignment! Throughout the day, teachers and staff initiated high fives with students, receiving a dot for each student connection they made.

A huge congratulations to Mrs. Bettis, our first High Five Friday Champion, with an incredible 170 dots—that's 170 high fives with students in one school day! 🙌🏆

We also have to recognize Mr. Dimino, recipient of today's highly prestigious “Questionable Cheating Award.” 😂 At the end of the day, Mr. Dimino mysteriously had pockets full of extra dots. We aren't making any official accusations at this time, but the investigation remains ongoing. 🕵️‍♀️🤣

All joking aside, thank you to our entire WHS staff for making an intentional effort to connect with our kids today. A high five takes only a second, but 170 from one teacher—and hundreds more throughout our building—represent a whole lot of moments when a student was noticed, greeted, and made to feel like they belong.

That's what High Five Friday is all about. Great job, Panthers! ❤️🐾🙌

Your child has now received an assignment notebook from the high school. Freshmen are expected to use this notebook in every class, every day to record assignments, due dates, tests, and other important reminders.

Please help us build this habit by asking to see your child’s assignment notebook regularly. Teachers may include completion of the notebook as part of a student’s grade, and I will also be randomly rewarding students with prizes when I see they are consistently using their notebooks! 🎉

Our goal is to help freshmen develop strong organization and time-management habits that will contribute to their success throughout high school.

Thank you for your support!

Christina Powers

Principal, Watervliet High School 🐾

Sometimes the smallest details say the most about the dedication of our teachers. Mrs. Lefor (Spanish) had every student create a name card during the first days of school so she could call each student by name from day one while she worked to learn them all.

It may seem like a simple thing, but it sends an important message to students: I see you. I know you. You belong here. Our teachers understand that strong relationships are the foundation for learning, and they put intentional effort into building those connections from the very beginning. This is what caring for kids looks like at WHS. 🐾❤️

At WHS, we want our students to know exactly what to do from the moment they walk into class. Teachers intentionally post the plan for the day, expectations, and directions for getting started so students can settle in and begin learning right away.

Check out the routines in Mrs. Bettis’ 2nd-hour class! Students know what’s expected, what they are learning, and how to get started. These consistent routines create predictability, independence, and more time for learning—all important parts of a successful classroom! ❤️🐾

Why Do We Create a Social Contract?

A social contract gives students a voice in deciding how they want to be treated and how they will treat one another. Rather than simply giving students a list of rules, we work together to establish the behaviors that will make the classroom feel safe, respectful, supportive, and ready for learning.

Because students help create the contract, they have greater ownership of the classroom community and a shared understanding of what is expected. It also gives teachers and students common language to return to when problems or conflicts arise.

Ultimately, the social contract is about more than classroom management—it is about building relationships, creating belonging, and establishing a classroom culture where everyone can learn and be successful.

Students in Mr. Dennison’s 1st-hour Woodworking class were eager to sign their social contract after working together to create it! Through class discussion and collaboration, students identified how they want to treat one another, be treated, and work together throughout the year.

Signing the contract represents their commitment to the classroom community they helped create—one built on respect, responsibility, safety, and belonging. Great work, Panthers! 🐾❤️

At Watervliet High School, we want to catch our students doing good! Through our Caught in the Act program, staff recognize students who are being respectful, responsible, safe, helpful, kind, and making positive choices throughout the school day.

Students who receive a Caught in the Act ticket are entered into drawings for fun prizes—and we would love some help from our Panther families!

We are accepting donations of candy, individually packaged snacks, drinks, stickers, small prizes, gift cards, coupons, or other student-friendly items to use as rewards. No donation is too small!

Donations can be dropped off with our Main Office Secretary at any time during the school day.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our students and remind them that doing the right thing matters! 🐾❤️

Own the Moment!

School breakfast is so important to start each of our students' day in order to learn and be productive in the classroom setting. The Nutrition Services team is here to help! All students are able to eat breakfast free of charge and can help kick start their day in the right direction. Please encourage your students when they enter the building to visit the cafeteria to eat each morning. We want all our Panther students to have a great day each day and want to set it off right with a well-balanced, nutritious breakfast.

Students in speech class reviewed their terms in a creative way by using darts to throw toward the vocabulary word. Students worked collaboratively in the review and supported both their team mates and their opposing team when they scored.

On Friday, WHS students took time to remember September 11, 2001 by hearing the story of Welles Crowther, “The Man in the Red Bandana.” His incredible courage and selflessness helped save lives inside the South Tower that day. By sharing his story, we honored those we lost while reminding our students of the powerful difference one person can make through courage, compassion, and service to others. 🇺🇸

🐾 The Panther Legacy Walk: A New WHS Tradition

We are excited to announce a new date for our Panther Legacy Walk! With the many beginning-of-the-year activities, Homecoming, and a very busy fall athletic schedule, we have decided to move this special event to the spring and make it an annual end-of-the-year tradition.

❤️ Panther Legacy Walk — May 17 at 7:00 PM

Following the Girls Varsity Soccer game on May 17, we invite all Watervliet seniors and kindergarteners to join us at Panther Stadium for a special ceremony celebrating two important milestones in their lives as Panthers.

Our Class of 2027 seniors, preparing to leave Watervliet and begin their next chapter, will walk the field alongside our kindergarten students, who are just beginning their journey through Watervliet Public Schools.

Together, they will participate in a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation of Panthers to the next—honoring where our seniors have been, celebrating where our youngest Panthers are beginning, and reminding all of us that once you are a Panther, you are always part of the Panther family.

We hope our families and community will join us for what we believe will become a meaningful Watervliet tradition for years to come. 🐾❤️

Seniors and kindergarteners — mark your calendars for May 17 at 7:00 PM!

Our 2nd-hour JMG Junior/Senior class has been working together to create Suicide Prevention & Awareness bags for students. Each bag is filled with positive messages, stickers, candy, and a teal and purple awareness ribbon students can wear throughout the month.

JMG students delivered the bags during 2nd hour on Friday as a way to spread encouragement, kindness, and remind their classmates that they matter and are not alone. 💜💙

🐾 Student Advisory Council Kicks Off the Year!

Our Student Advisory Council (SAC) held its first meeting this week! These students will meet with Ms. Powers every other Wednesday to share ideas, concerns, and feedback from their classmates.

Students discussed PBIS, Caught in the Act tickets, daily announcements, student newsletters, SportsU, and ways to improve communication and student recognition throughout the building.

2026–27 SAC Members:

10th: Caroline Weber, Marqus Liberto-Taylor, Alex Zuniga, Jolie Bertuca, Owen Williams

12th: Shelby Schlipp, Norma Gutierrez, Hanna Ice, Mackenzie Birmele

We are excited to have these students representing their classmates and bringing student voice to WHS! 🐾

Hey Class of 2030 and Parents!

Please join our sportsYou to receive the most up to date information concerning class events! We are gearing up for Homecoming 2026 and there is lots to be done! Don't miss out on any of the FUN!! All communication about all things Homecoming will be shared via the class sportYou!

Download the app here: https://sportsyou.app

Your team code is: BH85-8TKD

To learn more about sportsYou, visit https://www.sportsyou.com

🎓 Dual Enrollment Success Reminders

1. You are a college student when you are in a college course.

• Your professor will treat you like a college student.

• You are responsible for knowing what is due and when.

2. Check your COLLEGE email every day.

• Professors may communicate through your college email—not your WHS email.

• Get into the habit of checking it daily.

• Read messages completely and respond when necessary.

3. Check your college course platform every day.

• Log in even if you don't think you have anything due.

• Look at announcements, assignments, grades, and upcoming deadlines.

• Don't rely on a professor to personally remind you.

4. Put EVERY deadline in your calendar.

• At the beginning of the semester, go through each syllabus.

• Record tests, papers, projects, discussion posts, and other major deadlines.

• Work ahead when you know you have a busy week coming.

5. Attendance matters.

• Attend every class unless you truly cannot.

• If you miss, it is your responsibility to contact the professor and determine what you missed.

• WHS attendance expectations still apply when you are scheduled to be at WHS.

• Dual enrollment is not permission to come and go from school whenever you want.

6. Know your WHS schedule.

• If you have a dual enrollment hour and remain at WHS, report to your assigned classroom/location.

• You should not be wandering the building, sitting in the cafeteria, or leaving campus without permission.

• Use that time to work on your college coursework.

7. Communicate with your PROFESSOR yourself.

• Don't have your parent, Ms. Powers, or Mrs. Dawson do something you can appropriately do yourself.

• If you have a question about an assignment, grade, absence, or deadline, email your professor.

• Learning to advocate for yourself is part of being a college student.

8. Ask for help BEFORE you're in trouble.

• Don't wait until you are failing.

• If you don't understand something, reach out to your professor immediately.

• Use tutoring, office hours, and other college resources.

• You can also come to Mrs. Dawson or Mrs. Tyler if you need help figuring out what to do next.

9. Watch your grades.

• Check your grades regularly.

• A missing assignment or low test score is much easier to address early in the semester.

• If your grade starts dropping, do something immediately.

10. Do not just stop participating in a course.

• Never assume you can simply quit attending or stop doing the work.

• Do not drop or withdraw from a college course without talking to Mrs. Dawson first.

• There can be academic, transcript, scheduling, and financial consequences.

11. Remember: this goes on your COLLEGE transcript.

• These aren't practice college classes.

• The grade you earn becomes part of your college academic record.

• Take the opportunity seriously from the very beginning.

12. Protect this opportunity.

• WHS is investing in you by providing access to college coursework.

• Take advantage of it.

• Be responsible, communicate, meet deadlines, and finish what you start.

🐾 My biggest message to students

If you start struggling, tell us EARLY.

A problem in September is usually something we can help you solve. A problem we don't hear about until the end of the semester is much harder to fix.

Dear Middle School and High Schoolers--

We would like to introduce you to Virtue Club, a student-led, faith-based club open to all Watervliet Middle School and High School students.

The purpose of Virtue Club is simple: to provide a welcoming place where students can connect with like-minded peers, grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus, and encourage one another. We want students to have a positive place to belong while also looking for ways to make a difference and reflect Jesus to those around them.

What does a Virtue Club meeting look like?

We meet before school and keep our meetings relaxed, encouraging, and fun! During a typical meeting:

• Breakfast is provided
• A student or student leader leads a short lesson/devotion
• We spend some time praying together
• Students have time to hang out, talk, build friendships, and connect before the school day begins

One of the things that makes Virtue Club special is that it is student-led. Students are encouraged to take an active role in meetings, share their faith, support one another, and help shape the club's activities and outreach.

Virtue Club is a student-initiated organization and is not sponsored by Watervliet Public Schools.

Throughout the year, we also plan fun activities, special events, service projects, and student outreach opportunities. We enjoy finding ways to serve others, spread kindness, and make a positive difference in our school and community.

Our First Meeting!

THIS Friday, September 11 at 7:30 AM
Watervliet High School Gymnasium

All middle school and high school students are welcome — whether they already have friends involved, are curious about Virtue Club, or simply want to see what it is all about.

Donuts will be provided for everyone at our first meeting! Students may be dropped off at the High School Gym entrance. They should ring the buzzer, and the secretary will let them inside.

There is no pressure or commitment. Students are welcome to attend and see if Virtue Club is a good fit for them.

Stay Connected with Virtue Club on SportsYou!

Help us communicate easier! Join our SportsYou group!

SportsYou will be one of our main ways to share meeting reminders, upcoming events, activities, service opportunities, and important Virtue Club updates with students and families.

Join Virtue Club Watervliet on SportsYou:

Team Code: V45S-768P

Download the free SportsYou app at:
https://sportsyou.app

Once you download the app, create or log in to your account and use our team code V45S-768P to join the Virtue Club Watervliet group.

To learn more about SportsYou, visit www.sportsyou.com.

Virtue Club
Connect • Grow • Encourage • Serve

📚 What Is Standards-Based Grading?

Standards-Based Grading (SBG) focuses on what students know, understand, and are able to do rather than simply accumulating points. Student progress is measured against specific learning standards or skills, giving students and families a clearer picture of what a student has mastered and where additional learning is still needed.

SBG also recognizes that learning is a process. Students may have opportunities to continue practicing and demonstrate improved understanding as they work toward mastery. The goal is for grades to be an accurate reflection of student learning and achievement.

SMC College Fair | Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

We are excited to host our College Fair again this year and give students the opportunity to connect with representatives from a variety of colleges and universities. We currently have 44 institutions registered, and we are looking forward to another great event!

If you are interested in attending with your students, please let me know and provide the number of students you plan to bring. To help with the flow of traffic this year, we will have staggering school arrival times. Your school will be assigned an arrival time of either 10:00 or 10:30 a.m. Everyone who confirms their attendance will receive a follow-up email with additional details in the next couple of weeks.

Student Registration for the College Fair

One additional update is that StriveScan now provides counselors with a way to register their students before attending a college fair. This allows students to arrive with their barcode already prepared, making the check-in process much smoother. StriveScan does not sell or share student data with third parties.

You can register students here: Rapid Registration

As part of our Tier 1 PBIS plan, students receive a brief review each week of our schoolwide expectations for a specific area of the building. These weekly reminders help ensure that all students clearly understand what it looks like to be respectful, responsible, and safe throughout Watervliet High School.

Next week, students will review our TECHNOLOGY Expectations with their 2nd-hour teacher.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to read through the TECHNOLOGY expectations below and review them with your child at home. When school and families reinforce the same expectations, it helps us create a positive, safe, and successful environment for everyone.

Thank you for partnering with us! 🐾

As we prepare to welcome students back, we want to remind everyone of a few WHS dress code expectations. Our goal is to keep expectations simple and ensure students come to school dressed appropriately for a learning environment.

A few of the most common dress code concerns to remember:

• Crop tops are not permitted. Shirts should provide appropriate coverage of the midsection.
• Undergarments should not be visible. This includes tops worn off the shoulder that expose bra straps.
• Shorts must provide appropriate coverage. Shorts should completely cover the buttocks at all times, including when sitting, bending, or moving.
• Pajamas are reserved for Early Release Wednesdays. Students should wear regular school-appropriate clothing on all other school days.

We appreciate families reviewing these expectations with students before the first day of school. Starting the year with everyone understanding the expectations helps us keep the focus where it belongs—on learning, relationships, and having a great school year!

Thank you for your support, Panthers! 🐾

September

❤️ CKH Theme: Connect with Heart & Empathy

• September 15 – Blood Drive

• September 16 – Debate Competition #1

• September 21–25 – Homecoming Week

• September 22 – Debate Team and AP Government Classes Trip to the State Capitol

• September 23 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• September 23 – Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

• September 26 – Homecoming Dance 8-11 PM

• September 28–October 2 – Hispanic Heritage Celebration Week

• September 28 – PBIS Team Meeting (3:15 PM) All students and staff invited

October

🧠 CKH Theme: Think • Choose • Act (Self-Direction)

• October 1–30 – College Application Month

• October 1 – Freshman Vision Screening (during the school day)

• October 2 – Student of the Month Breakfast (8:15 AM)

• October 5 – College Admissions Presentations (Grades 11–12)

• October 7 – Count Day

• October 7 – AP Literature Field Trip to the Shakespeare Festival

• October 7 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• October 9 – No School for Students; PD Day for Faculty

• October 12 – Early Middle College Presentation (10th Grade)

• October 13 – Picture Day (all students will have a picture taken)

• October 14 – Debate Competition #2

• October 15 – PSAT/NMSQT Testing (11th Grade)

• October 16 – Senior Campus Visit to Lake Michigan College

• October 19 – Fall Band Concert (7:00 PM)

• October 21 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• October 22 – Half Day (11:40 AM Dismissal)

• October 22 – Parent-Teacher Conferences (12:30–3:00 PM & 4:00–6:00 PM)

• October 22 – College Admissions Presentation for Parents (6:00 PM)

• October 22 – Choir Concert (7:00 PM)

• October 23 – Half Day (11:40 AM Dismissal)

• October 23 – Annual College Fair

• October 23 – Senior Football Night

• October 26–30 – Red Ribbon Week

• October 26 – PBIS Team Meeting (3:15 PM) All students and staff invited

• October 26 – Senior Campus Visit to Southwestern Michigan College

• October 28 – Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

• October 29 – MCTI Field Trip (Selected Students)

• October 30 – Progress Reports Sent Home

November

🤝 CKH Theme: Better Together (Teamwork)

• November 4 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• November 4 – Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

• November 4 – Debate Competition #3

• November 6 – SMC RoadRunner Day (Juniors Only)

• November 6 – Student of the Month Breakfast (8:15 AM)

• November 9 – High School Cheer Begins

• November 9 – Picture Retake Day

• November 11 – High School Boys Basketball Begins

• November 16–20 – Indigenous Peoples Week Celebration

• November 18 – High School Girls Basketball Begins

• November 18 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• November 18 – Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

• November 25–27 – Thanksgiving Break (No School)

• November 30 – PBIS Team Meeting (3:15 PM) All students, parents and staff invited

December

⭐ CKH Theme: Do Your Part (Responsibility)

• December 2 – Debate Competition #4

• December 2 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• December 4 – Student of the Month Breakfast (8:15 AM)

• December 7–11 – Kindness Week

• December 7 – Blood Drive

• December 9 – Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

• December 14–18 – Holiday Fun Week

• December 16 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• December 17 – Early Middle College Parent Presentation (6:00 PM)

• December 17 – Winter Choir Concert (7:00 PM)

• December 21–January 1 – Winter Break (No School)

January

🫶 CKH Theme: Honor Me, Honor You (Respect)

• January 8 – Student of the Month Breakfast (8:15 AM)

• January 11–15 – Winterfest Week

• January 13 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• January 15 – Winterfest Dance 8-11 PM

• January 18 – Professional Development Day (No School for Students)

• January 19 – Early Release Schedule; Semester Exam – Period 7 (1:30–3:10 PM)

• January 20–22 – Semester 1 Exams (Half Days – 11:40 AM Dismissal)

• January 20 – Exams: Periods 1 & 2

• January 21 – Exams: Periods 3 & 4

• January 22 – Exams: Periods 5 & 6

• January 25–29 – Financial Literacy Week

• January 25 – PBIS Team Meeting (3:15 PM) All students, parents and staff invited

• January 26 – Required Dual Enrollment Meeting

• January 26 – Semester 1 Report Cards sent home

• January 27 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• January 27 – Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

February

💙 CKH Theme: Spark the Heart (Kindness)

• February 8–12 – Career Exploration Week

• February 10 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• February 11 – Parent-Teacher Conferences (4:00–7:00 PM)

• February 11 – Pre-Festival Band Concert (7:00 PM)

• February 12 – Half Day (11:40 AM Dismissal)

• February 12 – Annual Career Fair

• February 15 – Mid-Winter Break (No School for Students)

• February 16 – Pre-Festival Choir Concert (7:00 PM)

• February 17 – Blood Drive

• February 18 – Senior Class Meeting (All English Classes)

• February 18 – Senior Parent Meeting (6:00 PM)

• February 22–26 – Black History Celebration Week

• February 22 – PBIS Team Meeting (3:15 PM) All students, parents and staff invited

• February 24 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

March

💪 CKH Theme: Step Up (Courage)

• March 3 – Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

• March 10 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• March 10 – Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

• March 15 – Spring Sports Begin

• March 15–19 – Women's History Week Celebration

• March 18 – All-Day Choir Competition

• March 22 – PBIS Team Meeting (3:15 PM) All students, parents and staff invited

• March 24 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• March 24 – Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

• March 25 – Half Day (11:40 AM Dismissal)

• March 25 – Pie in the Face Event for Seniors Completing the FAFSA

• March 25–April 4 – Spring Break (No School)

April

🏁 CKH Theme: Finish Strong (Perseverance)

• April 7 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• April 7 – Progress Reports Sent Home

• April 9 – Student of the Month Breakfast (8:15 AM)

• April 19–23 – Mental Health Awareness Week

• April 20 – Dual Enrollment Parent Meeting (6:00 PM)

• April 21 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• April 26 – PBIS Team Meeting (3:15 PM) All students, parents and staff invited

May

⭐ CKH Theme: Be Leadworthy (Integrity)

• May 1 -- PROM Lake Arvesta South Haven 8-11 PM

• May 3 – Decision Day Celebration (10:00 AM)

• May 5 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• May 7 – Student of the Month Breakfast (8:15 AM)

• May 11 – Blood Drive

• May 12 – Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

• May 17 – Senior Awards Night (6:00 PM)

• May 19 – Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting (7:30 AM)

• May 20 – Spring Choir Concert (7:00 PM)

• May 24 – PBIS Team Meeting (3:15 PM) All students, parents and staff invited

• May 24–28 – Senior Final Week

• May 25 – Senior Exams (Periods 6 & 7)

• May 26 – Senior Exams (Periods 4 & 5)

• May 27 – Senior Exams (Periods 2 & 3)

• May 28 – Senior Exam (Period 1)

• May 28 – Senior Checkout Sheets Due (10 AM)

• May 28 – Senior Farewell Tour of District Buildings (10 AM)

• May 28 – Senior Car Parade (4:00 PM)

• May 28 – Senior Sunset (6:00 PM)

• May 31 – Memorial Day (No School)

June

🎓 Finish the Year Strong!

• June 1 – Underclassmen Awards Program (6:00 PM)

• June 2 – Baccalaureate (6:00 PM)

• June 3 – Senior Picnic (1:00–3:00 PM)

• June 3 – Mandatory Graduation Practice (3:00 PM)

• June 4 – Graduation Ceremony (6:30 PM)

• June 8 – Early Release Schedule; Semester Exam – Period 7 (1:30–3:30 PM)

• June 9–11 – Semester 2 Exams (Half Days – 11:40 AM Dismissal)

• June 9 – Exams: Periods 1 & 2

• June 10 – Exams: Periods 3 & 4

• June 11 – Exams: Periods 5 & 6

• June 11 – Last Day of School

Full Day

Period 1 8:10-9:02 (52 min)

Period 2 9:07-10:01 (54 min to include announcements)

Period 3 10:06-10:57 (51min)

Lunch A 10:57-11:27 (30 min)

Lunch A Class 11:32-12:23 (51 min)

Lunch B 11:27-11:57 (30 min)

Lunch B Class 11:02-11:22/11:52-12:23 (51 min)

Lunch C 11:53-12:23 (30 + 5 min passing time)

Lunch C Class 11:02-11:53 (51 min)

Period 5 12:28-1:19 (51 min)

Period 6 1:24-2:15 (51 min)

Period 7 2:20-3:10 (50 min)

Half Day Schedule

Period 1 8:10-8:36

Period 2 8:41-9:06

Period 3 9:11-9:36

Period 4 9:41-10:07

Period 5 10:12-10:38

Period 6 10:43-11:09

Period 7 11:14-11:40

Early Release Schedule

Period 1 8:10-8:45

Period 2 8:50-9:24

Period 3 9:29-10:03

Period 4 10:08-10:42

Period 5

A Lunch 10:47-11:17

A Class 11:17-11:51

B Class 10:47-11:21

B Lunch 11:21-11:51

Period 6 11:56-12:30

Period 7 12:35-1:10