🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾
LOUD, PROUD PANTHER NEWS Week of OCTOBER 20-24
SCHOOL PICTURE RETAKES ARE THIS WEDNESDAY 10/29.
CONGRATULATIONS WATERVLIET CHOIRS!
What a night!!
Thank you to all who came out and supported the Watervliet Choir Program! And a special thanks to Sue Sweet, for her talent on keys, Chad Harris on sound, and the one and only, Jason Brush on lights!
I appreciate all who gave of their time to make it a wonderful concert!
Photo cred: Angie Bartalone Harris
RED RIBBON WEEK IS HERE!
THE FINAL WEEK OF COLLEGE APPLICATION MONTH FOR 25-26
WOODSHOP DESIGNS AND BUILDS AN OUTDOOR FRAME!
The Athletic Boosters commissioned the Wood Shop to design and build an outdoor menu frame for the concession stand. Lucas Wilder took up the challenge and knocked it out of the park! Make sure to stop by and appreciate the craftsmanship in person at Friday's last home game!
IF you have a community project that the WHS woodworking students can assist with, please reqach out to Luke Dennison at luke.dennison@watervlietps.org.
Students bubblehead projects in sculpture class made their debut!
UPCOMING BBALL SKILLS CLINIC
🌟 Celebrating Excellence: Watervliet High School’s Student of the Month Program
At Watervliet High School, we take great pride in recognizing students who go above and beyond both in the classroom and within our school community. Each month, our teachers and staff carefully select students who demonstrate outstanding effort, character, and commitment to excellence.
Every teacher and staff member has the opportunity to nominate two students at each grade level who consistently model what it means to be a Panther — students who show determination, kindness, and a strong work ethic. The names of these nominees are proudly announced over the PA system and featured in our school newsletter, celebrating their accomplishments for the entire school community to see.
From there, a leadership team of six teachers thoughtfully reviews the nominations each month. This committee looks closely at each student’s contributions and selects two Students of the Month per grade level who exemplify the values we hold high at WHS.
Once selected, these students receive well-deserved recognition including:
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🎉 A custom yard sign celebrating their achievement
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🥞 An invitation to a special breakfast with their families
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📜 A certificate of recognition
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🎁 Panther Pride goodies from the main office
This program is one of our favorite ways to highlight the incredible things our students are doing each and every day. Their hard work, integrity, and positive spirit help make Watervliet High School a place where Panther Pride truly shines! 🐾
JMG class hears from a local Conservation Officer
Our JMG class had the opportunity to hear from a local Conservation Officer who shared valuable insights about his career protecting Michigan’s natural resources. He discussed the wide range of responsibilities that come with the job—from enforcing hunting and fishing laws to educating the public about environmental stewardship. Students learned about the training process, daily challenges, and rewards of working outdoors to preserve wildlife and habitats. It was an engaging and informative visit that gave students a firsthand look at a unique and important career in conservation.
Our JMG class helps students build the skills and confidence to succeed after high school—whether they choose college, skilled trades, the military, or the workforce. Students practice career exploration, résumé and interview skills, professional communication, and teamwork. They also learn workplace expectations, financial basics, and goal-setting, while connecting with local employers and community partners. The aim is simple: graduate on time and step into a strong next step with a clear plan and the skills to thrive.
2025 Congressional App Challenge.
Good afternoon! I hope you have had a great start to the 2025/26 school year!
My name is Reed Rosado from the office of Congressman Bill Huizenga, and I’m reaching out regarding your students’ participation in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge.
The Congressional App Challenge is the official computer science competition of the House of Representatives. Since its inception in 2013, the Congressional App Challenge has grown to become one of the most prestigious prizes in computer science. Over 70,000 students have participated in the Congressional App Challenge across hundreds of Congressional Districts in 50 states and five U.S. territories.
Once again, Rep. Huizenga will be hosting a Congressional App Challenge for middle school and high school students of all coding skills in Michigan’s 4th Congressional District. The Congressional App Challenge urges all students to enter the competition, as it encourages critical thinking and creativity for those of all computer science experience levels.
Students may submit any coded project they’ve been working on—inside or outside the classroom—from programmed robotics to mobile apps and websites. Eligible projects can be on any topic, as long as the coding work was done between October 24, 2024, and October 30, 2025.
We hope that you will encourage your students to get involved in this transformative initiative this year. The challenge is open, and students are encouraged to submit their applications by October 30! To learn more about the rules, prizes, and more, you can visit their website here.
Congressman Huizenga looks forward to seeing what your students create.
If you have any questions, please contact me at Reed.Rosado@mail.house.gov or by phone at (269) 569-8595.
Best,
Reed Rosado
District Representative
Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-04)
What's Happening in Freshman English
Students in English 9 created photo snapshots of the inciting incident in the novel
To Kill a Mockingbird. They identified the event in which the character Jem ran up to
Boo Radley’ house and touched it, after being dared by his sister Scout and friend Dill. Here, freshmen recreated the house and characters with a short amount of preparation, then froze in that scene as if they were in a photograph.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SENIORS
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS
At WHS, we use PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)—a schoolwide approach that teaches, practices, and recognizes positive behaviors so every student can learn in a safe, respectful environment. This week, all students will review our locker expectations during their 2nd-hour classes and practice what this looks like between periods (moving with purpose, keeping hallways clear, respecting others’ space, keeping lockers clean/closed, and following staff directions). Please take a moment to review these expectations at home with your child and talk about how they can help keep our hallways safe and welcoming for everyone. Thank you for partnering with us!
GET YOUR COSTUMES READY, PANTHERS!
THE PANTHER HOTLINE
At Watervliet High School, student safety is our top priority. We want every Panther to feel safe and supported while at school.
To help with this, we have created the Panther Hotline — a simple way for students to report a safety concern if they ever feel uncomfortable speaking directly to an administrator or teacher.
By clicking the link below, students can anonymously share their concern. As soon as a report is submitted, Ms. Powers receives an immediate email notification so that the situation can be addressed quickly.
🔗 https://forms.gle/YH6RG4pnJzsZBHtj9
Please encourage your student to use this resource if they ever feel unsafe or see something concerning. Together, we can ensure that WHS continues to be a safe place for all of our Panthers.
FOR SENIORS IN NHS
🐾 Watervliet High School – November 2025 Calendar 🐾
⏰ Early Release — Dismissal at 1:10 PM
⏰ Early Release — Dismissal at 1:10 PM
Wednesday, November 5
🎙️ Debate Day — League 3
⏰ Early Release — Dismissal at 1:10 PM
🧑🤝🧑 PAC Meeting — 7:00 PM (Media Center & online)
Thursday, November 6
🚌 All 10th Graders Visit Olivet
Friday, November 7
🥞 Student of the Month Breakfast — 8:10 AM
Monday, November 10
🪶 Indigenous Peoples Heritage Week begins
🎓 LMC Lunchtime Visit
🏫 Board Meeting — 6:00 PM
Wednesday, November 12
🏀 HS Boys Basketball & Cheer Begin
👥 Student Advisory Council — 7:30 AM
Thursday, November 13
🍁 Rake a Difference — Marching Band & JMG classes
Monday, November 17
❤️ Blood Drive — Time TBA
Wednesday, November 19 Early Release 1:10 PM Dismissal
Wednesday, November 26
Thanksgiving Break--No School
Thursday, November 27
🦃 Thanksgiving Day — No School
Friday, November 28
🍂 Thanksgiving Break — No School
📘 AFTER-SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELP
We’re excited to announce that after-school homework help is now available for our students. Students can stay for one hour after school 3:15-4:15 PM to get extra support or simply have a quiet place to focus on assignments.
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Tuesdays: Work with Mrs. Simmons
Wednesdays: Work with Mr. Dimino (MATH ESPECIALLY)
Thursdays: Work with Mrs. Brant
No sign-up is required—students can just stop by the teacher’s classroom after school to participate. This is a great way to catch up on work, get extra help, or stay on top of assignments.
👉 Please note: Students will need to arrange their own transportation home after the session.
We hope many of our Panthers will take advantage of this opportunity for extra support! 🐾
SOPHOMORES VISIT THE UNIVERSITY OF OLIVET
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Watervliet High School is pleased to offer each grade level one facilitated college campus visit each year. This year, the Sophomore Class (10th grade) will be visiting:
Destination: The University of Olivet– Olivet, Michigan
Date: Thursday, November 6th
Departure: The bus will leave WHS at 8:15 a.m.
Return: Students will return by 2:30 PM —students will eat lunch at the university.
The visit will be supervised by WHS teachers and a school counselor. Because this is the scheduled sophomore class campus visit, if your child is in school that day, he/she is expected to attend.
🚌 Students will travel by school bus.
👟 Students should wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as there will be lots of walking and students will be outside for part of the morning.
⚠️ Students who are inattentive, disrespectful, or disruptive during this trip will not be allowed to attend future trips.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Ms. Powers at the high school office.
Thank you for supporting this opportunity for our Panthers to begin exploring college and career pathways!
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop – Panther Pride! 🐾
AGENDA FOR THE VISIT
Arrival: 9:45am
Welcome/Presentation: 10:00am
Campus Tour: 10:30am
Lunch: 11:30am, and then you can head back once your group is finished eating
FRESHMEN CAMPUS VISIT-OCTOBER 28TH
9th Grade Campus Visit – Southwestern Michigan College
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Watervliet High School is pleased to offer each grade level one facilitated college campus visit each year. This year, the Freshman Class (9th grade) will be visiting:
Destination: Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) – Dowagiac, Michigan
Date: Monday, October 28
Departure: The bus will leave WHS at 8:15 a.m.
Return: Students will return by 11:30 a.m. — in time for lunch and part of 4th hour.
The visit will be supervised by WHS teachers and a school counselor. Because this is the scheduled freshman class campus visit, if your child is in school that day, he/she is expected to attend.
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🚌 Students will travel by school bus.
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🍎 Snacks will be provided.
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👟 Students should wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as there will be lots of walking and students will be outside for part of the morning.
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⚠️ Students who are inattentive, disrespectful, or disruptive during this trip will not be allowed to attend future trips.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Ms. Powers at the high school office.
Thank you for supporting this opportunity for our Panthers to begin exploring college and career pathways!
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop – Panther Pride! 🐾
AGENDA FOR THE VISIT
9:00am Arrival
9:15am Presentation at the Library
9:45 am Kahoot (Prizes Top 3)
10:00am Break into 3-4 groups for tour
11:00-11:15 am Return to the library/Departure
FULL DAY BELL SCHEDULE 2025-2026
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 BELL SCHEDULE
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 WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE
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