NHS VOLUNTEERS!
On Wednesday March 13, some members of NHS went and volunteered at the Soup Kitchen. They prepared the food and served it for the community of Benton Harbor. This was a very eye opening experience, and it was something that they will remember. They were able to help and have fun at the same time.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT--MRS. NICOLE O'TOOLE
I grew up with a passion for teaching as a number of my extended family members are teachers as well. Originally from the northwest side of the city of Chicago, specifically Arlington Heights, my journey in education has taken me across various states, enriching my experience and broadening my perspectives.
After graduating from John Hersey High School, I pursued my undergraduate studies at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where I majored in Biology and History. It was at GVSU that I laid the foundation for my career in education while also nurturing my interests in the sciences and humanities.
Driven by a desire to enhance my teaching skills, I went on to complete my Master's degree in Learning, Design, and Technology from Central Michigan University. This advanced degree has equipped me with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate innovative teaching methodologies and technologies into my classroom.
My teaching career began in Greentown, Indiana, where I honed my craft and developed a deep appreciation for fostering student learning. In 2016, I made the move to Michigan after marrying my husband, Caleb, and joined the faculty at Watervliet High School. At Watervliet, I teach a range of courses including Biology, Anatomy and Physiology (Biology 2), and AP Biology. I also serve as a co-advisor for the National Honor Society, where I get to demonstrate my commitment to academic excellence and student leadership development.
Outside of the classroom, I find joy in spending time with my family. Alongside my husband Caleb, son Cooper, and mother Michele, I enjoy exploring the outdoors and engaging in various activities such as camping, hiking, and beach outings. I am looking forward to being able to combine my interests this summer while visiting Denver, where my sister Melissa, and brother-in-law Sagar, just moved.
My little-known fact is that I broke my back twice while participating in gymnastics. Although this has left me with chronic back pain, I still look back on my time as a gymnast fondly.
WHAT'S UP IN ENGLISH 9?
English 9 students are preparing to read the novel Animal Farm by completing various stations that include the background on the Russian Revolution, analyzing an allegorical painting, identifying the tone of the novel's movie trailer, reading children's books on fables, and others. "The stations are really easy. They get the point across. I think it's a good thing you can finish in a day," Claire Moore; "I like that you can work at your own pace," Kyle Domingo-Sturgeon; "I like doing the Utopia station. I'm going to kidnap Mrs. Hollandworth and put her in my Utopia," Olivia Mitchell.
WELCOME DYLAN RAUCCI!
Dylan is from Watervliet and graduated from WHS in 2016. He is currently serving as a Special Education Paraprofessional at the high school. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Michigan State University. GO GREEN! In his free time, he is really big into sports, especially football, baseball, and basketball. He is proud to be back because WHS helped make him who he is today and he is looking forward to helping the next generation of students who attend this school in any way that he can.
SPANISH 1 and 2
Spanish 1 & 2 students have been working together to learn words associated with weather, to cap off the lesson each student did a weather forecast from a Spanish speaking country.
We are gearing up to celebrate our own version of March Madness, Locura de Marzo, where we will listen to different Spanish songs and find our favorite.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
On Wednesday, March 20th, WPS faculty and staff will be working at the Coloma McDonald's between 4-7 PM. This is an opportunity to raise funds for and celebrate Watervliet Public Schools! Please make a visit to the McDonald's on Wednesday night to support us! A portion of all of the proceeds go to WPS!
CONGRATULATIONS LAUREN LAWS!
CONGRATULATIONS to Senior, Lauren Laws, who will graduate from Lake Michigan College with an Associate's Degree PRIOR to her graduation from Watervliet High School this year. Lauren is being especially honored in East Lansing today for her outstanding academic achievement!
2024 All Michigan Academic Team
Michigan Community College Association
Ken Flowers, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Lake Michigan College
The HS Robotics team competed in their 2nd competition this past weekend!
The HS Robotics team competed in their 2nd competition this past weekend in St. Joe. Having made some adjustments to the code and robot from week 1, the team 9758 Pantron-X hit the field with much more confidence.
The competition was much more intense competing against teams that have gone to the world competitions many years in a row, Team 9758 was not intimidated. Building relationships with the other teams there proved to be healthy for their strong showing. Finishing 23rd out of 38 teams with a record of 6-6, Pantron-X was called upon for the championship match as the alliance's 3rd robot needed a replacement.
Pantron-X received the Rookie All Star award which is the highest award a rookie team can receive. This is an automatic bid to the State Competition in Saginaw in April! Team 9758 will be attending the state competition at SVSU.
