🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

After studying the basics of the human form and facial features, Art II students created original works of art that demonstrate their learning. Using a wide variety of materials, including yarn, paint, and collage, students explored creative ways to represent the human figure. Here are a few examples.

Spanish 1 classes are making games to review for our exams. This week has been dedicated to creating their own game, making the rules and writing the questions based on this semester's lessons. Next week will be dedicated to playing the different games created in other classes! We have some pretty creative students! Some have used technology and others are going "old school" and making board games. This is one of my favorite projects, it allows students to collaborate and learn all while having fun!

🐾🎓 Panther Pride in action! 🎓🐾

We are excited to introduce our Freshmen Mentors for the Class of 2030! These student leaders are stepping up to welcome, support, and guide the next generation of Panthers into the building next year.

Thank you for leading by example and representing what Panther Pride is all about! 🖤❤️💛 #PantherPride #ClassOf2030 #OneTeamOneFamily

Anyone interested in running Cross Country next year needs to sign up on the sheet in the high school office or in Coach Weber’s room. If you have any questions, please see Coach Weber.

There is after-school detention everyday with Mr. Dermody. Students who owe a detention should have them served before the end of the3 school year.

There is after school homework help next week for the ast time this year on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

There is no school Monday due to the Memorial Day Weekend.

Next Wednesday at 6 PM in Baccalaureate for the senior class. All seniors and their families are invited to attend. It will be held in the auditorium with cupcakes after. This is a final time of reflection for the senior class.

Students in PE classes, weight training or athletics are not permitted to keep a backpack in the gym locker rooms. All backpacks indeed to be in your school locker. Backpacks left in the gym locker rooms will be brought to the main office.

This week in Mrs. Riedinger's ELA 10 class students shared their own poetry in a cafe style poetry slam. Check out some of the poems that were shared in class!

Watervliet Public Schools announces that the district will accept applications from non-resident students for the Fall Semester of the 2026-2027 school year beginning August 31st, 2026. The application period will remain open until June 5, 2026.

To be eligible for Schools of Choice, applicants must be residents of a district within an intermediate school district contiguous to the boundaries of the educating district’s intermediate school district. Transportation will not be provided for non-resident students. The non-resident applicant’s district of residence will be asked to provide information for evaluating the student’s application. Watervliet Public Schools may refuse to enroll a non-resident applicant who has been expelled and/or suspended within the preceding two years from school or has a poor attendance record at their resident district.

If the number of qualified non-resident applicants exceeds the enrollment allotments available, the district will use a random draw system that complies with State & Federal anti-discrimination laws. Applications not accepted by the random draw will be placed on a waiting list.

To apply, visit watervlietps.org, click the “Enroll Now” tab, then select the “School of Choice” button at the bottom of the page. If you need assistance, please call (269) 463-0300. https://www.watervlietps.org/o/wps/page/soc

One of the most unique leadership opportunities at WHS takes place through our Student Advisory Council. During interviews for positions at the high school, students take an active role in the process by introducing themselves, asking interview questions, discussing candidate qualifications, and collaborating as a team to help provide feedback on each candidate.

Through this experience, students develop valuable communication and interviewing skills, learn how professional hiring processes work, and interact with a wide variety of people and personalities. Just as importantly, they step into true leadership roles within our building and represent our school with professionalism and pride.

This picture was taken during interviews for our Choir/Theatre position. We are incredibly proud of how well our students represented WHS!

Pictured left to right (all sophomores):

Gianna Berry

Katelynn Brown

McKaylen Laws

Cadence Phillips

and of course--Mrs. Hollandsworth!

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! 🐾

The Student Advisory Council to the Principal is a group of student leaders who meet regularly with the principal to provide feedback, share ideas, and help make Watervliet High School the best it can be for all students. Next year, this group will meet with the principal 2–3 times each month to discuss school culture, student concerns, school policies, and ways to continue improving WHS.

Students involved in SAC not only have the opportunity to share their voice, but they also gain a better understanding of how schools operate behind the scenes, how decisions and policies are developed, and how leadership works within a school setting. Their input plays an important role in helping shape the direction of our high school.

I am incredibly thankful for the students who served on SAC this year. Their honesty, leadership, ideas, and willingness to speak up made a real difference throughout the school year. I am excited to continue this work next year and look forward to working with our newly selected SAC members! 🐾

Early this school year, Watervliet High School held a student design competition to create artwork for one of the large wall murals located just inside the building. Students were invited to submit original design proposals, and after all entries were reviewed, the student body voted to select the winning design.

We are excited to share that senior Jaylee Havenaar was selected as the winner of the competition!

Throughout the school year, our art classes worked hard to bring Jaylee’s vision to life, carefully creating the mural that will soon become a permanent part of WHS. The final step remaining is the addition of a wooden frame, which is currently being completed by the woodworking class.

Congratulations to Jaylee on leaving behind a lasting reminder of her time at Watervliet High School! We would also like to thank all of the students who submitted designs and contributed to the project, along with Mrs. Hunt for her leadership and dedication in helping bring this mural to life. It has been a wonderful example of Panther creativity, collaboration, and pride! 🐾

Applications for the 26/27 Berrien County Student Advisory are now open! Applicants Apply Here. Due June 1st.

Please pass on this application to any current 8th-11th grade students that you would like to represent your District. We can accept up to 50 students next year.

Opportunities for Participants Include:

• Students will receive payment of a $50 gift card for each session they attend.
• Leadership Training
• Opportunities to connect with students from other districts
• If desired, students will now have direct funding they can apply for to help them complete a project that improves your community and/or school with the consent of your administrator.
• One on one coaching to support projects or student led work at your school district with the consent of your administrator/caregiver
• $2,000 Scholarship for up to five Student Advisory Participants that demonstrate exceptional leadership.

A special thank you to Corewell Health South for making this programming possible.

Please feel free reach out with any questions,

Abbie

*Please note permission slips will be sent out upon acceptance on June 1 :)

Abbie Benfield

The Class of 2026 had a little fun on Monday as they pulled some lighthearted senior pranks on a few of their favorite teachers! 🎓🐾

From laughs in the hallways to creative surprises in classrooms, our seniors showed off their personalities and school spirit while making some lasting memories during their final week at WHS.

Thank you to our staff for being such great sports and to our seniors for keeping the fun positive and respectful. These are the moments that make senior year so special!

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! 💙🐾

A huge thank you to the many staff members, community members, local partners, and recruiters who volunteered their time today to support our annual Junior Mock Interviews at Watervliet High School!

Our Panthers did an outstanding job! 🐾 Students dressed professionally, shared their resumes, and answered a wide variety of interview questions with confidence and professionalism. Experiences like this help prepare our students to be truly workforce ready.

We are so proud of the growth, effort, and maturity our juniors demonstrated today.

Workforce Ready. Future Focused.
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! 💙🐾

• Monday, May 25

  • No School – Memorial Day

  Tuesday, May 26

  • Meetings with All 8th Grade Students

  • Parent Presentation for 8th Grade Parents 6 pm

  Wednesday, May 27

  • Baccalaureate – 6:00 PM (student led and planned)

  Thursday, May 28

  • Senior picnic in the afternoon

  • Graduation Practice 3:15 PM

  Friday, May 29

  • Graduation – 6:30 PM

  Tuesday, June 2

  • Early Release Schedule

  • SOTM Breakfast 8:15 AM

  • 7th Hour Exam – 1:10 PM–3:10 PM

  • Underclassmen Awards Night – 6:00 PM

  Wednesday, June 3

  • Half Day

  • Exams periods 1 and 2

  Thursday, June 4

  • Half Day

  • Exams: Periods 3 & 4

  Friday, June 5

  • Half Day

  • Exams: Periods 5 & 6

  All underclassmen must turn in their device to their 6th hour teacher. Students enrolled in summer school may keep their device and charger. All other students should remove any stickers and return both their device and charger before leaving for the summer.

Starting Tuesday, 9-11th graders will be rewarded with a treat in the main office for showing any teacher or staff member a cleaned out locker with no items inside and no stickers inside or outside. All items left in a locker after the last day of school with be donated or discarded. Please encourage your child to take all items home next week.

Would you like to earn certifications in OnShape CAD or Java Programming? Watervliet High School Robotics, Pantron-X #9758 is hosting CAD/Programming Camp on Tuesday, June 16th through Friday, June 19th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at South Elementary School. The training will focus on foundational skills for utilizing OnShape CAD and Java Programming. If you are interested in taking part in this learning opportunity, reserve your spot before May 27, 2026. The attached flyer has additional information. Please reach out to Tiffany Wendt at twendt@watervlietps.org if you have any questions!

You can register and view the complete training description using the following link: https://forms.gle/jihF9tNvwoFFn6YZ6

Van Buren Tech is celebrating 50 years of Career and Technical Education with a 50-Year Celebration Open House on Wednesday, May 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at our campus in Lawrence.

As we return from spring break, we want to take a moment to reset and recommit to our school expectations so that everyone can learn in a focused, respectful environment.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve provided reminders and grace as students adjusted to the dress code. Beginning after spring break, those reminders will transition to consistent enforcement. If a staff member observes a dress code concern—such as a visible midsection, belly button, or clothing worn off the shoulder—it will result in a referral and a detention.

Our goal is not to be punitive, but to ensure clarity and consistency for all students. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a positive and distraction-free learning environment.

Thank you for doing your part, Panthers—let’s finish the year strong! 🐾

We want to give you a heads-up and help everyone get prepared for an upcoming change. A new state law will require that cell phones are not allowed in classrooms at any time—for any reason. This includes before the bell rings as class is starting.

To help everyone adjust smoothly, we are asking you to begin practicing this expectation now. Please keep your phone in your locker and turned off during class time, and do not bring it into the classroom.

This is about creating the best possible learning environment for everyone, and we appreciate your effort in getting ahead of the change.

Let’s be proactive and lead the way, Panthers! 🐾

📚 After-School Homework Help – Tuesday–Thursday

We encourage all students to take advantage of our after-school homework help program, which is available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday until 4:15 PM.

This support time provides students with a quiet, structured environment to complete homework, study, and receive extra help when needed — all with no interruptions. The location is announced daily during morning announcements, so students know exactly where to report.

We strongly recommend helping your child build this into their routine early in the semester. Developing the habit of staying after school for focused work time can make a big difference in organization, stress levels, and academic success.

If your child needs a calm place to work, extra academic support, or simply time to stay caught up, after-school homework help is a great option!

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.

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