Panther Print for Parents 🐾

Berrien RESA is partnering up with Grand Valley State University to run a summer summit program for rising junior and senior students. REP4 is an opportunity for students to generate ideas that transform their lives, communities and education! We are wanting to open this opportunity up for a few of your students to take advantage of. We are asking for you to nominate up to 3 students that are interested in this opportunity and register them here - NO LATER THAN MAY 27.

Here is some basic info to answer the first level of questions as you think about the students in your building that may want to participate!

WHO are we looking for:

An ideal candidate is a rising junior/senior student that would be a first generation college attendee, students with diverse backgrounds, with great grades, a team player, someone not afraid of speaking to strangers and up front and someone interested in new experiences. In person attendance to all days is mandatory.

WHEN/WHERE: Summit Days are mandatory and as follows:

Part 1

July 16-17, 2025, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (hosted at Berrien RESA building in Berrien Springs)

Part 2

July 23, 2025, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (hosted at GVSU Allendale Campus - Tonya will drive all students there in a van)

High School Student Benefits:

• Admission application fee to GVSU waiver and guaranteed admission upon successful completion of the experience
• College course credit-awarding opportunities that count toward graduation: 1 credit for Midwest Learner Design Summit participation and/or 3 credits with Fall 2023 dual enrollment
• $250 stipend
• GV Pledge free tuition for participants with Family AGI and Assets of $50,000 or less, as reported on the FAFSA
• T4 Scholarship competition for rising 12th graders who will be first generation college students
• Learn and practice Design Thinking and gain entrepreneurial skills
• Connect with peers, coaches, and professionals to support future and lifelong learning
• Engage in student capacity building for college and career opportunities

The 2025 Summit journey will enable students to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their futures and take advantage of expanded college opportunities and benefits available to participants who successfully complete the program.

Please reach out to me with follow up questions! I look forward to running this summit with your students this summer! Click here for further information about GVSU's REP4 program.

IF YOUR CHILD IS INTERESTED IN THIS OPPORTUNITY, REGISTER YOUR STUDENT AND MAKE MS. POWERS AWARE. WE HAVE HAD STUDENTS ATTEND EVERY YEAR THAT THIS HAS BEEN OFFERED AND IT HAS BEEN VERY BENEFICIAL TO STUDENTS.

To be named a SAC Senior Scholar Athlete recipient, you must have earned 4 varsity letters in at least 2 different sports while maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher over your high school career. Congratulations to the following Seniors!

Watervliet High School is pleased to announce the appointment of CJ Myers as its new Head Varsity Wrestling Coach. Myers brings over 15 years of experience in youth coaching, including work with U.S.A. Wrestling’s Greco Roman National Team and preparing high school athletes for national competitions.

As an Assistant Wrestling Coach at Watervliet High School since January 2023, Myers has already demonstrated his ability to develop athletes’ skills, improve team performance, and instill important life lessons. His certifications include being a Silver Coach for U.S.A. Wrestling and a member of the Michigan Wrestling Association.

Logan Swigart has also been promoted within the program, being named the Varsity Assistant Coach.

“We are thrilled to welcome CJ as the head of our wrestling program and to see Logan step into the Varsity Assistant Coach role,” said John Guillean, Athletic Director. “Their combined experience and commitment to our student-athletes will create a dynamic coaching team.”

Myers is eager to build a strong program for both youth and high school levels, focusing on developing well-rounded student-athletes and returning the Watervliet wrestling program to prominence.

Students interested in wrestling can reach out to the athletic department or visit the athletic office. Parents will be able to register their students for wrestling and all other school sports via FinalForms after June 15th, 2025.

Monday the 19th --NO EXAMS

Tuesday the 20th --Go to all classes periods 1-5, exam period 6, exam period 7--if you do not have to take your 6th hour exam but you do have to take your 7th hour exam, you are required to stay all day and attend both classes. If you do not need to take either exam, you are dismissed after 5th hour.

Wednesday the 21st -- Go to all classes periods 1-3, exams for periods 4 and 5. If you do not have to take your 4th hour exam but you do have to take your 5th hour exam, you are required to be in class for periods 4 and 5. If you do not need to take either exam, you are dismissed after 3rd hour.

Thursday the 22nd--Attend period 1 all students. Exams for periods 2 and 3. If you do not have to take your 2nd hour exam but you do have to take your 3rd hour exam, you are required to be in class for periods 2 and 3. If you do not need to take either exam, you are dismissed after 1st hour.

Friday the 23rd--You will take your exam for period 1. If you do not have to take the exam for period 1, you do not have to be at school until 9:30 AM. Turn in your completed checkout sheet by 9:30 AM to Mrs. Richcreek and pick up your cap and gown. The buses for the elementary will leave at 10 am from the front of the HS and all seniors are expected to participate. You will process through South, the track for North(it is their field day), the MS and then the HS. You will then leave school and not be back on school property until Wednesday night for Baccalaureate. You will wear your cap and gown as you process through all of the buildings. DO NOT WEAR THE TASSEL; IT WILL GET LOST.

Also on Friday, the car parade starts at 4 pm from the mill site. All seniors are asked to participate. The parade ends at the high school.

Student Name: ______________________________________________________________

Senior Check Out 2025

You must get a signature from all of the people on this list to show that you have fulfilled all of your obligations before graduation. This form is due on Friday, May 23rd by 9:30 AM in order to pick up your cap and gown and attend graduation.

Teacher Signatures show that you have turned in all materials and owe no materials or supplies to your teachers.

Period 1 Teacher: __________________________________________

Period 2 Teacher:___________________________________________

Period 3 Teacher:___________________________________________

Period 4 Teacher:___________________________________________

Period 5 Teacher:___________________________________________

Period 6 Teacher:___________________________________________

Period 7 Teacher:___________________________________________

Your 3rd hour teacher (AGAIN)_____________________________________ Your locker is completely empty and there is nothing taped or stuck to the inside or outside of the locker.

Mr. Tremblay:_______________________________________ Your gym locker has been cleaned out and your lock has been returned.

Mr. Tiefenbach (Auditorium hallway/corridor; no matter if you have a personal or school issued device or not.): ___________________________________________________ You have turned in a laptop, charger and owe no fees or fines to the technology department.

Mrs. Adams: ______________________________________________ Your lunch balance is clear.

Mrs. Hollandsworth/Mrs. Brush _________________________________________________

For band/choir students only; you have turned in your uniform, instrument, and any other supplies/fees owed to the school band or choir.

Mrs. Hunt: ____________________________________________________ You have picked up all art projects and returned all supplies.

Mrs. Dawson: __________________________________________________ Your grades and credits have been verified and you are able to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Mrs. Tyler____________________________________________________ You have paid all fees and fines in the office.

In order to walk at graduation, students are not permitted to wear ANY of the following:

NO TENNIS SHOES (even if they are brand new)

NO SHORTS

NO JEANS

Khakis or dress pants required.

NO HEELS (this is because of the damage that they cause to the turf) Ladies can wear wedges, flats, or platform shoes

NO SUNGLASSES

Your decorated cap must be approved IN ADVANCE. If you show up to graduation and your decorated cap does not meet the "appropriate" standard, you will not be permitted to walk at graduation.

Only cords distributed or approved by the school can be worn.

Only students who earn the seal of biliteracy can wear a serape. It is distributed by the school.

Ladies are encouraged not to wear neon or bright colors, as the coolor will be seen through the white gown.

Boys are not permitted to wear tank tops as their sole shirt.

The golf team took to the links for their annual Red Arrow Cup battle with Coloma Tuesday. The team won in dominating fashion taking 6 of the possible 8 points. All nine varsity golfers help contribute to the win. Alex Sexton, Tyler Asakevich, and Connor Van Lente led the way playing in both the morning and afternoon matches, notching wins in both sessions. It was the third consecutive year the Panthers took home the cup and the 6th time in the seven playings of the Red Arrow Cup. Next up is the final Division Tournament of the season at Pebblewood Golf Club in Bridgman today.

Did you know that our very own Kim Romero is the recipient of a Questbridge Scholarship this year?? The QuestBridge Scholarship is a full four-year scholarship for high-achieving seniors to attend top U.S. colleges.Check out what Kim Romero did to apply and receive this illustrious opportunity.

I started my application around July, and it was due in mid-September. It included one personal essay (800-word limit), one 400-word essay, and ten short essays with a 15-word limit each. About 25,000 students from across the country applied, and in October, I found out I was one of the 7,000 finalists.

After that, I got to take part in the match process, where I ranked 1 to 15 of their partner schools (like Yale, UChicago, Boston College, MIT, and more). If a school on my list also chose me, I’d get matched to the highest one on the list and receive a full-ride scholarship there. This process is BINDING.

There’s also a Regular Decision option where you can apply to as many partner schools as you want. That path doesn’t guarantee a full-ride, but some schools still offer really generous financial aid. Match Day is December 1st, that’s when you find out what school you’ll attend. Around less than 2,000 students match!

I ranked WashU (Washington University in Saint Louis) because it’s one of the top schools in the country for Biology. Plus, 91% of their students who apply to MD or PhD programs get in on their first try. I also liked how it has a real campus feel while still being in a city so I get the best of both worlds.

I’m planning to major in microbiology with a minor in global health next year at Washington University!

These are just a sampling of the many, many awards that were distributed at our annual senior awards night!

FINAL WEEK: MiLEAP Reminds Michigan Students Time Is Running Out to Enter $1 Million FAFSA Sweepstakes

Nearly 20,000 Michigan students have entered to win up to $50,000 for college or career training by completing the 2025-26 FAFSA

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is reminding students across the state that time is running out to enter the Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes. With the deadline quickly approaching at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 16, students still have a chance to complete the 2025-26 FAFSA and enter to win a share of nearly $1 million in education funding.

“We’re in the final stretch of Ticket to Tuition, and we’re urging Michigan students to act now, take advantage of this opportunity, and invest in their future,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “All it takes is a few minutes to complete the FAFSA, and you could be $50,000 closer to achieving your dreams. On top of that, completing the FAFSA can unlock other critical financial aid to help support students on their journeys toward college or career training. If you haven’t filled it out yet, now’s the time.”

So far, nearly 20,000 students across Michigan have entered to win one of forty $10,000 prizes or one of ten $50,000 grand prizes simply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025–26 academic year and texting to enter.

“This is your final week to enter the Ticket to Tuition contest – a chance for Michigan students to win up to $50,000 toward college or career training,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director at MCAN. “But there’s one crucial step you can’t miss: completing your FAFSA. This one form opens the door to scholarships, grants, and financial aid, and it’s your entry into the Ticket to Tuition contest. Take the first step toward your future. Complete your FAFSA today.”

Students who complete the FAFSA may qualify for a range of financial aid, including:

• Federal Pell Grants.
• The Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee, offering free or reduced tuition for recent high school graduates.
• Michigan Reconnect, providing tuition-free community college for adults 25 and older.

Students and families can complete the FAFSA online by visiting FAFSA.gov or by submitting a paper form.

To enter the sweepstakes, students must:

1. Complete the 2025–26 FAFSA at FAFSA.gov
2. Text CASH to 855-50K-TICKET (855-505-8425) by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025

To be eligible, individuals must be Michigan residents completing the FAFSA for the first time for the 2025–26 school year. Sweepstakes prizes will be awarded in Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) accounts and can be used for qualified educational expenses like tuition, books, housing, and more.

Please note that while the Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes ends on May 16, students can still complete the FAFSA afterward to access vital state and federal financial aid programs.

For full details and official sweepstakes rules, visit TicketToTuition.com.

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Underclassmen awards this year will be held in the evening so that more of our parent community can be in attendance. The annual awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 3rd at 6 PM in the high school auditorium. You will receive a letter in the mail if your child is receiving an award.

May 17th Senior Class Loc- In at the HS 9:30 PM -6 AM; must have both a student and parent signed permission slip to attend, no outside guests

May 19th Check out sheets will be given to all seniors in their English classes, if you do not have an English class here, come get your check out sheet in the main office

May 20-23 Senior Exams

May 20 Periods 6 and 7

May 21 Periods 4 and 5

May 22 Periods 2 and 3

May 23 Period 1

May 22nd Senior check-out sheets are due to Mrs. Richcreek; she will give you your cap and gown once you turn in your completed check out sheet to her

May 23rd 3:10 Deadline for grades and passing all classes to walk at graduation

May 23rd All fees and fines due to the counseling office in order to walk at graduation

May 23rd 10 AM process through school buildings; students will board the buses in front of the high school, they can wear cap and gown if desired, they will process through South, around the HS track (North), the MS and then the HS. Once the procession is complete, Seniors are no longer allowed to be on school property until Field Day.

May 23rd Car Parade 4 PM Meet at the Old Mill Site, line up your car. The car can be decorated. The car that is driven must be plated and legal to drive on the road.

May 23rd Senior Sunset Silver Beach

May 28th Baccalaureate 6 PM Place to be determined (this is a final time of reflection for the students in the class; all Seniors and families are asked to attend; it will be followed by cake and punch

May 29th Senior Class Picture in the Class T Shirt taken in the stadium

May 29th Senior Field Day 11-3

May 29th Senior Picnic 2 PM

May 29th Graduation Practice 3:15 PM in the media center (required in order to walk at graduation)

May 30th Graduation– Students meet in the media center by 5:30 PM; group photos begin at 5:45 sharp, graduation start at 6:30 PM in the stadium

We will be in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, May 28 for an Information Session. This will be our last in-person session southwestern region of the Lower Peninsula for this recruiting cycle. If you have young adults in your life who are struggling in their current environment, please pass this information along. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Register here: https://www.michigan.gov/myca/events

Attendance at an in-person Information Session is a mandatory part of the application process for both the youth and at least one parent/guardian, the sooner one is attended, and the application process is complete, the best chance of acceptance. The application process may be completed prior to attending the Information Session, if desired. Start here: https://www.michigan.gov/myca/admissions-process

If your child has a concern regarding anyone's safety in the building (student or staff), the Panther Hotline is an anonymous way to report the information to the building principal immediately. It is always preferred that the student come to the office to talk face to face about the concern, however if that is not possible, the Panther Hotline is the best way to get the information to building administration immediately. All students have been emailed this link. It is also posted around the school building.

https://forms.gle/iy8Nep5DZDjZYwsF7

Once completed, the information comes directly to the principal in the form of an email.

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 + 5 min passing time)

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

Lunch B 11:22-11:52 (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 10:47-11:51

Period 5 for Lunch A 11:22-11:56

Lunch A 10:47-11:17

Period 5 for Lunch B 10:47-11:21

Lunch B 11:21-11:51

Period 6 11:56-12:30

Period 7 12:35-1:10

Late Start Schedule 2 Hour Delay

Period 1 10:10-10:45

Period 2 10:50-11:24

LUNCH A 11:24-11:54

Period 3 11:29-12:02

LUNCH B 12:02-12:32

Period 3 11:59-12:32

Period 4 12:37-1:10

Period 5 1:15-1:50

Period 6 1:55-2:30

Period 7 2:35-3:10