🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾
LOUD, PROUD PANTHER NEWS APRIL 6-10
STATE TESTING THIS WEEK; ALL STUDENTS NEED A CHARGED CHROMEBOOK
CONGRATULATIONS MARCH 2026 STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!
Today, we had the pleasure of honoring our March 2026 Students of the Month alongside their families. This recognition celebrates students who consistently demonstrate strong character, leadership, and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom.
Pictured from left to right: Alexis Coburn, Mattie Medlin, Natalaya Desjardin, Lucy Logsdon, Ava Thomas, Amber Bryant, Olivia Lurkins, and Ben Ruland.
We are incredibly proud of these students and the positive impact they make each day at WHS. Thank you to their families for joining us in celebrating this special recognition!
🐾 Panther Pride—Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!
THE FUN IS ABOUT TO START FOR THE CLASS OF 2026!
PROM EXPECTATIONS AND PROTOCOLS
POP UP ART SHOW TODAY AT THE HIGH SCHOOL
THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENT ARTISTS!
APRIL 24TH PE/HEALTH and BIOLOGY PRESENTATIONS
THIS INFORMATION WAS DISTRIBUTED TO PE/HEALTH AND BIOLOGY STUDENTS
🎓 Decision Day at WHS – Celebrating the Class of 2026
Watervliet High School is excited to celebrate our seniors as they take the next step in their journey through our upcoming Decision Day celebration!
Decision Day is a national initiative held each spring to recognize and honor graduating seniors for their post-high school plans. Whether students are heading to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, or pursuing a trade, this day is about celebrating all paths and the bright futures ahead.
At WHS, Decision Day is a meaningful tradition that allows our seniors to be recognized for their hard work and to proudly share what comes next. Each senior will have the opportunity to announce their plans for life after high school, creating a powerful and memorable moment for our entire school community.
📅 Event Details:
Friday, May 1st
10:00 AM
We warmly invite all senior parents and families to attend and be part of this special celebration. In addition, siblings from the middle school are welcome to join us, making this a full community event.
This is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of growth, achievement, and the exciting future ahead for the Class of 2026. We look forward to honoring our seniors and sharing this proud moment together.
🐾 Panther Pride—Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!
¡Locura de Marzo!
En las clases de español estamos escuchando música latina. Hay 16 canciones y todos los días las clases votan por su canción favorita. As we listen to the songs, it is fun to watch the students appreciate music they have not heard before and it allows a cultural flair to our class!
WOODWORKING STUDENTS BUILD BAT HOUSES!
Students in Basic Woodworking just completed bat houses that will be going to the Berrien County Conservation District for their annual Spring Sale. These 4 chamber roosting houses can house between 90-200 bats, and they'll be going up all over the county to encourage more bat activity in desired areas. Do you have a community project that you'd like the woodshop to help out with? Reach out to Luke Dennison (luke.dennison@watervlietps.org) to collaborate and get on the schedule for the 2026-2027 school year!
WHAT QUALIFIES AS COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR A GRADUATION CORD?
Community Service Hours & Graduation Cord – Important Clarification
We would like to take a moment to clarify expectations around community service hours that count toward earning a graduation cord, as there is sometimes confusion about what qualifies.
Students may begin earning and tracking community service hours as early as their freshman year. To ensure hours are properly documented, students should pick up a community service tracking form from the main office and submit completed hours as they go.
To be eligible for the graduation cord, community service must be focused on helping others in a meaningful and selfless way. Activities that are considered self-serving—such as volunteering for a club or organization that a student is already a member of—do not qualify. Additionally, service provided to family members cannot be counted toward these hours.
Qualifying service should reflect a genuine effort to give back to others and support the broader community. Examples of appropriate community service include:
- Helping neighbors with yard work, such as raking leaves
- Volunteering at a soup kitchen or food pantry
- Assisting at a nursing home or hospital
- Picking up trash in local parks or community areas
- Reading to children or tutoring at no cost
- Mentoring younger students
- Supporting community or church-based efforts, such as helping with youth programs or childcare during services
These experiences are designed to help students develop a strong sense of service, empathy, and community involvement.
We appreciate your partnership in helping students understand and meet these expectations. If you have any questions or would like clarification on a specific situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the high school office.
STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE PRINCIPAL MEETING MINUTES
Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting Summary
Date: 4.8.26 7:30 AM
General Updates
- No major concerns were reported by students at this time.
Superintendent Interview Process
- Students who participated in the Superintendent tours and interviews shared their experiences with the group.
- SAC members were informed they will have opportunities to participate in future interview processes for any high school positions next year.
Teacher of the Month (April)
- The survey has been emailed out to students.
- The survey will remain open for two weeks.
- Ms. Powers will ask 2nd hour teachers to provide time for students to complete the survey. At this time only 30 students have completed the survey.
9-Week Student Check-In Survey
- SAC finalized three questions for the survey.
- Ms. Powers will distribute the survey to students.
- 2nd hour teachers will be asked to allow time for completion.
- Results will be reviewed by SAC in two weeks.
- Results will be shared with both students and staff.
Prom
- Guest forms will be available in the main office.
- SAC discussed and clarified questions related to prom.
Communication Reminders
- SAC reviewed everything in the current announcements.
- A reminder will be shared with seniors that they do not have school next Thursday due to state testing.
Additional Topics Discussed
- Community service hours requirements for a cord to be earned for graduation.
- Decision Day details
Next Meeting
- SAC will meet again in two weeks.
- Agenda will include:
- Reviewing results from the 9-week student check-in survey
- Selecting the next Staff Member of the Month
DO YOU HAVE AN INCOMING FRESHMEN FROM THE CLASS OF 2030? THIS WAS TUESDAY's TIP!
UPCOMING ATHLETIC EVENTS FOR THIS WEEK
CALLING ALL POETS!!
The April 17th issue of the Benton Spirit Community Newspaper (https://bentonspiritnews.com/) will feature poetry and poets in celebration of National Poetry Month (https://poets.org/national-poetry-month-30th-anniversary).
It will also be a tribute to honor Professor and Poet Camille Dungy (https://camilledungy.com/).
The submission date for your pieces, poems, articles, reflections, photos, etc. will be Monday, April 13th.
We would like you to submit one of your short poems along with a short bio (one sentence) and a high-res head shotphoto.
If interested, please contact me for more details here or at dmond60@yahoo.com
Thank you.
dr. desmond Hartwell Murray
@scyntificpoet
desmond Hartwell Murray
Founding Director, Building Excellence in Science & Technology
Founding Director, Environmental Fridays
Co-Founder, A 4 Asthma
Editor, Benton Spirit Community Newspaper
Lead Editor & Author, The Power and Promise of Early Research
(269) 757-1641
OPTIONAL FIELD TRIP --MEET THE GUARD! Pick up a permission slip in the office.
STUDENT LED WEEK COMING SOON !
THE WIZARD OF OZ
🎭 Support Our WPS Students in The Wizard of Oz! 🌈
Come see some of our current WPS students take the stage in the CMW production of The Wizard of Oz! Follow the yellow brick road in this beloved story of Dorothy’s journey from Kansas to the magical Land of Oz, featuring the iconic music we all know and love.
📅 Performance Dates:
April 10 & 11 at 7:00 PM
April 12 at 3:00 PM
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to support our talented Panthers! 🐾
Howard Performing Arts Center at
St. Joseph High School Auditorium
2521 Stadium Dr, St Joseph, MI
CLICK HERE for Tickets
https://cmw.ludus.com/index.php?sections=event
CONGRATULATIONS Watervliet High School Robotics, Pantron-X #9758
Watervliet High School Robotics, Pantron-X #9758 started Spring Break by travelling to the FIRST in Michigan Battle Creek District Event March 27-29. During their second event of the season, the dedication, professionalism, and work ethic of our team shined. They fought through 12 qualification rounds with their resilient robot, Robarticus, but did not advance to playoffs.
However, Pantron-X did receive the Judges' Award in recognition of bringing STEM activities to our young fives students, educating the community about robotics through parades and demonstrations, and beginning a partnership with Sarett Nature Center and Robotarians Team #2959 to help create a 3D printed case to hold tracking devices for Eastern Box Turtles.
At this time, our team has 50 ranking points for the season and is ranked 165 out of 619 teams with two weeks of competitions remaining in various parts of the state.
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY!
CONSERVATION/AGRICULTURE RELATED SCHOLARSHIP FOR SENIORS
PTO Donkey Basketball
🎉 Donkey Basketball is Almost Here! 🐾
Get ready for one of the most fun events of the year—the PTO’s Donkey Basketball Fundraiser!
📅 Sunday, April 19
⏰ 7:00 PM
🎟 Tickets:
- $10 in advance
- $15 at the door
- FREE for children 5 and under
👉 Purchase advance tickets online or at any Watervliet school or the Tri City Record
https://my.cheddarup.com/c/watervliet-panther-pto-dairyland-donkeyball-adv-e-sale/items
All advance ticket holders will receive a QR code for easy entry—just show it on your phone at the door.
🐴 It’s wilder than a rodeo and funnier than a circus—don’t miss it! We can’t wait to see you there!
Kiss a Donkey Contest! Vote to make your principal kiss a donkey!
Voting boxes will be located at each school and at the donkey basketball game on
Sunday, April 19th at 7:00 PM. One dollar equals one vote!
ATTENTION SOPHOMORES!!
We have an exciting opportunity for members of the Class of 2028! The Michigan High School Athletic Association is now accepting applications for its Student Advisory Council (SAC).
This is a big deal—serving on this council gives you the chance to represent student voice across the state, work with other student leaders, and make a real impact on high school athletics in Michigan. It’s also an outstanding resume builder.
🗓 Application Deadline: Monday, April 20
📄 Applications can be found on MHSAA.com and submitted via email.
If you are a leader, want to get involved at a higher level, and are ready to represent Watervliet with Panther Pride, this is a great opportunity for you.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out.
🐾 GO PANTHERS!
ATTENTION SENIORS
If you plan on playing a sport in college next year please let Coach Edie and MR. GUILLEAN know as soon as you plan on committing. The athletic department would like to help celebrate you with a Signing Day held on campus.
The sooner you let us know, the sooner we can begin organizing the event.
GO PANTHERS!
ATTENTION PANTHERS!
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! 🐾
CHANGE IN CELL PHONE STATE LAW FOR 26-27
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! 🐾
🎓🐾 WATERVLIET HIGH SCHOOL 🐾🎓 🌟 OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD 🌟 CLASS OF 2026
🏆 OUTSTANDING SENIOR BOY AND 🏆 OUTSTANDING SENIOR GIRL
✨ NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! ✨
If you have shown:
📚 Strong academics
🤝 Positive involvement
🏆 Leadership at WHS
👉 We encourage you to apply!
📍 HOW TO APPLY
📝 Pick up your application at the
Main Office Front Desk
⏰ DEADLINE
Monday, April 24th at 3:10 PM
🌟 WHAT THIS HONOR REPRESENTS
This award recognizes seniors who truly represent:
✔ Excellence
✔ Character
✔ Leadership
✔ Panther Pride
🐾 LEAVE YOUR LEGACY 🐾
APPLY TODAY!
ONE LAST OPPORTUNITY!
SPRING SPORT SCHEDULES
HOW DOES SUMMER SCHOOL WORK AT THE HIGH SCHOOL?
SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER FOR SENIORS
PROM ALTERATIONS
AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELP
📚 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!
IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES
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.
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