Panther Print for Parents ๐พ
NEWSLETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL WEEK ENDING APRIL 26th
NEXT EARLY RELEASE DAY--WEDNESDAY, MAY 1ST
CURRICULUM COMMUNITY NIGHT
On May 1 at 6pm in the High School Media Center, the Watervliet Public Schools learning community will have the opportunity to view proposed curriculum resources for the 2024-2025 school year. Specifically, the review will make available the following:
- REAL ESSENTIALS - A sexual health curriculum for grades 5-12.
- Reveal - A K-12 Math curriculum.
The Director of Curriculum will be available for questions at the public viewing.
WHAT'S UP IN CHEMISTRY?
Students are learning first hand about forming and naming ionic compounds with hands-on lab. They loved seeing the reactions in real time and many "ahh" moments occurred.
SAC SCHOLAR ATHLETES CLASS OF 2024
Tia Caldwell
Lauren Laws
Chase Tremblay
Wyatt Epple
Grace Chisek
Morgan Lowell
Ella Harris
Connor Zwar
Abby Whorton
Julia Pepple
Aleah Sexton
Marleigh Schultz
Ellie Golden
Alex Hicks
Taylor Woollett
Reise Bulat
CERAMIC CREATURES
The assignment requires facial features, carved and added areas, and a minimum of two extremities. Some of the creatures turned out beastly, while others look find and sweet. Over the course of six weeks, this project fosters collaboration, problem-solving, creativity, and a considerable amount of patience.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ASTRONOMY?
Astronomy Students are visualizing the Big Bang and expansion theory of the universe using balloons. But dots on the balloon and timed how long it took to blow up measuring the distance along the way. Did a lot of calculations to help understand how quick everything is moving and how the universe is expanding.
CONGRATULATIONS TO JOE ISBRECHT AND FAMILY ON THE BIRTH OF HIS SON, RONAN!
WHS CHOIR and BAND are in NEW YORK THIS WEEK! CHECK OUT THEIR AMAZING ITINERARY!
FRIDAY
THE TODAY SHOW
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
ROCKEFELLAR PLAZA
BUS TOUR MANHATTAN
TIMES SQUARE
NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC
SATURDAY
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER
BROADWAY SHOW-WICKED
SUNDAY
CHINA TOWN AND LITTLE ITALY
9/11 MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM
DINNER CRUISE
WHS HAS AMAZING STAFF WORKING HARD TO HELP PANTHERS REACH THEIR GOALS!
FOR SENIORS!
Michigan Achievement Scholarship Students and their families looking to secure more financial aid for college are encouraged to register for an informational webinar about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which is the newest State of Michigan scholarship program expected to impact the majority of students. The next Michigan Achievement Scholarship informational webinar is scheduled for May 1, 2024 at 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Participants will be able to gather the following information: We look forward to connecting with you soon! The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential is not affiliated with National Merit Scholarship Corporation or its registered trademarks National Achievementยฎ, Achievement Scholarshipยฎ, or Achievement Scholarยฎ.
888-447-2687
SCHOLARSHIP FOR FEMALES
We are reaching out with a reminder that the application for the Christine Strain Memorial Scholarship is open for one more week. If any female students in your school will be pursuing engineering next year, please refer them to our scholarship. More information is below, and you can feel free to respond to this email with any questions.
Thank you!
Society of Women Engineers, Southwest Michigan
Scholarship Information:
The Southwest Michigan Society of Women Engineers is honored to extend the 4th Annual Christine Strain Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is open to female-identifying students within your 2024 graduating high school class who will be enrolling in an undergraduate ABET or ACCJC accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Technology program during the 2024-2025 school year.
Attached to this email you will find a PDF containing the scholarship details and a flyer that can be posted for students to see. The easiest way to apply is for applicants to fill out the Application Form, and for recommenders to fill out the Recommendation Form. If use of Google Forms is not possible for your applicants or recommenders, please reach out and we will make alternate arrangements.
The deadline to have applications submitted is Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
The successful applicant will be notified of their scholarship award by Friday, May 31, 2024.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT--DEAH MUTH!
I grew up and graduated from Watervliet High School.
I have an associate degree from LMC in Liberal Arts. I have completed the Certificate Program for Pupil Accounting Specialist.
I currently serve as the Executive Secretary to the Superintendent and The Board of Education.
In my free time, I love watching and going to sporting events, spending time by my pool, playing Euchre & spending time with my friends & family.
People may be surprised to know that I also serve currently as the Mayor of Watervliet.
I am proud to be a WPS Panther because I am passionate and proud of our school & community and how we all pull together.
CONGRATULATIONS LAUREN LAWS!
Lauren and the other officers of Phi Theta Kappa attended the induction ceremony for the new inductees last night at LMC. Lauren and the officers were also given their graduation regalia for their graduation on May 5th! Lauren will graduate with an Associate's Degree from LMC BEFORE she graduates from WHS! The power of hard work, dedication, and dual enrollment!! Way to go Lauren!
Lauren is on the far left in the picture.
WHS STUDENTS CELEBRATE CESAR CHAVEZ
Tuesday, students from the high school participated in the Cesar Chavez celebration at WMU. Kalamazoo Public Schools have partnered with members of Western Michigan University and the Hispanic American Council to keep the tradition of this annual celebration and march alive. This event celebrates the life and achievements of Cรฉsar E. Chรกvez. Thank you to Ms. Stofko for organizing the trip for students and to Mrs. Lefor and Mr. Macha for supervising.
CONGRATULATIONS LAUREN LOVELL!
ATTENTION SENIOR FAMILIES!!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SENIOR FAMILIES
**SENIORS have received a SENIOR SLIDE to be completed before the end of this month. We are celebrating one senior each day through social media and in our parent newsletter with these slides.
**Prom tickets are now being sold during lunch. Tickets are $30 each, seniors are free. Class dues must be paid in order to purchase tickets. Prom Guest Passes are available in the HS office. Please submit a current photo ID of the guest if applicable. Deadline to submit passes is Wednesday, May 8th. Late passes will not be accepted.
**The After Prom venue has changed and will now be at Airway Fun Center in Kalamazoo. The buses for After Prom will leave promptly at 12am from the gym doors and return to the school at 5am. You can get your form where prom tickets are sold or from Mrs. Tyler. Please fill out your form (including your parents signature) and money ($10) and turn it in where prom tickets are sold. If you are in a hardship situation for the cost, please talk to Mrs. Tyler. We will work it out.
**If you wish to earn a Community Service honor cord to be worn at graduation, you must complete 40 hours of community service. The deadline to submit those hours to the HS office is April 30th.
**Any senior interested in being considered for the outstanding boy/girl, please come pick up an application in the main office. They are due back by April 29th.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS AND FAMILIES
May 6 Graduation board/poster due
May 6 email photos to annie.rae.say@gmail.com for Baccalaureate
May 10 Decision Day
May 11 Prom 8-11 PM Hidden Pointe
May 12 After Prom
May 15 Seniors Awards Night 6 PM Auditorium
May 15 Senior Trip Meeting 5:30 in WHS Cafeteria
May 18 Senior Trip
May 21-24 Senior Exams
May 24 11 AM DEADLINE to turn in check out sheets to Mrs. Richcreekโonce you turn this in, you will get your cap and gown from her.
May 24 Procession through buildings 11 AM
May 24 3:10 PMโSeniors must be passing all classes to walk at graduation
May 24 Car Parade 4 PM
May 24 Senior Sunset
May 29 Baccalaureate 6 PM Auditorium
May 30 Senior Field Day
May 30 Senior Picnic
May 30 Graduation Practice 3:30 PM MANDATORY
May 30 3:30 PM DEADLINE for cap decoration approval by Ms. Powers
May 31 Graduation 6:30 PM
CONGRATULATIONS WYATT EPPLE!
DECISION DAY MAY 10TH!
Dear Senior Parent:
You are invited to Decision Day 2024!
Decision Day is part of the National College Signing Day initiative, and is focused on recognizing high school seniors for their postsecondary educational plans and encouraging younger students and families to prepare early for postsecondary education/workforce. Decision Day is held annually on or around May 1 and is designed to coincide with the date that most seniors must inform a college of their plans to enroll.
Because of the delay in the FAFSA this year, we postponed our Decision Day celebration to Friday, May 10th at 10 AM in the high school auditorium. The program should take no more than an hour.
This celebration is in the form of a school assembly. All juniors and seniors will be in attendance. All senior families are invited as well. We will be announcing the post secondary plans for all of our seniors, whether that is college, the workforce, or the military.
Decision Day is a celebration of the time, effort, and hard work you and your Senior have put into researching and planning for life after high school. We encourage any and all family members of Seniors to attend. If your Senior has siblings at the middle school and/or high school, they are invited to attend as well.
Please join us on Friday, May 10th at 10 AM in the high school auditorium for this very special and fun event. Enter through the front main doors of the building and check-in at the main office. I look forward to celebrating your Senior at Decision Day 2024!
With Panther Pride,
Christina Powers, Principal
Watervliet High School
MS. POWERS and MR. TIEFENBACH KISS A DONKEY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR SOUTH PLAYGROUND!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR APRIL STUDENT OF THE MONTH NOMINEES!
FRESHMEN: Sofie Shafer, Pyper Richards, Gabby Guthrie, Isabella Glowacki, Daijahnae Hatcher, Vivienne Sexton, Liliana Perez, Elizabeth Torres, Cammeron Carnell, Gage Sirk, and Isaiah Wendt
SOPHOMORES: Sophie Grear, Gabe Richards, Grace Ripley, Leila Wells, Brianna Zwar, Akira Hill, Giovanni Ayala, Keira Tremblay, Jade Erno, Natalaya Desjardin, Taylor Green, Julian Cardoso, Abigail Klopp, Alina Bell, Halee McLean, and Ana Aguilera
SENIORS: Lydia Koshar, Michael Fee, Kim Patzer, Olivia Price, Melissa Cardozo-Aviles, Lauren Lovell, Jacob Schaefer, Angeliyah Hatcher, Raquel Perez, Natalie Hart, Ben Parritt, Alexis Hoadley, Paige Culberson, Bianca Freeman, and Aleah Sexton
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR NOMINEES! WINNERS AT EACH GRADE LEVEL WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY !
CONGRATULATIONS JOSH STURDEVANT!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT--SHANNON LLAMAS
I grew up in Lamar, Missouri. I went to a ministry school called Masters Commission for 3 years. In Watervliet Public Schools I serve as the PowerSchool Support and Human Resource Specialist. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and going on adventures with them. People might be surprised to know that I have five children. I am proud to be a WPS Panther because after working in many different areas here at the school, I can honestly say the staff and teachers genuinely love and care about our kids. I've seen so many of them put blood, sweat and tears into their jobs without recognition.
Earth Day Clean Up
These 5 Interact members volunteered time out of class on MONDAY to clean up the cemetery, both parks, main street, and anything else in their sites along our 2 hour walk. Thank you Remington, Payton, McKaylen, Madison, and Katelynn for giving Mother Earth a little special attention on Earth Day!
CONGRATULATIONS ELLA HARRIS!
Track & Soccer Senior Night will be at the soccer game on May 8.
UPCOMING ATHLETIC EVENTS
Friday, April 26
10:00 AM HS Track at Loy Norrix Invitational
Monday, April 30
4:00 Golf at South Haven โ Hawkshead
4:30 PM JV Softball at Parchment
5:00 PM Varsity Soccer at Bridgman
Tuesday, April 30
4:30 PM Varsity Baseball & Varsity Softball Home vs. Bridgman
4:30 PM JV Baseball at Bridgman
Wednesday, May 1
4:30 PM Varsity Track at Allegan
5:00 PM Varsity Soccer Home vs. Fennville
Thursday, May 2
4:00 PM JV Baseball at River Valley
4:30 PM Varsity Baseball Home vs. Black River
Friday, May 3
4:30 PM Varsity Track Rotary Invitational at St. Joseph
4:30 PM JV Softball at South Haven
Saturday, May 4
8:00 AM Golf at Lawton Invitational โ Lake Cora
10:00 AM Varsity Softball at Petoskey Tournament
CONGRATULATIONS ANTHONY FREEMYER!
SPRING CHOIR CONCERT
The Concert Choir and Treble Choir members are hard at work preparing their music for the spring concert on Thursday, May 22, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The theme this spring is โSONGS FROM THE SILVER SCREENโ, and will contain pieces from popular movies including, THE HUNGER GAMES, Disneyโs, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and ANASTASIA, MAMMA MIA, and THE BARBIE MOVIE.
Come out and support our choirs and enjoy an evening of fun music!
CONGRATULATIONS ELLA HARRIS AND LAUREN LOVELL
Also, on Friday, April 19, 2024, Ella Harris and Lauren Lovell participated in the MSVMA State Solo and Ensemble Festival at Allendale High School. Both girls received Division 1 ratings and represented our school with poise and professionalism. Way to go, Ella and Lauren!
WMU Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music
On April 11th, Lydia Koshar & Isabella Bultema attended this yearโs WMU Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music with featured composer Kevin Day. The day was full of rehearsals, instrument masterclasses, and concert performances. The event concluded with a final concert featuring the WMU Symphonic Band and the Kevin Day All Star Band under the direction of Dr. Scott Boerma and Kevin Day. Congrats to Lydia and Isabella and all the students from 59 high schools on a spectacular performance!
MSBOA District 6 Jazz Festival
The Jazz Band attended MSBOA District 6 Jazz Festival on April 16th. The jazz band performed and received a clinic. The day wrapped up with the final concert featuring the All-Star Jazz Band and the Hope College Jazz Arts Collective. Congrats to our Watervliet All Star Jazz members: Sam Crago - piano, Lydia Koshar - lead trumpet, and Hector Salguero - trombone. Great job, everyone!!
ALL 8TH GRADE PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!
YOUR CHILD'S 24-25 schedule
We want to see your child taking the most challenging courses at the high school next year for which he/she is capable! Please check out the offerings below and contact Mrs. Dawson at jdawson@watervlietps.org if you would like to see any of these classes in your child's schedule or if you just have questions!
DUAL ENROLLMENT(taking college classes while in high school as the cost of WPS) Your student must have a 3.0+ cumulative GPA to participate.
AP SEMINAR (Honors English 10) This will replace the traditional level of English 10. This is not an elective. This can earn your child college credit. Parents of recommended FRESHMEN for this class were emailed by the Principal.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE recommended for 9-12 graders. This is an elective. This can earn your child college credit. It does not take the place of any required science class.
AP GOVERNMENT recommended for 10-12 graders and will take the place of the required Junior level Civics class. If your child has already taken Civics, this is an elective. This can earn your child college credit.
AP BIOLOGY 11-12 graders. This can earn your child college credit. It does not take the place of any required science class. Intended for student interested in a science heavy, medical field after high school.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE 10-12 graders. This is an elective. This can earn your child college credit. This is a Computer Coding class.
NEWER ELECTIVES Creative Writing 10-12, Speech/Debate 9-12, Marine and Freshwater Science 9-12, US History in Depth 11-12, and Astronomy 10-12
LMC DUAL ENROLLED PRE CALC/TRIG and CALCULUS 1 intended for students who have already taken WHS Pre Calc. This will earn your child college credit. Intended for students who are interested in a math heavy career field.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (also called Biology 2) 11-12 graders intended for students headed for a medical field; intended to be taken in place of or after Chemistry.
VAN BUREN TECH CENTER (both am and pm sessions available, with transportation provided.) Students are eligible in the 11-12 grades.
DOES YOUR SENIOR WANT A YARD SIGN?
OPTIONAL FIELD TRIP --STUDENTS HAVE BEEN EMAILED.
PICK UP A PERMISSION SLIP IN THE COUNSELING OFFICE.
OUTSTANDING SENIOR BOY/SENIOR GIRL APPLICATIONS
Each year at graduation, two seniors, one boy and one girl, are honored in the form of the Outstanding Senior Boy and the Outstanding Senior Girl.
Applications are due to the office by Monday, April 29th at 3:10 PM and can be pick up by seniors ANYTIME.
OUTSTANDING SENIOR BOY/OUTSTANDING SENIOR GIRL
CLASS OF 2024
Application Deadline: Monday, April 29th at 3:10 PM
YOUR NAME: __________________________________________________________________
Attach your BRAG SHEET to this document.
Explain and attach in 250 words or less what this honor means to you and why you are applying to be a recipient for the Class of 2024. Attach that to this document.
Please submit a senior photo of yourself in JPEG format and email it to: trichcreek@watervlietps.org.
PARENTS VOLUNTEERING WITH KIDS IN OUR BUILDING, MUST COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW-
SUMMER SCHOOL
If your child has failed a class this year, summer school is needed to recover the credit to keep your child on track towards graduation. You will receive a letter in May that specifies what classes are needed for your child. Check out the plan below so that you can plan ahead for summer school for your child.
Session from June 17 - July 25 (July 3 and 4 off)
8:15 am-12:15 pm
Monday - Thursday
Students have to physically be in attendance everyday.
Breakfast, lunch, and transportation provided.
Students must complete work at home in addition to at school in order to recover lost credit during this time.
DO YOU HAVE A SENIOR HEADED TO LMC NEXT YEAR?
Red Hawks Rise Summer Bridge Program!
This immersive 12-day non-residential summer program is designed to prepare students for their first semester! Starting college can be daunting, and many students benefit from a boost to be college-ready. Michigan's community colleges, in collaboration with state partners, are committed to helping students transition smoothly from high school to college-level academics and campus life.
Additional Details: https://bit.ly/3TGtvI0
-Red Hawks Rise is completely FREE with no cost for tuition or textbooks.
-Learn about the many resources available to students.
-Free LMC gear, learning materials, and classroom supplies.
-Free daily breakfast and other refreshments.
-Free access to LMC resources, labs, and WiFi hotspots while in the program.
-Free laptop, based on program completion.
-Opportunity to take free English 101 and Co-Req for college credit*.
NEXT WEEK WE ARE FOCUSED ON CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS IN THE BUILDING.
PLEASE REVIEW THESE WITH YOUR CHILD!
CHECK MR. COBURN'S SCHEDULE FOR APRIL BELOW!
STUDENT SURVEY RESULTS
223 Panthers completed our annual student survey this year. In each parent newsletter for the remainder of this school year, you will see a few results included, until all of the results have been shared. The Student Advisory Council to the Principal (SAC) have reviewed all of the results and feel positive overall regarding what the survey shows. The results have also been reviewed with the WHS staff and will also be reviewed at the next PAC meeting this week!
PLEASE ACCESS CANVAS FOR YOUR CHILD!
We want you accessing your child's Canvas account! Please take the following steps so that you can be checking on his/her grades on a regular basis.
Steps for parents to create a parent Canvas account.
Obtain Student Pairing Code
Sign up for an account through your phone app or on the computer using an email address.
Parents should go to www.watervlietps.org and click on the link "Canvas for Parents" in the middle of the homepage. Here is the direct link: https://www.
canvas-resources. Here you will find the screenshot instructions, a 7 slide presentation and brief videos on navigating the parent portal, checking grades, viewing assignments and accessing teacher feedback.
Students need to create the pairing code for their parents and it is only valid for 7 days.
If you are having difficulty obtaining the student pairing code, teachers have access to this information within their course by going to People and clicking on the 3 dots in the upper right corner and choosing Export Pairing Codes. Again, these pairing codes are only good for 7 days. Quick way for teachers get this code to a parent when communicating with them.
Instructions are online AND shared every Friday in the high school parent newsletter.
Please reach out to us in the high school office if you have questions or concerns about accessing your child's Canvas account. We need and want your support at the high school!
ARE YOU CHECKING CANVAS REGULARLY? HERE'S HOW!
23-24 SCHOOL DATES--UPDATED PERIODICALLY
May 1 Early Release Day
May 1 SAC 7:30 AM
May 3 Progress Reports
May 3 April Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM
May 9 Blood Drive
May 10 Decision Day 10 am (Seniors)
May 11 PROM 7-11 PM; place TBD
May 15 Early Release Day
May 15 Senior Awards Night 6 pm
May 15 SAC 7:30 AM
May 16 Spring Band Concert
May 22 PAC 6 pm
May 21-23 Senior Exams Days
May 23 Spring Choir Concert
May 24 Seniorsโ Last Day
May 24 Car Parade
May 27 Memorial Day; No School
May 29 Baccalaureate 6 pm (Seniors)
May 29 SAC 7:30 AM
May 30 Senior Picnic/School visits and grad practice
May 31 May Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM
May 31 Graduation 6:30 pm
June 3 Underclassmen Awards; time TBD
June 4-6 Half Days for Exams
June 6 Last Day of School