🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

Congratulations to our Marching Band, the 2025 Flight V MCBA State Champions!

The Watervliet Marching Band finished with an outstanding score of 85.90. By earning the coveted General Effect Award, the Panthers' talented musicians triumphed over nine other bands in a remarkable display of skill, precision, and spirit. The drumline was also recognized, earning second place.

This victory reflects the band’s hard work, dedication, and teamwork throughout the season. Every rehearsal, every note, and every performance led to this moment of well-deserved recognition.

Your school and community are proud of you! Go Panthers!

We are so proud of our seniors! Throughout October, students took important steps toward planning their futures by completing college applications, exploring skilled trades, meeting with military recruiters, learning about apprenticeships, and connecting with community college partners.

Our seniors worked hard, asked great questions, and supported each other along the way. The goal of College Application Month isn’t just applying to college — it’s about helping every student discover their own best-fit path, whether that means a four-year university, two-year program, apprenticeship, skilled trade, military service, or entering the workforce with a plan.

Below are our overall application and post-secondary planning results so far this year — and we are just getting started!

We will continue to support students with FAFSA, scholarship applications, and career planning throughout the rest of the school year. 🐾❤️

Thursday all WHS sophomores visited Olivet College for a campus tour and college awareness experience. Students explored academic programs, learned about campus life, and began thinking about future college and career pathways. This visit is part of our commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to explore post-secondary options and begin planning for their future. We are excited for them to see what’s possible!

Wednesday, Nov. 6, the Watervliet Debate Team competed against Wayland, Caledonia, Grand Rapids City, Ionia, and Portage Central teams. Here are the results:

Mackenzie Birmele placed 3rd in her chamber with a top ranking

Kaden Conklin placed 6th in his chamber

Jazmine Moses placed 8th in her chamber

Landon Schlipp placed 4th in his chamber with a top ranking

Abby Shriver and Reaghan Prestidge placed 9th in their chambers

Brianna Shriver placed 3rd in her chamber and earned a 6th place in the overall league competition

Lily Collins placed 2nd in her chamber and 3rd in overall league competition

We are very proud that every team member who had a chance to give a speech was able to receive high rankings! Congratulations to everyone who attended!

Spanish 1 students learned about an alebrije this past week in recognition of Día de muertos. An alebrije is a spiritual spirit animal/guide deom Mexican traditions. Each student made their personal alebrije to represent their strengths, picking an animal from the air, land and sea and combine them into one unique creature. Every year I am amazed with the thought process and talent of our students!

Art I students began the year focusing on observational drawing, learning to draw what they see, not what they think. After practicing techniques, basic shapes, and using value to create depth, they completed a final drawing project based on their chosen subjects, ranging from birds and sports to family pets. Here are some of their finished works.

The talented young performers of Children's Music Workshop are set to transport audiences to the bustling streets of 1950s New York City with their production of the Broadway classic, Guys & Dolls, Jr. This fun-filled, family-friendly musical comedy features all the colorful characters, famous tunes, and hilarious plot twists that have made the show a timeless favorite. Tickets on sale NOW! https://cmw.ludus.com/index.php

In celebration of Halloween and to support our unit on the integumentary system, students created simulated wounds. They had full creative control over the type of wounds they designed. Upon completion, students are required to submit a written report detailing the wound's location, affected tissues, wound type, and size.

Our Creative Writing students are joining writers across the country to write a 30,000-50,000 word novel in the month of November. They have worked hard over the last few weeks to plan their stories, and now are hard at work to hit their word goals. As a class, they have committed to hitting 200,000 words by the end of November.

Murder Mystery in AP Language and Composition

AP Lang students use their reasoning skills to solve the murder of Allen Ripley. Using witness testimony and evidence logs, they had to connect the dots and form a clear, coherent argument as to who was the killer.

On November 6th, the Watervliet Athletic Council met with representatives from the WMU Athletic Department to discuss how Mental Health and Mental Performance training can benefit us in sport. Topics of this meeting included visualization, mental reps, breathing techniques, among others.

The Athletic Council meets monthly to discuss various topics relating to athletics. A new group of students will be selected to the council in the second semester.

Sophomore Miranda Lowell and freshman Sam Casiano wrapped up the cross country season racing in the State Meet in Brooklyn, Michigan on a cold Saturday morning. Miranda ran a 22:46 while Sam posted a new PR of 17:00. Sam was the fourth best freshmen finisher in the Division 3 boys race. Hats off to both of these fine runners as qualifying for the State cross country meet is a significant accomplishment. A very good ending to a great season.

Our Spanish classes spent last week learning about Día de Muertos and celebrating cultural awareness by creating an ofrenda in our classroom. An ofrenda is a place to honor and remember loved ones who have passed by including items that bring back happy memories.

Students learned that ofrendas often include photos, favorite foods, or special mementos that represent the person being remembered. Several students contributed by sending in pictures, bringing meaningful items, or sharing memories of their family members. For those without photos, students wrote names and heartfelt messages to their loved ones.

The main takeaway from our lesson was a beautiful one: to smile and remember the happy moments, keeping our loved ones close through joyful memories.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR OCTOBER 2025 FRESHMAN STUDENT OF THE MONTH-- JOLIE BERTUCA!

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR OCTOBER 2025 FRESHMAN STUDENT OF THE MONTH --REMINGTON BURKE!

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR SOPHOMORE OCTOBER 2025 STUDENT OF THE MONTH --Daniel Maack!
In my family, I have my mom, my dad, and two sisters—Isabel and Cristina. My favorite teacher is Mrs. Hollandsworth because she pushes us to grow and do our best. My favorite class is Band; it’s fun, and I love getting to perform at competitions. I’m not in a sport right now, but I plan to run track in the spring. In my free time, I like to work out, practice for band, and ride horses.
During high school, I plan to attend the Tech Center to earn Fire I and II certifications, then become a certified paramedic. After graduation, my goal is to serve as a full-time firefighter. I’m proud to be a WHS Panther—our school is amazing and has a positive, supportive environment.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU SOPHOMORE OCTOBER 2025 STUDENT OF THE MONTH --NOLAN WECKWERTH!
Hi, my name is Nolan Weckwerth. My family includes my mom, stepdad (Jon), dad, stepmom (Nuris), my stepsister (Nicole), and my three siblings—Susannah, Daniel, and Grace.

My favorite teacher is Mrs. Hollandsworth because she pushes me to be my very best while staying supportive—and hilarious. My favorite class right now is Jazz Band; I love the music we play and the friendships I’ve built through that class. I’m involved in the school musical Moana, marching band, and track.

In my free time, I enjoy playing piano, reading, learning French, reading the Bible, watching movies/shows/musicals, and listening to music or podcasts. After high school, I plan to attend Western Michigan University or study abroad in Paris, France. I’m still exploring what to major in—and I’m excited to figure it out.

I’m proud to be a WHS Panther because of the supportive adults and friends I’ve met here. They lift me up when I’m feeling down, and the overall environment at WHS gives me the push I need to become a better version of myself.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR JUNIOR OCTOBER 2025 STUDENT OF THE MONTH--TRENT GEIKE!

My closest family includes my mom, my sister Charley, and I also include my cat, Nova. My favorite teacher at the school has to be Mr. Linderman. He has taught me every school year, and I am always excited for his classes. He's very encouraging and thoughtful, encouraging me to share my thoughts and opinions, and always very engaging with his lessons. My favorite class is between AP US History or SAT Prep. They're both very fun classes to me, I love history, but SAT prep helps me significantly and I've already seen a rise in my SAT practice scores. No sports or clubs, but I like to volunteer at the Humane Soicety. After highschool I plan to aim for Univeristy of Michigan, but if not, I would be perfectly fine going to MSU or maybe Western. I want to follow a career in law and become an attorney. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because I feel the school appreciates me for who I am. Teachers are extremely supportive and I am motivated to work harder than before.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR SENIOR OCTOBER 2025 STUDENT OF THE MONTH--SAM MILHAM!

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR OCTOBER 2025 SENIOR STUDENT OF THE MONTH--KADEN LEITER!

The Watervliet Athletic Boosters need your help in the concession stand.

Since the start of the ’24–’25 school year, WAB has provided $40,000+ in support to WPS athletics—made possible by volunteers like you. 🙌

Pitch in this season: sign up for a shift here → Athletic Concession Stand Sign-Up Athletic Concession Stand Sign Up.

Thank you for fueling Panther Pride! 🐾

PBIS Focus of the Week: Auditorium

At WHS, we’re committed to a positive, welcoming learning environment. As part of our PBIS work, we teach, model, and recognize behaviors that help everyone feel respected—especially during assemblies and performances in the Auditorium.

This week in 2nd hour, students will review Auditorium expectations and practice what they look like in real time:

• Enter calmly and go directly to your seat.

• Sit with your class, feet on the floor, aisles clear.

• Use inside voices before the program; no talking once it begins.

• Show respect to speakers/performers: attentive listening, appropriate applause, no calling out.

• No food or drink in the auditorium.

• Treat seats and equipment with care; leave the space clean.

• Stay seated until dismissed and follow staff directions when exiting.

Please talk with your student about how these shared expectations help make the Auditorium a safe, respectful place to learn, celebrate, and enjoy performances.

Thank you for partnering with us to support positive culture and learning at WHS! 🐾🎭

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.

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• • November at a Glance — WHS 🐾

    Monday, November 10

    • 🪶 Indigenous Peoples Heritage Week begins

    • 🎓 LMC Lunchtime Visit

    • 🏫 Board Meeting — 6:00 PM

    Wednesday, November 12

    • 🏀 HS Boys Basketball & Cheer begin

    • 👥 Student Advisory Council — 7:30 AM

    Thursday, November 13

    • 🍁 Rake a Difference — Marching Band & JMG classes

    Monday, November 17

    • ❤️ Blood Drive

    Wednesday, November 19

    • ⏰ Early Release — Dismissal at 1:10 PM

    Thursday, November 20

    • 👥 PAC Meeting — 7:00–8:00 PM (Media Center & online)

    Wednesday, November 26

    • 🍂 Thanksgiving Break — No School

    Thursday, November 27

    • 🦃 Thanksgiving Day — No School

    Friday, November 28

    • 🍂 Thanksgiving Break — No School

    December at a Glance — WHS 🎄

    Monday, December 1

    • 👀 Freshmen Vision Screening

    Wednesday, December 3

    • 🗣️ Debate Day

    Friday, December 5

    • 🏅 Student of the Month Breakfast

    
    

We’re excited to announce that after-school homework help is now available for our students. Students can stay for one hour after school 3:15-4:15 PM to get extra support or simply have a quiet place to focus on assignments.

• Tuesdays: Work with Mrs. Simmons

• Wednesdays: Work with Mr. Dimino (MATH ESPECIALLY)

• Thursdays: Work with Mrs. Brant

No sign-up is required—students can just stop by the teacher’s classroom after school to participate. This is a great way to catch up on work, get extra help, or stay on top of assignments.

👉 Please note: Students will need to arrange their own transportation home after the session.

We hope many of our Panthers will take advantage of this opportunity for extra support! 🐾

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