🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

As our students become more independent in high school, it’s easy to assume they no longer need the same level of supervision. However, knowing where your child is before and after school remains incredibly important—even for teenagers.

We encourage all families to have ongoing conversations about:

• Where your student is going before and after school

• Who they are with and whether those peers are safe, positive influences

• Checking in regularly by text or phone

• Expectations for coming straight home, staying after school, or attending events

• Using free tools, such as Life360 or phone location sharing, to help track your child’s safety

Please also remind your student about some basic personal safety habits:

• Avoid getting into vehicles with individuals they do not know

• Travel in groups whenever possible

• Report suspicious behavior or communication immediately to a trusted adult or school staff member

• Be cautious about sharing personal information publicly or online

Parents and guardians should also be aware that scams involving fake emergencies or threats are becoming more sophisticated. If you receive an unexpected call of this nature—especially one demanding immediate payment—trust your instincts, do not provide personal or financial information, and notify authorities.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Panthers safe, supported, and connected. 💛🐾

Here are the results of Wednesday's debate meet at Wayland High School.

Placing 8th in her chamber - Abby Shriver

Placing 7th in her chamber - Raeghan Prestidge

Placing 8th in his chamber - Landon Layer

Placing. 5th in his chamber - Kaden Conklin

And receiving top ranking and 6th overall in the meet: Mackenzie Birmele

Receiving top ranking and 1st overall and winning the meet: Braydon Collins

• Over the next week, our teachers will be guiding students through the Superintendent Search Survey. We want our Panthers to understand how the process works and why their voice matters, so teachers will be sharing the following background information with them. We wanted to share it with you as well:
  

  How the Superintendent Search Works

  • The district has hired an independent search firm to manage the entire process.
    This company created and oversees the surveys for students, staff, and families.

  • The Board of Education is responsible for hiring the superintendent.
    They will review survey feedback from all groups to help define the qualities and priorities we want in our next leader.

  • Once a candidate profile is created, the position will be posted.

  • The search firm will then screen applicants and recommend candidates to the Board for interviews.

  • All interviews are public, and the dates and times will be shared so anyone may attend.

  What a Superintendent Does (and why student input matters)

  Students will also learn about the superintendent’s role so they can give meaningful feedback. A superintendent:

  • Leads the entire district and sets our vision and direction

  • Oversees curriculum, instruction, and overall academic success

  • Manages the district budget and ensures responsible use of resources

  • Supports and supervises principals and district administrators

  • Works closely with the Board of Education to make major decisions

  • Oversees student safety, operations, and long-term planning

  • Represents the district to the community and state

  • Ensures every student receives a high-quality education

  Your child’s perspective is important, and we appreciate your partnership as we make this a thoughtful and inclusive process.

  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

🌟 Kindness Week Is Coming to WHS! 🌟

December 9–13

Next week, our Panthers will kick off our annual Kindness Campaign Week — a full week focused on gratitude, connection, positivity, and making our school a place where everyone feels seen and valued.

Why do we do this?

Because kindness isn’t just an action — it’s a culture. When students and staff intentionally show care for one another, even in small ways, our halls feel lighter, our classrooms run smoother, and everyone feels a stronger sense of belonging. Kindness strengthens relationships, builds empathy, and reminds us that we’re all part of the same Panther community.

Each day next week will include a fun kindness theme, a special activity, and a simple challenge to help our students spread positivity throughout the building.

We can’t wait to share the joy with all of you. 💛

Let’s make it a week full of smiles, gratitude, and Panther Pride! 🐾

My favorite teacher is Mr. Linderman because he genuinely tries to connect with his students in a way that makes class enjoyable and creates a safe, welcoming space. My favorite class is art, as it’s where I get to do something I truly love while learning and growing with a teacher who guides me every step of the way. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, spending time with my family, reading, and drawing. I haven’t joined any clubs or sports yet, but I’m planning to try out for the soccer team and possibly volleyball next year. After high school, I hope to attend a good college and pursue an artistic career, though my plans are still developing since this is only my first year. I’m proud to be a Panther because the people around me inspire and empower me, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had at WHS.

I don’t have just one favorite teacher—I really like all of them because each brings something different to the classroom. My favorite classes tend to be history, since I enjoy learning about the past. In my free time, I love playing sports, especially football, basketball, and track. I don’t have a set plan for after high school yet, but I’m figuring things out as I go. I’m proud to be part of Watervliet High School because it’s a really nice place to learn and grow. 🐾

Mrs. Simmons has been my favorite teacher because she has always encouraged me, and we connect through our shared love of reading and writing. My favorite classes this year have been History and AP Seminar because the coursework truly interests me. In my free time, I love spending time with my best friend and family, or picking up extra shifts at work where I make pizza. I’m also part of the debate club with Mrs. Simmons, and I’m really looking forward to the state competition coming up later this month. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because of the familiarity I have with so many people here and the positivity that our teachers have been putting so much effort into this year.

Mrs. Lefor has always been one of my favorite teachers because she’s incredibly kind, fun to learn from, and always willing to help you through anything, no matter what it is. My favorite class this year is the one I take at Van Buren Tech—Allied Health Technologies. It’s very informative and hands-on, and I love that it gives me the opportunity to earn my phlebotomy certificate while I’m still in high school.

In my free time, I like to bake or sleep. Baking lets me try new recipes, and it’s always exciting when something turns out really well. After high school, my plan is to become a phlebotomist, enlist in the National Guard, and go into the medical field for more experience. I also hope to attend college to study psychology and eventually become a psychiatrist.

I’m proud to be a WHS Panther because of the many learning opportunities we are given and because of how much our staff cares. 🐾

My favorite teacher is Mrs. Brush because I’ve had her for six years, and she always gives amazing feedback and support. My favorite class is my online course because I enjoy having Mrs. Brant as a teacher, and I like being able to work at my own pace—plus, when I’m ahead, I get extra time to work on assignments for other classes. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, driving around with friends, and reading. I also participate in choir. After high school, I plan on going to college. I’m proud to be a WHS Panther because I get to meet new people, explore more learning opportunities, and feel prepared for the transition from high school to college.

My favorite teacher at Watervliet has been Mr. Corkins because he’s a genuinely great teacher, and I really enjoyed both his class and his teaching style. This year, I don’t really have one favorite class—they all feel pretty equal to me. In my free time, I like hanging out with my girlfriend Sophie, spending time with my family, or working on some kind of vehicle. I participate in wrestling and baseball, and after high school I plan to go into automotive work or become a firefighter. I’m proud to be a Panther because we all support each other, and that sense of community means a lot to me. 🐾

All the teachers in the school are the best, but if I were to choose who were my favorite I would say my favorite ones would have to be Mrs. O'Toole and Ms. Irmen because they always make me laugh everyday in their class and its always something new in their class and I always look forward to going to their class to learn but to also chat with them as well because they make the day go by fast and they are always happy no matter what is going on and always have a positive attitude.

All my classes are my favorite because of the teachers and what we do, and the people in there. I love AP BIO because I get to learn more about life and science, and I get to chat with Mrs. O'Toole and Ms. Boswell, and it's also a small class, so it's very easy to move past work and get things done. I also love JMG (Jobs for Michigan Graduates) because Ms. Irmen teaches it and I get to chat with her too but I also love how we get guest speakers a lot and get to go on field trips a lot but most of all on how I learn to get a Job and what to write on my resume and what employers look for when hiring so it helps me prepare myself for the future. Lastly, ASL ( American Sign Language) is one of my favorites because I learn a new language and how to talk and communicate with those who are deaf and can't hear, so it's a good skill for me to have, and it's fun because we learn new words and sentences every day. Ms. Irmen also teaches that one, too.

In my free time, I like to read my bible and study it, and learn more about God. I also love to watch movies with my family and go out to eat or get drinks with my sister.

I participate in Soccer, and I also participate in the Virtue Club

After high school, I plan to finish my associate's degree at LMC next year because I am in the Early Middle College program and I am able to take college classes early on and get my associate's degree Next year, 2027. After that, I want to transfer to a 4-year university and get my bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and become a mechanical engineer.

I am proud to be a WHS panther because this school has taught me so much and has brought many good memories to my life, and all the staff, like Ms. Powers, Mrs. Dawson, Mrs. Tyler, Mrs Richcreek, and many more, have helped me in my life and always put a smile on my face and they are always open to talk to you no matter what and they will always help you and guide you in anyway, WHS is a great and wonderful environment and school and I am so grateful and proud to be a Panther.

Students in Mrs. Riedinger’s ELA classes have been practicing gratitude and real-world writing skills through a special thank you letter project. Each student wrote a personalized thank you card and chose either to hand-deliver it or have it mailed. We were thrilled to see their messages travel far and wide—letters were sent across the United States and even made their way all the way to the United Kingdom! This project not only strengthened students’ writing abilities but also encouraged them to make meaningful connections beyond the classroom.

This week in Ms. Irmen’s science classroom, students took learning to the next level as they designed investigations, applied the scientific method, and presented their findings to the class. But the highlight wasn’t just the science — it was the leadership and teamwork that came with it!

Ms. Irmen used a Capturing Kids’ Hearts strategy where one student presents and another is there for moral and emotional support.

Here’s how it works:

👉 One Student Presents: They share their experiment, process, or conclusions with the class.

👉 One Student Supports: They stand beside the presenter, offering encouragement, reassurance, and positive presence — and typically this supporting student is the next one to present.

This approach builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and fosters a culture where students lift each other up — exactly what we want to see at WHS.

Watching Panthers support one another while sharing their scientific discoveries was the perfect blend of CKH culture and real-world learning. 💡✨

Way to go, Ms. Irmen, for growing confident learners and kind leaders in your classroom! 🐾❤️

Wesco is honored to serve the communities surrounding our 57 locations and grateful for every opportunity to give back. Through our ongoing partnership with Pepsi, we are excited to share that—for the third consecutive year—$20,000 in fountain drink profits will be donated to local public high schools like yours.

Throughout the month of December, every Wesco location will donate five cents from each fountain drink sold until the full $20,000 goal is reached. Every participating public high school is guaranteed a minimum of $100, with the remaining funds distributed based on sales at each local store.

As one of the selected high schools, your local Wesco manager will visit in January to present a check for the amount raised specifically by your community’s Wesco location. We encourage you to share this program with your students—the more fountain drinks purchased at their local Wesco, the larger the contribution to your school.

We are proud to partner with Pepsi on this meaningful initiative in support of public education.

Hi Watervliet Parents,

It’s that time of year again - planning is underway for the 38th Annual After Prom, a tradition made possible entirely by volunteers.
Carrie Wilder and Teresa Collins, leads of the event, are looking for parent volunteers to help make this year’s celebration safe, fun, and memorable.

Ways to help:

• Short opportunities requiring just a 1-2 hours
• Larger roles (3-4 hours) like serving as a chaperone the night of After Prom

Event Details

• Location: Nitro Zone, 56419 Pokagon Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047
• Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 (12am - 5:30am)
• Transportation: Depart the high school at midnight, return by 5:30am
• Safety: The venue will be “locked down”—no entry or exit after arrival
• Attendees: All students must ride the bus to and from the event; no early departures or alternate pickups (including by parents/guardians)

Student Information

• Parent/Legal Guardian must sign two forms prior to the event:
  • Permission Slip (pick up in the main office)
  • Nitro Zone Release Form
• Junior & Senior students do not need to attend prom to participate in After Prom
• Eligible to attend are WPS Junior and Senior students and their guest,including WPS Sophomore and Non-Watervliet students approved by Ms. Powers (with signed permission slip & waiver)

Additional Information

• Teresa Collins and Carrie Wilder will be present at the entire event, including when the students arrive at the school to depart for the event, while loading the buses, riding with the students to/from the event and staying until every student has left/been picked up.
• Additional chaperones and event staff will also be at the venue.
• If a student returns a permission slip but does not attend, we will notify their parent/guardian the night of the event.

On the last day before Thanksgiving Break, our WHS staff had a little fun by secretly dressing like Watervliet High School students—and the results were fantastic! From hoodies and Birks to crop tops and headphones and earbuds, staff brought plenty of laughter and school spirit to the halls.

It was a lighthearted way to celebrate our students, build connections, and head into the holiday break with smiles all around.

Check out the picture below to see how well they pulled it off!

Congratulations to Ava Hobson for being named to the MIVCA Region 10 All Region Team!

The WHS Concert Choir performed at the Tree of Love Lighting Ceremony today!

The choir performed beautifully, along with a duet by Natalaya Desjardin, and Mya Hood, and a trio by Anahi Howell, Allison Poole, and Mackenzie Webster.

This annual tradition is a favorite among many!

Thank you to Sue Sweet, our collaborative pianist!

Congrats to Marissa, Sophie, Isabella, Ben, and Gabe for their excellent performance today at the MSBOA District 6 HS Honor Band!!

Alsup, Marley – 10th
Ayala, Gio – 12th
Birmele, Mark – 12th
Billings, Nora – 12th
Blackston, Kylin – 11th
Brassard, Jayden – 10th
Camp, Emma – 9th
Cardoso, Emiliano – 10th
Clark, Dallas – 9th
Coburn, Alexis – 11th
Coleman, Ashton – 11th
Collins, Dylan – 12th
Collins, Lily – 10th
Coulombe, Anthony – 12th
Darling, Madison – 10th
Eberhard, Alexis – 9th
Green, Taylor – 12th
Hatcher, Daijahnae – 11th
Hayes, Aaron – 9th
Hayes, Abbie – 11th
Huff, David – 9th
Johnson, Kevin – 10th
Kostrzewa, Katelynn – 11th
Layer, Landon – 12th
LeChuga, Sophia – 10th
Liberto-Taylor, Marqus – 9th
Moore, Claire – 11th
Nickell, Eithan – 10th
Norman, Elloise – 9th
Raines, Cadia – 9th
Rathfon, Kami – 12th
Raymond, Alivia – 9th
Riggs, Taven – 10th
Ritter, Jenna – 12th
Rogers, Aleksander – 9th
Ruland, Ben – 12th
Saucedo, Branden – 10th
Saucedo, Erik – 9th
Singh, Sukhpreet – 12th
Sirk, Gage – 11th
Sprague, Ava – 12th
Webster, Mackenzie – 11th
Westfall, Ethan – 10th
White, Dimetric – 12th
Zang, Daz – 12th

To celebrate the two days leading up to Thanksgiving break, WHS hosted a fun school-wide Walk-Up Song Competition! During each passing time, a different teacher’s walk-up song played through the halls. Students and staff listened, tried to match each song to the correct teacher, and submitted their guesses for a chance to win gift cards.

It was a lighthearted, upbeat way to head into the holiday—our hallways were full of energy, laughter, and Panthers comparing guesses between every class. A huge thank-you to everyone who played along and made it such a fun community event! 🐾🎶

Last Friday, our staff celebrated our very first High Five Friday, and it was a HUGE hit! Teachers spent the day covered in yellow stickers as students and staff shared high fives, smiles, and positive energy throughout the halls.

It wasn’t just fun—it was a meaningful way to live out our Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) values. High fives build connection, strengthen relationships, and remind every student that they are seen and valued.

The laughter, the enthusiasm, and the sense of community were contagious. What an amazing way to end the week and celebrate the heart of WHS! 💛

Way to go, Panthers—and get ready, because High Five Friday is here to stay! 🙌🐾

The JMG class took a field trip to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo today, where students spent time exploring exhibits, trying hands-on STEM activities, learning about aviation history, and experiencing flight simulators.

The trip connected directly to their focus on career development, giving students a chance to see potential careers in aviation, engineering, maintenance, technology, education, and museum operations. It was a valuable opportunity for them to connect classroom skills—like teamwork, problem solving, and communication—to real workplace environments.

Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) is a career-focused class designed to help students build the skills, confidence, and experiences they need for life after high school. The program supports students in exploring career paths, developing employability skills, and gaining hands-on learning opportunities through field trips, guest speakers, service projects, and workplace experiences.

JMG’s purpose is to prepare students for success—whether they choose college, skilled trades, the military, or the workforce—by strengthening communication, teamwork, problem solving, leadership, and career readiness.

This week, our sophomore class had an exciting opportunity to learn about future career options during a visit from Ana Maack, a counselor from the Van Buren Tech Center. Ana shared valuable information about the wide range of hands-on, career-focused programs available to students beginning in their junior year.

During her presentation, students explored different career pathways offered through the Tech Center, including fields like health sciences, construction, business, early childhood education, culinary arts, criminal justice, information technology, and many others. After learning about each program, sophomores selected the areas that most interest them—choices that will guide their upcoming visit to the Tech Center later this year.

This visit is an important step in helping our students discover their strengths, consider future careers, and make informed decisions about their educational path. We are grateful to Ana Maack and the Van Buren Tech Center for supporting our Panthers and opening doors to so many exciting opportunities.

We look forward to seeing where this exploration leads our students next!

Sophomores will visit the Van Buren Tech Center on December 8th.

Students can also schedule individual visits with or without parents during semester 2.

Tooling U-SME is pleased to share an important scholarship opportunity availabel through the SME Education Foundation! This program supports students pursuing careers in manufacturing, engineering, and related technical fields. Awards range from $2,500 to $20,000, and one application places students in consideration for multiple scholarships. The application window is now open and runs through February 1.

Applicants are encouraged to review requirements, confirm their major aligns with qualifying fields, and prepare materials such as transcripts, references, and short-answer responses. Awards can provide meaningful financial support and help students focus on their education and career development.

This is a great opportunity for students interested in technical careers. Sharing this with those who may benefit can help them take a worthwhile step toward their goals.

Best regards,

Monica G. Marshall

monica.marshall@toolingu.com

The food drive sponsored by the High School Student Council was very successful! Thanks to our staff and students' generosity, we were able to donate over 1,100 food items to the Living Water Food Pantry in Watervliet! Way to go Panthers!

"Are you a Sophomore or a parent of a Sophomore student? Are you interested in learning how the Berrien County Early Middle College can help you (or your student) earn a career certificate, significant college credit, or even an associate degree—at no cost to you—while still in high school?

We invite you to attend one of our informational meetings taking place in December. Please refer to the attached FLYER for dates, times, and location details. All sessions will present the same information.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Melissa Springsteen at melissa.springsteen@berrrienresa.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!"

At Watervliet High School, we believe in rewarding strong attendance and consistent academic effort. As we approach the end of the semester, we want to remind students and families about our 3-and-a-B / 5-and-an-A exam exemption policy.

How It Works

Students may skip the final exam in any class if they meet one of the following criteria in that specific class:

✅ Option 1: 3-and-a-B

• 3 or fewer absences

• A grade of B or higher

✅ Option 2: 5-and-an-A

• 5 or fewer absences

• A grade of A

If a student meets either requirement, they earn the privilege of skipping the exam for that class.Why It Matters

This policy rewards good attendance and hard work. It’s our way of recognizing students who consistently show up, engage, and follow through.

Stay Strong Through Winter Break and Beyond
We’re close to the end of Semester 1. Your attendance between now and winter break—and after we return—directly affects your exam exemption eligibility.

Exam Week
Final exams will be held in mid-January.

• If you qualify for an exemption in a class, you do not take the exam for that class.

• You also do not need to be in school during an exam you are exempt from; this is counted as a school-related absence.

This is a great chance to lighten your exam load—keep showing up, stay focused, and finish strong. You’ve got this, Panthers! 🐾💪

IF YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR ATTENDANCE, EMAIL MRS. TYLER at jessica.tyler@watervlietps.org

Below is a important survey related to the selection of our next superintendent. This is a significant decision for the district, and your voice matters. Your feedback will be an important part of the Board of Education’s work as they move forward in this process.

I strongly encourage you to complete the survey. You can also visit the district website for the survey link and an overview of the search timeline.

Superintendent Survey

As official partners with Watervliet Schools, we are committed to keeping you informed about all upcoming events. We understand that sometimes not everything gets home to families

Graduation order packets will be passed out through your seniors English class. If you did not receive one extras are in the HS office or you can click the link below to place your order or see the graduation calalogue.

Jostens will be at school to collect graduation orders on December 8th during lunch. If you miss us you can order online or through the mail. Make sure you get your order placed by December 31st to take advantage of all discounted prices and senior promotions

There is always a special promotion exclusively for seniors! Senior Class rings start at $99 check out flyer. Check out the attached flyer for the new belt buckle program

Also this year Varsity Jackets are available online.

Get started early now click the link below and place your order

Senior Graduation Catalog

Watervliet Graduation order page

Jim Ross

Jostens of southwest Michigan

269-217-6936

Arrival Time & Breakfast Expectations

Students should arrive at school no earlier than 7:45 AM. When students enter the building in the morning, they are expected to go directly to the café for breakfast or to sit in the café until it is time to go to class.

The café is our designated space for students before the school day begins. This helps us:

• Supervise students safely

• Keep hallways clear

• Make sure everyone has the chance to eat and start the day calmly

Please remind your student that when they arrive, they should head straight to the café, stay there until they are dismissed, and follow all café expectations.

Thank you for helping us keep mornings safe, structured, and positive for all of our Panthers. 🐾

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.

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