🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we begin Semester 2 of the 2025–2026 school year, I wanted to share a few important reminders to help your child start the semester strong.

Exam Make-Ups
If your child was absent for an exam or did not take an exam, it is their responsibility to email the teacher as soon as possible to set up a time to complete it. Any exam that is not taken will be entered as a 0% in the teacher’s gradebook, which can significantly impact your child’s ability to pass the class. Please encourage your child to communicate with their teachers promptly to avoid any negative academic impact.

Important Semester 2 Reminders

Please review the following expectations as we move forward:

• TARDIES RESET for the quarter:
  Students receive two free tardies with no consequence each 9 weeks. After that, each additional tardy results in a detention, and parents will be contacted by the Dean. This includes tardies to school. With unpredictable weather in the next few months, encourage your child to leave the house early to be on tome to school.

• Passing Time:
  Students have 5 minutes between classes, with a warning bell ringing one minute before the final bell. Students should use this time efficiently to arrive to class on time.

• ATTENDANCE DOES NOT RESET:
  Attendance totals carry over for the year. If your student is repeatedly absent, you will receive a letter from the school encouraging a meeting. If a student reaches 10 days of unexcused absences, a truancy referral is required. Please save family vacations for designated school breaks.

• WHEN to Stay Home:
  Unless your child has a fever or is actively vomiting, they should be in school. Being present each day is critical for academic success. Your child should return with a medical note if seen by a doctor.

• Attendance Incentives CONTINUE:
  Our 3 and a B and 5 and an A attendance incentives continue for Semester 2. Students who meet these goals have the opportunity to leave school three days early in June, so please encourage your child to be in school every day.

• Cell Phone Policy Reminder:
  Cell phone “freebies” do not reset at the start of Semester 2. If your child has already had a cell phone violation this school year, any additional violation will result in a detention, and a parent will be required to pick up the phone. If another violation occurs after that, the same consequences will apply.

• Failing Grade Communication:
  Once we are a couple of weeks into the new semester, we will resume Monday failing grade phone calls home to ensure families are aware and can partner with us early to support student success.

• After-School Homework Help:
  After-school homework help will continue Tuesday through Thursday for the remainder of the school year. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of this support if they need help with assignments, studying, or organization.

• Dress Code Reminder:

Tops must fully cover the stomach. If a student’s midriff is visible, it will result in a dress code violation and detention. Pajamas are only permitted on Early Release Wednesdays to avoid confusion.Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can help ensure a strong and successful second semester for all students. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Please note that the mandatory Senior Parent Meeting has been rescheduled and will now take place on Thursday, February 5 at 6:00 PM in the High School Media Center, during Parent-Teacher Conferences. This meeting is an important opportunity to review graduation requirements, senior year expectations, and end-of-year activities. We strongly encourage all senior parents/guardians to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

Esports Organizational Meeting
Monday, January 26 | 3:30–4:00 PM

We’ll decide which games and teams we’ll participate in this season and set our schedule. All interested students should attend to learn about available programs and get involved.

🎓 Senior Information 🎓
Seniors, the deadline to order your graduation cap and gown is Friday, January 30. If you need help or have questions, please stop by and see Teri in the main office.

Don’t wait — graduation will be here before you know it! 🎉

❄️ Winterfest Dance — Friday, January 30! ❄️
Guest dance passes are now available in the main office. The deadline to turn in completed forms is Tuesday, January 27 — no late passes will be accepted.

Please note: Guests must be 20 years old or younger.

Get your passes in early and get ready for a great night! 🎉

The Freshman Class will be decorating their Hallway for Winterfest this Saturday at 1pm. All freshmen are encouraged to come. The more that can help the better. If you have any questions, please see Ms. Shannon or Mrs. Zuniga.

🐾 Class of 2028- hallway decorating will be Sunday January 25, 2026 10-3 pm.

There is a REQUIRED dual enrollment meeting for all dual enrolled students for semester 2 on Tuesday, at 10 am or 12:30 pm. If you are dual enrolled you must attend one of these meetings to review expectations. Thank you.

Dear Freshmen Students and Families,

Winterfest is fast approaching, and we are SO excited! Please review the important information below for the upcoming weeks.

Winterfest Dance
The Winterfest Dance will take place on Friday, January 30th.
Guest dance passes are now available in the main office.

• Deadline to submit guest forms: Tuesday, January 27th

• No late passes will be accepted

• Guests must be 20 years old or younger

Hallway Decorating
The Freshman Class will be decorating their hallway for Winterfest on Saturday at 1:00 PM.
All freshmen are encouraged to attend and help make our hallway look great!

Supplies Needed
If you are able to help by purchasing supplies, we would greatly appreciate your support.
An Amazon wish list has been created for your convenience:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/29YUC133G9VET?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwY2xjawPcqH9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeT2hHLo0wDv8O4tPDY-S8iH0mdcIPlocW36V3hbzoyK-Ly6_tX3M6K56rjno_aem_2sl_oMSOE2yLNb6sbF3jsg

Hallway Clean-Up Volunteers
We would love parent help with hallway clean-up on the night of the dance. While students are enjoying the dance, parents can assist with clean-up. The more volunteers we have, the quicker and easier the process will be—many hands make light work!

If you have any questions, please see Ms. Shannon (269-861-5213), Mrs. Zuniga (269-598-4523) or Mrs. Williams (303-817-1910).

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to a fun and successful Winterfest!

Warm regards,
The Freshman Class Team

Chayse Your Dreams: Chayse Ott Trade & Apprenticeship Scholarship is awarding a total of $2600 in 2026 (four $650 scholarships) to Seniors from Watervliet Public School, WAY Program & Coloma Community School.

We would greatly appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with your Seniors! These career paths typically don’t have a lot of scholarship opportunities as well as the students not seeking them. This scholarship is designed to be accessible with very little effort.

No GPA or formal essay required, open to various career paths and funds can be used for several needs.

Please see attached Scholarship flyer for additional information

Application deadline is March 31, 2026

Email applications to: chayseyourdreams21@gmail.com

To earn the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate strong proficiency in English and at least one additional language by graduation.

Requirements:

• Graduate from a Michigan high school

• Meet all English Language Arts graduation requirements

• Demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency in another language through an approved test that the high school will administer on February 25th.

  • Reading

  • Writing

  • Listening

  • Speaking

Why It Matters:

• Seal appears on diploma and transcript

• Strengthens college, scholarship, and job applications

• Can earn college credit at some universities

• Students earn the biliteracy stole to be worn at graduation

If you want to sign up to take this test email Mr. Waggoner at brandon.waggoner@watervlietps.org

Portrait of a Graduate – What You Need to Know

A Portrait of a Graduate is a district-created framework that defines the skills, knowledge, and behaviors every student should have when they graduate in order to be successful in college, careers, and life.

Once created, this Portrait will:

• Guide new programs and curriculum decisions

• Help us evaluate and improve current offerings

• Ensure all students receive the instruction and experiences they need to succeed

Over the next few months, we will gather input from students, families, staff, and community partners. Our goal is to finalize this document by May. I will begin working with high school staff next week during early release time.

If you have any questions or would like to be involved in the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your partnership as we build this important vision for our students.

• Purpose of a Portrait of a Graduate

  A Portrait of a Graduate clearly defines the skills, knowledge, and character traits students need to be successful in college, careers, and life. It helps guide instructional decisions, program development, and curriculum planning, ensuring our educational experiences align with the real-world needs of students. This framework also strengthens collaboration between schools, families, and the community.

  Stakeholder Engagement Plan

  We will gather input from a wide range of stakeholders, including:

  • Students: Student leaders, CTE students, and students representing diverse backgrounds and learning needs

  • Parents & Families: PTO families, parents of students with disabilities, and multilingual/multicultural families

  • School Staff: Teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff

  • Community & Business Partners: Local businesses, healthcare and manufacturing partners, Chamber of Commerce, workforce agencies, and service organizations

  • Faith & Community Organizations: Local clergy, youth leaders, and service organizations

  • Postsecondary Partners: Colleges, trade unions, apprenticeship programs, military recruiters, and technical training centers

  This collaborative process ensures that our Portrait of a Graduate reflects the values, expectations, and aspirations of our entire community.

Indoor Track Update – Two Meets, Strong Performances!

On Saturday, January 17, a few Panthers competed at Aquinas College. Alvin Jones ran a 10.19 in the 60m hurdles and bounced back to win his heat in the 60m dash with a 7.82. Neco Washington made his indoor debut in the 400m, finishing 14th out of 50 with a personal best 57.55.

On Sunday, January 18, Panthers competed at the University of Michigan High School Showcase. Sam Casiano led the way in the 2-mile with a season best 10:32.02, while Allyson Casiano ran a personal best 5:41.96 in the mile.

The season continues next Saturday at GVSU. For more information, contact Coach Tackett at dxpress_1999@yahoo.com.

The Watervliet Girls had their turn at Kalamazoo Central on Sunday, and despite only having four wrestlers participating finished in 7th place out of 30 participating schools. Three Panthers brought home individual medals. Brooklyn Woollett won her final match in sudden victory overtime to come away in 1st place. Maddie Myers also finished in 1st place, pinning her opponent in the final. Ellie Norman dropped her first match of the day, but bounced back quickly, pinning 3 girls on her way to 3rd place. The ladies will join the guys on Wednesday, for two conference duals in South Haven.

The Panther boys wrestled at Kalamazoo Central High School Saturday, finishing 13th in the team standings and bringing him two individuals medals. JT Isbrecht won 5 of his 6 matches and finished in 3rd place while Josh Koch placed 4th, gaining another pin on his season. The guys will be in action again on Wednesday with team duals in South Haven.

Virtue Club Movie Night was a blast! We loved spending time together, sharing laughs, and making memories. We can’t wait for our next activity together!

Quarter 2 Student Reflections: A Snapshot

As part of our commitment to student voice, students reflected on Quarter 2 by sharing what went well, what felt challenging, and what they hope to see improved.

What Went Well:
Students reported strong progress overall, especially in grades, organization, and engagement. Many shared that they are earning A’s and B’s, staying on top of assignments, and feeling more confident in their learning—particularly in math, Spanish, music, and extracurriculars. Students also highlighted positive relationships with teachers, improved attendance, and pride in band, athletics, and clubs.

Challenges:
Some students shared struggles with academic rigor, study skills, workload near exams, and balancing school with activities. Others noted challenges related to attendance, health, schedule changes, grading timelines, and staying focused in class.

Student Suggestions:
Students asked for continued support with grades, study habits, clearer expectations, timely feedback, and engaging instruction. They also shared ideas related to facilities, communication, and wellness.

Looking Ahead:
Overall, student feedback reflects strong engagement and a genuine desire to improve. We are using this input to guide next steps and continue supporting student success.

Prince & Princess Candidates are:

Freshmen: Roman Arndt and Jolie Bertuca

Sophomores: Bryce Strong and Alicea Tuinstra

Juniors: Isaias Mendez and Kalyn Manley

King Candidates: Mark Birmele, Jessie Desjardin, Jeremy Morton, Dimetric White, Tyler Woodson

Queen Candidates: Sienna Bulat, Taylor Green, Leila Liberto-Taylor, Kassandra Riggs, Grace Ripley

...

When class periods are only 20 minutes long, it’s the perfect time for a creativity challenge. We spun a random word wheel to select four objects that had to be combined into a single drawing. Here’s what it looks like when the chosen words are shark, pizza, ballerina, and cowboy boots.

Members of the debate team attended the Watervliet Foundation meeting to express their gratitude for receiving a grant to attend the state debate competition. Members that attended: Lily Collins, Mackenzie Birmele, Jazmine Moses, Brianna Shriver, and Abby Shriver.

1/22/2026

4:00 PM Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity White) South Haven High School South Haven High School

5:30 PM Basketball (Girls Junior Varsity) South Haven High School South Haven High School

5:30 PM Wrestling (MS) SAC Jamboree Watervliet Senior High School (HS Gym)

7:00 PM Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity Maroon)South Haven High School South Haven High School

1/23/2026

5:30 PM Wrestling (MS) Gobles Middle School Girls Invitational Gobles Middle School Girls

Invitational

6:00 PM Basketball (Girls Varsity) South Haven High School Watervliet Senior High School(HS Gym)

7:30 PM Basketball (Boys Varsity) South Haven High School Watervliet Senior High School (HS Gym)

1/27/2026

4:30 PM Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity White) Howardsville Christian

School Covert High School

1/28/2026

6:00 PM Wrestling (Varsity) SAC Quad Parchment High School

1/29/2026

4:00 PM Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity White) Allegan High School Allegan High School

5:30 PM Basketball (Girls Junior Varsity) Allegan High School Allegan High School

7:00 PM Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity Maroon) Allegan High School Allegan High School

1/30/2026

4:00 PM Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity White) Kalamazoo Christian High

School Watervliet High School (HS Gym)

5:00 PM Wrestling (Varsity) Greater Berrien Invite St Joseph High School

6:00 PM Basketball (Girls Varsity) Allegan High School Watervliet Senior High School (HS Gym)

7:30 PM Basketball (Boys Varsity) Allegan High School Watervliet Senior High School (HS Gym)

1/31/2026

9:00 AM Wrestling (Varsity) Fennville Invitational Fennville Public High School

9:00 AM Wrestling (Varsity) Greater Berrien Invite St Joseph High School

It’s that time of year again when we share information about our volunteering and scholarship opportunities for juniors graduating in Spring 2027.

• $2,000 Scholarship: Minimum of 75 volunteer hours
• $3,000 Scholarship: Minimum of 100 volunteer hours

Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals offer a volunteer program designed to give students hands-on experience in the hospital environment. From helping staff with daily tasks to
supporting patients and families, students will gain valuable life skills, grow personally, and explore careers in healthcare.

We welcome students aged 16 and older to volunteer in areas like the emergency department, gift shops, surgery, and more. Whether they have a few hours a week or more to give, there’s a place for them here. Volunteers also become eligible to apply for scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, awarded by the Spectrum Health Lakeland Auxiliary. To qualify, students must complete at least 75 volunteer hours between January 1 and December 31, so starting early in the year is encouraged.
To learn more or apply, click on the link at the bottom of this information.

If you have questions or would like us to speak with your students, feel free to contact:
Julie Legault
Volunteer Services Coordinator – St. Joseph
�� 269-985-4548
�� julie.legault@corewellhealth.org
Mariah Ferraro
Volunteer Services Coordinator – Niles
�� 269-687-1433
�� mariah.ferraro@corewellhealth.org
Thank you for supporting the student volunteer program at Corewell Health Lakeland!

Best Regards,

Julie Legault

Coordinator of Volunteer Services

269.985.4548

julie.legault@corewellhealth.org

1234 Napier Avenue

St. Joseph, MI 49085

Apply to volunteer here: Welcome to Corewell Health Volunteer Services

Volunteer information here: https://corewellhealth.org/volunteer

"Where there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness." –Seneca

Dual Enrollment Expectations & Important Information

We want to ensure that students and families fully understand the expectations and responsibilities associated with dual enrollment. Please review the information below carefully.

College Credit & Academic Responsibility

• Any class registered for and any grade received becomes part of the student’s permanent college record.

• If a student fails a dual enrolled course, it will appear on their college transcript and may negatively impact future college opportunities and scholarships.

Attendance & Participation

• Students are expected to be in their dual enrolled class every day and on time.

• If a student must be absent, they are required to notify their college instructor in advance. Contact information has been provided by the instructor.

• When not in their college class but scheduled during dual enrollment time, students must report to and remain in the online lab or designated classroom and work on their college coursework.

• Students are not permitted to leave the lab/classroom without permission from the main office.

Communication with College Instructors

• Students are expected to email or speak with their college instructor anytime they have questions or concerns.

• It is important that students establish communication early and know how to reach their instructor when needed.

Grades, GPA & Eligibility

• Students earning below a C in a dual enrolled course have failed the course and:

  • May not dual enroll the following semester at the expense of the district

  • Will be required to reimburse the district for the cost of the course

• Students who do not maintain positive attendance and at least a 3.0 GPA are not eligible to dual enroll in future semesters.

Dropping or Withdrawing from a Course

• Students are not permitted to drop or withdraw from a dual enrolled course without first speaking to the counseling office.

• If a student is struggling, they should contact the counseling office immediately.

• Students who withdraw outside of the allowable window will be required to:

  • Reimburse the district for the cost of the course

  • Forfeit eligibility for district-funded dual enrollment the following semester

Parent Communication & Grade Monitoring

• Students are expected to keep parents informed of their progress and grades.

• There should be no surprises at the end of the course regarding pass/fail status.

• Students are required to provide their college grades to the counseling office upon request.

Books & Materials

• If the school has rented a textbook for your student, it must be returned at the end of the semester.

Speeches, Assessments & Class Time

• Any speeches, exams, or assessments for dual enrollment must be completed during the scheduled dual enrollment class time.

• Students are not permitted to leave other high school classes to complete college coursework.

• Students may not pull other students out of class for any reason.

Important Reminder

Dual enrolled courses are college courses, not high school classes. Students are expected to take full ownership of:

• Their learning

• Their work

• Their communication

• Their progress

If you have any questions or if your child is interested in dual enrolling for an upcoming semester, please contact or have your child visit the counseling office.

Jamie Dawson, School Counselor
jdawson@watervlietps.org

Jessica Tyler, Counseling Office Secretary
jtyler@watervlietps.org

Berrien Community Foundation’s scholarship application for 2026 is open to all Berrien County high school/early college seniors, current college students, and adults returning to college. We award close to $500,000 annually to students and adults planning to continue their education.

Thank you for sharing this information with your students; it’s so exciting each year seeing all the applications come in! Continue to encourage those who have not yet done so to complete their FAFSA and their application as early as possible. The deadline to apply is February 10, 2026, and application can be found on our website.

Sharnae Hudson

Program Coordinator

Berrien Community Foundation

2900 S. State St., Ste 2E

St. Joseph, MI 49085

ph: (269) 983-3304 ext. 5

fax: (269) 983-4939

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.

Bathroom Expectations

Bathrooms are for quick and appropriate use only. Students are expected to use the restroom and return to class promptly. Bathrooms are not a place to gather, linger, or socialize.

Important bathroom reminders are as follows:

• Flush.

• Wash Hands.

• Leave the space better than you found it.

• Report any damage to the main office.

Students should go directly to the restroom and return to class without delay. Hanging out, meeting up with friends, or remaining in the bathroom for extended periods is not permitted.

Thank you for helping us keep our school respectful, safe, and focused for all 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.

📅 February Calendar Dates — Important Events for Parents

• February 4 – SAC Meeting, 7:30 AM

• February 5 – Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:00–7:00 PM

  • Senior Parent Meeting, 6:00 PM

• February 6 – Half Day of School

  • Career Fair (morning – all students)

  • 11:40 AM dismissal

• February 9 – No School for Students or Staff

• February 10 – 4th Hour Woodworking Field Trip

• February 12 – Pre-Festival Band Concert, 7:00 PM

• February 17 – Pre-Festival Choir Concert, 7:00 PM

• February 18 – PAC Meeting, 7:00 PM (All parents invited)

• February 23 – PBIS Meeting, 3:15–4:15 PM (All parents and students invited)

• February 24 – 6th Hour Woodworking Field Trip

• February 25 – Early Release Day

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