Panther Print for Parents 🐾

If your child has a concern regarding anyone's safety in the building (student or staff), the Panther Hotline is an anonymous way to report the information to the building principal immediately. It is always preferred that the student come to the office to talk face to face about the concern, however if that is not possible, the Panther Hotline is the best way to get the information to building administration immediately. All students have been emailed this link. It is also posted around the school building.

https://forms.gle/iy8Nep5DZDjZYwsF7

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with Mr. Arter in his room.

Tuesday and Thursday with Mrs. O'Toole and NHS members in her room.

Tuesday with Mr. Dimino (math) in his room.

STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION HOME AT 4 PM.

REPORT TO THE TEACHER'S CLASSROOM BY 3:15 PM.

STUDENTS CAN MEET WITH ANY TEACHER FOR ASSISTANCE--NOT JUST THE TEACHERS THEY HAVE IN CLASS.

At the start of the school year, an assignment notebook was issued to each freshman student. Freshmen teachers stop during each class period to allow time for freshmen to write down the assignments that are due the following days. Teachers are taking a grade for the use of the assignment notebook. Ms. Powers is rewarding students daily who are actively using their assignment notebook to keep track of homework. if your child has lost an assignment notebook, send your child to the office for a replacement. Thank you!

The invitations were handed out to all sophomores and juniors who met the minimum 3.2 GPA requirement. This is the GPA requirement from the National Honor Society. Freshmen are not included because they need to have a minimum of 2 semesters of high school to be invited. Seniors are also not included because they only have about a month after induction before they graduate.

All the students were called down to the guidance office during the day to get their letters, but not all of them picked up their invitation yet. We will be holding a mandatory informational meeting on Tuesday, March 4th to go over application requirements and information about what NHS is about. The application is going to be due on March 27th by 3:10 PM.

Advisers for NHS are Mrs. O'Toole and Mrs. Dawson. Questions can be sent directly to either of them.

Congratulations to the members of Watervliet HS Treble Choir and Concert Choir! Both choirs received Division 1 ratings at the District 6 MSVMA Choral Festival on Tuesday! They delivered beautifully musical performances followed by an exceptional job in sight reading! They represented themselves, our school, and our community with such professionalism and pride.

Alyssa Brown

Makena Edelberg

Sydnee Enders

Emma Ferguson

Zackary Gruszczyk

Lucas Isbrecht

Aubrey James

Ayana Marshall

Riley Preston

Jacob Querfurth

Hector Salguero

Kendra Sanders

Jocelyn Solis

Courtney VanLente

Natalie VanLente

Susannah Weckwerth

Hayden Arnosky

Nicole Bender

Alyssa Briley

Gavin Collins

Logan Eberhard

Owen Epple

Kayden Harrington

Chaz Hart

Irvin Hernandez-Chairez

Maecy Howard

Erick Jimenez-Desantiago

Tyler Kuehl

Chelsea Lange

Victoria Mandujano

Daniel Mandujano-Jimenez

Angel Nerpass

Keegan Pownell

Mackenzie Robards

Amber Robbins

Kimberly Romero-Chairez

Logan Schaefer

Alexander Sexton

Kyra Sullivan

Lilly Summers

Tanner VanNiel

Destiny Warren

Kendra Washington

Gabrielle Wisdom

Clorisa Worley

Jorge Zuniga

The District has implemented a security system that employs the use of key fobs. Staff have the ability to push a button on the fob when there is a safety issue in the building. When that happens, the office staff, and local law enforcement are notified. These fobs stay charged for use and in the teacher's possession at all times. Unfortunately in the last couple of weeks, a few false alarms have taken place when the fob is dropped or bumped. This week, Ms. Powers met with all of the students to remind them of the importance of this system--to keep all students and staff safe. When the alert signals in the building, although it may be a false alarm(and we hope that it is) students are to move quickly to the nearest classroom. The repeated false alarms have caused some students to no longer move with a sense of urgency. Any support/encouragement that you can provide at home to this affect, would be appreciated. Thank you.

Alina Bell

Isabella Bultema

Julian Cardoso

Moeko Crago

Kelsey Howell

Ella Isbrecht

Marissa Lowell

Christopher Parkhurst

Kassandra Riggs

Benjamin Ruland

Austin Tomes

Leila Wells

Ana Aguilera Gallegos

Kaitlyn Angelo

Giovanni Ayala

Nora Billings

Skyler Blaylock

Ezequiel Cardozo-Aviles

Karla Cervantes

Natalaya Desjardin

Joel Doerr

Madison Eberhard

Dennis Frazier

Sophia Grear

Taylor Green

Nathan Harasewicz

Aubrey Hayes

Akira Hill

Mya Hood

Caleb Jewell

Kendal Kiefer

Abigail Klopp

Landon Layer

Kaden Leiter

Samuel Milham

Jada Overton

Jacob Pleyer

Gabriel Richards

Grace Ripley

Jenna Ritter

Jessica Rudell

Hector Salguero Avila

Issabella Sanchez

William Sherrard

Jacob Shunkwiler

Sukhpreet Singh

Addison Smith

Ava Sprague

Breyden Symonds

Izzy Tarantino

Keira Tremblay

Hannah Variell

Brianna Zwar

After 4 years of incredibly hard work, time, and dedication, Luke Isbrecht will be wrestling at Ford Field at the MHSAA State Finals. He will be leaving the high school at noon on Thursday for Detroit. Thursday evening is weight in. Friday morning he will compete! Congratulations and GOOD LUCK Luke!

Hailey Adams

Sofia De Veras Queresma

Eider Fernandez Aranburu

Lucy Logsdon

Kalyn Manley

Angelina Pailleres

Shelby Schlipp

Vivienne Sexton

Mackenzie Webster

Mackenzie Birmele

Ashton Coleman

Braydon Collins

Angelica Daisy

Kyle Domingo-Sturgeon

Miriam Feneley

Norma Gutierrez

Sienna Harris

Abbie Hayes

Ava Hobson

Hanna Ice

Katelynn Kostrzewa

Hanna Lomoro

Leanna Lovell

Maycie Medlin

Isaias Mendez

Olivia Mitchell

Claire Moore

Emma Owens

Liliana Perez

Joelle Petznick

Allison Poole

Jayden Reed

Nahduleigh Robart

Deandre Rose

Nolan Sells

Sofie Shafer

Brianna Shriver

Elizabeth Torres

Isaiah Wendt

Katelyn Brown

Madison Darling

Aiyanna Forrrester

Katorah Hayes

Jonathon Isbrecht

Mckaylen Laws

Miranda Lowell

Cadence Phillips

Jane Rudell

Ava Thomas

Nolan Weckwerth

Chloe Womac

Marley Alsup

Kaylee Bartee

Gianna Berry

Jayden Brassard

Eathan Burnett

Emiliano Cardoso

Melany Cervantes-Aguilera

Lilyahna Collins

Kaden Conklin

Marissa Crotts

Miranda Crotts

Paityn Desjardin

Aaliyah Hernandez

Anahi Howell

Kevin Johnson

Lilliana Kirby

Emma Kirksey

Mason Knight

Sophia Lechuga

Daniel Maack

Lily Maldonado

Brooklyn McCoy

Mattie Medlin

Leah Melton

Marlen Moron

Dakoda Morrison

Eithan Nickell

Zaylea Pates

Sophia Rathfon

Aubree Richardson

Samuel Roland

Brooklyn Schlipp

Cyrus Scott

Karina Short

Brooklyn Smith

Abigail Solis

Joseph Stanisci

Deven Tavolacci

Connor Van Lente

Gilberto Villegas

Brooklyn Wallace

Ethan Westfall

Lucas Wilder

Brooklyn Woollett

Watervliet High School is unique in that our students have access to both Career and Technical Education opportunities through programming in Berrien County and the Van Buren Tech Center. Through these avenues, we can provide daily access to roughly fifty-five Career and Technical programs for our students. Accessing programming both in and out of our county allows us to maximize the number of students who attend programs and earn certifications that allow them to enter apprenticeships or go straight into the skilled workforce post-graduation.

Programming through Van Buren Tech Center offers access to roughly twenty-five Career and Technical Education programs. These include: Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Allied Health Technologies, Auto Technician- Brakes, Engines, & Suspension, Auto Technician - Electrical & Engine Performance, Auto Technician - Maintenance & Light Repair, Business Management & Administration, Careers in Education, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts & Catering Management, Cyber Security & Computer Network Technology, Dental Occupations, Emergency Medical Technician, Engineering & Architectural Design, Fire Science Academy, Graphic Design, Law Enforcement, Marketing Sales & Business, Patient Care, Polymer Technologies, Print Design, Software Engineering, Sports Medicine, and Welding. Students attend Van Buren Tech Center for three hours a day, either in the AM or PM session. Watervliet provides transportation to and from both sessions to maximize the number of students who can participate in programming. Each program at VBTC offers certifications specific to the field of study allowing students to be great candidates for trade school, apprenticeship programs or entering the skilled workforce after graduation. Watervliet students can attend programming at Van Buren Tech Center during either their junior or senior year or both.

Career and Technical Education Programming through Berrien County is set up a little differently as these programs are housed at individual high schools throughout the county instead at a center like in Van Buren County. Roughly thirty Career and Technical Education programs are housed at high schools throughout Berrien County. Students at Watervliet have access to all programs in Berrien County, however there is no transportation for these programs and different schedules at different high schools, and physical distances between high schools can make it difficult to share students throughout the county. Programs offered in Berrien County are: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arts A/V Technology & Communications, Business Management and Administration, Construction, Education & Training, Finance, Health Science, Hospitality & Tourism, Human Services, Information Technology, Law Public Safety Corrections & Security, Manufacturing, Marketing, Science Technology Engineering & Math (STEM), and Transportation Distribution & Logistics. Students who attend programming through Berrien County provide their transportation, and typically attend two or three hours daily. CTE programs through Berrien County also offer certifications that allow students to be good candidates to attend trade school, participate in apprenticeships or enter the skilled workforce after graduation.

Here at Watervliet, forty-one students participate in Career and Technical Education programming through Van Buren Tech Center or Berrien County Career and Technical Education programs daily. These students are gaining valuable hands-on training that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

YOUR SAC met today and reviewed /discussed the following:

1. We reviewed the last of the student survey results. The students opted to take no further action on any of the data.

The student body will be asked to complete another survey at the end of March called MI student voice. If the SAC is able to review the data they will.

2. The members of the team had no concerns or issues to bring to the meeting other than what was already discussed on the agenda. If you are a student and have any concerns that you would like to see addressed in the building, you can reach out to any of the members:

9th Grade: M. Laws, K. Brown, M. Lowell, J. Brassard

10th Grade: A. Poole, N. Gutierrez, H. Adams

11th Grade: M. Crago, K. Tremblay, A. Klopp, N. Desjardin

12th Grade: A. Brown, A. James, J. Zuniga, A. Marshall

3. The team discussed input for parent teacher conferences. The students feel that spring conferences are probably no longer needed due to the amount of information that is always available regarding grades and that teacher to home communication is regular.

4. The students advised Ms. Powers to post the parent meeting like the PAC and other events on the You are from Watervliet FB page to potentially get more engagement. She will do that.

5. Student students discussed 3 and a B and 5 an A again. The opportunity will not change for this year, but changes may possibly be made for next year because of ongoing concerns with both students and staff.

The team will meet again in two weeks. They meet every other Wednesday at 7:30 am in the high school media center.

This presentation will be made to all 8th graders in their social studies classes on Tuesday, March 4th.

FRESHMEN: Eathen Burnett, Katelyn Brown, Ava Thomas, Leneya Taylor, McKaylen Laws, Payton Yeske, Liam Allerman, JT Isbrecht, Branden Saucedo, Miranda Crotts, Marlen Moron, Tori Hayes, Marshall Smith, Jose Cruz-Margarito, Madison Darling, Kaylee Bartee, Chris Murphy, and Ava Bentley

SOPHOMORES: Angelica Daisy, Kyle Domingo, Hanna Ice, Daijahnae Hatcher, Hailey Adams, Makena Guzman, Kalyn Manley, Leanna Lovell, Isaias Mendez, Jess Eldred, Vivienne Sexton, Hanna Lomoro, Allison Poole, and Olivia Mitchell

JUNIORS: Riley Smith, Nora Billings, Natalaya Desjardin, Jaylee Havenaar, Ava Sprague, Kaz Miller, Cole Getz, Ariana Ellsworth, Landon Layer, Abigail Klopp, Leila Wells, Izzy Tarantino, Taylor Green, Sukhpreet Singh, Jack Rodgers, and Anthony Coulombe

SENIORS: Jorge Zuniga, Angel Nearpass, Jewell Burgess, Riley Preston, Alyssa Brown, Maddi Roell, Jocelyn Solis, Ramsey Perez Perez, Nicole Bender, Logan Schaefer, Gavin Collins, Hector Salguero, Erick Jimenez, Kyra Sullivan, Zack Gruszczyk, Trentin Crain, and Alex Wilder

For their last project, students in the sculpture class went big! Drawing inspiration from the large-scale works of artist Claes Oldenburg, they teamed up to create cardboard and paper sculptures, which they then installed around the school for everyone to enjoy.

Last Saturday, students from across the district dedicated their day to helping build the set for Moana Jr. It's coming together wonderfully, and we can't wait for the show to open on Friday, March 14th!

We celebrate March is Reading Month at the high school! Starting Monday, students will hear daily trivia on the announcements in regards to reading and authors. The student with the first correct answer emailed to ms. Powers will win a treat. Thank you to the English teachers for putting this trivia together for us!

I grew up in the Kalamazoo area and graduated from Plainwell High School. In high school, I was active in Band, Choir, Art, Yearbook, the School Newspaper, and NHS.

I went to Western Michigan University twice. I hold Bachelor and a Masters degrees in Music Education.

I teach Fifth Grade Band at North, 6th and 7th/8th Bands at the Middle School, Jazz Band and HS (Marching/Concert) Band at the HS. I also assist with school musicals and do scheduling for the auditorium. Additionally, I am the Vice President of the Michigan Competing Band Association and past president of the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association, District 6.

My husband, Mark, and I live in Lawton. Mark teaches music at Southwestern Michigan College, but before that directed bands in Buchanan, Edwardsburg, and Blissfield. My daughter, Anna, graduated from the University of Michigan STAMPS College of Art and Design and is currently traveling. We also have a dog, Ali, and two cats Lily and Max.

My favorite thing to do is travel! Last summer, we spent three weeks in Europe visiting various cities in France, Spain, and Italy. The summer before, we took a trip to Oahu, Hawaii. I am also very into cooking and gardening. I also spend a lot of time as an active musician and adjudicator.

I am proud to be a Panther because here in Watervliet, we have supportive staff members and students that are willing to work hard to accomplish their goals. This has been my second home for 27 years! I am of course extremely proud of the band program's growth and accomplishments over those many years… especially our MCBA State Championship title.

Friday, February 28

TBA Wrestling - State Individual @ Ford Field

Saturday, March 1

TBA Wrestling - State Individual @ Ford Field

Wednesday, March 5

7:00 PM Girls Basketball Watervliet vs Bangor - Second Round Districts @ Bangor High School

TBA MSBOA Concert Band Festival

Thursday, March 6

TBA MSBOA Concert Band Festival

I have parents calling nonstop about SAT Prep option for this APRIL Test. Can you share this with JUNIOR PARENTS and Juniors!? My webinars this year have been a huge succes for hundreds of students thus far in 2025.

This SAT Prep is 15 hours, LIVE via Webinar (and ON DEMAND), and only $75. PLEASE SHARE EMAIL BELOW (below the line) w/ Junior Parents and Juniors. Thank you!

"Dr. Carlin's impact on students' SAT performance is undeniable, with hundreds achieving significant score improvements under his guidance. Dr. Carlin demystifies the test, helps students feel more confident, and gives them usable strategies to navigate the test. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Carlin to anyone wanting to improve their score and to any adminstrator wanting to help their school's student achievement on the SAT and PSAT."

~ Jerry Holtgren, Principal ~

Lakeshore High School, Stevensville, MI (FEB 2025)

Scott Carlin <drscottcarlin@gmail.com>

We'd like to share with you this amazing opportunity for high school students who want to further develop their love of the arts! The Wood Family Arts Scholarship will award up to two $1,500 scholarships to incoming 9th-12th grade students who are going to summer arts camps or intensive programs this year.

The deadline to apply for this brand-new scholarship opportunity is Saturday, March 15.

The Wood Family’s participation in music goes back several generations to Doug’s grandpa Archie, who entertained Great Lakes cruise ship passengers in the 1930s. Jill and Doug believe that arts education is critical to educational, social and personal growth and, with a little luck, builds a skill that can bring lifelong joy to the student.

Learn more about this opportunity at www.berriencommunity.org/WoodFamilyArtsScholarship. To learn about other scholarship opportunities for summer arts programming, visit www.berriencommunity.org/SummerArtsScholarships.

I’ve attached a flyer for the scholarship if you would like to display it.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best,

Susan Matheny

Program Director

Berrien Community Foundation

(269) 983-3304

Tanya Hagen | Office Assistant

2900 S. State St., Ste 2E

St. Joseph, MI 49085

This is an an exciting day! Your District Rotary Youth Exchange Team is now offering a SHORT-TERM EXCHANGE PROGRAM (STEP)! This is in response to many students that expressed interest in a summer-only youth exchange program.

Specifics of the programs are:

1. Two different types of STEP are available:

1. Camp – Usually 10 days – 2 weeks; campers are from around the world; highly competitive to be accepted; age ranges vary by camp, with most taking 13 to 18 year olds. See attached list. Note the application deadlines, age limits, and more information under column marked “PDF Flyer.”
2. Family to Family: This program offers a Michigan student a 2-3 week stay with a family in another country with a student approximately the same age. After the 2-3 weeks then the student from other country comes to the Michigan student’s family for 2-3 weeks. Age requirement: 15-1/2 to 18-1/2.
3. Applications for Camps are OPEN; Deadline see camp schedule. For Family to Family: March 31, 2025. Find a student interested and let us know where they want to go! It's that simple!

1. Costs vary, but are minimal.
   1. There will be a per diem cost for insurance, plus some program costs to the district for administration. Air fare will be the responsibility of the family.
   2. No VISAs are required.
   3. Passports must be up to date; expiration date beyond 9/1/2025.

1. The application process is not as long as Long Term; however, must be done promptly to ensure placement. Requirements include:
   1. Student application with medical information;
   2. Student’s parents complete a Host Family application for Family-to-Family program;
   3. Background checks are required for the Family-to-Family program.
   4. Student and family interviews will be held with Rotary District and Club Officers to verify eligibility and suitability.

Questions? Please feel free to contact Rotary District 6360 STEP coordinators: Danielle Plichta – 269-491-0800; djplichta@lpslancer.net
Cathy Jo Mattson – 901-218-0192; cathyjomattson@gmail.com

Rotary Youth Exchange – a peace building program one student at a time!
Sincerely in Rotary,
Margie Haas
District 6360
Youth Exchange Chair

On March 25th at 2:15 any student with a 504 plan or an IEP can join Rhi Cross to hear this presentation personally in the high school media center.

Mar 1st Deadline to earn $50 gift card for FAFSA completion

Mar 10th Local scholarship applications available

Mar 27th Deadline for Teacher Pie in the Face for FAFSA completion

Mar 28th Senior picture due to yearbook

April 11th Local scholarship applications due

April 17th--NO SCHOOL FOR SENIORS DUE TO TESTING INTHE BUILDING

April 25th community service hours are due to Mrs. Richcreek to wear a cord at graduation

May 5th Decision Day 10 am auditorium DATE CHANGE!!

May 5th Memory Board Poster due to the HS

May 6th Senior class photos due for Baccalaureate presentation

May 10th Prom 8-11 PM Union and Social St. Joe

May 11th After Prom 12 AM -5:30 AM Mishawaka

May 14th Senior Scholarship/Academic Awards 6 PM Auditorium

May 16th Graduation speeches are due to Ms. Powers for review

May 20-23 Senior Exams

May 21st Senior check-out sheets are due to Mrs. Richcreek

May 23rd 3:10 Deadline for grades and passing all classes to walk at graduation

May 23rd All fees and fines due

May 23rd 10 AM process through school buildings

May 23rd Car Parade 4 PM Old Mill Site

May 23rd Senior Sunset Silver Beach

May 28th Baccalaureate 6 PM Auditorium

May 29th Senior Field Day

May 29th Senior Picnic 2 PM

May 29th Graduation Practice 3:15 PM in the media center (required in order to walk at graduation)

May 30th Graduation– Students meet in the media center by 5:30 PM; group photos begin at 5:45 sharp, graduation start at 6:30 PM in the stadium

SENIORS PICTURES FOR THE YEARBOOK!

It's time to submit Senior Portraits to ring in the 2025 graduates in our Yearbook. Our deadline is March 28, 2005 (Spring Break)

Please upload your portraits through https://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/?code=49098

Senior portraits must be a VERTICAL headshot, but hands and/or upper body may be visible if desired. No props, hats that obscure the face, or distracting backgrounds, please.

Portraits must be of professional quality, at least 300 DPI, and 500 KB or larger. We CANNOT accept screenshots, proofs, links to photographer’s websites or portraits with the photographer’s logo.

Below is a help in navigating the upload process.

We will take a group of interested students by school bus on this trip. Look for a permission slip in the guidance office soon.

We are excited to announce that 2025 Yearbooks are now on sale. Dec. 1 - 20.

Discounted presale price is $45 which includes a free name stamp on the cover. Students may purchase during school from a yearbook staff member or Mrs. Brant. Make checks payable to Watervliet Public Schools.

Yearbooks can also be purchased online through this link: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/2956

After Dec. 20, yearbooks will be $50 and optional name stamps an additional $5.

Mr. Coburn is the Michigan Adviser college adviser that is assigned to work with seniors in both the Watervliet and Coloma school districts. He has already met with each Senior at least one time this year in order to establish how can assist each in achieving their plans for life after high school. Seiors and their parents can meet with him as needed. Feel free to reach out to him at christopher.coburn@watervlietps.org.

Do you want to know more about our standards based learning and grading initiative? Be sure to visit our informational page that explains how we assess and grade in the standards based system. If you have questions, please be sure to speak with your student's teacher or principal.

Each week of the school year, the faculty at the high school will review with your child the expectations in one area of the building. The purpose of teaching and reviewing these expectations with your child is to 1. Make sure they understand the expectations in the building and 2. Assist them in having success at the high school. Please review the expectations below with your child. The expectations below will be reviewed during this coming week.

Parent/guardian input and feedback is always important at the high school. We are always in search of parents to serve on the Student Advisory Council to the Principal for the 24-25 school year. All meetings are held in person. Any high school parent is welcome to attend anytime. Mark your calendar now to attend these meetings and provide your input. All meetings are held at 7 PM in the high school media center.

March 26

April 30

May 21

Each month, the high school hosts and provides educational sessions for parents on a variety of topics aimed at preparing students for life after high school.These presentations will again take place during the 24-25 school year. Mark your calendar for these important sessions. All sessions are held at 6 PM in the high school media center

(intended for the parents of 9th-11th graders)

March (date to be determined) Accommodations in College Night (intended for the parents of students with IEPs and 504 plans planning on post secondary training)

April 23 Dual Enrollment Night (intended for parents of 9th-11th graders interested in earning college credit free while in high school)