🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

This week in AP Biology, students focused on constructing phylogenetic trees and cladograms, practicing their skills through various methods, including pipe cleaners, chalk markers, and traditional paper and pencil methods.

Our Red Ribbon Week banner in the main hallway represents a schoolwide commitment to staying drug-free and making positive choices. Every Panther signed the banner as a pledge to protect their future.

On Thursday, students also added a personal goal for their future—a reminder that the choices we make today shape the opportunities we’ll have tomorrow.

We are proud of our Panthers for thinking about their future selves and committing to a healthy, successful path forward. 🐾❤️

This week, Mrs. Dawson visited our English 12 classrooms to help seniors with their college applications, the Common App, and FAFSA planning. Students received step-by-step guidance and had time to ask questions and begin their applications during class.

If you’d like to review the same information shared with students, please see the presentation linked below.

Mrs. Dawson is an excellent resource for post-secondary planning. Please encourage your senior to reach out to her if they would like additional help with applications, essays, FAFSA, or exploring college and career options. We are here to support every student’s next step! 🎓✨

This week, Ms. Powers was presented with a commemorative plaque recognizing her participation in the U.S. Marine Corps Educators Boot Camp in May 2025. The program offered educators from across Michigan an inside look at Marine Corps training, leadership, and character development.

Pictured below are Corporal Sheber, who organized the experience for Michigan educators, and Mr. Brandon Waggoner, our Curriculum Director, joining Ms. Powers for the presentation.

We are proud of Ms. Powers for representing Watervliet High School and bringing back lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance that inspire our students every day. 🐾

The Student Advisory Council is a team of students from all grade levels who meet with the principal every other Wednesday to review school data, discuss building initiatives, and share student voice. SAC members provide feedback, suggestions, and creative ideas to help make Watervliet High School an amazing place to learn, grow, and belong. Their leadership plays a key role in shaping the culture and continuous improvement of our school.

Date: 10.29.25

Topic: 3-Question, 9-Week Student Survey — Highlights & Next Steps

Key Takeaways from Student Feedback

• Math pacing & clarity

  • Many students asked for slower pacing and more explanation in math; math emerged as a primary academic concern.

• CKH impact

  • Students credited Capturing Kids’ Hearts with improving culture and climate.

• Access to support

  • Students requested a drop-box outside Counseling where they can submit a short form to request follow-up from a counselor or administrator.

• Hallway flow

  • Students believe congestion is best addressed by walking on the right and keeping movement steady; they did not identify other structural fixes.

• Organization tools

  • Students don’t feel new systems are needed; they emphasized using Canvas and Canvas calendars consistently.

• Study Skills option (’25–’26)

  • Interest in a Study Skills course that blends a structured curriculum with work time (similar to LAB classes) for students who need it.

• CTE/Tech lunch window

  • Ongoing concern that tech students lack sufficient time for lunch.

• Facilities

  • Senior hallway bathrooms remain the top facilities concern for students.

Context from the group discussion: While all responses were reviewed, the SAC noted that some suggestions weren’t feasible; the group prioritized items with clear impact and practicality.

Immediate/Proposed Actions

• Admin: Pilot a student support request drop-box (physical + Google Form QR) with a same-day/next-day triage plan.

• Hallways: Reinforce a “keep right, keep moving” reminder (signage + PA mentions + teacher prompts).

• Organization: Continue Canvas calendar modeling and brief reteaches during CKH “Good Things” or bell work.

• Study Skills Course: Explore feasibility for 2026-2027 master schedule (scope, staffing, enrollment criteria).

• CTE/Tech Lunch: Admin to review schedules/transport windows and propose adjustments if possible.

• Facilities: Submit a work order/cleanliness check for the senior hallway bathrooms and communicate timelines to students.

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! 🐾

A huge shout-out to Mrs. Simmons in English 9!
She pulled up the class Social Contract and connected it directly to the novel they are reading — showing students exactly how the expectations we agree on live inside our learning, our discussions, and how we treat one another. 💬📚

This is exactly how the Social Contract becomes meaningful:
✅ Students connect it to real content
✅ It guides how we learn and interact
✅ It reinforces our shared classroom norms
✅ And it grows student ownership and leadership

Way to go, Mrs. Simmons! 🎉
Thank you for modeling what Capturing Kids’ Hearts looks like in action.
You are awesome, and your students are lucky to have you! 🐾❤️

#PantherPride #CKH #RelationshipsFirst #TeachingMagic

I’m reaching out from Creative Landscaping & Design in St. Joseph, where I’ve worked in management since retiring from St. Joseph Public Schools after 25 years.

As you support the Class of 2026, please keep us in mind for seniors who are still exploring next steps. We offer careers (not just jobs) with training and advancement in:

• Athletic field maintenance & sport-turf care (grooming/laser grading)

• Commercial & residential lawn maintenance

• Bed/turf management and pesticide certification pathways

We set high expectations and invest in growth—wage increases tied to skills, opportunities across construction, maintenance, and even administration. We’re a 100% tobacco- and alcohol-free workplace and hire for character and core values.

If a student comes to mind, I’d be grateful for a recommendation. Please feel free to share my contact info below.

Thank you for all you do for students. Wishing you a great finish to fall and a smooth transition into winter!

Warmly,
KENNY SCHMALTZ
Creative Landscaping & Design
Maintenance Account Manager & Turf Technician
Address: 5360 M-139 St. Joseph, MI 49085
Office: 269-473-1356 Cell: 269-921-6221

What's happening in AP Seminar

Students in AP Seminar gave presentations on their independent research reports they've been working on extensively. Here, Jane Ruddell, Madison Darling, Katelyn Brown, Ava Thomas, and Lily Collins presented a complex issue of the negative impacts of history repeating itself, identifying exigent factors such as the polarization of politics and racial disparities. Middle school teachers were able to watch their practice and invited them to present to their middle school.

Tuesday, our entire 9th grade class visited Southwestern Michigan College (SMC)! This experience is designed to help our freshmen see themselves on a college campus and begin imagining the possibilities for their future. For many students, this is their first time stepping foot onto a college campus — and we want them to know that college is reachable, real, and an option for them.

Students will explore academic programs, tour campus spaces, and learn about the different pathways available after high school — whether that’s a certificate program, two-year degree, or transferring to a university. This visit supports our mission of helping every Panther begin building their vision for life after graduation.

We believe our students are capable of great things — and tomorrow is about seeing their future up close. 🐾✨

FRESHMEN

• Aleksander Rogers
• Dallas Clark
• Owen Williams
• Antonio Perez
• Remington Burke
• Layla Klimkiewicz
• Jolie Bertuca
• Kenadi Scott
• Erik Saucedo
• Andrea Ortega

SOPHOMORES

• Nolan Weckwerth
• Daniel Maack
• Cam Pickens
• Katelyn Brown
• Brooklyn Schlipp
• Miranda Crotts
• Bryce Strong
• Eithan Nickell
• Ethan Westfall
• Brooklyn Woollett
• Payton Yeske
• Madalein Myers
• Emma Solares
• Jose Cruz-Margarito
• Ava Thomas

JUNIORS

• Liz Leblang
• Lucy Logsdon
• Aaron Alvarado
• Mackenzie Webster
• Ashton Coleman
• Liliana Perez
• Joelle Petznick
• Angelica Daisy
• Nahduleigh Robart
• Hailey Adams
• Isabella Clark
• Maycie Medlin
• Shelby Schlipp
• Trent Geike

SENIORS

• Sophie Grear
• William Sherrard
• Riley Smith
• Kami Rathfon
• Cole Getz
• Issabella Sanchez
• Sam Milham
• Anthony Coulombe
• Ben Ruland
• Kaden Leiter
• Giovanni Ayala
• Dimetric White
• Felipe Garcia
• Jada Overton
• Moeko Crago

At WHS, we believe that every student has a voice and that leadership is something we practice every day—not just something we talk about. As part of our Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) framework, we look for meaningful ways to empower students, build confidence, and create spaces where they can lead.

One example of this is our Senior Announcement Readers. Each morning, the announcements are read by senior students, hand-selected by Ms. Powers for their responsibility, positivity, and presence in the school community.

🎙️ Today’s announcements were read by Giovanni Ayala — click on the link below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/129FisZG46DWIoZ7RqSU-EjDLWpbD8ni-/view?usp=sharing

Our 2025 Senior Announcement Team includes:
• Grace Ripley
• Natalaya Desjardin
• Chris Parkhurst
• Moeko Crago
• Giovanni Ayala

These students set the tone each day by modeling confidence, strong communication, and Panther Pride. We are proud of them! 💜🐾

Shout out to Jen Hollandsworth for all the millions of hours of hard work, blood, sweat, tears, and heart she's poured into our Marching Band. You have built an amazing program. Best of luck at State on Saturday!

We start class with Good Things to build belonging, boost confidence, and practice speaking/listening—small wins that strengthen our classroom community and set a positive tone for learning.

In Mrs. Riedinger’s room, students form groups of 3, each share, and everyone gets a number (1–3). She calls a number, and that student shares their group’s highlight with the whole class.

Simple, joyful, and powerful—every voice gets heard. 💜🐾

#PantherPride #CKH #GoodThings #Belonging

At Watervliet High School, each class creates a Social Contract — a shared agreement between students and teachers about how they want to treat one another. These contracts are a cornerstone of our Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) model, helping every student feel valued, respected, and connected.

This month, our woodworking students took the idea to a whole new level — literally! They designed and built their own social contracts on hand-crafted wooden boards. Each signature, carved or painted, represents a commitment to teamwork, responsibility, and mutual respect.

These creative displays are a powerful reminder that at WHS, students don’t just talk about positive culture — they build it with their own hands. 🐾❤️

This month, WHS students had the chance to complete a 60-second, three-question survey sharing their thoughts on how the first nine weeks of the school year have gone. Their responses offered a wonderful glimpse into what’s working well so far — and what’s helping them feel successful at school.

🧠 Students shared that strong study habits, time management, and staying on top of assignments are paying off. Many are using planners, highlighting notes, and setting aside daily study time to stay organized and improve test performance.

🏫 They also praised their class schedules, supportive teachers, and the Standards-Based Grading system, which helps them understand where they stand and how to improve. Small but impactful routines — like the one-minute warning bell — are helping students arrive on time and stay focused.

👩‍🏫 Teacher relationships continue to make a powerful difference. Students described their teachers as “fun,” “inspiring,” and “motivating,” and many shared that they feel comfortable asking questions and learning from mistakes.

🎨 Hands-on and active learning in classes like art, woods, theatre, PE, and weight training stood out as favorites, along with social studies and Spanish for their engaging content.

💬 Students also highlighted the positive environment at WHS, from calm classrooms and supportive peers to the sense of balance created by manageable workloads and structured routines.

❤️ Overall, students expressed gratitude for their teachers, the supportive school climate, and the chance to share their voices. Their feedback helps us continue building a school where every student feels connected, capable, and confident.

Last week, our student-led Virtue Club kicked off the fall season with their annual bonfire — a night filled with warmth, reflection, and Panther Pride!

The Virtue Club is open to any WHS student or staff member who wants to grow in character, kindness, and connection. The group meets for Reflection Time every Friday at 7:30 AM in the high school cafeteria.

All are welcome to join this amazing student-led group as they continue to spread positivity and purpose throughout our school!

#PantherPride #VirtueClub #WHSStrong #CantStopWontStop

At WHS, we are committed to creating a positive and welcoming learning environment for all students. As part of our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports) framework, we intentionally teach, model, and recognize behaviors that help everyone learn and feel respected.

This week, all students will be reviewing our Media Center expectations during their 2nd-hour classes. Students will practice what this looks like when they visit the Media Center—such as:

• Entering calmly and ready to learn

• Using inside voices and respectful language

• Keeping phones and devices out of sight

• Treating furniture with care

Please talk with your child about how these shared expectations help make the Media Center a quiet, safe, and supportive place to study, collaborate, or simply enjoy reading.

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.

• Wednesday, November 5
  🎙️ Debate Day — League 3
  ⏰ Early Release — Dismissal at 1:10 PM

  Thursday, November 6
  🚌 All 10th Graders visit The University of Olivet

  Friday, November 7
  🥞 Student of the Month Breakfast — 8:10 AM

  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

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! 🐾

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Watervliet High School is pleased to offer each grade level one facilitated college campus visit each year. This year, the Sophomore Class (10th grade) will be visiting:

Destination: The University of Olivet– Olivet, Michigan
Date: Thursday, November 6th
Departure: The bus will leave WHS at 8:15 a.m.
Return: Students will return by 2:30 PM —students will eat lunch at the university.

The visit will be supervised by WHS teachers and a school counselor. Because this is the scheduled sophomore class campus visit, if your child is in school that day, he/she is expected to attend.

• 🚌 Students will travel by school bus.

• 👟 Students should wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as there will be lots of walking and students will be outside for part of the morning.

• ⚠️ Students who are inattentive, disrespectful, or disruptive during this trip will not be allowed to attend future trips.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Ms. Powers at the high school office.

Thank you for supporting this opportunity for our Panthers to begin exploring college and career pathways!

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop – Panther Pride! 🐾

AGENDA FOR THE VISIT

Arrival: 9:45am

Welcome/Presentation: 10:00am

Campus Tour: 10:30am

Lunch: 11:30am, and then you can head back once your group is finished eating

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