🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

please complete the form below. If you do not complete the form, a spot will not be reserved for you. If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Dawson. https://forms.gle/qxRCgVfais3R8Ne27

Congratulations to our February 2026 Students of the Month! These outstanding students were celebrated this morning at a special breakfast with their families in recognition of their hard work, character, and contributions to our school community.

Pictured from left to right are: Aaron Alvarado, Bryce Strong, Caroline Weber, Daniella Romero Chairez, and Leila Liberto Taylor. During the celebration, each student also added their handprint to the Pride of the Prowl wall, which you can see behind them, leaving their mark as part of this special recognition.

Three of our Students of the Month were unable to attend the celebration, but for very good reasons. Dylan Collins is currently on the senior class trip, Madalein Myers is cheering on our wrestlers at the state competition, and Max Kirby is representing our school on the Science Olympiad trip.

We are incredibly proud of these students and the way they represent Panther Pride each and every day. Their dedication, leadership, and positive example remind us that at Watervliet, it’s Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! 🐾

Registration is now open for 26-27 classes at Lake Michigan College! If you are interested, please see Mrs. Tyler to grab registration forms and look at class options.

See some current WPS students and alumni in this musical phenomenon based on Daniel Wallace's novel and Tim Burton's acclaimed film has enchanted audiences worldwide with the tall tales and deep truths of Edward Bloom's remarkable life.

Giants. Witches. A love story for the ages. And at the center of it all, a son's quest to know his father before it's too late.

Get tickets for this limited engagement today!
LMC students get free admission, 18 and under $5
https://www.themendelcenter.com/events/detail.html?calendarid=253

Spanish 2, the first hour class is supporting March is Reading Month by decorating our door by using the book we are reading! One funny part, one student put Easter Eggs in our design to show countries where the book is set.

To celebrate, students created a chain link garland of every book they read this school year. The garland is displayed throughout our lobby and hallway. Additionally, students' favorite books were displayed as ornaments on Mrs. Adams "book tree". Teachers are decorating their doors with favorite books, ELA teachers are conducting a page # competition, and the whole school will have a read-in on the half day before Spring Break. Students and staff love to celebrate literacy!

Classrooms across the building are celebrating March is Reading Month by decorating their classroom doors in creative and book-themed designs. It has turned into a friendly competition between classrooms, and many teachers have become very competitive—and even a little secretive—about their designs!

It has been great to see students and staff come together to celebrate reading in such a fun and engaging way. 📚

Here is S1 Honor Roll. Principal's List is all As, Honor Roll is 3.0 or higher semester GPA with Cs or higher.

On Wednesday, seniors Moeko Crago and Natalaya Desjardin spoke with WSBT about completing their FAFSA and earning their $100 Visa gift cards as part of our school’s effort to encourage seniors to complete the financial aid process. Their willingness to share their experience helps highlight how important the FAFSA is in opening doors to college, training programs, and financial support after graduation.

You can watch the full story at 6:00 PM on Monday night on CBS/WSBT South Bend. We are proud of Moeko and Natalaya for representing Watervliet so well and helping encourage their classmates to take this important step toward their future.

We are excited to share that Watervliet High School will be hosting our annual Women Who Inspire Us Day next week in honor of National Women’s History Month.

On this special day, we will run an early release schedule. Students will attend all of their regularly scheduled classes during the morning and will be dismissed from their academic schedule at 1:10 PM.

Beginning at 1:10 PM, students will rotate back through their classes 1–7 on an abbreviated schedule. During each rotation, a guest speaker will be in the classroom sharing her story, experiences, leadership lessons, and words of encouragement. This allows every student to hear from seven different female leaders throughout the afternoon.

This event is not a career fair. Instead, it is an opportunity for students to listen to authentic stories of perseverance, leadership, resilience, and courage from women who are making an impact in our community and beyond.

We are incredibly grateful to our Student Planning Committee, whose vision, organization, and leadership brought this day to life. Thank you to: Aiyanna, Payton, Coral, Joelle, and Daisy!

Student Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting Minutes
Date: March 4, 2026
Location: Watervliet High School
Facilitator: Ms. Powers

Portrait of a Graduate Discussion
Students met with Mr. Waggoner to begin discussing Watervliet High School’s Portrait of a Graduate. During the conversation, students were asked to think about the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that every WHS graduate should possess when they leave our school. Students shared a wide range of thoughtful ideas and perspectives. Once Mr. Waggoner compiles the feedback from the group, the information will be shared with the broader school community.

Teacher of the Month Program
The council discussed the Teacher of the Month recognition program. Moving forward, the Student Advisory Council will facilitate this program. A voting link was sent out to students again this morning to encourage participation. The SAC will review the nominations, select the monthly winner, and publicly recognize the teacher each month.

Standards-Based Grading (SBG) Question
A student raised a question about Standards-Based Grading, specifically asking why students are not allowed to turn in work late if the goal is for students to learn the material. It was explained that allowing unlimited late work can make it difficult for teachers to determine whether a student truly did not understand the material or simply chose not to complete the work on time. However, students were reminded that retaking assessments is an appropriate and important way to demonstrate learning within the SBG system.

Next Steps

• Await compiled feedback from Mr. Waggonner on the Portrait of a Graduate discussion.

• Continue collecting student votes for Teacher of the Month and recognize the selected teacher publicly.

To whom it may concern,

We are writing with an important update regarding the GALS Michigan (Girls on Outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science) program. The student application deadline has been extended from March 2nd to March 16th, 2026!

We would greatly appreciate your help sharing this updated information with students who may be interested. Attached is a flyer with program details, and additional information is available on our website.

GALS is a free, two-week summer science and outdoor learning program for Michigan high school students. Participants learn science through hands-on field experiences with Michigan State University scientists while backpacking and conducting investigations in the lower peninsula. We especially encourage students who have had limited access to outdoor or experiential science opportunities; academic performance is not a selection factor.

Please feel free to share the flyer and updated deadline widely with students, families, and colleagues. Thank you for your continued support, and please reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,
The GALS Michigan Team

GALS Team

MSU’s W.K. Kellogg Biological Station

Visit KBS online: www.kbs.msu.edu

GALS Website: https://galsmi.weebly.com

My family includes my dad, Cory, who works as a machinist/operator for LECO, and my sister Lily, who is a sophomore at the high school. My favorite class this year has been U.S. History In Depth because I enjoy gaining a deeper perspective on important topics like the Holocaust and the Vietnam War. Likewise, my favorite teacher is Mr. Andrews—not just because he teaches my favorite class, but also because of the respect and influence he commands in the classroom, as well as how kind-hearted he is.

Outside of school, I spend much of my time working at McDonald’s in Coloma. After high school, I plan to attend Southwestern Michigan College to pursue a career in Finance or Education.

My family consists of my mom and dad, my two older sisters, and my younger brother. My dad works for the school, and my mom is a travel nurse. My two older sisters are in college, and my brother is a freshman this year.

My top two favorite classes are Personal Finance with Mr. Diimino and Girls' Weight Training with Mr. Tremblay. Both classes are so much fun and help me improve in many ways. Both teachers want the best for their students and are incredibly supportive.

During the school year, I play volleyball, basketball, and softball, and I have loved every minute of it. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my dogs and rabbits, and being with friends.

After high school, I plan to attend college and become a lawyer. There will definitely be some challenging moments, but it will be worth it when I can help others. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because it provides opportunities for me to grow academically and personally.

It was a pleasure having Carrie Wilder join our Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) class to share her professional journey and industry expertise. As a proud Purdue University alumna, Carrie opened up about how her collegiate experiences laid the foundation for a dynamic career in Human Resources.

She provided an insider’s look into the specialized world of Global Mobility, explaining the complexities of managing a workforce that spans international borders. From navigating the logistics of relocation to understanding the cultural nuances of global talent management, Carrie highlighted the critical role HR plays in keeping a modern company connected. Her insights offered our students a clear bridge between the classroom and the high-stakes world of international business.

I have eight family members. My favorite class is a very close tie between ASL and AP U.S. History. ASL is very interesting and is allowing me to expand my linguistic skills. As for AP U.S. History, I’ve always loved history and learning more about it. Mr. Linderman teaches in a way that makes it easy to understand, and I’ve enjoyed his class since freshman year when I took his World History course.

My favorite teacher is also a close tie between Mrs. Irmen and Mr. Linderman. Both of their classrooms are great places to be; they make learning easy and always manage to put a smile on your face.

I play soccer and basketball for the school, which takes up much of my free time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I plan to attend LMC and major in History. I’m proud to be a Panther because of all the people I’ve met and the lessons I’ve learned that will carry me through the rest of my life.

Some members of my family are farmers, and I live with them. I do not live with my mom and dad because of school.

My favorite class is Wood Shop because Mr. Dennison is a really fun teacher.

I am not involved in any clubs or sports.

In my free time, I enjoy 3D printing.

My plan after high school is to join a trade program.

This past weekend, Watervliet was proudly represented at the MITCA/MITS State Track Meet at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids by two outstanding student-athletes: Emerson Bohle and Allison (Ally) Casiano.

The competition began Friday evening with Ally competing in the 800M run. She finished with a strong time of 2:34.8 — just a couple of seconds off her personal best — marking a solid start to what would be a busy weekend of racing.

On Saturday, both athletes returned to the track. Ally competed as the opening leg of the Distance Medley Relay (1200M, 400M, 800M, 3200M), running an impressive 1200M in 4:03. With noticeably fresh legs, she delivered a strong performance for her team.

Emerson competed in the 200M Dash. Having previously raced on a 300M track (with only one turn in the 200M), this meet presented a new challenge on a 200M track requiring two tight turns. She handled the adjustment well, finishing in 29.34 — just off her personal record — and was the third fastest 7th grader in the field. An incredible accomplishment!

Sunday proved to be an exciting day for both athletes.

Emerson opened the day in the 60M Dash, entering ranked 10th out of 20 competitors. She delivered a blazing 8.65 seconds — a new personal record by .3 seconds — moving up to a 9th place finish, narrowly missing All-State honors by just one spot.

Ally followed in the 1600M run, seeded 9th overall. Competing in the fastest heat pushed her to an outstanding time of 5:32.92. She moved up two spots to finish 7th overall, earning a medal and an All-State finish — a tremendous accomplishment!

Emerson closed out the weekend in the 400M, running 67.45 seconds, just .4 seconds off her PR, and finishing exactly where she was seeded entering the race.

Overall, it was an impressive weekend of competition and growth for both athletes. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, determination, and representation of Panther Pride at the state level.

Indoor season may be wrapping up, but outdoor track begins in just a couple of weeks — and we’re excited to see what’s ahead!

Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop. 🐾

My family includes my dad, Daniel, who works as a sales representative for Four Branch; my mom, Jacqueline, who works as a nurse clinical coordinator at Elara Home Care; my older brother Brenden, who is a senior in the WAY program at Watervliet; and my younger brother Brayden, who is a sixth grader at Watervliet.

My favorite class this year is Basic Woodworking because I enjoy working with my hands and designing and creating new things. My favorite teacher is Mr. Dennison because he is an amazing teacher, and I really enjoy his class.

I play football, will be playing golf this spring, and am a member of Virtue Club. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. After high school, I plan to attend trade school for welding to become a welder.

I am proud to be a WHS Panther because this school offers many programs that I enjoy and value.

My family includes my dad, CJ, who works at the Cook plant and is the wrestling coach for Watervliet High School; my mom, Ashley, who works for neurosurgeons; and my four siblings—my older sister Liv, older brother Colton, younger brother Deagan, and younger sister Grace.

My favorite class is Mrs. Hunt’s Advanced Art. I enjoy this class because I’m able to express myself in a variety of ways, and I genuinely love creating art. I am a member of the varsity wrestling team and also attend Virtue Club on Fridays.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors and hanging out with my friends. After high school, I plan to attend college and become a pediatric or NICU nurse.

⏰ Detentions & Academic Support

• Detentions will be held Thursday and Friday of this week !
• Your 2nd hour teacher will be reviewing breakfast expectations in the cafeteria this week.

✈️ Europe Trip Reminder

Attention Sophomores and Juniors:
If you are not yet signed up for next year's trip to Europe but would still like to go, all registrations must be completed before Spring Break.

Please see Mr. Andrews if you are interested.

😴 Early Release Reminder

This Wednesday is an Early Release Day.
Students are permitted to wear pajamas.

MONDAY, MARCH 9TH

Women Who Inspire Us Week Begins

Spirit Day: Wear Purple

Spring Sports Begin
LMC Lunch Visit

March 10TH

Spirit Day: Dress for Your Future

March 11TH

Spirit Day: College Gear Day

Early Release — 1:10 PM Dismissal

March 12TH

Spirit Day: Dress From Your Favorite Decade

Choir SWMVF

March 13TH

Spirit Day: Confidence Day - Wear what makes you feel strong

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US EVENT 1:10-3:10 PM

📅 Upcoming Events

March 16

Douglas J. Aveda Institute Lunch Visit

March 18

Navy Lunch Visit

March 19

8th Grade Parent Meeting 6 pm

My name is Caroline Weber, and I am a freshman at Watervliet High School. I am the daughter of Kyle Weber and Melissa Morlock and the oldest of four children. I am involved in volleyball, basketball, golf, student council, and the student advisory committee. My favorite teachers are Mr. Linderman, Mrs. Brant, and Ms. Boswell. They each have a strong passion for the subjects they teach and a natural ability to connect with their students, making learning engaging and enjoyable.

In my spare time, I enjoy helping out on my family’s farm and bakery. My future plans are to pursue a career in agriculture. I’m proud to continue the legacy of being a fourth-generation Panther.

My family consists of my mom and dad. I have two older sisters. The oldest, Brenda (22), attends SMC, and my sister Kimberly (18), who is my best friend, attends Washington University in St. Louis.

My favorite class is ASL because it’s super cool to learn a new language, and it would be amazing to use it in real life. The projects are always fun, and learning new signs is exciting.

My favorite teacher is Ms. Irmen because she is very chill and funny. The projects in her class are fun, and she is always helpful when I don’t understand something. I have her for two classes, and they are both my favorites.

I plan to go to college in Michigan to stay close to home. I want to live far enough away to feel independent but still be able to come home on weekends. I’m not sure what I want to study yet, but I really enjoy my Marine and Freshwater class.

I’m proud to be a WHS Panther because of the amazing people and staff here. The community is strong, everyone gets along, and the staff truly cares about their students.

Alexis and Nat planned a meaningful community service project focused on connection and compassion by bringing residents to the Medilodge Rehabilitation Center in Portage. During their visit, they spent time visiting with residents, sharing conversations, laughter, and companionship. This project helped brighten residents’ days while giving Alexis and Nat the opportunity to make a positive impact through simple but powerful human connection.

My name is Rachael Privett, I’m reaching out from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center to share a virtual summer opportunity and to ask for your help connecting students with this meaningful summer experience in science and healthcare. We are committed to expanding access for students in rural communities and welcome applications from talented students who may have limited local opportunities to explore research or healthcare careers.

Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology (SHE) – Virtual Summer Research Program
Applications close March 22
Apply here: https://umichumhs.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bxv7iuv5b08KYOG

The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center’s Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology Program introduces Michigan high school students to the wide range of careers in cancer care, cancer research, and oncology-related fields. This virtual program provides hands-on exposure to genetic drosophila research through a partnership with the eCLOSE Institute, along with a patient case study project to explore key facets of cancer science and care. Students also participate in faculty lectures, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops to expand their knowledge, build professional networks, and support their future biomedical career paths. Applicants must be current sophomores or juniors attending a Michigan high school, and we encourage applications from the full spectrum of talent across the state.

Program Dates

• Virtual sessions: Monday–Friday, July 13–24, 2026; 9:30 AM–1:00 PM
• Optional on-campus orientation: June 15–16

Key Program Details

• Two weeks of interactive virtual programming featuring experts across cancer care, research, health disparities, and professional development
• Beginner-level research activities using at-home lab kits
• Mentorship from oncology professionals
• Collaboration with peers from partner institutions (University of Kentucky, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Texas at Austin)
• $500 stipend for students who complete the program
• Optional monthly virtual academic-year enrichment opportunities

Access & Support

• Technology needs will be discussed with accepted students to ensure participation
• Transportation support may be available for students attending the optional on-campus orientation
• We review applications holistically and value students from diverse geographic, educational, and community backgrounds, including those from rural and remote areas

Eligibility

• Current Michigan high school sophomore or junior
• Interest in a career in scientific research or medicine
• Ability to participate in the full two-week virtual program July 13 - 24

This AI tutor is for high school students to have easy access to SAT-like practice problems as they prepare for the test. All that students have to do is click on the link to the Google Gemini gem and ask it for either an ELA or math question. Students can drill down to concepts that they are struggling with, as well, asking the AI for questions on vocabulary or even trigonometry. The program will also assist students to understand their mistakes if they make them.

https://gemini.google.com/gem/6f855164b4a5?ts=69a0a726

Please thank Mr. Dimino for creating this for you !!

See scholarships below.

📚 After-School Homework Help – Tuesday–Thursday

We encourage all students to take advantage of our after-school homework help program, which is available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday until 4:15 PM.

This support time provides students with a quiet, structured environment to complete homework, study, and receive extra help when needed — all with no interruptions. The location is announced daily during morning announcements, so students know exactly where to report.

We strongly recommend helping your child build this into their routine early in the semester. Developing the habit of staying after school for focused work time can make a big difference in organization, stress levels, and academic success.

If your child needs a calm place to work, extra academic support, or simply time to stay caught up, after-school homework help is a great option!

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.

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