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

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday with Mr. Arter.

Tuesday and Thursday with Mrs. Hunt.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday with Mr Dimino (all math)

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.

Come look at all of the great projects that high school students have been creating in their Industrial Arts classes across the Southwest Michigan Area. We could use your help judging the projects on Thursday May 1st from 5:30-8:00pm. Please email Allen.steele@watervlietps.org

All juniors will participate in SAT prep in March 25th in both their English and Math classes courtesy of a program called Superior Tutoring. All juniors should be in school this day to receive this free support.

Some of the items to be covered in English and Reading are:

semi colons

periods

colons

indirect quotes

commas

closing phrases

connectors

subject/verb agreements

who/whom

possessives

modifiers

Some of the items to be covered in math are:

triangles

distance

slope

midpoints

equations

drawing out figures

perimeter

sin/cosine/tan

ratios

factoring

and lots of testing tips

For those who don't know, my name is Chris Coburn, and I'm the College and Career Adviser at Watervliet High School. I grew up in the Metro Detroit area and went to Birmingham Groves High School. A fun fact about me: I'm a triplet (My brother is a nurse in St. Joseph and my sister is an architect in San Francisco.) After graduating high school, I attended Kalamazoo College where I majored in English and minored in Philosophy. While I was there, I studied abroad for a semester in Varanasi, India.

At Watervliet, my role is to help seniors with college applications, assist students and families with completing the FAFSA, and advise students about what they want to do after high school. My role is shared with Coloma High School, and I'm employed by the Michigan College Access Network, a nonprofit organization in Lansing. I chose this role because I want to help students understand that college and postsecondary training is something that is both beneficial and attainable for them.

My role is funded by AmeriCorps, a federal agency that funds community service roles like mine. Because of AmeriCorps rules, I am only allowed to hold my current position until the end of this school year. Next year, I'm hoping to work on my teaching certification so I can become a high school English teacher. I'm proud to be a WHS Panther because of the way we come together to support all of our students and push them to succeed.

(The picture is Mr. Coburn at the Canada Festival in Kalamazoo over the summer next to the original Possum Van from the Red Green Show)

This one I hear most often from students themselves, specifically from those who say that math is their favorite subject. When I ask them why, the most frequent response I get is that “math is black and white” by which they mean the answer is either right or wrong, and there is no subjectivity. There are hard and fast rules. If you know them, you can solve any problem.

Why it’s a myth: To say that math is completely objective and has no ambiguity is simply not true. There are unsolved problems in mathematics. There are problems with multiple solutions. Differing definitions can cause different solutions that are at odds with each other (e.g. does a trapezoid have at least one set of parallel sides or exactly one set of parallel sides? The answer will determine whether we can classify a rectangle as a trapezoid or not). There are proofs that are more elegant than others, easier to follow, more convincing, and for lack of a better word, better, than others but that doesn’t mean one is right and the other is wrong.

Kernel of truth: Most of the problems we give students to work on in school do have a right answer. Most right answers can be validated and proven. I think maybe what students really mean (and like) about mathematics is the idea that you can know if you’re right or not and the validity of your answer doesn’t change based on who is grading the assignment.

Why this myth is problematic: Claiming math as a black-and-white subject misconstrues math as an activity that is highly algorithmic and centered around answer getting. Yes, math is about finding solutions, but it is also about communicating one’s reasoning, representing problems, thinking systematically, evaluating claims, and constructing arguments.

Student Council is selling braided bread, cinnamon rolls, and pretzels as our only fundraiser this school year! Please visit our store at https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/ab55055d-3819-41b5-af78-a193728e07d9 to support Student Council. All orders are due on March 31.

This week, WHS art students received exciting news—their work has been selected for the prestigious High School Show at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. This competitive, juried exhibition features outstanding pieces from talented young artists across nine counties in Southwest Michigan.

Check out these samples of a fun creativity challenge from this weeks art class. The assignment was to create a colorful drawing featuring googly eyes—but with a twist: the googly eyes couldn’t be used as actual eyes.

Lansing, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network is proud to recognize 59 schools from across the state as Michigan College Month Champion sites for having 80% or more of their senior class apply to at least one higher education institution during October. These schools are participants in MCAN’s College Bound Michigan, a suite of three initiatives designed to build and support college-going culture in high schools and their surrounding communities. Michigan College Month is the first of the three initiatives and is followed by the Michigan College Cash Campaign, which focuses on financial aid and paying for college, and College Decision Day, which celebrates students who have decided to pursue postsecondary education.

Of the 289 schools currently participating in College Bound Michigan, 230 schools have reported their college application rates as of Feb. 10. From those schools, 17,607 seniors submitted at least one college application, with 43,759 total college applications submitted. During Michigan College Month, the schools provided dedicated space, time, and support during the school day for students to complete college applications. School counselors and other school staff helped graduating students begin the FAFSA and worked with underclassmen to think about steps leading to college before their senior year.

“Michigan students deserve to have options for their postsecondary paths. I’m so proud of our Michigan College Month champion sites for their commitment to developing and strengthening a college-going culture,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “By encouraging students and offering them dedicated support to apply to college, they are breaking down barriers to educational access — especially for students from low-income backgrounds, those who would be the first in their families to attend college, and students of color. These schools are going above and beyond to help Michigan students pursue their dreams and help achieve our statewide college attainment goal of Sixty by 30.”

The complete list of 2025 Michigan College Month Champion Schools comprises:

• Alanson High School
• American International Academy
• Bay City Academy
• Grand Rapids Public Museum High School
• Berrien Springs High School
• Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
• Birch Run High School
• Black River Public School
• Boyne City High School
• Brandywine Senior High School
• Bridgman High School
• Bullock Creek High School/Bullock Creek School District
• Camden-Frontier School
• Central High School, Detroit Public Schools Community District
• Chandler Park Academy HS
• City High Middle School
• Clintondale High School
• Columbia Central High School
• Concord High School
• Covert High School
• Detroit Catholic Central High School
• Etiquette Series
• Fordson High School
• Fruitport High School
• Godwin Heights High School
• Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High School
• Grand River Preparatory High
• Grosse Pointe South High School
• Hartford High School
• Haslett High School
• Kensington Woods Schools
• Lake City High School
• Loyola High School
• Martin Luther King Jr., Senior High School
• Mason County Eastern Schools
• Michigan Islamic Academy
• Millington High School
• North Central Area Schools
• Northview High School
• Northwestern High School
• Novi High School
• Oscoda Area High School
• Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School
• Pine River High School
• Reading High School
• Southeastern High School
• St. Charles Middle/High School
• St. Joseph High School
• Standish-Sterling Jr/Sr High School
• Stephenson Area Public Schools
• Summerfield Schools
• The School at Marygrove
• Tri County High School
• University High School- Ferndale
• Washtenaw International High School
• Watervliet High School
• West Bloomfield High School
• Yale High School

To learn more about Michigan College Month and College Bound Michigan, visit micollegeaccess.org/initiatives/college-bound-michigan.

Initiatives

College Bound Michigan

Last weekend, students put the finishing touches on the Moana musical set, and the stage looks fabulous. The actors are all set to shine and showcase the incredible work they've put in. The performance is this Friday and Saturday—don’t miss out! Be sure to grab your tickets before they sell out.

Friday, March 21

5:00 PM Girls High School Soccer vs Constantine at Watervliet High School

The high school has a Student Advisory Council to the Principal that meets every 2 weeks to share concerns and address building issues with Ms. Powers.

The members of the team are:

SENIORS

Alyssa brown

Aubrey James

Jorge Zuniga

Ayana Marshall

JUNIORS

Moeko Crago

Keira Tremblay

Abby Klopp

Natalaya Desjardin

SOPHOMORES

Allison Poole

Norma Gutierrez

Hailey Adams

Hanna Lomoro

FRESHMEN

Jayden Brassard

McKaylen Laws

Katelyn Brown

Miranda Lowell

This week, the team discussed the following:

1. lockdown drills: a survey will be sent to students later in the year to assess students concerns or questions about these drills. All doors and shut and locked during all lockdowns. The only people in the building to open doors after a drill are the principal and law enforcement. Any issues that arise from a lockdown are discussed and addressed with staff.

2. Student would like a review of the SOTM process with possible set and agreed upon criteria for the program in the future. This will be shared with the WHS Leadership team.

3. Students would like shorter announcements. An immediate change was made and announcements will not be repeated day after day.

4. Dual enrolled students discussed the ability to leave the building when they have 2 consecutive hours of dual enrollment. A change needs to me made in the student handbook regarding this and having a closed campus next year as this is a conflict.

The team will meet again after spring break and begin reviewing the student handbook for changes and additions for next year.

Ms. Powers will advertise in May for new members to the team next year. She will be taking 5 students from each grade level for participation for the 25-26 school year. Students are required to meet with her every other Wednesday morning at 7:30 AM throughout the entire school year.

Your child met with Mrs. Dawson to plan for next year's schedule. The four year plan that you see below must have your signature on it when students return it to the counseling office. Students had 48 hours to input their scheduling requests electronically. Additionally you can see all of the electives below that students have to choose from for the 25-26 school year. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's potential schedule, please reach out to Mrs. Dawson, our school counselor at jdawson@watervlietps.org.

I grew up in Walkerton Indiana and graduated from John Glenn High School.

After high school I joined the United States Air Force where I became a surgical technologist. I have spent the past 15 years working as a CVOR open heart and vascular scrub tech.

I have a very busy house that consists of my husband, our five girls and four dogs. We are a very loud and busy house that we have lovingly named "Our Perfect Chaos". In my free time I can usually be found supporting one of my girls in some sort of event, game, or activity.

I love to read and spend time at the beach or at sporting events.

I am currently a paraprofessional for the high school. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because I love the community.

I love the support that you can see and feel not just in the halls, but all through the town.

Something that might surprise people to know about me is that I love to go antiquing and flea marketing.

Are you interested in getting FREE ADMISSION to ALL FALL 2025 HOME ATHLETIC EVENTS??? If so, here is how you can earn it!

• You must be a current 9th, 10th, or 11th grader.
• You must play a Spring sport at WHS this year. (Spring 2025)
• Spring Sports include: Baseball, Softball, Track and Field, Golf, and Girls Soccer
• You must maintain a spot on the roster of your respective team at the end of the season.
• Students who are removed, kicked off, or cut from a team will not receive free tickets.
• Any student who attempts to join a team after the first week of practice (after 3/14) will not receive free tickets.
• You must not be suspended from school at anypoint this spring.
• You must be enrolled at WHS for the 2025-26 school year.

If you successfully meet all of those requirements, the athletic department will issue you a season pass good for ALL HOME FALL ATHLETIC EVENTS (excluding any post-season tournaments we host.) Home Fall Athletic Events include: Cross Country, Boys Soccer, Football, and Volleyball. Passes will be good for MS, JV, and Varsity events. Passes will be issued in August, 2025.

https://setseg.org/foundation/campapp

https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/students-families/virtual-financial-aid-presentations

The Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship closes on April 17—please share with eligible students! Two of today’s non traditional presenters were past recipients, with one receiving a $10,000 award!

https://mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

Kelly Dargus

Perkins/CTE Consultant

Office of Career & Technical Education

Berrien Regional Education Service Agency

269-471-7725 x 3318

The American Legion Department of Michigan offers high school students several opportunities to gain valuable experience that will last a lifetime. At the same time, students can earn money for college or earn the needed community service points required on many college entrance applications, including the West Point Military Academy.

The American Legion Skilled Trades Scholarship aims to provide annual scholarships to deserving individuals – aged 17-21 years old – who are pursuing a construction/building, automotive, advanced manufacturing, or energy careers either in a post-high school trades training/apprenticeship or earning a 2-year college degree in any of the areas listed above where the student would be certified at the state or federal level.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we approach Spring, it is time to think about your students scheduling plans for the 2025-2026 school year. During this and next week, I will be in the English classrooms to go over schedule options for next school year with. your student. At that time students will be given a high school graduation checklist, —a snapshot of their high school. transcript listing classes that they have passed, failed, or still need to take, a copy of their Graduation Progress. Report and a list of classes that will be offered in the new school year. Students will be guided through manually. auditing their transcripts against the graduation checklist and then be asked to make informed decisions concerning. the upcoming school year based on the graduation requirements that they still need to complete. Students will have

two days to submit their official requests within PowerSchool allowing them time to bring the above listed items home. and discuss them with you before submitting their final requests. The graduation checklist requires a parent/guardian. signature and will come home on the day that I am in your students' English class, so please be on the lookout for. this document. Additionally, course offerings are listed on the back of the graduation checklist and can be found in

our Course Catalog which is posted on the school website at:

https://www.watervlietps.org/o/high-school/page/student-services.

Here are the dates that I will be in English classes:

Freshman - March 6th, 2025 (schedule requests to be submitted in PS by March 10th)

Sophomores - March 10th, 2025 (schedule requests to be submitted in PS by March 12th)

Juniors - March 11th, 2025 (schedule requests to be submitted in PS by March 13th)

Once schedule requests are submitted, I will work through meeting with students individually to resolve any questions. concerning scheduling. With that being said, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns with. your students schedule for the upcoming school year. Students can additionally email to set up a time with me to go. over scheduling questions.

As you consider your students schedule for next year please account for the following graduation requirements:

● 4 credits of Mathematics (or a math related course senior year)

● 4 credits of English

● 3 credits of Science (a 4

th year is encouraged for those attending a four year college; this can be an

additional year of Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Placement Biology, Anatomy & Physiology )

● 3 credits of Social Studies

● 1 credit of Fine Arts (band, choir, art, woods or Van Buren Tech Center or Berrien CTE 11th or 12th grades)

● 1 credit of PE/Health

● 2 consecutive credits of the same Foreign Language (we offer Spanish at WHS or online foreign language

courses for 10, 11, 12 with a qualifying GPA)

● 24 total credits are required to earn a Watervliet High School Diploma

Please feel free to reach out with questions or concerns and be advised that requests are not final schedules and are. subject to be adjusted based on student need to complete graduation requirements or due to student/parent request.

Thanks,

Jamie Dawson

jdawson@watervlietps.org

269-463-0735

Watervliet High School Counselor

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)