Panther Print for Parents 🐾

TUESDAY and THURSDAY with Mrs. Hunt.

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY with Mr. Dimino. (math)

Students should be in one of these rooms by 3:15 and need their own transportation home at 4:00 PM.

Testing is almost complete! We will have one make-up for the M-Step next week and then we can put a lid on the Spring 2025 testing cycle!!! Thanks for all your help making these last few weeks go smoothly!

The Counseling Office should be back to standard operating procedures this week!

Upcoming:
The AP Testing cycle starts May 5th!

5/5 - AP Biology Exam (8am start)

5/6 - AP Geography (8am start)

AP Government (noon start)

5/12 - AP Calc (8am start)

AP Seminar (noon start)

5/15 - AP Computer Science (noon start)

The WHS Art Department has some news to share from this year’s Box Factory High School Show, which included work from 23 different schools and organizations. Watervliet was once again recognized for its contributions: Marley Alsup received a $50 art scholarship from Berrien RESA for her leather and beadwork necklace. Mrs. Hunt was recognized with a first place award in the teacher’s art competition for a ceramic vase. Congratulations also go out to the 35 other talented WHS art students whose work was proudly displayed in the exhibition, which runs through May 4th.

Underclassmen awards this year will be held in the evening so that more of our parent community can be in attendance. The annual awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 3rd at 6 PM in the high school auditorium. You will receive a letter in the mail if your child is receiving an award.

This week in Spanish we celebrated Earth Day. One out the students asked to celebrate this day as well as her mom that had passed. We made an Earth Day Memorial Wall by using paper from the recycling bin and making different things. One thing I learned this week is that ducks like clover, one student had lost some ducks so she made three clovers and wrote their names on them. Our students are so creative!! Mrs. Lefor teaches Spanish at WHS.

As the weather warms up, we’ve noticed that some students are arriving at school in clothing that does not align with the WHS dress code. We kindly ask for your support in helping your child choose school-appropriate attire each morning.

Clothing such as crop tops, short shorts, pajamas, tank tops, or other items that do not meet our dress code guidelines will result in a detention and the student will be required to change before returning to class.

We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a focused and respectful learning environment for all students. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Summer school will be held from June 16th through July 31st, running Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Families will receive a letter at the end of the school year if their child is required to attend due to incomplete or failed classes. If your child has not made up failed coursework during the school year, it’s likely they will need to participate in summer school.

Summer school provides a structured and supportive environment to help students get back on track. Classes are held in person and supervised by certified teachers. Students will receive a Chromebook on the first day and complete coursework using an online program, working independently to repeat the full class they did not pass.

In addition to attending daily, students are encouraged to continue working on their assignments in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends to ensure they complete all required work by the end of the summer. Coursework can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Meals and transportation are provided for students living within the Watervliet School District. Both breakfast and lunch will be available each day.

Please note: If your child is required to attend summer school and does not participate, the failed class will be added back into their schedule next school year. This could affect their progress toward graduation. Attending summer school is the best way for students to stay on track academically.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Mrs. Dawson at jdawson@watervlietps.org.

Thank you for your support!

Congratulations to senior Tyler Asakevich, a proud member of the Panther golf team, who has been named the Tri-City Record Press Box Player of the Week!

Tyler was nominated by Athletic Director John Guillean and Golf Coach Jeremy Andrews, who both recognized his strong start to the season and consistent performance on the course. In the first three divisional jamborees, Tyler placed in the top ten—a remarkable achievement.

He opened the season with a solid round of 43 at Ravines Golf Club on April 14th, followed by a 44 at Lake Michigan Hills on April 17th. Most recently, he carded a 45 at Cheshire Hills Golf Club, tying for 9th place.

With several more invitationals and jamborees ahead, Tyler has a great opportunity to keep improving his scores and make a serious push toward state meet qualification.

Tyler plans to attend Grand Valley State University this fall, where he will study marketing and sports management.

Way to go, Tyler—we’re proud of your hard work and excited to see what the rest of the season brings!

Attention Academic Top Ten Seniors and Greg Chisek Senior Scholars! You will take group photos on Tuesday, 4/29, at 9:15 AM. Please wear appropriate dress clothes and come to school ready for a photo on Tuesday. Report to the main office at 9:15. Thank you!

Each year, the Herald-Palladium honors 15 outstanding high school seniors from across the county, recognizing students who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. Schools are invited to nominate 2–3 seniors for this prestigious recognition, with the number based on school size.

This year, we are proud to announce that Alyssa Brown was one of two students nominated by WHS who was selected for the honor. As part of the nomination process, she submitted an impressive application highlighting her academic achievements, extracurricular activities, athletic involvement, and letters of recommendation.

We are thrilled to share that Alyssa has been selected as one of the 15 exceptional seniors to be featured in the Herald-Palladium’s May 10th edition. This is a tremendous honor—congratulations to Alyssa on this well-deserved recognition! She is the first WHS student to receive this distinction since the Class of 2023.

May 5th Memory Board Poster due; any size or shape, bring it to the counseling office, it will be returned to you after graduation.

May 6th Senior class photos due for Baccalaureate presentation to Riley Preston; email her or send to FB group

May 7th (CHANGE OF DATE DUE TO TRACK MEET) Decision Day 10 am auditorium, all Seniors and Juniors will attend, along with any and all family members of Seniors and younger siblings if desired.

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; all Seniors are asked to attend along with their families. A letter will be sent home in advance if your child is receiving an award.

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

May 17th Senior Class Loc- In at the HS 9:30 PM -6 AM; must have both a student and parent signed permission slip to attend, no outside guests

May 19th Check out sheets will be given to all seniors in their English classes, if you do not have an English class here, come get your check out sheet in the main office

May 20-23 Senior Exams

May 20 Periods 6 and 7

May 21 Periods 4 and 5

May 22 Periods 2 and 3

May 23 Period 1

May 22nd Senior check-out sheets are due to Mrs. Richcreek; she will give you your cap and gown once you turn in your completed check out sheet to her

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

May 23rd All fees and fines due to the counseling office in order to walk at graduation

May 23rd 10 AM process through school buildings; students will board the buses in front of the high school, they can wear cap and gown if desired, they will process through South, around the HS track (North), the MS and then the HS. Once the procession is complete, Seniors are no longer allowed to be on school property until Field Day.

May 23rd Car Parade 4 PM Meet at the Old Mill Site, line up your car. The car can be decorated. The car that is driven must be plated and legal to drive on the road.

May 23rd Senior Sunset Silver Beach

May 28th Baccalaureate 6 PM Place to be determined (this is a final time of reflection for the students in the class; all Seniors and families are asked to attend; it will be followed by cake and punch

May 29th Senior Class Picture in the Class T Shirt taken in the stadium

May 29th Senior Field Day 11-3

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

Pictured here from left to right: Aubrey Hayes, Abigail Klopp, Addison Smith, and Keira Tremblay.

We are thrilled to announce that these exceptional young women have been selected to serve on the Whole Child Student Advisory Council, a countywide leadership initiative made possible through a partnership between Corewell Health and Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (RESA).

Over the course of the next year, they will receive leadership training, share their insights on the student experience, and collaborate with adults to make meaningful, positive changes in our schools and community. These students were nominated by our school in recognition of their potential to lead, advocate, and inspire.

Too often, important decisions that directly impact students are made without their input. This advisory group empowers students to have a voice at the table—advising, partnering with, and leading alongside adults to help create better outcomes for all Berrien County students.

In total, 40 high school students from across the county have been chosen to participate in this exciting opportunity for the 2024–2025 school year. The initiative will be led by Abbie Benfield, Whole Child Consultant at Berrien RESA, and Ashlee Offord, Supervisor of Community Programs in Population Health at Corewell Health South.

Through this experience, students will not only provide valuable feedback to the adult Whole Child Collaborative but may also receive support to carry out student-led projects aimed at improving our schools and communities.

Congratulations to these remarkable young leaders—your voices matter, and we are so proud of you!

Ms. Powers is headed to the Marine Recruiting Base in Parris Island this week through a program called The Marine Corps Educators Workshop. The program takes place at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island and offers high school educators and key influencers an immersive experience into the transformation process from civilian to Marine. Participants observe and engage in various aspects of recruit training, providing firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities within the Marine Corps.​

Check out what her week will look like in boot camp!

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

• Arrival at MCRD Parris Island

• Welcome Dinner​

Day 2: Introduction to Recruit Training

• Receiving Process / Yellow Footprints

• Squad Bay Tour and Recruit Pick-up

• Educational Opportunities Overview

• Marine Corps Band Performance

• Gas Chamber Trainer Experience

• Rappel Tower Demonstration​

Day 3: Leadership and Physical Training

• Leadership Reaction Course

• Water Survival Demonstration

• Visit to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort​

Day 4: Graduation and Reflection

• Observation of Recruit Graduation Ceremony

• Debrief and Q&A Session with Drill Instructors and Recruits

She will periodically share pictures of her activities with students and staff so check your email to see what she is up to!

After navigating a busy end-of-year schedule and working through a few scheduling challenges, we’re excited to officially announce the date and time for our annual Decision Day Celebration!

Join us on Tuesday, May 7th at 10:00 AM as we celebrate the future plans of the incredible Class of 2025. This special event, planned by our senior class, will last approximately one hour and will be held at the high school.

All senior parents and family members are warmly invited to attend. Junior students will also be present to support and be inspired by their older peers. If your senior has a sibling in the high school or middle school whom you’d like to attend, you are welcome to sign them out of their building for the event.

We can’t wait to honor the hard work, achievements, and exciting next steps of our seniors. We hope to see you there for this meaningful and memorable celebration!

🎓 What is Decision Day?

• An initiative led by former First Lady Michelle Obama.

• Celebrates high school seniors for their post-secondary education plans, whether it's college, vocational school, the military, or another path.

• Part of the larger Reach Higher initiative, which encourages all students to pursue education beyond high school.

📅 When is Decision Day?

• Typically held on or around May 1st, which is the traditional college decision deadline.

• Schools may host their own events anytime in late April or early May.

🎯 Purpose and Goals

• Promote a college-going culture in schools.

• Encourage students to set goals and take steps toward their future.

• Increase visibility and support for all post-secondary pathways.

• Help students feel recognized and celebrated for their achievements.

🎉 Key Features of a Decision Day Celebration

• Students wear college or career gear (shirts, hats, etc.).

• Schools host assemblies, pep rallies, or ceremonies.

• Announcements of where students are going next (college, military, trade school).

• Teachers and staff wear gear from their own alma maters to show support.

• May include guest speakers, music, food, or student performances.

• Recognition for first-generation college students.

Students, are you seeking a place to grow in your faith and connect with fellow Christians? Join us at the Virtue Club! We meet every Friday at 7:30 AM in the cafeteria. This is a student-led group where we encourage and support each other in our faith journey. For more info, feel free to see Mrs. Adams or Ms Shannon. See you this Friday !

Michigan officials launched a "Ticket to Tuition" giveaway April 16 that will give students pursuing higher education the chance to win up to $50,000 to cover education expenses by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

The form unlocks both federal and state support for college-bound students, as well as those headed to career schools. The Michigan sweepstakes will give 10 students the chance to win $50,000 and 40 students a chance at $10,000. The cash prize will be held in a Michigan Education Savings Program account for winning students to use to pay for a range of education expenses, including tuition, textbooks and room and board.

"Filling out the FAFSA makes you eligible for tens of thousands of dollars of in-state and federal scholarships, and with today's sweepstakes, you can earn some extra money, too," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said during a launch event at Eastern High School in Lansing.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential partnered with the Michigan College Access Network — a nonprofit that aims to increase the number of Michigan students that complete college — on the giveaway. Democratic lawmakers in 2024 approved the funds for the incentive program, encouraging students to complete the FAFSA form. The winning funds are already set aside in the current state budget approved in the last legislative session. The funding is one-time, and lawmakers have not decided whether to set aside similar funding again in the next state budget for another sweepstakes in the future.

To enter the sweepstakes, Michigan students and parents must create an account on studentaid.gov to fill out the FAFSA form and then the student must text "CASH" to 855-50K-TICKET or 855-505-8425. Students who have already completed their FAFSA form can also participate by sending the text message. Students can also mail an entry form available at tickettotuition.com and send it to: Ticket to Tuition Entry, c/o Güd Marketing, 1223 Turner St., Suite 101, Lansing, MI 48906.

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

Once completed, the information comes directly to the principal in the form of an email.

Permission Slips be available when purchasing Prom tickets and Mrs. Tyler will also have copies. Once the permission slips have been signed by a parent/guardian & the student, the students can turn them in with their money to Mrs. Tyler.

Secondly, the After Prom has a raffle

Raffle to support the After Prom - $20 per ticket. Winners will be drawn at the After Prom event.

Contact Teresa Collins at 269.325.4446 or Carrie Wilder at 260.750.2607 to purchase tickets.

Seniors:

If you are planning on enrolling at LMC:

LMC is coming to Watervliet for on-site advising and course registration. This is an opportunity to meet with an LMC adviser and register for classes

If interested, your senior has been sent a sign up.

If you are planning on enrolling at SMC:

Mr. Coburn is leading a field trip to SMC's campus for their orientation on May 15. This is an opportunity to complete SMC's in-person orientation, meet with an adviser, sign up for classes, and familiarize yourself with campus.

This is a joint field trip with Coloma. Transportation and lunch will be provided.

If interested, please pick up a permission slip in the guidance office and return it by May 5.

If you have any questions, please see Mr. Coburn.

Thank you.

Prom's theme is "Light up the Night"

Tickets are $40 each. Seniors are free if they paid their dues. There will be a S'mores and Pretzel bar available also. Prom is at Union & Social in Saint Joseph from 8-11pm on May 10th. Freshmen are not permitted to attend. Sophomores can attend as a guest of a Junior or a Senior. All foreign exchange students are invited to attend. Guest forms should be picked up in the main office and returned. WAY students can only attend as a guest of a WHS Junior or Senior.

Prom tickets will be on sale during lunch 11:30-12:30 Tuesday for $40. Seniors are free if dues were paid. Seniors still need to pick up tickets if they are going. Forms for people that do not come to our school needs to be turned in to Ms. Powers asap. Thank you

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.