🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

Please note that the mandatory Senior Parent Meeting has been rescheduled and will now take place on Thursday, February 5 at 6:00 PM in the High School Media Center, during Parent-Teacher Conferences. This meeting is an important opportunity to review graduation requirements, senior year expectations, and end-of-year activities. We strongly encourage all senior parents/guardians to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

Dear Parents and Students,

Due to the recent snow day and in order to ensure that all Semester 1 exams are completed, we have made a few adjustments to our schedule. Please review the updated plan below carefully:

Friday

• Exams for Periods 3 and 4 will take place.

• Students who are exempt from these exams do not need to attend school.

• This will remain a half day as originally scheduled.

Monday

• No school for students – Teacher Professional Development Day

Tuesday

• We will run a half-day schedule in the morning for Semester 2 classes.

• All students are required to attend and will meet with their Semester 2 teachers during the morning.

• Lunch will be before 11:40 AM.

After lunch:

• Students who do not need to take Period 5 and/or 6 exams may either remain at school in those periods or, with parent permission, may leave the building for the remainder of the day.

• Students who attend the Tech Center and do not need to take Period 5 and/or 6 exams must still report to the Tech Center.

• Tech Center students who do need to take Period 5 and/or 6 exams will have their absence excused at the Tech Center.

• Students who are exempt from Periods 5 and 6 may leave school.

• All other students will return to Periods 5 and 6 to complete their Semester 1 exams.

We truly appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to ensure every student has the opportunity to complete their exams. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

5TH HOUR EXAM : 11:45--1:20

BREAK 1:20 - 1:30

6TH HOUR EXAM : 1:30--3:10

Seniors, the deadline to purchase your graduation cap & gown is Friday, 1/30. If you need assistance, please see Teri in the main office.

Virtue Club is hosting a Movie Night this Sunday, January 18th at the LOMA Theater in Coloma.The movie David starts at 6:15 PM. If you’ve attended Virtue Club at least once, your movie ticket is covered! Snacks will be available for purchase. We hope to see you there for a fun night at the movies! 🎬🍿

The Winterfest Dance is Friday, Jan 30th. Guest dance passes are now available in the main office. The deadline to turn in the form is Tuesday, Jan 27th. No late passes will be accepted. Your guest cannot be older than 20 years of age

A quarter 2 check in survey for students has been sent to all teachers to complete with your third hour class sometime in the next week. The survey asks students to give us their input on how quarter 2 has gone at the high school.

LMC spring semester classes have begun! Make sure you are checking your LMC canvas for updates!

There is a REQUIRED dual enrollment meeting for all dual enrolled students for semester 2 on Thursday Jan 22nd at 10 am or 12:30 pm. If you are dual enrolled you must attend one of these meetings to review expectations.

Creative Writing students create books to showcase their novels from semester1. Students wrote over 10,000 words, developed a map of their fictional worlds, designed covers, and bound their books by hand as their exam project.

CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Jenna Ritter! Jenna has been named the JMG student of the year in recognition of her leadership, dedication, and commitment to personal growth. Through the JMG (Jobs for Michigan Grads) Program, Jenna has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to support and motivate others. This honor reflects her perseverance, goal setting, and the example that she sets for her peers, both in and out of the classroom. Watervliet High School is proud to celebrate Jenna's achievement and the bright future ahead of her! Pictured below are Jenna on the left and Ms. Irmen on the right (JMG instructor)

Last Friday, we proudly celebrated our eight Students of the Month with a special breakfast alongside their families. This recognition event honored students for their character, leadership, and positive contributions to our school community. As part of our WHS tradition, each student added their handprint to the Pride of the Prowl wall, leaving a lasting mark on our school. Pictured from left to right are Anthony Coulombe, Dallas Clark, Alex Zuniga, Payton Yeske, Aiyanna Forrester, Abbie Hayes, Ava Sprague, and Jazmine Moses. We are so proud of each of these students and grateful for the families who joined us to celebrate their achievements. Way to go, Panthers! 🐾

The boys wrestling team was in Battle Creek today, participating in the All City team tournament at BC Central. As a team the Panthers went 1-4, defeating Benton Harbor but falling to Comstock, Bangor, BC Central, and BC Lakeview. JT Isbrecht was undefeated on the day, pinning two of his opponents, winning by tech fall (17-1), and winning his final match 11-7. Josh Koch won two matches, both by pins, and Donald Milham earned his first victory of the season, pinning his Comstock opponent in the 2nd period. Both the boys and girls will next hit the mats at Kalamazoo Central High School next weekend for the Ron Russo Classic. Pictured below is Donald Milham.

JMG students recently participated in a field trip to the LMC Tech Center, where they explored hands-on career and technical education programs and learned about a variety of skilled trade and workforce pathways. The visit gave students the opportunity to see real-world training environments, ask questions, and better understand the skills and certifications needed for future careers. This experience helped students connect classroom learning to practical career options and expanded their awareness of postsecondary opportunities.

Friday, Jan 16

4:30/6:00/7:30 PM JV Girls & Varsity Girls/Boys vs Fennville @ Watervliet HS

Sunday, January 18th, 2026

Wrestling (Varsity) - Russo Invitational - Girls (A) Kalamazoo Central High School 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity White) - New Buffalo Middle School (H) Watervliet Senior High School (HS Gym) 4:00 to 5:00 pm

Basketball (Girls Junior Varsity) - Martin Public Schools(A) Martin Public Schools 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity Maroon) - Saugatuck High School (H) Watervliet Senior High School (HS Gym) 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Basketball (Girls Varsity) - Martin Public Schools (A) Martin Public Schools 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Basketball (Boys Varsity) - Saugatuck High School (H) Watervliet Senior High School (HS Gym) 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity Maroon) - Decatur High School (A) Decatur High School 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Wrestling (Varsity) - SAC Quad (A) South Haven High School 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Basketball (Boys Varsity) - Decatur High School (A) Decatur High School 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity White) - South Haven High School (A) South Haven High School 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Basketball (Girls Junior Varsity) - South Haven High School (A) South Haven High School 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Basketball (Boys Junior Varsity Maroon) - South Haven High School (A) South Haven High School 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Friday, January 23rd, 2026

Basketball (Girls Varsity) - South Haven High School (H) Watervliet Senior High School (HS Gym) 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Basketball (Boys Varsity) - South Haven High School (H) Watervliet Senior High School (HS Gym) 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm

On Monday night, students from WPS took time to thank our School Board for their dedication, time, and commitment to our district. The heartfelt words shared were written and read by seniors Natalya Desjardins and Riley Smith. Pictured below are the students who proudly presented to the Board on Monday evening. We are so proud of our students for representing WPS with gratitude, professionalism, and Panther pride. 🐾

Hello and good evening.

We are Natalaya Desjardin and Riley Smith and we are here today representing the high school student council.

On behalf of the students of Watervliet High School, we would like to sincerely thank you for the time, dedication, and care you put into serving our school community. Your commitment to education goes far beyond meetings and decisions—it directly shapes the environment we learn, grow, and succeed in every day.

Because of your leadership, our school continues to improve in ways that truly matter to students. From supporting our teachers and staff to making thoughtful decisions that prioritize student success, your efforts have created a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and valued.

It’s easy to overlook the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a school district, but we want you to know that it does not go unnoticed. The policies you support, the resources you advocate for, and the time you dedicate all make a real difference in our daily lives and our futures.

Your passion for education and your unwavering support inspire us to aim higher—not just academically, but as individuals. You show us what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and commitment to others.

As a small token of our appreciation during School Board Appreciation Month, we would like to present you with a gift to thank you for everything you do for Watervliet Public Schools. There is a customized Watervliet laptop bag with a box of Amy’s Kitchen goodies and some pens inside!

Thank you again for your continued dedication, leadership, and support. We are truly grateful for all that you do for our school and our community.

Thank you for your commitment, leadership and continued support! The hard work you put in doesn’t go unnoticed!

School Board members in the back row from left to right: John Oliphant (President), Bill Spaulding, Jim Tyler, Carrie Wilder, Kim Adams (Secretary), Amanda Morlock-Fisher (Vice President); missing from the photo Gina Grear.

It’s that time of year again when we share information about our volunteering and scholarship opportunities for juniors graduating in Spring 2027.

• $2,000 Scholarship: Minimum of 75 volunteer hours
• $3,000 Scholarship: Minimum of 100 volunteer hours

Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals offer a volunteer program designed to give students hands-on experience in the hospital environment. From helping staff with daily tasks to
supporting patients and families, students will gain valuable life skills, grow personally, and explore careers in healthcare.

We welcome students aged 16 and older to volunteer in areas like the emergency department, gift shops, surgery, and more. Whether they have a few hours a week or more to give, there’s a place for them here. Volunteers also become eligible to apply for scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, awarded by the Spectrum Health Lakeland Auxiliary. To qualify, students must complete at least 75 volunteer hours between January 1 and December 31, so starting early in the year is encouraged.
To learn more or apply, click on the link at the bottom of this information.

If you have questions or would like us to speak with your students, feel free to contact:
Julie Legault
Volunteer Services Coordinator – St. Joseph
�� 269-985-4548
�� julie.legault@corewellhealth.org
Mariah Ferraro
Volunteer Services Coordinator – Niles
�� 269-687-1433
�� mariah.ferraro@corewellhealth.org
Thank you for supporting the student volunteer program at Corewell Health Lakeland!

Best Regards,

Julie Legault

Coordinator of Volunteer Services

269.985.4548

julie.legault@corewellhealth.org

1234 Napier Avenue

St. Joseph, MI 49085

Apply to volunteer here: Welcome to Corewell Health Volunteer Services

Volunteer information here: https://corewellhealth.org/volunteer

"Where there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness." –Seneca

Dual Enrollment Expectations & Important Information

We want to ensure that students and families fully understand the expectations and responsibilities associated with dual enrollment. Please review the information below carefully.

College Credit & Academic Responsibility

• Any class registered for and any grade received becomes part of the student’s permanent college record.

• If a student fails a dual enrolled course, it will appear on their college transcript and may negatively impact future college opportunities and scholarships.

Attendance & Participation

• Students are expected to be in their dual enrolled class every day and on time.

• If a student must be absent, they are required to notify their college instructor in advance. Contact information has been provided by the instructor.

• When not in their college class but scheduled during dual enrollment time, students must report to and remain in the online lab or designated classroom and work on their college coursework.

• Students are not permitted to leave the lab/classroom without permission from the main office.

Communication with College Instructors

• Students are expected to email or speak with their college instructor anytime they have questions or concerns.

• It is important that students establish communication early and know how to reach their instructor when needed.

Grades, GPA & Eligibility

• Students earning below a C in a dual enrolled course have failed the course and:

  • May not dual enroll the following semester at the expense of the district

  • Will be required to reimburse the district for the cost of the course

• Students who do not maintain positive attendance and at least a 3.0 GPA are not eligible to dual enroll in future semesters.

Dropping or Withdrawing from a Course

• Students are not permitted to drop or withdraw from a dual enrolled course without first speaking to the counseling office.

• If a student is struggling, they should contact the counseling office immediately.

• Students who withdraw outside of the allowable window will be required to:

  • Reimburse the district for the cost of the course

  • Forfeit eligibility for district-funded dual enrollment the following semester

Parent Communication & Grade Monitoring

• Students are expected to keep parents informed of their progress and grades.

• There should be no surprises at the end of the course regarding pass/fail status.

• Students are required to provide their college grades to the counseling office upon request.

Books & Materials

• If the school has rented a textbook for your student, it must be returned at the end of the semester.

Speeches, Assessments & Class Time

• Any speeches, exams, or assessments for dual enrollment must be completed during the scheduled dual enrollment class time.

• Students are not permitted to leave other high school classes to complete college coursework.

• Students may not pull other students out of class for any reason.

Important Reminder

Dual enrolled courses are college courses, not high school classes. Students are expected to take full ownership of:

• Their learning

• Their work

• Their communication

• Their progress

If you have any questions or if your child is interested in dual enrolling for an upcoming semester, please contact or have your child visit the counseling office.

Jamie Dawson, School Counselor
jdawson@watervlietps.org

Jessica Tyler, Counseling Office Secretary
jtyler@watervlietps.org

Berrien Community Foundation’s scholarship application for 2026 is open to all Berrien County high school/early college seniors, current college students, and adults returning to college. We award close to $500,000 annually to students and adults planning to continue their education.

Thank you for sharing this information with your students; it’s so exciting each year seeing all the applications come in! Continue to encourage those who have not yet done so to complete their FAFSA and their application as early as possible. The deadline to apply is February 10, 2026, and application can be found on our website.

Sharnae Hudson

Program Coordinator

Berrien Community Foundation

2900 S. State St., Ste 2E

St. Joseph, MI 49085

ph: (269) 983-3304 ext. 5

fax: (269) 983-4939

Event Details

• Location: Nitro Zone, 56419 Pokagon Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047
• Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 (12am - 5:30am)
• Transportation: Depart the high school at midnight, return by 5:30am
• Safety: The venue will be “locked down”—no entry or exit after arrival
• Attendees: All students must ride the bus to and from the event; no early departures or alternate pickups (including by parents/guardians)

Student Information

• Parent/Legal Guardian must sign two forms prior to the event:
  • Permission Slip (pick up in the main office)
  • Nitro Zone Release Form
• Junior & Senior students do not need to attend prom to participate in After Prom
• Eligible to attend are WPS Junior and Senior students and their guest,including WPS Sophomore and Non-Watervliet students approved by Ms. Powers (with signed permission slip & waiver)

Additional Information

• Teresa Collins and Carrie Wilder will be present at the entire event, including when the students arrive at the school to depart for the event, while loading the buses, riding with the students to/from the event and staying until every student has left/been picked up.
• Additional chaperones and event staff will also be at the venue.
• If a student returns a permission slip but does not attend, we will notify their parent/guardian the night of the event.

Bathroom Expectations

Bathrooms are for quick and appropriate use only. Students are expected to use the restroom and return to class promptly. Bathrooms are not a place to gather, linger, or socialize.

Important bathroom reminders are as follows:

• Flush.

• Wash Hands.

• Leave the space better than you found it.

• Report any damage to the main office.

Students should go directly to the restroom and return to class without delay. Hanging out, meeting up with friends, or remaining in the bathroom for extended periods is not permitted.

Thank you for helping us keep our school respectful, safe, and focused for all Panthers. 🐾

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.

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! 🐾

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