Panther Print for Parents 🐾
WEEKLY UPDATE FROM THE PRINCIPAL-FEBRUARY 14th
CONGRATULATIONS CHAZ HART AND LILLY SUMMERS!
WINTERFEST GAME TIME!
PANTHER HOTLINE
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.
AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELP NEXT WEEK!
Tuesday with Mrs. O'Toole (Science)
Tuesday with Mr. Dimino (math)
Tuesday and Thursday with Mrs. Hunt (art and a quiet place to work)
Monday -Thursday with Mr Arter (anything, especially 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.
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!
Teamwork was on full display in the art room as students worked together to build the tallest paper tower in a ten-minute challenge.
GOOD LUCK WRESTLERS!
Six wrestling at Individual Regionals this weekend. If they win 2 matches they move onto the State Finals at Ford Field.
At Olivet High School on Saturday:
JT Isbrecht - 106 weight class
Luke Isbrecht - 126 weight class
At Portage Northern High School on Sunday:
Maria Hernandez-Cruz - 120 weight class
Sophie Wigent - 125 weight class
Brooklyn Woollett - 135 weight class
Ayana Marshall - 170 weight class
RE-SCHEDULED PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES!
THIS WEEK WE CELEBRATED NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK!
This year's theme was “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive.” Hosted by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the weeklong celebration aimed to highlight the invaluable contributions of school counselors in guiding students toward academic success, career readiness, and personal growth.
Our school counselor, Mrs. Dawson, plays a pivotal role in student development, providing essential support in academic achievement, career exploration, and social-emotional learning. She serves as an advocate for students, helping to break down barriers to success and ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive.
From assisting with college and career planning to offering guidance on mental health and emotional well-being, school counselors serve as a crucial bridge between students, teachers, and families. Their work fosters a positive and supportive school environment, empowering students to reach their full potential.
Thank you Mrs. Dawson for all of your time and efforts with our Panthers!
VISIT TO FLORIDA!
Jamie Dawson, high school counselor, and Linda Stofko, migrant director visited Polk and Hillsborough County Schools in Florida - The counselor and director had face-to-face contact with students, counselors, registrars, migrant department personnel, and teachers to better understand curriculum and programming offered to WPS's forty (40) migratory students. They hope to create continuity in educational practices as students move between Michigan and Florida schools.
Back row pictured left to right: Mrs. Dawson (WHS School Counselor), Mrs. Gutierrez (Administrator of Multilingual & Migrant Services, Van Buren Tech), and Ms. Stofko (WHS Migrant Director).
GIRLS STATE PRESENTATION THIS PAST THURSDAY FOR JUNIOR GIRLS
The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Michigan Girls State program is an amazing week of learning, focused on responsible citizenship and leadership. It provides participants with a firsthand experience and insight into how their state government and judicial system works. The students are a diverse group with a shared desire to learn and lead. ALA MI Girls State “citizens” come together from small towns, big cities, and rural areas to learn how to run their own state, known as ALA MI Girls State! The citizen’s varied backgrounds set the stage for a week of spirited, experiential learning. The citizens connect with their peers from across the state, allowing a unique opportunity to spend time with others who share common interests and those who have different perspectives from their own experiences. They leave our program with a deeper understanding of government, a renewed sense of patriotism, and an appreciation for our veterans. Who can attend? This weeklong event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for female high school students who will complete their junior year in high school in the spring of 2025, and have at least one more semester remaining before graduation. When and where? The 84 th session of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Michigan, Girls State program is scheduled for June 22 to June 28, 2025, on the beautiful campus of Michigan State University. A representative from the organization spoke with all Junior girls about the opportunity at school on Thursday. Ask your junior daughter about it!
STUDENT SURVEY RESULTS 24-25
Each year, the high school facilitates an anonymous survey with students. Below are the results from this year's survey. The results have been with the SAC (student group that meets with Ms. Powers). This team will decide how to move forward with the data.
237 out of 362 students completed the survey.
32% of the data came from Freshmen
27% of the data came from Juniors
26% of the data came from Sophomores
13% of the data came from Seniors
The percentage next to each statement is the total number of students who agreed or were neutral towards the statement.
91% said I feel welcome at my school.
92% said Most of the adults in the building know my name.
90% said The adults at my school take care of my needs.
90% said The adults at my school help me to understand what I need to do to succeed.
95% said My teachers encourage me to succeed.
92% said I need to work hard to get good grades at my school.
88% said Students who get god grades are respected by other students.
84% said My school helps me to develop challenging academic goals.
89% said Someone at my school helps me understand what courses I need to be promoted to the next grade or graduate.
95% said My teachers expect me to continue my education after high school.
92% said Someone at my school can talk to me about plans after high school.
88% said My school provides helpful counseling on how to get a good job or get into college after high
school.
77% said I am comfortable talking to adults at my school about a problem I am having in class.
75% said I am comfortable talking to adults at my school about something that is bothering me.
86% said I am comfortable talking to adults at my school about a problem that I am having in class.
84% said Teachers in my school treat students with respect.
80% said Most students in my school treat teachers with respect.
90% said The adults in my school treat each other with respect.
74% said Students with disabilities are included in all school activities.
78% said My teachers enjoy what they teach.
79% said My teachers connect what I am learning to life outside of the classroom.
77% said My teachers like students and enjoy being and working with them.
80% said My school offers a wide variety of classes and activities to keep me interested in school.
67% said Most students in my school help and care about each other.
94% said Most students in my school just look out for themselves.
71% said Most students at my school treat each other with respect.
82% said I never stay home from school because I do not feel safe at school.
81% said Students threaten or bully other students never or some of the time.
47% said that Students never get into physical fights at the school. 51% said students get into physical fights some of the time.
36% said that Adults at my school never yell at students. 51% said that some of the time adults yell at students.
48% said that Students in my school never get harassed or threatened;. 38% said that students in my school sometimes get harassed or threatened.
57% said that Students in my school never use alcohol or illegal drugs on school property; 32% said students in my school sometimes use alcohol or illegal drugs in school property.
90% said that There is never gang activity at my school.
81% said that There is a person or program in my school that helps students resolve conflicts.
65% said that Discipline in my school is fair.
91% said I am safe in my classes.
88% said I am safe in the hallways, bathrooms, and locker rooms at my school.
90% said I am safe on school property outside of my building.
76% said My school is kept clean.
UPCOMING ATHLETIC EVENTS
Friday, February 14
6:00 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity Game vs. Coloma @ Watervliet HS Senior Night for Basketball/Cheer
7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity Game vs. Coloma @ Watervliet HS Senior Night for Basketball/Cheer
Saturday, February 15
9:00 AM Wrestling: Varsity Tournament vs. Olivet @ Olivet High School MHSAA Individual Boys Regionals
Sunday, February 16
9:00 AM Wrestling: Varsity Tournament @ Portage Northern HS MHSAA Individual Girls Regionals
Tuesday, February 18
5:30/7:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV & Varsity Girls vs. Our Lady of the Lakes @ Our Lady of the Lakes
5:30/7:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV Maroon/ Varsity Boys vs. Our Lady of the Lakes @ Watervliet HS
Wednesday, February 19
5:00/6:00 PM Basketball: Girls 7th & 8th Grade Maroon Game vs. Buchanan @ Watervliet MS
7:00 PM Basketball: Girls 7th White Game vs. Comstock @ Watervliet MS
Thursday, February 20
4:30/6:00/7:30 PM Basketball: Boys JV White, JV Girls & JV Maroon vs. Fennville @ Watervliet HS
CONGRATULATIONS JACOB!
Congratulations to Jacob Pleyer for scoring his 1000th point as a Watervliet Panther. He becomes only the 5th boys' basketball player in school history to achieve this milestone.
Panther Wrestlers Qualify for Regionals !
The Watervliet Wrestlers began their Individual postseason this weekend, with District Tournaments in Dowagiac. Six Panthers placed in the top 4 of their brackets, qualify for the Regional Tournaments this weekend.
Sophie Wigent, Maria Hernandez-Cruz, and JT Isbrecht each finished 4th, Ayana Marshall and Brooklyn Woollett each finished 3rd, and Luke Isbrecht finished in 1st, making him District Champion at 126 pounds.
These Panthers will wrestle in Regional Tournaments this weekend, with a trip to Ford Field for the State Finals on the line.
The six Panthers wrestlers who qualified for Regionals visited Grand Valley State University's Fieldhouse on Monday. There they were able to see they wrestling room, meet GVSU Wrestling Club coach Ryan Lancaster, and learn about GVSU 's club and varsity wrestling teams.
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025 TOP TEN (CUMULATIVE GPA RANKING)
Lucas Isbrecht
Alyssa Brown
Susannah Weckwerth
Jorge Zuniga
Aubrey James and Ayana Marshall (tie)
Kimberly Romero Chairez and Courtney Van Lente (tie)
Natalie Van Lente
Sydnee Enders
CONGRATULATIONS GREG CHISEK SENIOR SCHOLARS
Weighted GPA multiplied by 250, added to the highest SAT score divided by 1.6 Any Senior with a 1700 or higher qualifies as a Senior Scholar.
Lucas Isbrecht
Susannah Weckwerth
Alyssa Brown
Courtney Van Lente
Sydnee Enders
Jorge Zuniga
Lilly Summers
Tyler Kuehl
STAFF SPOTLIGHT--MRS. CAROLYN SIMMONS!!
I grew up in Portage and graduated from Portage Northern High School. I attended Northern Michigan University, then transferred to Kalamazoo College and graduated with a B.A. in English and Education. It was at K-College that I was able to teach in Hawaii and was hired to teach there my first years. I then went to teach in Georgia, where I met my husband. We returned to Michigan and have lived in South Haven for thirty-four years. I received my M.A. in Teaching at Western Michigan University.
This is my 37th year of teaching English, and while some years have been more challenging than others, I’ve always loved what I do. I don’t have much free time because I’m also an instructional coach for a program called Teach for America, and I work for the AP College Board and Pearson scoring essays including the SAT writing and AP Literature and Composition. What little time I have, I enjoy traveling, reading, writing, and playing with my grandchildren. I’m looking forward to the summer as I will be spending it on the East Coast and traveling to Bermuda.
I’m very proud to be a Panther because I’m blessed to teach truly amazing students. At the end of my classes, I tell my student, “Have a great day! Go be awesome!” I love it when they respond, “We already are!”
60% of the Class of 2025 has completed the FAFSA!!
ANNOUNCING OUR GRADUATION SPEAKERS FOR THE CLASS OF 2025!
After the close of semester 1 each year, when we can identify the top seniors based on their cumulative GPA, we pursue which of the top 5 will write and read individual speeches at graduation. The following seniors have volunteered based on their top GPS'a for the Class of 2025. Not all student sin the top 5 elect to speak at graduation. When that is the case, we move down the list to subsequence seniors.
Greeting: Lucas Isbrecht
Main Graduation Speech: Jorge Zuniga
Response to the Class: Alyssa Brown and Aubrey James
Closing: Susannah Weckwerth
AGRICULTURAL RELATED SCHOLARSHIPS
IRONWORKERS APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SENIORS
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SENIOR ATHLETES
Since our inception in 2021, the Get To® Foundation has proudly awarded $77,000 in scholarships to 64 deserving students across Michigan. Our scholarship program is dedicated to recognizing talented Michigan high school seniors who exemplify:
Strong character
Dedication to academics
Commitment to their teammates
Leadership among peers
Service to their community
A “Get To” attitude in all they do
We’re eager to grow our impact in 2025 and invite you to share this incredible scholarship opportunity with your students.
It’s not too late for graduating seniors to apply!
Application Deadline: February 15 at 11:59 PM
Your support in spreading the word can help us reach more students who embody these values. Thank you for helping us invest in Michigan’s future leaders!
For more details and to apply, visit: Scholarships | Get To® Foundation
2025 Get To® Scholarship Details
Eligibility
- Graduating Senior
- Must have participated in a sport for at least three years
- Must have maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Must align with the Get To® motto and philosophy as identified by the athletic director
- Should be community involved, donate time to charities or causes, and demonstrate other leadership capabilities
- Must receive nomination from high school Athletic Director or school Administrator (i.e. Principal, Vice Principal, etc.)
--
Katy Kibbey
Watervliet High School Robotics, Pantron-X #9758
Hello Everyone! We have one more opportunity to support Watervliet High School Robotics, Pantron-X #9758. This is our last scheduled fundraising event before we begin competing next month at FIRST in Michigan District Events.
Please review the attached information about the L'Bri Fundraising Event that Amy Moffatt has organized for our team. She is donating her commission to Pantron-X to help us "Build the Bot". Orders can be made throughout the month of February. You can also visit our Watervliet High School Robotics Facebook Page for more information.
We are so thankful for Amy's generosity and kindness!
IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR OUR SPRING MUSICAL!
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS WITH FEBRUARY DEADLINES
THIS IS THE LINK TO THE WHS SCHOLARSHIP PAGE FOR SENIORS!
NEXT BLOOD DRIVE!
COMING SOON!
YOUR MONTHLY OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE!
UPCOMING PARENT INFORMATIONAL SESSION
MICHIGAN YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY
Do you know a teen who is experiencing challenges such as school disengagement, low self-esteem or needing direction? We can help. Since 1999, we’ve helped more than 5,100 “at-promise” youth get back on track and see their full potential.
It is time for young adults desiring admission to the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy for Cycle 53 (beginning July 13, 2025) to attend an Information Session and complete the application process. Attendance at an in-person Information Session is a mandatory step in the process. Sessions are scheduled around the state beginning February 24. Our schedule is:
Monday, February 24 Battle Creek
Wednesday, February 26 Pontiac
Monday, March 3 Battle Creek
Wednesday, March 5 Muskegon
Monday, March 10 Cheboygan
Thursday, March 13 Escanaba
Tuesday, March 18 Mount Pleasant
Saturday, March 22 Saginaw
Wednesday, March 26 Benton Harbor
Saturday, March 29 Grand Rapids
Monday, March 31 Sturgis
Tuesday, April 1 Jackson
Wednesday, April 2 Detroit
Saturday, April 5 Lansing
Monday, April 7 Battle Creek
Wednesday, April 9 Flint
Wednesday, April 16 Ypsilanti
Tuesday, April 29 Traverse City
Monday, May 5 Grandville
Saturday, May 10 Ann Arbor
Monday, May 12 Battle Creek
Saturday, May 17 Lansing
Monday, May 19 Grayling
Tuesday, May 20 Alpena
Wednesday, May 21 Sault Ste. Marie
Wednesday, May 28 Kalamazoo
Saturday, June 7 Detroit
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN SCIENCE OLYMPIAD?
IMPORTANT SENIOR DATES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR!
Mar 1st Deadline to earn $50 gift card for FAFSA completion
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 25th community service hours are due to Mrs. Richcreek to wear a cord at graduation
May 1st Decision Day 10 am auditorium
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
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR SENIOR PHOTO!
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.
JUNIORS AND SENIORS MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
We will take a group of interested students by school bus on this trip. Look for a permission slip in the guidance office soon.
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK NOW!
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.
THE FAFSA IS OPEN!
Dear Senior Families:
Mr. Coburn, our certified FAFSA expert, will be meeting with your Senior in the next month to ask the following questions: (1) where have you applied? (2) where have you been accepted? (3) do you have your FSA ID?
If you would like to meet with Mr. Coburn to get assistance in completing the FAFSA, please reach out to him at christopher.coburn@watervlietps.org. He is available during and after the school day to meet with any parent who would like assistance.
It only takes 30 minutes to complete the FAFSA once you have all of the needed information: FSA ID for both parent and student, 2023 tax information, total current account amount for both parent and student, net worth of any businesses, SS # for both parent and student, and a list of all of the schools to which your Senior has applied.
It is our goal that 100% of the Class of 2025 completes the FAFSA this year. Whether your child is headed to post secondary training or not, plans can change over the summer. We want your child to be ready for whatever comes their way in the Fall of 2025 with a completed FAFSA! THANK YOU !
WHERE IS MR. COBURN IN FEBRUARY?
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.
STANDARDS BASED GRADING
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.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS
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 ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE PRINCIPAL
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.
February 26
March 26
April 30
May 21
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS NIGHTS
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
Feb 25 Van Buren Tech Informational Night (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)
24-25 Bell Schedules
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 + 5 min passing time)
Lunch A Class 11:32-12:23 (51 min)
Lunch B 11:22-11:52 (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 10:47-11:51
Period 5 for Lunch A 11:22-11:56
Lunch A 10:47-11:17
Period 5 for Lunch B 10:47-11:21
Lunch B 11:21-11:51
Period 6 11:56-12:30
Period 7 12:35-1:10
Late Start Schedule 2 Hour Delay
Period 1 10:10-10:45
Period 2 10:50-11:24
LUNCH A 11:24-11:54
Period 3 11:29-12:02
LUNCH B 12:02-12:32
Period 3 11:59-12:32
Period 4 12:37-1:10
Period 5 1:15-1:50
Period 6 1:55-2:30
Period 7 2:35-3:10