🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

Watervliet High School is proud to have a student-led Virtue Club that focuses on building character, kindness, and leadership in our school community. The group meets every Friday at 7:30 AM and is open to all students and staff.

Each week, members talk about a specific virtue—like respect, gratitude, courage, or integrity—and look for ways to live it out in everyday life at school and beyond. It’s a positive, welcoming space where Panthers can connect, reflect, and grow together.

Anyone is welcome to stop in and join the conversation—no sign-up needed. 💜🐾

Today, students from our Marching Band and JMG (Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates) classes are out in the Watervliet community participating in our Rake a Difference service project. They’re lending a hand to local residents by raking leaves, cleaning up yards, and spreading kindness throughout town.

We’re incredibly proud of their hard work, positive attitudes, and commitment to giving back. This is Panther Pride in action! 🐾🍂

“Rake a Difference” is an annual community day of service organized by United Way of Southwest Michigan where volunteer teams help senior citizens with fall yard work—especially raking leaves and cleaning gutters. The event takes place across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties and is designed to support older adults who may not be able to do this work themselves or afford help, while also preventing issues like water damage in the spring. Individuals, families, coworkers, and student groups are all encouraged to volunteer and make a positive impact in their community.

National Novel Writing Month is in full swing. So far, Ms. Bruce's Creative Writing class has written 58,000 words. Sophomore, Eathan Burnett is leading the charge with over 10,000 words toward the completion of his novel. Keep up the great work!

On Thursday, we conducted a Secure Drill at the high school as part of our regular safety practice. These drills are scheduled throughout the year to ensure that students and staff know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency. Local law enforcement was present to support and observe the process, and our students handled the drill calmly and responsibly. Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of every student and staff member, and these drills help us strengthen our preparedness. Additional safety drills are planned for later this school year, and we will continue to keep you informed.

We are excited to announce that Watervliet High School will once again participate in the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Rotary Club Essay Contest, supported by Berrien RESA. This contest gives students the opportunity to showcase their social studies knowledge and writing skills by composing an essay on a contemporary topic chosen by the Rotary Club. Each Berrien County high school may nominate one senior to participate, and one senior-level homeschooled student is also invited. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three essay writers.

This year’s WHS representative is Ava Sprague, a talented senior with a lifelong love for the creative arts and a special passion for writing poetry and personal essays. After high school, Ava plans to attend a two-year college to complete her prerequisite credits and then transfer to the Stamps School of Art and Design in Ann Arbor or another university with a strong fine arts program. Ava shared, “I am so grateful to be given this opportunity to get my foot through the door, and put my name out there as a young writer.” We are proud to have Ava represent Watervliet High School and look forward to cheering her on in this year’s competition.

Today, one of our incredible students helped lead Good Things in Spanish — a beautiful example of student leadership.

If you look at the photo, you’ll notice the students seated in a circle. This structure is intentional — it creates connection, strengthens belonging, and builds community, which is at the heart of our CKH work.

We’re proud of our students for stepping up, sharing their voices, and leading with confidence and kindness. Moments like this show exactly what makes WHS such a special place.

🐾 Panther Pride — Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! 🐾

Our Student Advisory Council to the Principal and oir WHS Faculty and Staff recently reviewed schoolwide behavior data from the first three months of the school year. Overall, we’re seeing positive trends in many areas, along with a few that need continued attention.

🔹 The most frequent concerns continue to be cell phone use, tardiness, and disrespect toward teachers. These areas are being addressed through consistent classroom expectations and student reminders about building-wide policies.

🔹 Positive note: Incidents of fighting, harassment, and bullying have remained extremely low or at zero throughout the fall—reflecting the respect and safety that our Panthers continue to show one another.

🔹 Next steps: Staff and student leaders are working together to reinforce expectations, celebrate positive behavior, and ensure that all students are learning in a focused, respectful, and supportive environment.

We appreciate your continued partnership in helping students make great choices and model Panther Pride every day! 🐾

Students in Advanced Art just finished their "Six Words" narrative challenge. More images coming soon.

Families, please take a few moments to review our cell phone expectations with your student. Cell phones are not permitted in any classrooms at Watervliet High School. Each classroom has clear signage reminding students to leave phones outside of the classroom.

If a student has a cell phone in class, the teacher will request it and send it to the office. Students receive one free phone violation per year, after which the phone is returned at the end of the day. Any additional violations will result in a detention, and a parent or guardian must come to the school to pick up the phone.

Students are welcome to use their phones before school, after school, at lunch, and during passing times (every 51 minutes).

We appreciate your support in reinforcing this expectation at home—students cannot focus and learn effectively when they are on their phones during class. Thank you for helping us maintain a focused, distraction-free learning environment for all Panthers! 🐾

At the end of October, we held our annual 7th Hour College Trivia Competition in celebration of College Application Month. Every class in the building participated—but one group rose to the top!

👏 Mrs. Bruce’s 7th hour English 12 students earned the highest number of correct answers of any 7th hour in the entire school!

To celebrate their hard-earned victory, the class enjoyed a fun reward on Thursday: pizza, pop, and a few classic Minion videos to wrap up the afternoon with some well-deserved smiles.

Way to go, Panthers! Thank you for bringing energy, teamwork, and college-bound spirit to the competition. Keep aiming high! 🎉🐾

The Student Advisory Council (SAC) is a group of student leaders representing all grade levels who meet with Ms. Powers every other Wednesday morning to share ideas, provide feedback, and help make Watervliet High School the best it can be.

SAC members review school data, discuss student experiences, and offer creative solutions to improve academics, behavior, and school culture. Their voices help guide decisions about events, celebrations, and initiatives that impact all Panthers.

This group plays an important role in ensuring that student perspectives are heard and valued in every part of our school community. 🐾

Student Advisory Council (SAC) — Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 • Time: 7:30–8:00 AM • Location: Media Center

1) Focus of Today’s Meeting

Review of disciplinary data to gather student voice and identify improvements.

2) Student Feedback by Topic

Cell Phones

• Students request consistent enforcement of the building policy (phones are to be taken when seen/heard).

Disrespect Toward Staff

• Perception that disrespect is more prevalent with newer teachers and the same students repeatedly.

Tardy Procedures

• The 1-minute warning bell helps a lot.

• Students who are frequently tardy report low concern because after-school homework help is an easy consequence; they see it as not a deterrent.

Vaping

• Students report that vaping remains active in the building; admin will continue to address

Academic Dishonesty

• Students understand what cheating is and know it’s wrong.

• Primary reason cited: laziness/avoidance of work; not inability to do the work

Positive Recognition (“Caught in the Act” Tickets)

• Students are frustrated by inconsistent recognition.

3) Immediate Action Items

1. Cell Phone Consistency

   • Re-communicate policy: if seen/heard, phone is taken and referral submitted

2. Tardy Deterrents
   

3. • Review whether current after-school help functions as a consequence or support.

   • Consider progressive responses for chronic tardiness.

4. Vaping Response

   • Admin to continue to monitor flagged areas

5. Academic Integrity

   • Provide re-learning and redo structures that require authentic work (not just a 0 and a detention).

6. Recognition Reset

   • Ensure every teacher has Caught-in-the-Act tickets; replenish in office weekly.

   • Set a building goal: each teacher issues at least 3 tickets/week, including to quiet high-achievers.

Next SAC Meeting: Wednesday, December 3rd due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Wednesday, our students and staff joined together in wearing red to honor and raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.

Tuesday at WHS, as part of Indigenous Peoples’ Week, many of our students and staff are wearing braids.

Braids hold deep meaning in many Indigenous cultures. They represent the mind, body, and spirit woven together, showing balance and unity. Braiding is often done with care, gentleness, and good thoughts, making it a way to honor one’s identity, culture, and connection to others.

Wearing braids today is a gesture of respect and solidarity — a way for us to learn together, acknowledge the living traditions of Indigenous peoples, and celebrate culture in a positive and meaningful way.

Mno Bmadzewen — living in a good way. 🪶❤️🖤🤍💛

#WeAreStillHere #IndigenousPeoplesWeek #PantherPride

If your senior hasn’t created a Going Merry account yet, please have them do so this weekend. It’s the quickest way to access hundreds of post-secondary scholarships in one place. Several scholarships have deadlines in the next few days, and we don’t want anyone to miss out.

If your student needs help setting up their account or finding matches, our counseling office is happy to assist. Thank you for encouraging them to jump in!https://app.goingmerry.com/parents/home

At WHS, student leadership happens every single day — not just in big moments, but in the voices, choices, and courage of our students who step forward to lead our community. Today was a beautiful example of that. 💛

🎙️ Morning Announcements were led by senior Giovanni Ayala, who shared our daily message in both English and Spanish — honoring the languages and cultures represented in our school.

🎺 TAPS was performed with care and respect by Gianna Berry in honor of Veterans Day, reminding us of the power of gratitude and remembrance.

🪶 And as part of our Indigenous Peoples’ Week, shared the Word of the Day in the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi language, Lilliana Kirby teaching us how to greet one another in a way that honors the original people of this land.

These are the moments where Capturing Kids’ Hearts shines — where students share their voices, support one another, and help create a school culture rooted in respect, identity, and community.

We are so proud of these student leaders and grateful for the example they set. 🐾❤️

📸 See the photos attached — and join us in celebrating their leadership!

🩸 WHS Blood Drive – This Monday! 🩸

Watervliet High School students are hosting a Blood Drive this Monday in partnership with Versiti Blood Center. We’re proud of our students for stepping up to support our community in such a meaningful way!

📅 Date: Monday, November 17

📍 Location: WHS Gym

Donating blood is one of the most impactful ways to help others—just one donation can save up to 3 lives. ❤️

Parents, community members, and alumni are welcome!

Students 16+ may donate with a signed permission form.

If you’d like to schedule a donation time or have questions, please call the WHS main office at 269-463-0730.

Thank you for supporting our Panthers as they learn, lead, and give back. 🐾💉

Attached you will find a digital poster about the Distinguished Artist Award in Creative Writing at Hope College. The Distinguished Artist Award in Creative Writing comes with an annual $3000 scholarship. We award up to eight to ten DAAs each year.

In addition, we can award a Trustee Scholarship in Creative Writing, which provides an annual $24,000 scholarship to a high-achieving creative writer. I encourage you to please share this with all students and teachers who would be interested in applying for this award.

This year, Monday, February 16, 2026, is the due date for the application for students entering Hope College in the Fall of 2026. You can find more information here.

Please encourage your best creative writers to apply to Hope College, and to apply for the Distinguished Artist Awards in Creative Writing. We’d love to read their work and honor their artistic abilities.

Our students learn from highly educated, experienced, and widely published writers who love teaching and the classroom.

On Hope’s campus, The Jack Ridl Visiting Writers Series and The Big Read Lakeshore host six to ten writers a year who visit classes, meet and dine with students, and give presentations and lectures.

We’ve hosted writers like George Saunders (Man Booker Prize winner), poet Joy Harjo (American Book Award winner, Poet Laureate of the United States), writer Tim O’Brien (National Book Award winner), poet Terrance Hayes (Pulitzer Prize winner), poet Qwendolyn Brooks (Pulitzer Prize winner), writer Emily St. John Mandell (Station Eleven, National Book Award finalist), and cartoonist Ben Mankoff (former cartoon editor of the New Yorker and Esquire).

We also host alumni and student readings, a writing club, and Opus, our excellent student arts & literature journal. Several of our recent alumni have built careers as writers and artists, like poet and writer Chris Dombrowski, novelist Emily Henry, writer/screenwriter Matthew Baker, memoirist Anna Gazmarian, and singer/songwriter/producer Sufjan Stevens.

Our graduates work in the arts, nonprofit administration, business, education, marketing, advertising, and many other fields. Very few four-year liberal arts colleges offer a creative writing program as strong, diverse, and student-focused as ours, and our alumni are excellent examples of what a creative writing major can do.

Sincerely,

Pablo Peschiera, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

English Department

Hope College

The Watervliet Athletic Boosters need your help in the concession stand.

Since the start of the ’24–’25 school year, WAB has provided $40,000+ in support to WPS athletics—made possible by volunteers like you. 🙌

Pitch in this season: sign up for a shift here → Athletic Concession Stand Sign-Up Athletic Concession Stand Sign Up.

Thank you for fueling Panther Pride! 🐾

PBIS Focus of the Week: Auditorium

At WHS, we’re committed to a positive, welcoming learning environment. As part of our PBIS work, we teach, model, and recognize behaviors that help everyone feel respected—especially during assemblies and performances in the Auditorium.

This week in 2nd hour, students will review Auditorium expectations and practice what they look like in real time:

• Enter calmly and go directly to your seat.

• Sit with your class, feet on the floor, aisles clear.

• Use inside voices before the program; no talking once it begins.

• Show respect to speakers/performers: attentive listening, appropriate applause, no calling out.

• No food or drink in the auditorium.

• Treat seats and equipment with care; leave the space clean.

• Stay seated until dismissed and follow staff directions when exiting.

Please talk with your student about how these shared expectations help make the Auditorium a safe, respectful place to learn, celebrate, and enjoy performances.

Thank you for partnering with us to support positive culture and learning at WHS! 🐾🎭

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.

• • • November at a Glance — WHS 🍂
      

      Mon, Nov 17
      ❤️ Blood Drive

      Wed, Nov 19
      ⏰ Early Release — Dismissal at 1:10 PM

      Thu, Nov 20
      👥 PAC Meeting — 7:00–8:00 PM (Media Center & online)

      Fri, Nov 21
      🏀 Maroon & White Games
      🚌 MCTI Visit

      Wed, Nov 26
      🍂 Thanksgiving Break — No School

      Thu, Nov 27
      🦃 Thanksgiving Day — No School

      Fri, Nov 28
      🍂 Thanksgiving Break — No School

      December at a Glance — WHS 🎄

      Mon, Dec 1
      👀 Freshmen Vision Screening
      🎓 JMG Class Visit to LMC

      Wed, Dec 3
      🗣️ Debate Day

      Fri, Dec 5
      🏅 Student of the Month Breakfast

      Mon, Dec 8
      🎓 LMC Lunchtime Visit
      🚌 10th Grade Visit to Van Buren Tech Center
      🏫 School Board Meeting — 6:00 PM

      Wed, Dec 10
      ⏰ Early Release — Dismissal at 1:10 PM

      Mon, Dec 15
      🏫 Early Middle College (EMC) Parent Informational Night — 6:00 PM (Media Center)
      🎺 Band Concert — 7:00 PM

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