🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

We were excited to celebrate these outstanding Panthers with a special breakfast this morning in recognition of their hard work, leadership, and positive impact on our school community.

Pictured from left to right:

Gio Ayala, Cadia Raines, David Huff, Lily Collins, Kylin Blackston, Mackenzie Webster, and Kevin Johnson.

Missing from the picture: Mark Birmele.

We are so proud of each of you—thank you for showing what Panther Pride looks like every single day! 🐾❤️

Keep shining, Panthers!

Students may earn an exemption from taking a semester exam based on attendance and academic performance.

• To be exempt with a B or higher, a student must have 3 or fewer total absences in that class.

• To be exempt with an A, a student must have 5 or fewer total absences in that class.

All absences count toward this incentive, regardless of the reason.

If a student qualifies for an exam exemption, they do not need to physically be in school during that exam period. That time will be considered a school-excused absence.

To restate:

• 3 or fewer absences + a B or higher = exam exemption

• 5 or fewer absences + an A = exam exemption

Our goal is to encourage strong attendance and consistent effort, while recognizing students who meet these expectations.

If you have questions about your child’s attendance or eligibility, please contact the high school office.

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, a small group of Watervliet athletes competed at the GVSU MITS #2 Indoor Track Meet, with every athlete recording a season best and many earning personal records.

Allyson Casiano ran a PR in the 800M (2:28.52, 13th of 44) and just missed a PR in the 1600M (5:38.47). She also helped a mixed 4x400M relay finish 1st, posting a strong split.

Sam Casiano earned PRs in the 800M (2:10.41) and a season best in the 1600M (4:50.4).

Daniel Perez ran season bests in both the 800M (2:34.54) and 1600M (5:59.75).

Kevin Johnson, typically a 400M runner, posted a PR in his first-ever 800M and followed it with a season best 400M (67.7).

The next meet is January 10, 2026, at GVSU. There is also a meet on January 3, 2026, in Ypsilanti—interested athletes should contact Coach Tackett.

image below: Ally Casiano waiting to receive baton.

The JMG class recently welcomed a guest speaker from Caterpillar (CAT) who talked with students about the company and his work as a power and energy engineer. He shared what Caterpillar does around the world, how engines and power systems are designed and supported, and what his day-to-day job looks like in the engineering field.

Students learned about different career paths in engineering, the importance of problem-solving and teamwork, and how the skills they learn in the classroom connect to real-world jobs in the power and energy industry.

• Student Advisory Council (SAC) Highlights

  This morning’s SAC meeting was lively and productive, with students sharing thoughtful feedback.

  Key topics discussed:

  • Building access: Students would like a way to buzz in from the café side using a QR code. Ms. Powers will work on implementation.

  • Bathrooms: Ongoing concerns with cleanliness and stall doors. Ms. Powers will work with custodial staff.

  • Attendance access: Students do not have access to PowerSchool. Ms. Powers will remind students to email a secretary for attendance questions and follow up with the tech department.

  • Tech Center & lunch: Tech students will now be released at 11:40 for more lunch time. Food availability at that time will be addressed with the kitchen.

  • Hand sanitizer: Students would like more available in classrooms; options will be explored.

  • School spirit: Students expressed concern about low energy at athletic events and want more engagement, better promotion, and stronger team unity.

  • Academics: Students want more information about Michigan Virtual and reassurance that AP classes are challenging but doable.

  • Semester timing: Most students prefer Semester 1 to end before winter break and shared concerns about starting new units close to exams.

  Next Steps:
  All concerns raised will be reviewed and addressed, with follow-up actions taken where possible.

  Overall: Students want clearer communication, stronger school pride, and smoother daily systems—and appreciated being heard.

  
  

To spread positivity in class, I was inspired by a student. This student asked for a tree and to make decorations, I turned this into a way to build community into the room. Each student decorated a stocking and we hung them under our Feliz Navidad sign. During the week we wrote affirmations and Christmas cards to our friends of our Good Things. It was heart warming watching students write several cards and then touching the stockings to make sure everyone had a not!

Each student was assigned a historical era (such as the 18th century, the Civil War, the Roaring Twenties, or the Great Depression). They researched and presented on key events from their era, as well as the foods commonly eaten at the time—how those foods were prepared, cooked, and served, including the utensils used.

After their presentations, students selected a food from their era to prepare and bring in for a class feast. The photo captures a moment from our feast this morning and the impressive effort students put into bringing history to life.

This weekend, the debate team traveled to Wayne State University in Detroit to participate in the State Finals. Over fifty different schools participated, and our team's performance was commendable. Four members of the team, Lily Collins, Kaden Conklin, Jazmine Moses, and Landon Layer broke into the semifinals. Overall, they walked away with high state rankings:

Lily Collins - 16th

Kaden Conklin - 22nd

Jazmine Moses - 26th

Braydon Collins - 27th

Brianna Shriver - 32nd

Landon Schlipp - tied for 32nd

Landon Layer - 33rd

Abby Shriver - 37th

Makenzie Birmele - 39th

Congratulations Debate team on a successful season!

Dear Seniors and Families,

We are excited to announce that Watervliet High School will participate in the Universal FAFSA Challenge this year. The Board of Education has approved FAFSA completion as a graduation requirement beginning with the Class of 2026.

This step is supported by new funding from the State of Michigan through the MiLEAP office, which is helping schools increase FAFSA completion statewide.

Completing the FAFSA opens doors to grants, scholarships, work-study, and other financial aid that can make college, trade programs, and post-secondary training more affordable. Our staff will work closely with seniors and families to ensure every student has the support needed to complete the FAFSA. If completing it is not possible, a parent/guardian waiver will be available.

To encourage participation, each senior who completes the FAFSA will receive a monetary reward beginning in January—and any senior who completes it by March 26th will earn the chance to pie the teacher of their choice during a school-wide assembly before spring break.

If you have any questions or need help, please contact the Counseling Office. We are here to support you every step of the way.

The Varsity Wrestlers did battle on the mats in Eau Claire this past weekend, coming away with 5 medals and a Team Title. The ladies placed 1st out of 14 teams in the Eau Claire Girls Invitational on Friday, outscoring second place Berrien Springs by 17 points. All five of our Panthers brought home a medal, with Brooklyn Woollett and Sophie Wigent placing 1st, Maria Hernandez-Cruz and Naduheigh Robart placing 3rd, and Madalein Myers placing 4th. Brooklyn Woollett was also named the Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. Great job ladies!

Watervliet High School is excited to share an innovative learning support created by Mr. Dimino for his Algebra 2 students. Mr. Dimino has developed an online AI-supported Algebra 2 tutor, which is now available to students through Canvas.

This tool is not designed to give students answers. Instead, it serves as a support system that helps students work through problems step-by-step, ask questions, and better understand the reasoning behind the math. The goal is to reinforce learning, not replace it.

One of the greatest benefits of this resource is that it provides help outside of the school day—such as in the evenings or at times when the teacher is not available. This allows students to continue learning, practice problem-solving skills, and gain confidence independently while still being guided in an appropriate way.

We are proud of Mr. Dimino’s creativity and commitment to supporting students and ensuring they have access to meaningful academic help whenever they need it.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student learning.

Below are some screenshots of questions that I asked the tutor in order to solve the problem:

One of our favorite traditions at Watervliet High School is celebrating our Students of the Month by adding their handprints to the “Pride of the Prowl” wall—a vibrant display of leadership, character, and Panther Pride.

The wall grows each month as new honorees leave their mark, creating a colorful reminder of the kindness, hard work, and positive influence our students bring to WHS.

Pictured here is Mrs. Hunt, who paints each student’s hand before they add their print. She helps make this tradition special every month as new students join the wall.

With our November Students of the Month now added, the Pride of the Prowl continues to shine brighter—one handprint at a time. 🐾❤️

Watervliet High School is excited to announce a brand-new tradition! This month, Payton Yeske, Aiyanna Forrester, Paige Shafter, Brooklyn Wallace, and Connor Zang became the first students to recite our WHS fight song in Spanish during the Friday morning announcements. We appreciate this group for stepping up and being the first to launch this tradition.

Each Monday, our cheerleaders sing the fight song in English. Now, with the guidance of Señora Lefor, our Spanish students will share the same Panther spirit in Spanish every Friday—and each week a new group of Spanish students will take on the role. This celebrates language learning, cultural pride, and the diverse strengths of our student body.

This tradition aligns perfectly with our Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) commitment to student leadership and belonging. By giving students meaningful roles in our daily routines, we empower them to use their voices, lead with confidence, and help shape the culture of WHS.

We are proud of these students for setting the tone for a new Panther tradition—one that reflects pride, inclusion, and the heart of our school community.

Panther Pride—en inglés y en español! 🐾❤️

Each month, we hold a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting, and all parents are invited and encouraged to attend. These meetings provide an opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and share input on important school topics.

Please see below for the items that were reviewed and discussed at this week’s meeting.

We value parent voice and partnership and appreciate everyone who takes the time to join us.

The portal opened THURSDAY for the Berrien Community Foundation Scholarships! Applications can be completed here: https://www.berriencommunity.org/scholar and are due February 10, 2026.

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.

Hallway Expectations

Hallways are not a place to gather or linger. Students are expected to move purposefully through the hallways and be where they are supposed to be during the school day.

Keeping hallways clear helps us:

• Maintain student safety

• Reduce disruptions

• Support a focused learning environment

Students should not stand in groups, wander, or remain in hallways without permission. Any time students are in the hallway, they should have a clear destination and follow all expectations.

Thank you for helping us keep our hallways safe, respectful, 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