🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy is a special recognition awarded to high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. The seal is placed on a student's diploma and transcript, recognizing the valuable language skills they have developed through coursework, heritage language experiences, or language study.

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy signals to colleges, universities, and employers that a student is able to communicate effectively in multiple languages and has developed important global and cultural competencies.

At Watervliet High School, we are proud of students who pursue this distinction and celebrate the diversity, dedication, and hard work required to become bilingual or multilingual. The Seal of Biliteracy is another way our students demonstrate they are prepared for success in college, careers, and an increasingly interconnected world.

Pictured left to right: Sukhpreet Singh, Larry Perez Cruz, Karla Cervantes, Julian Cardoso, and Giovanni Ayala.

Julian Cardoso has distinguished himself as one of the most accomplished students in Watervliet High School history. Graduating as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026, Julian ranks first in his class while completing advanced coursework through the Berrien County Math and Science Center and Dual Enrollment.

A bilingual student fluent in English and Spanish, Julian has a passion for quantum mechanics, aerospace, coding, innovation, and solving complex problems. His curiosity and drive to learn have set him apart throughout his high school career.

Julian has also given back to others by tutoring younger students and participating in the Minds for Youth program, where he helped create mental health awareness cards distributed to hospitals.

This year, Julian was selected as a prestigious Gates Scholar and will attend Columbia University in the fall. He will be the first person in his family to earn a college degree.

We are incredibly proud of Julian and look forward to all he will accomplish in the future.

Keira Tremblay has made an impact on nearly every aspect of student life at Watervliet High School. A leader in Student Council, National Honor Society, the Student Advisory Council to the Principal, Freshman Mentoring, and the Berrien RESA Student Advisory Council, Keira has consistently worked to make our school a better place.

She has also participated in JV and Varsity Volleyball, JV and Varsity Basketball, and Track and Field while volunteering at blood drives, athletic camps, field days, and campus clean-up events.

Keira maintains a GPA above 4.0, is a Greg Chisek Senior Scholar, and ranks among the Top 10 students in the Class of 2026. Despite facing injuries and illness throughout high school, she never stopped finding ways to lead and serve others.

This fall, Keira will attend the University of Michigan to pursue a degree in Nursing. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and grateful for the positive impact she has had on the Watervliet school community.

IF YOU HAVE A CHILD NEEDING TO ATTEND SUMMER SCHOOL, YOU WERE EMAILED THIS INFORMATION TODAY --

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Your child has been enrolled in Summer School Credit Recovery and is expected to attend beginning Monday, June 15.

Summer School Information

• Location:North Elementary School

• Dates:June 15 – July 30

• Schedule:Monday–Thursday, 8:15 AM–12:15 PM

• No Summer School: June 28–July 2 (Fourth of July break)

• Breakfast and lunch provided daily

Student Expectations

• Bring a fully charged Chromebook every day.

• Students are already enrolled in the course(s) they need to complete.

• Cell phones are not permitted in the building during summer school.

• Students should continue working on their coursework after school, in the evenings, and on weekends whenever they have internet access.

• Students who complete all required coursework will no longer need to attend summer school.

Transportation

If your child needs transportation, please contact the bus garage at 269-463-0720.

Progress Updates

You will receive a weekly email update regarding your child's progress and course completion.

Our goal is to help your child recover credit and start next school year on track for success. If you have any questions, please contact me by email.

Thank you for your support.

Christina Powers

Principal

Watervliet High School

This summer, Watervliet Public Schools Nutrition Services will be providing breakfast and lunches through the Meet Up & Eat Up Program again. This will run Monday - Thursday from 730am-1230pm from June 8th - June 25th & July 6th - August 6th. On Thursdays, meals will include breakfast and lunch for the weekend. Pick up will be at our High School Cafeteria.

One of the highlights of the last week of school was Mr. Dimino's lighthearted prank that had students and staff laughing and talking throughout the building. It was a fun way to wrap up the year and brought a lot of smiles to people's faces.

While we appreciate Mr. Dimino for the work he does in the classroom every day, it is also nice to see teachers find ways to make school enjoyable and create positive memories for students.

Thank you, Mr. Dimino, for helping us end the year on a fun note and reminding us that school can be a place for both learning and laughter.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Basketball with a Cop (Troopers on Tour) is coming to Berrien Springs on Wednesday June 24th from 4pm-7pm. This event will be held at Memorial Parks. MSP has partnered with Berrien Springs Oronoko Township Police Department, Berrien County Sheriff's Department and Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department for this event. The event is free, family-friendly featuring games such as basketball and cornhole, food, dancing and information about law enforcement. There is also a free raffle to win a prize.

Teen Defensive Driving is coming to Lake Michigan College on July 1st. This is for teens ages 14-19 who have completed driver’s training, have their GGDL Level 1 with at least 25 hours of driving completed. This is an advanced 4 hour course, teaching defensive driving through different course. Students will be driving a MSP patrol vehicle during all the exercises. Class sizes are limited to 21 students to allow a 3-to-1 student/instructor ratio.

Thank you,

Tpr. Holly Higgs

Prevention Services Section

Grants and Community Service

Michigan State Police Niles Post

1600 Silverbrook Ave

Niles, MI 49120

Tx: 269-683-4411

Cell: 269-845-6183

Fax: 269-683-3133

Email: Higgsh@Michigan.gov

Congratulations to Senior, Cole Getz, for finishing 8th at the MHSAA Division 3 State Track and Field Championships which erned him All State Accolades!

Celebrating Our Students of the Month

This week, Watervliet High School had the pleasure of celebrating our Students of the Month with a special breakfast attended by students and their families.

The Student of the Month program recognizes students who consistently demonstrate the qualities that make our school community stronger—academic effort, leadership, character, perseverance, citizenship, and a commitment to helping others. These students represent the very best of what it means to be a Panther.

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to celebrate alongside parents and family members. Student success is the result of a partnership between home and school, and we are grateful for the support and encouragement our families provide each day.

Congratulations to all of our Students of the Month. We are proud of your accomplishments and thankful for the positive example you set for your classmates. Thank you as well to the families who joined us for the breakfast and helped make the morning such a special occasion.

Can't Stop. Won't Stop.

🐾 Panther Pride Starts Here! 🐾

Pictured left to right; Branden Saucedo, Marissa Crotts, Jayden Reed, Emma Ausra, Claire Moore, and Layla Klimkiewicz

As we wrap up another successful school year, I would like to take a moment to recognize Mrs. Hunt for the countless ways she contributes to Watervliet High School behind the scenes.

While most people know Mrs. Hunt as our talented Art Teacher, many may not realize how much she does to help make our building a welcoming and inspiring place for students and staff. Throughout the year, she keeps our display cases filled with outstanding student artwork, showcasing the creativity and talent of our students. She coordinates our senior composite class photographs, facilitated the creation of our new mural, designed the senior countdown display, and most recently painted the handprints featured on our Student of the Month wall mural.

In addition, Mrs. Hunt manages our staff Sunshine Fund, spending countless hours organizing celebrations, purchasing gifts, recognizing milestones, and creating special treats and surprises for staff members throughout the year. Her thoughtfulness helps build a positive culture and reminds people that they are appreciated.

These projects—and many others—often happen quietly in the background, but they have a tremendous impact on our school community and the pride our students and staff feel in being part of Watervliet High School.

Thank you, Mrs. Hunt, for sharing your creativity, generosity, and talents with our students and staff. Watervliet High School is a better place because of the work you do every day.

After 28 years of service to Watervliet Public Schools, Food Service Director Terry Adams is retiring.

While Terry's official title has been Food Service Director, anyone who knows her understands that her impact reaches far beyond serving meals. For nearly three decades, Terry has spent countless hours supporting students and families in ways that often went unseen. Whether it was helping provide needed supplies, making donations, volunteering at school events, coaching, working athletic contests, or simply being there for students who needed a caring adult, Terry has always put kids first.

Her kindness and positive spirit have become a part of the fabric of Watervliet Public Schools. In fact, this year one student was surprised to learn that Terry was the Food Service Director. He genuinely thought her job was to make people smile and brighten their day. Those who know Terry would agree that he wasn't entirely wrong.

Terry's compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our students have touched thousands of lives over the years. Her legacy will not simply be measured by the meals she served, but by the relationships she built and the countless acts of kindness she shared along the way.

On behalf of the entire Watervliet community, thank you, Terry, for 28 incredible years of service. We wish you all the happiness and success in your well-earned retirement.

From left to right; Terry Adams, Rachelle Brown (3rd grade), Dave Babcock (3rd grade), Peggy Lloyd (custodian) Tami Brush (MS/HS Theatre and Choir).

After 27 years of dedicated service to Watervliet Public Schools, Mrs. Tami Brush is retiring from her role as our Choir and Theatre Director.

For nearly three decades, Mrs. Brush has shared her passion for music, performance, and the arts with generations of students. Through concerts, musicals, plays, competitions, and countless rehearsals, she has helped students discover their talents, build confidence, and find a place where they belong.

At Monday night's Board of Education meeting, Mrs. Brush was recognized for her years of service. One of the highlights of the evening was hearing former and current students speak about the profound impact she has had on their lives. Their stories reflected what so many in our community already know—that Mrs. Brush's influence extends far beyond the stage and classroom.

Her dedication, creativity, and unwavering support of students have left a lasting mark on Watervliet Public Schools. While she will be greatly missed, her legacy will continue through the thousands of students she inspired over the years.

On behalf of the entire Watervliet community, we thank Mrs. Brush for 27 remarkable years of service and wish her all the best in her retirement.

Pictured below: Tami Brush and WPS Board president--John Oliphant.

An additional picture includes the studenhts who came to wish Mrs. Brush well!

Congratulations to our Watervliet High School Robotics Team on another outstanding year of innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving!

This year's robot, Robarticus, was designed to navigate a challenging field filled with obstacles while completing its primary mission: shooting as many yellow balls as possible into a scoring hub. Along the way, Robarticus had to maneuver over and under obstacles, requiring students to apply engineering, programming, and design skills to create a competitive robot.

The learning doesn't stop when the competition season ends. From June 16-19, team members will participate in four full days of advanced OnShape CAD and Java Programming training at South Elementary School to continue developing the skills that make successful robotics teams possible.

The team will also represent Watervliet throughout the summer by participating in the Watervliet Independence Day Parade and the Coloma Glad-Peach Festival Parade, giving community members an opportunity to see Robarticus in action and learn more about the program.

We are proud of the hard work, creativity, and dedication demonstrated by our robotics students and advisors this year. Their commitment to STEM learning continues to showcase the incredible opportunities available to students in Watervliet Public Schools.

Can't Stop. Won't Stop. 🤖🐾

This year, we are excited to launch a new Watervliet tradition: The Panther Legacy Walk.

On Monday, August 31, immediately following the first home soccer game of the school year, our seniors and kindergarten students will walk hand in hand from one end of the field to the other, symbolizing one Panther journey coming to a close while another is just beginning.

The goal of this event is to connect our oldest and youngest students, celebrate the start of a new school year, and remind our students that they are part of something larger than themselves—a Panther family that spans generations.

All participating students will receive a commemorative T-shirt and should report to the field by 6:00 PM.

I would encourage all staff members, students, parents, and community members to join us for this special event. My hope is that this becomes an annual tradition that our students look forward to for years to come. The image of a senior walking alongside a kindergartner serves as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do and the impact our schools have on the lives of children from their very first day through graduation.

Thank you for your support as we begin what I believe will become one of Watervliet's most meaningful traditions.

One Journey Ends. Another Begins.

Dear Rising Seniors,

Congratulations on wrapping up your junior year — senior year is right around the corner! One of the most exciting senior traditions is customizing your very own parking spot.

If you would like to paint a senior parking spot, please follow these steps:

1. Fill out the Senior Parking Spot Google Form
   https://forms.gle/813t77j5Bci5a26A9
   This form includes all of the guidelines surrounding senior parking lot painting and is where you will submit your design.

2. Submit Your Payment and Pick Your Spot
   After completing the form, you must turn in your payment to choose and secure your selected spot. Your spot is NOT guaranteed until payment is received.

Make your mark on campus with a parking spot that reflects YOU!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mrs. O'Toole.

Looking forward to seeing your creativity shine in the parking lot!

Letters are being mailed home to parents of eligible current freshmen regarding Watervliet High School's Early Middle College (EMC) Program in partnership with Lake Michigan College.

The EMC Program allows students to earn both a Watervliet High School diploma and an Associate Degree from Lake Michigan College at no cost to families. Students accepted into the program attend LMC part-time during their junior and senior years and then complete one additional year at LMC after high school graduation to earn their degree.

Applications for the program will open in December for sophomores, but we encourage families to begin discussing this exciting opportunity now. For many students, EMC can save thousands of dollars in college tuition and provide a significant head start toward a career or bachelor's degree.

If your child receives a letter, please take time to review it together and consider whether the Early Middle College Program may be a good fit for their future goals.

Letters are being mailed home to parents of eligible students regarding Watervliet High School's Dual Enrollment Program for the 2026-2027 school year.

Dual Enrollment allows students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time while taking courses through Lake Michigan College. Students may take online college courses while remaining in the high school building, participate in on-site college classes offered at WHS, or attend classes at the South Haven or Benton Harbor LMC campuses if their schedule allows.

Dual Enrollment has helped many Watervliet graduates earn significant college credit before high school graduation, with some students completing bachelor's degrees in as little as two to three years after high school. In addition to saving time and money, Dual Enrollment allows students to experience college-level coursework, explore career interests, and strengthen college applications.

If your child receives a letter and is interested in participating, please contact the high school counseling office by June 18 at 269-463-0735 and speak with Mrs. Tyler to begin the enrollment process and discuss available course options.

This spring, 108 Watervliet High School students participated in dual enrollment courses, taking a total of 191 college classes. Even more impressive—every single student passed every single course and earned free college credit.

That's right—100% of our dual enrollment students were successful this semester.

In my time at WHS, this is the first time we have achieved a 100% pass rate in dual enrollment. This accomplishment speaks volumes about the hard work of our students, the support of their families, and the dedication of our staff.

Our Panthers continue to prove that they are absolutely capable of college-level success while still in high school. They are saving thousands of dollars in future tuition costs, building confidence, and getting a head start on their college and career goals.

This is exactly what we mean by "Own the Moment." Our students embraced the opportunity, challenged themselves with college-level coursework, and rose to the occasion.

We couldn't be more proud of them.

108 students.
191 college courses.
100% pass rate.

That is what happens when Panthers Own the Moment and show their Panther Pride!

Check out the data below and help us celebrate this amazing achievement!

We sincerely value the partnership we have with local schools and truly appreciate the students who have volunteered their time and talents with us. Their contributions make a meaningful impact on our patients, visitors, and staff, and we are grateful for their continued support.

I know that summer break is just starting however, I wanted to share our current volunteer needs. We are looking for dedicated and reliable students who are interested in volunteering at the hospital. I have attached our current volunteer flyer, which includes information on how interested students can sign up and get involved. Please feel free to forward this information to anyone. I am hoping you could also share contact information for anyone who would be most appropriate to receive these communications in the future.

We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity with your staff and students. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if I can provide additional information.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We truly value the connection with your school and community.

Sincerely,

Luke A. Siewert, CHW-C

He/Him/His

Administrative Assistant

Watervliet Volunteer Services Coordinator

Watervliet Hospital – 400 Medical Park Dr. Watervliet, MI. 49098

Corewell Health – South

Member at Large, Healthy Pride BRG

269.463.2461 – Direct

corewellhealth.org

Watervliet Public Schools announces that the district will accept applications from non-resident students for the Fall Semester of the 2026-2027 school year beginning August 31st, 2026. The application period will remain open until June 5, 2026.

To be eligible for Schools of Choice, applicants must be residents of a district within an intermediate school district contiguous to the boundaries of the educating district’s intermediate school district. Transportation will not be provided for non-resident students. The non-resident applicant’s district of residence will be asked to provide information for evaluating the student’s application. Watervliet Public Schools may refuse to enroll a non-resident applicant who has been expelled and/or suspended within the preceding two years from school or has a poor attendance record at their resident district.

If the number of qualified non-resident applicants exceeds the enrollment allotments available, the district will use a random draw system that complies with State & Federal anti-discrimination laws. Applications not accepted by the random draw will be placed on a waiting list.

To apply, visit watervlietps.org, click the “Enroll Now” tab, then select the “School of Choice” button at the bottom of the page. If you need assistance, please call (269) 463-0300. https://www.watervlietps.org/o/wps/page/soc

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