🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

You're invited to participate in an important step in selecting the next Superintendent of Watervliet Public Schools.

Wednesday, December 17

Join Chris Rice, Executive Director of the West Michigan Education Research & Development Foundation and search consultant for WPS, as he meets with staff and community members to hear your thoughts and gather feedback.

Community Session

5:00 PM — HS Media Center

Your input is valued and appreciated.

We hope to see you there!

Early Release Schedule – This Friday

This Friday, we will run an early release schedule, with all classes finished by 1:10 PM. After 1:10, students will have the opportunity to participate in the activities listed below.

Please note: Tech Center students are required to report to the Tech Center at 12:00 PM as usual.

We’re looking forward to a great afternoon of engagement and school spirit!

Zone One

Mrs. O’Toole and Mrs. Hunt -Shrinkydinks

Ms. Irmen-Video Game Room

Ms. Boswell-Hair Tinsel and Nail Polish

Mr. Tremblay-Dodgeball/Basketball

Zone Two

Mr. Linderman-Dodgeball/Basketball

Mr. Andrews-Christmas Trivia

Mr. Weber-Quiet Room

Mrs. Brant-Movie w/Hot Cocoa

Zone Three

Mrs. Girton - Christmas Bingo

Mrs. Wrobel and Mr. Adongo- Make Ornaments

Mr. Dimino-Board Games

Mr. Dennison-Christmas Games

Zone Four

Mrs. Cromer-Christmas Card Making

Mrs. Lefor-Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes and Snowflakes

Riedinger-Christmas Bingo

Mrs. Bruce-Oragami and Coffee Filter Snowflakes

Mrs. Simmons-Cornhole in Auditorium Lobby

If you take a look at the photo from last Friday’s South Haven game, you’ll see a perfect snapshot of what makes Coach Linderman so special. During a timeout, he’s crouched down with his players — fully engaged, passionate, and focused — and every single athlete and assistant coach is locked in on him. Their attention, respect, and trust speak volumes.

This moment captures one of the many things that make WHS extraordinary: our teachers are often also coaches who dedicate countless hours to our students, both in and out of the classroom. Coach Linderman exemplifies this commitment. He holds his players to high academic and behavioral standards, pushes them to grow, and supports them with genuine care.

We are truly grateful for his leadership, enthusiasm, and the positive impact he has on our kids every day.

On Monday, December 8, retiring staff member Jimmie Paskel was honored with the Golden Apple at the Board of Education meeting, recognizing his 25 years of dedicated service to the Watervliet Public School District. Board President Bill Spaulding and Interim Superintendent Kevin Schooley represented the Board and Administration, presenting the Golden Apple to Jimmie Paskel.

Jimmie has been the quiet force behind our technology, ensuring our systems and platforms run reliably. He has guided us through technology upgrades, platform adjustments, and leveraging e-rate funds. While many know him for answering daily tech questions, his dedication often extended far beyond the workday, frequently resolving complex issues late into the night.

We will not only miss his invaluable technical skill set but, more importantly, his incredible attitude and work ethic. The entire Watervliet community wishes Jimmie the very best as he embarks on his next chapter.

This week’s Kindness Campaign included Kindness Shout-Outs over the PA—and when we asked Panthers to spread some love, they did not let us down. Just look at a smattering of the compliments that came rushing in and were announced throughout the day on Thursday. When we put out the call to our Panthers for kind shout-outs, we received a total of 264 by the end of the day! The shout-outs you see here are the ones we weren’t able to say out loud on Thursday because we simply ran out of time. Thank you to all of the students and staff who shared such kind things about each other—you truly showed what Panther Pride looks like in action! 🐾💛

KALYN and HANNA for making class funnnn!!
KELSIE for always being sweet
KENNA is very sweet and always on task even when we had our downs. Thank you for always being a good friend. I love ya girl.
Shout-out to my 2nd Hour Sociology class for always being open-minded and fun and for always keeping it real.
MR. DIMINO – thank you for always making class enjoyable even in the morning. You are funny and can always make me laugh and smile.
ALI is a great friend and is a great singer in concert choir.
Shout-out to Mr. Dimino’s freshmen students last year. I'm so proud of how hard you worked in Algebra and how successful you are in Geometry. Stay awesome!
Ms. Boswell – thank you for being nice.
KATE K: for always being funny
Shout-out to EVE SCROGGS. Even in the morning, if you don't talk to each other, her company on the bus just makes life a little better.
LANDON SCHLIPP is an amazing person who gives his all whether it be sports or academically.
Mrs. Brant – thank you for all that you do and for your long-term commitment to Watervliet.
SARAH LEONI is such a joy to talk to and always has amazing hugs.
To MICHAEL WIGENT – you're a good little brother and funny (looking).
Shout-out to KALYN MANLEY for making me laugh all the time.
AVA HOBSON: you are so pretty and awesome.
Shout-out to the lunch bunch! Ms. Irmen, Mr. Dimino, Mrs. O'Toole, JOE, and STEVE. Thank you for all the laughs and friendship!
ABBY SHRIVER is a great person with a contagious laugh, and she always knows how to make anyone feel better.
Shout-out to Mrs. Tyler for being patient with me through dual enrollment and always answering my questions.
AUBREY W: You're so good at basketball and volleyball, and you always know how to make my day so much better!!!!!!
Thank you boo-boo bear NOLAN SELLS for being my little girl forever.
EMMA OWENS: thank you for always making me laugh at funny jokes.
GAVIN is the most sigma in this school and has the most rizz.
HAYDEN is the best basketball player.
KAYDEN is sigma.
CONNER has the most rizz.
MICHAEL shoots like a star.
HARRISON is the funniest guy I know.
JOHNNY is a sigma.
GAVIN is the best goalie ever.
CARTER is the king at ping pong.
MILA SIRK – thank you so much for sharing your beautiful drawing with all of the teachers in the building. Your Panther Pride is contagious!
DALLAS has the best haircut.
ALEX RILEY (Big Wrench) – thank you for being such an uplifting person and always making me laugh with your dumb, random jokes. You always know how to make someone smile. Thank you.
LEXI, you make me smile and help me out whenever I need it. Love you.
BLAINE is 6 ft. 7 inches.
Something positive about AVA SPRAGUE is that she is kind, funny, and a great sister. AVA SPRAGUE has helped me through all the problems that come with Type 1 Diabetes, and because of that, I am forever grateful for her.
ASH, you are a good friend. You speak your mind, and that is one thing I love about you.
ALEJANDRO JIMENEZ, you're kind, helpful, and respectful. You lift others up (physically and mentally), and you're fun to be around.
ALEX ZUNIGA – she is very funny and kind.
To all of the nutrition staff of the district who work hard every day to feed us and make sure we are well fed: Mrs. Rosemary, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Bisbo, Mrs. Crago, Mrs. Adams, Mr. Creasy, Mrs. Culver, Mrs. Hood-Higgins, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Kendall, Mrs. Maines, Mrs. Morrison, Mrs. Musick, Mrs. Pelton, Mrs. Robart, Mrs. Robards, Mrs. Rodell, Mrs. Rzesut, and Mr. and Mrs. Welty.
Shout-out to EDVIN for being a king all the time.
EDVIN HERNANDEZ, you are very intelligent and very tall.
ALEX ZUNIGA is very kind and funny.
Shout-out to EMILIANO CARDOSO and EDVIN HERNANDEZ for being funny, tall, and short.
Shout-out to ALEX ZUNIGA for making us laugh all the time and being the best friend we could ask for.
Shout-out to MELANY CERVANTES for helping me whenever I need and growing my faith.
Shout-out to EDVIN and EMILIANO again for being mysterious kings.
HAYDEN BILLINGS has very pretty eyes and is very sweet.
GAGE MCKIE – you are always positive and in a good mood. You always make people laugh and smile. I appreciate how hardworking you are, and you are an amazing person.
PAITYN DESJARDIN is one of the most amazing friends you can have! She is so kind and always brightens up the room. I am blessed to be one of her best friends!
This is to Ms. Boswell – I really like the way you are so kind and uplifting toward others. You are never in a bad mood and always try your best.
EMMA SOLARES – always has a smile on and is just overall an awesome person!
To SARA LEONI – I really like the way you never fail to put a smile on my face. You are always uplifting toward other people and the sweetest person ever.
CORAL MCGUFFEY is a great artist and really kind.
LILY – she is a very real, kind, and funny person.
LILLY POZIWILKO is a really good friend to me and is one of the few who has similar interests. I really appreciate her.
KAMI RATHFON is a super sweet person, and I love being around her.
CARTER DAVIS is loving to everyone and is kind.
LANDON has the chubbiest cheeks ever. It's so cute.
LANDON WOLFORD is such a good friend and an amazing woodworker. Your birdhouse was very good—keep up the good work.
BROOKLYN, you are very, very pretty and you look awesome with BRYSON.
BRAELYN CAMPBELL, I love how you always try your best and how kind you are to other people. You are always in a good mood, and everyone deserves a friend like you.
ROMAN, you are very handsome and tall and love Twinkies.
LANDON WOLFORD is a kind, respectful kid and very funny.
KENDAL KIEFER, thank you for being like an older sister to me for many years.
BRISA, you have a great sense of style.
Mr. Dermody – thank you for being understanding and fair to me and for seeing things from my point of view. Thank you for being our favorite part of the day!
To TONI PEREZ – thank you for being the star on my Christmas tree and really making me smile.
Thank you to our wonderful yearbook staff for spending so much time and effort taking nice photos of everyone and documenting our year.
ALEX ZUNIGA – she's really nice and funny. She never gives up on making you smile, and I'm really glad to be her friend. She's a really nice person.
I am very thankful for LAYLA KLIMKIEWICZ for being my 6 to my 7. I just love her to death.
DYLAN COLLINS for always being positive and having a kind word for everyone.
GAGE SIRK helping the boys learn about Jay's Treaty and reading us The Great Gatsby.
To ELLA ORLANDO – I love the way that you are always there for me no matter what. I know I will always have someone to talk to when I'm feeling down. You are a great friend.
LUIS is looking good with the weight loss.
Our Peer Leadership students for helping others reach their goals and build confidence in themselves. You truly make a difference!
CARTER DAVIS is really smart and helps me with homework.
To AYVAH DOMINGO – you are very good at basketball, and you always find a way to make everyone happy. He is a good farmer and really good at basketball.
I want to thank LARRY, EZEQUIEL, REY, EDVIN, JT, and EMILIANO for being great friends.
Mrs. Brant – the yearbooks look awesome! Thanks for your hard work and dedication in making sure they look so cool!
CARTER DAVIS is a good layup shooter.
TJ HESS – you always bring energy unlike any friend I’ve ever had, and I am happy to have such a great neighbor.
Shout-out to JESSICA, EMMA, ABIGAIL, ERICA, KARLA, MOEKO, ABBY, ADDISON, KENDAL, and KASSANDRA for all being good people and always having conversations with me.
I would also like to thank WYATT MACMILLAN for being a great friend and always messing around and making jokes in ASL.
Mrs. Hunt – thank you so much for always taking the time to help me and make sure I have what I need in class. You have truly inspired me to try things I may be scared or discouraged about in art.
MICHAEL is a good farmer and a good basketball player.
Thank you, Grandma TERRY, for always staying positive and always giving me hugs and keeping me positive.
Mr. Andrews/Acker – you guys are a great way to start my morning, and I appreciate how kind and helpful y’all have been this year.
I want to shout-out REY SANCHEZ because he brightens my day and has an adorable smile! He has an amazing personality and puts a smile on everyone’s faces.
Everyone, because everyone is amazing and is doing a good job. :)
TORI is so kind even when she raises her voice at me.
LANDON is wearing a fire fit today and looks awesome in it.
How BEN RULAND makes the school such an enjoyable and pleasant place to be every day.
SAM ROLAND – he is very funny, he always knows how to make people laugh, he is a very good friend, and he is just a naturally good person.
BROOKLYN WOOLLETT, you are a great friend, you always know how to make me laugh, you're a great person, and you have a great personality.
ZAYLEA PATES, you make my day so much better just by being there for me. You're a great friend and super funny.
KENDAL KIEFER is a sweetpea.
To SOPHIA RADER – you're so kind and you make my day brighter every time we talk. I love you so much. You're the best girlfriend I could ever ask for, and I'm so grateful for you.
AIYANNA – thank you for always being there for me and listening to all the drama. You're always by my side, and you are the best friend I could ever ask for. Love you.
MIRANDA M – thank you for always being my second half. You are my day-one running buddy. You always bring the laughs out of me. Love you.
Mrs. Powers for doing these awesome shout-outs. It has really lightened people’s moods.
Shout-out to Mrs. Powers for doing the kindness shout-out.
To all school staff members – thank you for pushing us to be better people every day and always making sure we are taken care of, even when we're being a pain.
Shout-out to TONI PEREZ for being a good role model on how to be a good boyfriend.
To BROOKLYN WALLACE, PAIGE SHAFER, and BRYSON BARR – I'm glad I've met you guys. Seeing you every day just makes everything better.
HEAVENELEIGH always finds ways to make me laugh or smile when I am not having a good day and is always respectful to teachers and students in the building.
MILA SIRK for being a great friend.
ABBY and ADDISON are so nice and my favorite seniors.
CADENCE PHILIPS for being a great friend to hang out with.
AUBREE is very sweet and a very funny person. She makes me laugh throughout the day, making it better. I am very blessed to have her as my best friend. Love you.
AALIYAH is so pretty and has a very big heart. She is someone you can count on when you need to talk to someone.
To SOPHIA RADER – you're so kind, and you make my day brighter every time we talk. I love you so much. You're the best girlfriend I could ever ask for, and I'm so grateful for you.
ISAIAS is a very sweet person, and he always notices the smallest things about me.
To SOPHIA RADER – you're so kind, and you make my day brighter every time we talk. I love you so much.
ALANNA is the smartest woman I know, and whenever a challenge comes her way, she knocks it out. I'm beyond proud to call her mine.
KAMI is a great partner and friend in Spanish.
TONI PEREZ is a good person and funny.
MARLEN MORON is a very kind soul and is always helping others. Her energy outshines everyone in the room.
GABRIEL MARTINEZ, you are always so funny and know how to make everyone laugh!
JESSIE DESJARDIN – you're such a great basketball player. Thanks for being a good friend.
Mr. Dennison – for making us laugh and enjoy learning!
Mrs. Irmen – thanks for always making us laugh in ASL. We all love you!
ELLIE HEARN – you're so funny and beautiful and very smart.
I would like to shout-out CHLOE WOMAC because she has helped me through so much, and I absolutely adore her. I would also like to shout-out LILLI KIRBY because she is fun and is like a sister to me.
ALAYNA COWGILL and CLAIRE MOORE – thanks for being the best science buddies. I love you guys!

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.

Our Physical Science, Anatomy, and AP Biology students traveled by train to Chicago for a full-day experience at the Museum of Science and Industry. Students explored hands-on exhibits, connected classroom concepts to real-world applications, and learned about STEM careers through interactive displays and demonstrations. It was a great opportunity to see science in action outside the classroom.

This immersive program gives 10th–12th graders a firsthand look at law enforcement careers through training with the Michigan State Police. Cadets receive instruction in:

• Firearm safety and supervised handgun range time

• Self-defense

• First aid

• K-9 unit demonstrations

• Basic crime scene investigation

• Physical conditioning

Program Dates: July 19–24, 2026

Location: MSP Training Headquarters, Lansing

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Program Info & Application: Click here

I hope you’re having a great week! The American Legion, Department of Michigan, is excited to share our scholarship and youth program opportunities available to students across the state for the 2025–2026 year. These programs are designed to support students pursuing higher education, skilled trades, leadership development, and civic engagement. We would be grateful if you could share them with your students, families, and staff.

Academic Scholarships

We offer two scholarships honoring the service and sacrifice of Michigan veterans and their families:

• William D. & Jewell Brewer Scholarship – $500 award (5 scholarships to be awarded)

• Guy M. Wilson Scholarship – $1,000 award (15 scholarships to be awarded)

Both are open to Michigan residents who are direct descendants of an honorably discharged veteran or active-duty service member. Awards consider academic performance, leadership, and financial need. Students may apply for one or both (limit one award per recipient).

Deadline: January 5, 2026 – 5:00 p.m.

Application Link: Click here

Skilled Trades Scholarship

For students pursuing careers in construction, automotive, energy, advanced manufacturing, or other technical fields, we offer two $1,000 two-year Skilled Trades Scholarships for applicants ages 17–21. Funds may be used for tuition, tools, equipment, or safety gear — helping young people get a strong start in hands-on professions.

Deadline: April 3, 2026

Application Link: Click here

On Monday, our WHS sophomores had an exciting opportunity to visit the Van Buren Tech Center, where they explored a wide variety of hands-on career and technical education programs. Students were able to tour classrooms, meet instructors, and even try out activities in programs ranging from health care and culinary arts to welding, automotive, digital design, early childhood education, and more.

Beginning in their junior year, students are eligible to enroll in one of these programs. WHS provides daily transportation, making participation accessible and convenient for all interested students.

If your 10th grader is considering a Tech Center program for next year, please have them connect with Mrs. Dawson to discuss enrollment options and available programs. Early conversations help ensure students get placed in the program that best matches their interests and goals.

We’ve included several photos from today’s visit so you can see our students in action as they explored future career possibilities!

December 15th • 6:00 PM • WHS Media Center

We invite all 9th and 10th grade families to join us for an important Early Middle College (EMC) informational night on December 15th at 6 PM in the Watervliet High School Media Center.

Melissa Springsteen from Berrien RESA will be here to share details, answer questions, and help families understand this incredible opportunity.

The Early Middle College Program allows students to earn an associate’s degree through Lake Michigan College (LMC) one year after high school graduation—at no cost to families. Tuition is fully covered by the school district.

All 9th and 10th grade parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

Please note: 10th grade students are required to apply in January if they wish to participate.

We look forward to seeing you there and helping your child explore this outstanding pathway to college success!

December 18th • 6:00 PM • WHS Media Center

All families are invited to join our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting on December 18th at 6 PM in the Watervliet High School Media Center.

Ms. Powers will be sharing current enrollment and participation data, attendance data, FAFSA requirement for graduation, and will be available to answer your questions, listen to concerns, and gather feedback to support our school community.

✨ Stay after the meeting for a special treat!

Our Winter Choir Concert begins at 7 PM, and we’d love for you to join us in celebrating the hard work and talent of our student musicians.

We hope to see you there for an evening of connection, conversation, and great music!

We have some exciting news to celebrate! Please join us in congratulating Emma for her outstanding accomplishment this weekend. She competed in the Miss Teen Hartford Pageant and was officially crowned Miss Teen Hartford 2026!

On top of that, she also won the modeling segment of the competition—an incredible achievement and a wonderful reflection of her talent and hard work.

Way to go, Emma! Your Panther family is proud of you! 🐾✨

As official partners with Watervliet Schools, we are committed to keeping you informed about all upcoming events. We understand that sometimes not everything gets home to families

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY ORDERED THANK YOU AND DISREGARD THIS MESSAGE

Sorry we missed you today on order day at school. If you missed us, you can still place your order online by clicking the link below or mailing your order to our office. Remember this is not just a C&G order anything you are going to do to celebrate your graduate is ordered at the same time. All items we create are custom for your school and your graduating class

Make sure you get your order placed by December 31st to take advantage of all discounted prices and senior promotions

There is always a special promotion exclusively for seniors! Senior Class rings start at $99 check out flyer. Check out the attached flyer for the new belt buckle program

Also this year Varsity Jackets are available online.

Get started early now click the link below and place your order

Senior Graduation Catalog

WATERVLIET GRADUATION ORDER PAGE

Watervliet Graduation order page

Jim Ross

Jostens of southwest Michigan

269-217-6936

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.

Arrival Time & Breakfast Expectations

Students should arrive at school no earlier than 7:45 AM. When students enter the building in the morning, they are expected to go directly to the café for breakfast or to sit in the café until it is time to go to class.

The café is our designated space for students before the school day begins. This helps us:

• Supervise students safely

• Keep hallways clear

• Make sure everyone has the chance to eat and start the day calmly

Please remind your student that when they arrive, they should head straight to the café, stay there until they are dismissed, and follow all café expectations.

Thank you for helping us keep mornings safe, structured, and positive for all of our 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.

• Mon, Dec 15
  

  • 🎺 Band Concert — 7:00 PM

  Wed, Dec 17

  • 🐾 SAC Meeting — 7:30 AM

  Thurs, Dec 18

  • 👨‍👩‍👧 PAC Meeting — 6:00 PM

  • 🎶 Choir Concert — 7:00 PM

  Looking Ahead to January

  Mon, Jan 5

  • 📚 School Resumes

  Fri, Jan 9

  • 🎓 Mrs. Dawson and Ms. Powers will review all graduation expectations with the Senior class

  • 🌟 Student of the Month Breakfast — 8:15 AM

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