🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

King Candidates (L to R): Mark Birmele, Jessie Desjardin, Tyler Woodson, Dimetric White (Jeremy Morton not pictured)

Queen Candidates (L to R): Kassandra Riggs, Leila Liberto-Taylor, Sienna Bulat, Taylor Green, Grace Ripley

Prince Candidates (L to R): Isais Mendez, Roman Arndt, Bryce Strong

Princess Candidates (L to R): Kalyn Manley, Jolie Bertuca, Alicea Tuinstra

Please note that the mandatory Senior Parent Meeting has been rescheduled and will now take place on Thursday, February 5 at 6:00 PM in the High School Media Center, during Parent-Teacher Conferences. This meeting is an important opportunity to review graduation requirements, senior year expectations, and end-of-year activities. We strongly encourage all senior parents/guardians to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

This Friday is a half day of school, and it is also the day we designate each year for our WHS Career Fair. This year’s event has been planned and organized by our JMG (Jobs for Michigan Graduates) students, who have done an outstanding job coordinating speakers and creating student schedules for the day. We are incredibly proud of their leadership and hard work!

Students will have the opportunity to hear from a wide variety of terrific speakers representing multiple career pathways, giving them valuable insight into future options, education, and workforce opportunities. We are truly looking forward to an engaging and meaningful day of learning and exploration.

Attendance will be taken, and students are expected to attend. With such an exciting lineup of speakers and opportunities, this is definitely a day they won’t want to miss!

• Kyle F. – Manager, DeGroot (Agriculture)

• Keith Boswell – Pipeline Engineer

• Jim Tyler – Cybersecurity Professional

• Devon DiGiacomo – Michigan National Guard

• Nursing Panel – Three Registered Nurses

• Ira Fox & Stephen Dawson – D.A. Dobbs (plumber, pipe fitter, HVAC tech)

• Kaylah Robart – Social Worker

• Reith R. – Asphalt Industry / Employee-Owned Business

• Nick Polaskey – CEO Heavenly Scent

• Kevion M. – Director of Operations for a Sports Gym

• Tim Bartee – CDL / Truck Driving

• Ryan Lefor – Construction Industry

• Kris Hickman – Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

• Tom Dermody – Mayor of LaPorte, Indiana

• Ed Hern – Attorney

• Chief VanLente – Fire Chief / Battalion Chief

• Greg Borr – Bar & Stock Company

Esports will be meeting on Tuesday, February 3, from 3:30 to 4:30. You will decide what games to participate in, register in the league, and make up a practice schedule.

Interested in learning about the U.S. Service Academies (Army, Navy/Marine Corps, Air Force/Space Force, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine)? An informational presentation will be held Tuesday, February 11 during 1st hour in Ms. Irmen’s room. Students curious about college options, leadership paths, or military careers are encouraged to attend.

Seniors, the deadline to purchase your graduation cap & gown is TODAY. If you need assistance, please see Mrs. Richcreek in the main office.

Attention JUNIORS:

We will be having a meeting Tuesday, February 3rd at 7:40 a.m. and Wednesday, February 4th after school in the Media Center. Donuts will be provided February 3rd. We will be discussing Prom and Senior Year. We would love if you could all come and help plan and share your input!

Calling all Watervliet students! Do you have a talent or passion—poetry, art, performance, acting, or more? Show it off on March 14.Practices are Wednesdays, 3:15–4:30 in Room 173. Want to contribute in a non-performing way (art, poetry, costumes, props, etc.)? Join work days Thursdays, 3:15–4:30, also in Room 173. Can’t make a practice or unsure how to share your talent? Contact Mrs. Steadman or Ms. Sargeant—they’re happy to help!

Next Wednesday is the next SAC meeting. All student representatives should attend at 7:30 AM in the media center.

SMC Sociology students-your textbooks have arrived! Please see Mrs. Tyler in the guidance office to collect your textbook today.

🌹 🐾 🍫 Class of 2028 will be selling carnations and Hershey bars during lunchtime next Tuesday - Friday, February 3-6. $3 for a single stem $2 for Hershey bar. Perfect gift for friends, special Valentine, teacher or coach.

Also on Thursday, February 5, there will be a required Senior Parent Meeting at 6 PM in the high school media center. This meeting was rescheduled due to a snow day, and all seniors must attend with a parent or family member.

Chayse Your Dreams: Chayse Ott Trade & Apprenticeship Scholarship is awarding a total of $2600 in 2026 (four $650 scholarships) to Seniors from Watervliet Public School, WAY Program & Coloma Community School.

We would greatly appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with your Seniors! These career paths typically don’t have a lot of scholarship opportunities as well as the students not seeking them. This scholarship is designed to be accessible with very little effort.

No GPA or formal essay required, open to various career paths and funds can be used for several needs.

Please see attached Scholarship flyer for additional information

Application deadline is March 31, 2026

Email applications to: chayseyourdreams21@gmail.com

Thank You for supporting students as they take the next step towards their futures!

FRESHMEN

Bell, Anna
Barnard, Annabelle
Bertuca, Jolie
Burke, Remington
Domingo-Sturgeon, Ayvah
Hayes, Aaron
Martinez, Gabriel
Owens, Evan
Robards, Braiden
Romeo-Chairez, Daniella
Rogers, Aleksander
Shafer, Paige

SOPHOMORES

JUNIORS

Coburn, Alexis
Colemen, Ashton
Collins, Braydon
Daisy, Angelica
Harris, Sienna
Kirby, Max
Leoni, Sarah
McKie, Gage
Medlin, Maycie
Moore, Claire
Ortega, Brisa
Reed, Jayden

SENIORS

We will be hosting a short informational meeting soon about Girls State 2026, an exciting leadership and citizenship program held at Michigan State University from June 14–20, 2026. Girls State is a hands-on experience where students learn about leadership, government, teamwork, and civic responsibility. All program costs are fully covered, with transportation being the only responsibility. If you are interested in leadership, government, or personal growth, this is an amazing opportunity. More details and meeting information coming soon — stay tuned!

Watervliet athletes had another strong showing at Grand Valley State University this weekend, braving snowy and icy roads to compete.

Highlights:

• Ally Casiano ran a PR in the 1600 (5:31.23), followed by a strong 800 (2:32.38), and anchored the 4x800 relay with the fastest split on her team.

• Sam Casiano posted solid times in the 1600 (4:49.73), 800 (2:10.45), and the 4x800 relay.

• Emerson Bohle ran 8.94 in the 60M, PR’d in the 400 (67.03), and jumped into the 4x200 relay, running one of the fastest splits on her team.

• Kevin Hernandez-Cruz ran a personal best in the 800 with a time of 2:39.97.

Great job to all of our athletes — keep up the hard work!
Next meet: Saturday, 1/31 at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids.

The varsity wrestlers were together as one team last Wednesday, competing in team duals against Fennville and South Haven. Despite dropping both duals the Panthers did find some success on the mat, with Brooklyn Woollett, Naduhleigh Robart, Gavin Leither, and JT Isbrecht all earned victories. The Panthers were off last weekend, and will be in Parchment this Wednesday (1/28/26) for more conference duals.

The Watervliet Varsity Wrestlers were in Parchment this Wednesday for a pair of conference duals. The Panthers started the night against Galesburg where JT Isbrecht and Josh Koch pinned their opponents. Unfortunately the Panthers were on the short end of the team score, dropping the dual. Up next Watervliet took on the hosts and defeated Parchment 48-15. Brooklyn Woollett and Donald Milham both earned pins in the team victory, while Maddie Myers and Naduhleigh Robart both added pins in non-dual matches. The Panthers will be competing in several individual tournaments this weekend.

Spanish 1 classes finished re-making our Social Contracts for the second semester. Each class did a great job talking and explaining the WHY behind the words they wanted to use on our contract. Even better? One class used information from To Kill a Mockingbird to help them write the contact, by specifically talking about the trial I. The book. Shout out to our Freshman ELA teachers for inspiring our students!

📚 After-School Homework Help – Tuesday–Thursday

We encourage all students to take advantage of our after-school homework help program, which is available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday until 4:15 PM.

This support time provides students with a quiet, structured environment to complete homework, study, and receive extra help when needed — all with no interruptions. The location is announced daily during morning announcements, so students know exactly where to report.

We strongly recommend helping your child build this into their routine early in the semester. Developing the habit of staying after school for focused work time can make a big difference in organization, stress levels, and academic success.

If your child needs a calm place to work, extra academic support, or simply time to stay caught up, after-school homework help is a great option!

We are incredibly proud of our students who are participating in dual enrollment this semester. Their commitment, work ethic, and determination continue to pay off in powerful ways. Over the past several years, our dual enrollment data shows outstanding success rates, and increased growth in participation — a true reflection of our students’ dedication and perseverance.

On Tuesday, we met with all dual enrolled students to review important reminders to ensure a successful and productive semester. Key takeaways included:

• Since you missed today’s meeting, please review the following expectations carefully:

  • All grades earned in your college classes become part of your official college transcript.

  • You must earn a C or higher in each class to continue dual enrollment next semester and avoid paying the district for the course.

  • Do not stop attending or withdraw from any class without first speaking with the counseling office.

  • Communicate regularly with your college instructors and ask for help early if you are struggling.

  • See Mrs. Tyler immediately if you have any questions or concerns.

  • LMC Book Reimbursement: If you purchase a required textbook, bring your receipt to the office. Once you successfully pass the class, you will receive reimbursement for the cost of the book.

  • If you are scheduled to work in the media center during your dual enrollment time, you must remain in the media center so that you are not assigned to another class.

  • If you need a private space to work, record, or present see Mrs. Tyler for office space.

  Please take these expectations seriously — they are in place to help you stay successful and on track.

  If you have any questions, see Mrs. Tyler or the counseling office right away.We are extremely proud of the hard work our students put into these courses and are excited to watch them continue to grow academically and personally. Keep up the great work!

Watervliet High School partners with Lake Michigan College (LMC) to offer students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school through our Early Middle College (EMC) program. Students gain valuable experience with college-level coursework, independence, and time management, while reducing future college costs and strengthening their postsecondary readiness with an Associate's Degree.

THIS INFORMATION WAS EMAILED TO YOUR SENIOR ON TUESDAY.

My name is Kristen Clancy, and I am representing the Michigan Relocation Council. I'm writing to share an exciting $1,000 scholarship opportunity from MiRC for 12th-grade students in your school district. You can find more information on our website: MiRC Scholarship Information.

A couple of qualifications to highlight:

· Currently a senior in good standing at a Michigan public high school.

· Has relocated more than 50 miles and changed schools due to their family's relocation between grades 9 and 12.

DEADLINE is Monday, March 2nd, 2026.

Please review the attached document, note the scholarship deadline, and let me know if you have any questions.

Kristen Clancy, CRP, GMS-T

Director of Relocation

Jaqua Realtors

C: 239-595-6020 O: 269-226-2994

www.jaquarealtors.com

To earn the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate strong proficiency in English and at least one additional language by graduation.

Requirements:

• Graduate from a Michigan high school

• Meet all English Language Arts graduation requirements

• Demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency in another language through an approved test that the high school will administer on February 25th.

  • Reading

  • Writing

  • Listening

  • Speaking

Why It Matters:

• Seal appears on diploma and transcript

• Strengthens college, scholarship, and job applications

• Can earn college credit at some universities

• Students earn the biliteracy stole to be worn at graduation

If you want to sign up to take this test email Mr. Waggoner at brandon.waggoner@watervlietps.org

Portrait of a Graduate – What You Need to Know

A Portrait of a Graduate is a district-created framework that defines the skills, knowledge, and behaviors every student should have when they graduate in order to be successful in college, careers, and life.

Once created, this Portrait will:

• Guide new programs and curriculum decisions

• Help us evaluate and improve current offerings

• Ensure all students receive the instruction and experiences they need to succeed

Over the next few months, we will gather input from students, families, staff, and community partners. Our goal is to finalize this document by May. I will begin working with high school staff next week during early release time.

If you have any questions or would like to be involved in the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your partnership as we build this important vision for our students.

• Purpose of a Portrait of a Graduate

  A Portrait of a Graduate clearly defines the skills, knowledge, and character traits students need to be successful in college, careers, and life. It helps guide instructional decisions, program development, and curriculum planning, ensuring our educational experiences align with the real-world needs of students. This framework also strengthens collaboration between schools, families, and the community.

  Stakeholder Engagement Plan

  We will gather input from a wide range of stakeholders, including:

  • Students: Student leaders, CTE students, and students representing diverse backgrounds and learning needs

  • Parents & Families: PTO families, parents of students with disabilities, and multilingual/multicultural families

  • School Staff: Teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff

  • Community & Business Partners: Local businesses, healthcare and manufacturing partners, Chamber of Commerce, workforce agencies, and service organizations

  • Faith & Community Organizations: Local clergy, youth leaders, and service organizations

  • Postsecondary Partners: Colleges, trade unions, apprenticeship programs, military recruiters, and technical training centers

  This collaborative process ensures that our Portrait of a Graduate reflects the values, expectations, and aspirations of our entire community.

Locker Expectations

Lockers help keep our hallways safe, organized, and running smoothly. Students are expected to use lockers responsibly and respectfully.

Important locker reminders:

• Keep your materials stored in your locker when not in use.

• Use lockers during passing times only.

• Clean your locker regularly.

• Close lockers gently.

• Leave the space better than you found it.

• Keep your locker closed and locked when not in use.

• Keep your locker combination private.

• Use only your assigned locker.

• Report any locker issues to an adult.

Thank you for helping keep our school organized, respectful, and safe 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.

📅 February Calendar Dates — Important Events for Parents

• February 4 – SAC Meeting, 7:30 AM

• February 5 – Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:00–7:00 PM

  • Senior Parent Meeting, 6:00 PM

• February 6 – Half Day of School

  • Career Fair (morning – all students)

  • 11:40 AM dismissal

• February 9 – No School for Students or Staff

• February 10 – 4th Hour Woodworking Field Trip

• February 12 – Pre-Festival Band Concert, 7:00 PM

• February 17 – Pre-Festival Choir Concert, 7:00 PM

• February 18 – PAC Meeting, 7:00 PM (All parents invited)

• February 23 – PBIS Meeting, 3:15–4:15 PM (All parents and students invited)

• February 24 – 6th Hour Woodworking Field Trip

• February 25 – Early Release Day

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