Panther Print for Parents 🐾

We want to see your child taking the most challenging courses at the high school next year for which he/she is capable! Please check out the offerings below and contact Mrs. Dawson at jdawson@watervlietps.org if you would like to see any of these classes in your child's schedule or if you just have questions!

DUAL ENROLLMENT(taking college classes while in high school as the cost of WPS) Your student must have a 3.0+ cumulative GPA to participate.

AP SEMINAR (Honors English 10) This will replace the traditional level of English 10. This is not an elective. This can earn your child college credit. Parents of recommended FRESHMEN for this class were emailed by the Principal.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE recommended for 9-12 graders. This is an elective. This can earn your child college credit. It does not take the place of any required science class.

AP GOVERNMENT recommended for 10-12 graders and will take the place of the required Junior level Civics class. If your child has already taken Civics, this is an elective. This can earn your child college credit.

AP BIOLOGY 11-12 graders. This can earn your child college credit. It does not take the place of any required science class. Intended for student interested in a science heavy, medical field after high school.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE 10-12 graders. This is an elective. This can earn your child college credit. This is a Computer Coding class.

NEWER ELECTIVES Creative Writing 10-12, Speech/Debate 9-12, Marine and Freshwater Science 9-12, US History in Depth 11-12, and Astronomy 10-12

LMC DUAL ENROLLED PRE CALC/TRIG and CALCULUS 1 intended for students who have already taken WHS Pre Calc. This will earn your child college credit. Intended for students who are interested in a math heavy career field.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (also called Biology 2) 11-12 graders intended for students headed for a medical field; intended to be taken in place of or after Chemistry.

VAN BUREN TECH CENTER (both am and pm sessions available, with transportation provided.) Students are eligible in the 11-12 grades.

SENIORS have received a GOOGLE FORM! It is a Google Form that must be completed by this Friday in order to go on the Senior Trip. If you have someone going as a Chaperone then their money for the trip is also due on Friday. Please submit Chaperone payment to Mrs. Tyler in the Guidance office.

SENIORS have also received a SENIOR SLIDE to be completed before the end of this month.

This is the last call for graduation cap & gown orders. If you have not placed your order as of today, please see Teri in the main office before the end of this week.

Seniors who have earned at least four varsity letters, with at least two of the varsity letters earned as a senior are eligible to receive a Senior Athlete Plaque. If you believe you qualify, please see Mrs. Scowcroft by Monday to verify your eligibility so that plaques can be ordered next week.

Prom tickets will be sold during lunch beginning Monday. Tickets are $30 each, seniors are free. Class dues must be paid in order to purchase tickets.

The After Prom venue has changed and will now be at Airway Fun Center in Kalamazoo. The buses for After Prom will leave promptly at 12am from the gym doors and return to the school at 5am. You can get your form where prom tickets are sold or from Mrs. Tyler. Please fill out your form (including your parents signature) and money ($10) and turn it in where prom tickets are sold. If you are in a hardship situation for the cost, please talk to Mrs. Tyler. We will work it out.

If you wish to earn a Community Service honor cord to be worn at graduation, you must complete 40 hours of community service. The deadline to submit those hours to the HS office is April 30th.

Any senior interested in being considered for the outstanding boy/girl, please come pick up an application in the main office. They are due back by April 29th.

Our PTO Fundraising Donkey Basketball Game is Tuesday, April 23! 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 OR in person at Tri-City Record, South Elementary, North Elementary, Watervliet Middle School, Watervliet High School and with committee members Jessica Tyler and Maholla Fuller. Tickets may also be available at the gate if there is space available. There will also be 50/50 raffle tickets and snack concessions available for purchase.

https://watervliet-panther-ptos-dairyland-donkey-basketball-e-sale.cheddarup.com

Last but not least, many are looking forward to the 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗞𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁! During intermission we will announce who will be kissing a donkey based on who received the most votes (1 vote = $1). 𝗩𝗢𝗧𝗘 at South Elementary, North Elementary, Middle School, High School, Tri-City Record, Side Track Cafe II, B&B Outlet or Cool Tan/Coin Laundry for 𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗞 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 𝗞𝗜𝗦𝗦 𝗔 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗞𝗘𝗬! Contestants include Christina Powers (HS Principal), Sherry Wheeler (South Principal), Bill Tiefenbach (Director of Technology), Todd Dermody (Dean of Students), Ben Loshbough (WAY Instructor), Danny Bartz (Sped Director), Ken Dietz (Athletic Director), Lori Pline (North Principal), and Ric Seagar (Superintendent) but 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿!

In Mr. Linderman's 9th grade World History classes, students are currently studying the impact of the Enlightenment on governments and the ensuing rebellions that occurred throughout the world. By the end of the unit, students will have compared and contrasted the causes and impacts of four different world rebellions. This week the focus is the French Revolution. Students are working collaboratively to analyze primary source documents covering the causes of the French Revolution and they will evaluate those causes and come to a consensus on which were the most significant. Then groups will create a visual that displays their analysis.

Mr. Andrews 10th grade U.S. History students recently completed a unit on Civil Rights by creating a Civil Rights News Magazine. Students used what they had learned in the unit, combined with some additional research, to create a variety of articles, including: An analysis of U.S. diversity and its impact on the country, an overview of the African-American Civil Rights movement, biographies of Civil Rights Leaders, a look at movements such as women's rights, disabled rights, and Latino rights, and several more.

The upperclassmen taking U.S. History In-Depth with Mr. Andrews finished a close up examination of the Holocaust in early March. Since then, the class has elected to spend the remainder of the year taking a closer look at several different events they knew little about. The Iran Hostage Crisis, the humanitarian crisis in Somalia (1990's) leading to the Battle of Mogadishu, and the capture of Osama bin Laden have been chosen so far. Students not only learn about these events, but also analyze the decisions made at the time.

Mr. Weber's Economics classes have been focusing a lot on the financial components of the economy including banks and other financial institutions. This is also the portion of the course that tackles many real-life personal finance subjects such as credit, loans, interest rates, mortgages, savings, and investing. Very soon the focus will shift to the different types of business structures and entrepreneurship, including a project in which they will have to develop their own business and give a presentation to potential "investors."

Meanwhile, having just wrapped up an examination of human senses, perception, and consciousness, Mr. Weber's Psychology classes are now continuing their exploration of the fascinating human mind by exploring learning, memory, and intelligence. Special attention will be given to such questions as: "How do we learn?" "How does our memory work and why does it not always work as well as we might wish?" "What is intelligence?" "How can we measure intelligence?" Then, before long, students will be in the midst of exploring the causes and effects of stress as well as examining the many different psychological disorders.

I grew up in Galien, Michigan and graduated in 1992 from Galien High School.

I built houses for almost 20 years. I also was a journeymen tool maker.

Here at Watervliet I am the Operations/Transportation Director.

I enjoy hunting and camping and trail riding my quad.

Something surprising about me is that I am a professional arm wrestler with 18 national titles and 5 world titles.

I’m proud to be a WPS Panther because I believe this district is great in all aspects.

Friday, April 19

4:00 PM WATERVLIET RELAYS HS Track Meet, Home (16 schools)

5:00 PM Varsity Girls Soccer at Schoolcraft

Monday, April 22

4:30 PM Varsity Softball Home vs. St. Joseph

4:30 PM Varsity Baseball Home vs. Berrien Springs

4:30 PM JV Baseball at Berrien Springs

6:00 PM HS Girls Soccer at Saugatuck

Tuesday, April 23

4:00 PM Golf at Allegan – Cheshire Hills

4:30 PM Varsity Softball and Varsity Baseball Home vs. Fennville

4:30 PM JV Softball at Fennville

Wednesday, April 24

4:30 PM Varsity Track, Home vs. South Haven

6:00 PM HS Soccer at Black River

5:00 PM JV Softball Home vs. Brandywine

Thursday, April 25

4:00 PM Golf at Gobles – Shamrock Hills

4:30 PM Varsity Softball and Varsity Baseball at Brandywine

4:30 PM JV Baseball Home vs. Brandywine

Friday, April 26

10:00 AM HS Track at Loy Norrix Invitational

1. I grew up in Plainfield Illinois and went to Plainfield High School. Senior class size of about 575, and just under 3000 students in total in the High School.
2. I received an Associate Degree from Joliet Junior College, and my Bachelors and Masters Degree from Northern Illinois University. I then worked 2 years in Public Accounting and 14 years in mortgage accounting, before joining WPS last year.
3. I am the Finance Director, responsible for overseeing the finances of the entire district, including the budget and reporting to the Board and state/federal agencies.
4. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my kids and wife, volunteering with Scouts, and playing video games.
5. People might be surprised to know that I obtained a Black Belt in two martial arts styles and I survived an F-5 tornado as a kid.
6. I am proud to be a WPS Panther because the people I work with are some of the best there is and I have found real purpose in my job, and believe I can help to make a difference for the students here who will be the leaders of our future.

Each year at graduation, two seniors, one boy and one girl, are honored in the form of the Outstanding Senior Boy and the Outstanding Senior Girl.

Applications are due to the office by Monday, April 29th at 3:10 PM and can be pick up by seniors ANYTIME.

OUTSTANDING SENIOR BOY/OUTSTANDING SENIOR GIRL

CLASS OF 2024

Application Deadline: Monday, April 29th at 3:10 PM

YOUR NAME: __________________________________________________________________

1. Attach your BRAG SHEET to this document.

1. Explain and attach in 250 words or less what this honor means to you and why you are applying to be a recipient for the Class of 2024. Attach that to this document.

1. Please submit a senior photo of yourself in JPEG format and email it to: trichcreek@watervlietps.org.

The Basketball Coaches Association of America (BCAM) has recognized both the Watervliet Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball teams for Academic Excellence. The girls’ team came in at an impressive #5 in Division 3 with a cumulative Team GPA of 3.9132. Panther Boys also earned recognition with a 3.3470 Team GPA. BCAM annually recognizes teams that have achieved an overall team GPA of 3.0 or higher with Academic All-State honors.

This season, Grace Chisek achieved and then surpassed a milestone, joining only six other Lady Panther basketball players in the history of girls’ basketball at the school who have scored at least 1000 career points. As a member of the 1000 Point Club, Grace’s photo will now have a permanent place in the Panther athletics showcase in the gym lobby along with those of fellow members Kim Carney, Lisa Ashton, Kim Gear, Rachel Sheffer, Nicole Winter, and Samantha Dietz.

I grew up in Williamston, Michigan.

I earned a BS in Education from Central Michigan and an MA in Educational Technology from Western Michigan University. My job at WPS is Director of Curriculum and Special Projects, Title IX Coordinator, and WAY Principal. In my free time. I like to travel and do web design

People may be surprised to know that I was a competitive shooter as a child and was taught by Olympians from South Korea and Italy. They attended Michigan State and would shoot target rifles with me on Saturdays.

Press Box Player of the Week Kaiden Bierhalter

This week’s Press Box Player of the Week is Kaiden Bierhalter.

Kaiden recently completed his senior season on the Panther basketball team, earning SAC Lakeshore

Division First Team honors. This was his fourth season on the~ ity team and he was a key player

opponents needed to account for everywhere on the court. He could shoot threes, make hard drives

past defenders to the basket, dunk on breakaways, and always played with a great deal of passion.

He was also a key receiver on the varsity football team and was on his way to another strong season,

catching plenty of passes and scoring big touchdowns. Then, in the fourth game of the season against

Coloma he caught a pass near the sideline and took what appeared to be a modest hit from the Comet

defensive back that sounded a lot louder than it looked. He dragged himself off the field with what

eventually turned out to be a broken leg, ending his season prematurely. Fortunately the break wasn’t

too serious and he was able to heal and recover throughout the fall, enough that he was able to join the

basketball team. His hoops season started slowly as his recovery continued and he worked his way into

basketball shape, but soon he was leading or near the top in scoring for several games, taking his team

to a district title and a berth in a very tough regional tournament.

This spring he’s playing baseball for the first time in several years, giving it one last go and taking the

opportunity to compete with his friends before his senior year ends.

After graduation he plans to attend a junior college and play basketball but is undecided about where

that will happen.

Congratulations, Kaiden!

If your child has failed a class this year, summer school is needed to recover the credit to keep your child on track towards graduation. You will receive a letter in May that specifies what classes are needed for your child. Check out the plan below so that you can plan ahead for summer school for your child.

Session from June 17 - July 25 (July 3 and 4 off)
8:15 am-12:15 pm
Monday - Thursday

Students have to physically be in attendance everyday.

Breakfast, lunch, and transportation provided.

Students must complete work at home in addition to at school in order to recover lost credit during this time.

My name is Chelsey Pallas. I am the Human Resources Manager at Lane Automotive.

We are offering our Lane Scholarship this year. A onetime $1,000.00 scholarship to a graduating student from each of the following public-school systems: Watervliet Public Schools, Coloma Public Schools, Hartford Public Schools, and the Van Buren County Intermediate School District.

Attached are the application and the school instructions for the 2024 Lane Automotive Scholarship.

Also, all candidates must sign our Lane Automotive Photo Release, we require this, incase we want to publish in our weekly company newsletter or publish on our social media pages.

School Instructions:

• Please verify any information contained on completed applications.
• Please return the completed applications to Chelsey Pallas, by 5:00pm on Friday, May 3, 2024.
• Please make a recommendation for your school’s Lane Automotive Scholarship Winner, by 5:00pm on Friday, May 3, 2024.
• All completed applications must be returned with a completed Photo Release.
• Please submit all applications electronically via email to Chelsey Pallas, cpallas@laneautomotive.com.

Please let me know if you have any questions, my contact information is below. Email and text are the best ways to reach me. We look forward to receiving applications.

Have a great day!

SEE MRS. TYLER FOR APPLICATION MATERIALS. THIS INFORMATION WAS EMAILED TO ALL SENIORS LAST WEEK!

Red Hawks Rise Summer Bridge Program!

This immersive 12-day non-residential summer program is designed to prepare students for their first semester! Starting college can be daunting, and many students benefit from a boost to be college-ready. Michigan's community colleges, in collaboration with state partners, are committed to helping students transition smoothly from high school to college-level academics and campus life.

Additional Details: https://bit.ly/3TGtvI0

-Red Hawks Rise is completely FREE with no cost for tuition or textbooks.

-Learn about the many resources available to students.

-Free LMC gear, learning materials, and classroom supplies.

-Free daily breakfast and other refreshments.

-Free access to LMC resources, labs, and WiFi hotspots while in the program.

-Free laptop, based on program completion.

-Opportunity to take free English 101 and Co-Req for college credit*.

On April 23, the PTO is hosting a Donkey Basketball Game in the high school gym. Tickets are $7 in advance and are available in the guidance office. Come watch Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Dawson, Mrs. Hunt, Ms. Riedinger, and Mr. Coburn battle it out!

223 Panthers completed our annual student survey this year. In each parent newsletter for the remainder of this school year, you will see a few results included, until all of the results have been shared. The Student Advisory Council to the Principal (SAC) have reviewed all of the results and feel positive overall regarding what the survey shows. The results have also been reviewed with the WHS staff and will also be reviewed at the next PAC meeting this week!

We want you accessing your child's Canvas account! Please take the following steps so that you can be checking on his/her grades on a regular basis.

1. Steps for parents to create a parent Canvas account.

   1. Obtain Student Pairing Code

   2. Sign up for an account through your phone app or on the computer using an email address.
      

2. Parents should go to www.watervlietps.org and click on the link "Canvas for Parents" in the middle of the homepage. Here is the direct link: https://www.

   watervlietps.org/o/wps/page/

   canvas-resources. Here you will find the screenshot instructions, a 7 slide presentation and brief videos on navigating the parent portal, checking grades, viewing assignments and accessing teacher feedback.

3. Students need to create the pairing code for their parents and it is only valid for 7 days.

4. If you are having difficulty obtaining the student pairing code, teachers have access to this information within their course by going to People and clicking on the 3 dots in the upper right corner and choosing Export Pairing Codes. Again, these pairing codes are only good for 7 days. Quick way for teachers get this code to a parent when communicating with them.

5. Instructions are online AND shared every Friday in the high school parent newsletter.

Please reach out to us in the high school office if you have questions or concerns about accessing your child's Canvas account. We need and want your support at the high school!

May 1 Early Release Day

May 1 SAC 7:30 AM

May 3 Progress Reports

May 3 April Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM

May 9 Blood Drive

May 10 Decision Day 10 am (Seniors)

May 11 PROM 7-11 PM; place TBD

May 15 Early Release Day

May 15 Senior Awards Night 6 pm

May 15 SAC 7:30 AM

May 16 Spring Band Concert

May 22 PAC 6 pm

May 21-23 Senior Exams Days

May 23 Spring Choir Concert

May 24 Seniors’ Last Day

May 24 Car Parade

May 27 Memorial Day; No School

May 29 Baccalaureate 6 pm (Seniors)

May 29 SAC 7:30 AM

May 30 Senior Picnic/School visits and grad practice

May 31 May Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM

May 31 Graduation 6:30 pm

June 3 Underclassmen Awards; time TBD

June 4-6 Half Days for Exams

June 6 Last Day of School