🐾WHS ROAR REPORT🐾

Welcome Back, Panther Families!

We are excited to welcome our students back for another amazing school year at Watervliet High School. With new faces on staff, exciting new courses, and a few important changes in procedures, we are looking forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and Panther Pride!

New Staff

• Mr. Luke Dennison – Woodworking

• Ms. Payton Boswell – Science

• Mr. Gayheart Adongo – Mathematics

• Ms. Rachel Risko – Paraprofessional

• Mrs. Bailey Riedinger – on leave; covered by Brittany Bovo until September 22

• We are currently in the process of securing a new Special Education teacher.

Intern Teachers

• Ms. Eleanor Joyce – Intern Teacher with Mrs. Jen Hollandsworth (Andrews University)

• Mr. Daniel Acker – Intern Teacher with Mr. Jeremy Andrews (Western Michigan University)

New Courses

• AP Language & Composition (Mrs. Bruce) – English option for 11th graders

• Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry (Mr. Adongo) – advanced math option after Algebra II

• SAT Prep (Mr. Dimino) – math elective for 10th & 11th graders

• AP U.S. History (Mr. Linderman) – rigorous history option for juniors and seniors

• American Sign Language (Ms. Irmen) – new world language opportunity

• 2 on site dual enrollment options: Esports through LMC and Public Speaking through SMC

New Practices

• Senior lockers will remain in the senior hall; all other students’ lockers will be spread throughout the building.

• Students must use school-issued Chromebooks in class. Personal devices are not permitted.

• Cell phones must remain in lockers all year and may not be brought into classrooms.

• Cell phones are also not permitted in the media center for dual enrolled students.

• We continue to be a closed campus; students may not leave for lunch.

First Week Focus

• Ms. Powers will review the Student Handbook with all students.

• Classroom teachers will review Technology Expectations in every class.

Important Information for Monday, August 25

• Building opens: 7:45 AM

• Classes begin: 8:10 AM

• Dismissal: 11:40 AM (half day)

• Parking/Drop-off: All students park or are dropped off on the cafeteria side of the building.

• Meals: All students receive free breakfast and lunch.

• Students will have all classes on Monday.

• Students will find out their lunch period and supply needs from teachers on the first day.

• Chromebooks will be issued on the second day of school for students whose parents have updated enrollment forms in the Parent Portal. Please call the main office if you need assistance.

• If your child does not yet have a schedule or locker, this information can be picked up in the cafeteria on Monday between 7:45–8:10 AM.

• If your child would like to request a schedule change, slips are available in the Counseling Office. The last day to request a schedule change for Semester 1 is Thursday, August 28. Please note: schedules will not be changed to accommodate lunch preferences or to place students in classes with friends.

Other Center Information

• Van Buren Tech and the Math & Science Center begin Tuesday, August 26.

• Coloma Tech Center begins Wednesday, August 27.

• Dual enrollment courses begin Tuesday after Labor Day. Students with two or more dual enrollment classes in a row may leave the building during that time, but are always welcome to stay in the Media Center.

We are looking forward to a great year ahead. Thank you for your partnership and support as we continue to build a strong school community.

Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop. Panther Pride!

— Christina Powers
Principal, Watervliet High School

IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU HAVE ANY URGENT OR PRESSING ISSUES THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED OVER THE WEEKEND, PLEASE EMAIL MS. POWERS AT cpowers@watervlietps.org

¡Bienvenidas, Familias Panther!

Estamos muy emocionados de dar la bienvenida a nuestros estudiantes para otro año escolar increíble en Watervliet High School. Con nuevas caras en nuestro personal, cursos nuevos y algunos cambios importantes en los procedimientos, esperamos un año lleno de aprendizaje, crecimiento y ¡orgullo Panther!

Nuevo Personal

• Sr. Luke Dennison – Carpintería

• Sra. Payton Beswell – Ciencias

• Sr. Gayheart Adongo – Matemáticas

• Sra. Rachel Risko – Paraprofesional

• Sra. Bailey Riedinger – de licencia; cubierta por un/a suplente a largo plazo hasta el 22 de septiembre

• Actualmente estamos en el proceso de contratar a un nuevo maestro/a de Educación Especial.

Maestros Internos

• Sra. Eleanor Joyce – Maestra interna con Sra. Jen Hollandsworth (Universidad de Andrews)

• Sr. Daniel Acker – Maestro interno con Sr. Jeremy Andrews (Universidad de Western Michigan)

Nuevos Cursos

• Lengua y Composición AP (Sra. Bruce) – opción de inglés para 11.º grado

• Funciones, Estadísticas y Trigonometría (Sr. Adongo) – opción avanzada de matemáticas después de Álgebra II

• Preparación para el SAT (Sr. Dimino) – optativa de matemáticas para 10.º y 11.º grado

• Historia de EE. UU. AP (Sr. Linderman) – opción rigurosa de historia para juniors y seniors

• Lengua de Señas Americana (Sra. Irmen) – nueva oportunidad de idioma extranjero

Nuevas Prácticas

• Los casilleros de los seniors permanecerán en el pasillo de los seniors; los casilleros de los demás estudiantes estarán distribuidos por todo el edificio.

• Los estudiantes deben usar Chromebooks emitidos por la escuela en clase. No se permiten dispositivos personales.

• Los teléfonos celulares deben permanecer en los casilleros todo el año y no pueden llevarse a las aulas.

• Continuamos siendo un campus cerrado; los estudiantes no pueden salir para el almuerzo.

Enfoque de la Primera Semana

• La Sra. Powers revisará el Manual del Estudiante con todos los estudiantes.

• Los maestros revisarán las Expectativas Tecnológicas en cada clase.

Información Importante para el Lunes, 25 de Agosto

• El edificio abre: 7:45 AM

• Las clases comienzan: 8:10 AM

• Salida: 11:40 AM (medio día)

• Estacionamiento/Dejada: Todos los estudiantes se estacionan o son dejados en el lado de la cafetería del edificio.

• Comidas: Todos los estudiantes reciben desayuno y almuerzo gratis.

• Los estudiantes tendrán todas sus clases el lunes.

• Los estudiantes descubrirán su período de almuerzo y materiales necesarios con sus maestros el primer día.

• Chromebooks serán entregados el segundo día de clases a los estudiantes cuyos padres hayan actualizado los formularios de inscripción en el Portal para Padres. Llame a la oficina principal si necesita ayuda.

• Si su hijo aún no tiene horario o casillero, puede recoger esa información en la cafetería el lunes entre las 7:45–8:10 AM.

• Si su hijo desea solicitar un cambio de horario, hay formularios disponibles en la Oficina de Consejería. El último día para solicitar cambios de horario para el Semestre 1 es el jueves, 28 de agosto. Tenga en cuenta: los horarios no se cambian para ajustar preferencias de almuerzo o para estar en clases con amigos.

Otra Información de Centros

• Van Buren Tech y el Centro de Matemáticas y Ciencias comienzan el martes, 26 de agosto.

• Coloma Tech Center comienza el miércoles, 27 de agosto.

• Los cursos de inscripción doble comienzan el martes después del Día del Trabajo. Los estudiantes con dos o más clases de inscripción doble seguidas pueden salir del edificio durante ese tiempo, pero siempre son bienvenidos a quedarse en el Centro de Medios.

Esperamos un gran año por delante. Gracias por su colaboración y apoyo mientras seguimos construyendo una comunidad escolar fuerte.

¡No podemos parar. No nos detendremos. Orgullo Panther!

— Christina Powers
Directora, Watervliet High School

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

You MUST update your child's enrollment information using this link. Link opens August 1st!

https://www.watervlietps.org/o/wps/page/district-enrollment

If you have any questions about being able to do this--please call or email Teri Richcreek. trichcreek@watervlietps.org or 269.463.0730.

Students will start receiving devices on Tuesday, August 26th IF their enrollment information has been updated.

Congratulations to Watervliet’s own Lucy Logsdon, Hailey Adams, and Hannah Lomoro (Class of 2025) for representing WHS at the Berrien County Fair in Equestrian!

This week, our Watervliet High School teachers participated in training for Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a nationally recognized program focused on building strong relationships and positive classroom cultures. The training gave our teachers practical tools to connect with students, create safe and respectful learning environments, and reinforce positive behavior.

At its heart, Capturing Kids’ Hearts is about making sure every student feels seen, valued, and supported—because when students know they are cared for, they are more engaged, motivated, and successful in school.

We are excited to bring this approach into our classrooms and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students throughout the year.

Check out the Varsity Football schedule for this year!

The season kicks off two weeks from today at home vs. oloma for the 2025 Hall of Fame Game. Homecoming is September 19th and Senior Night is scheduled for October 24th.

#pantherpride

#cantstopwontstop

Senior Sunrise will take place on the first day of school, August 25th at 6:15 am on the Watervliet football field.

Senior Sunrise is a high school tradition where seniors gather before dawn to watch the sunrise together, often on the first day of their final year. It's a symbolic event signifying the start of their last year as a class and allows them to bond with friends and classmates while creating memories.

We want to thank Biggby Coffee in Coloma for donating coffee and hot chocolate!!

Thank you to Eli and his parents with Mr. Clean in Watervliet for providing donuts!!

Huge shoutout to The Side Track Cafe for donating biscuits and gravy!!

Donuts and refreshments will be provided.

We really hope to see everyone there!

Schedule change forms will be available the first week of school. Changes will not happen at orientation or open house unless it is a mistake on our part.

Dear Panther Parents/Guardians,

We are excited that your child is participating in dual enrollment this semester. This opportunity allows students to earn both high school and college credit, while also gaining valuable experience with the rigor and responsibility of college-level coursework.

To ensure success, please review the following expectations for dual enrollment students:

Dual Enrollment Expectations

• Attendance: Students are expected to attend their dual enrolled class every day and on time. If an absence is necessary, they must notify their college instructor in advance using the contact information provided.
  
  

• Online Lab/Designated Classroom: When not in a college class, students must remain in the online lab or designated classroom, working on their dual enrollment coursework. They may not leave without permission from the media center if working in the media center.
  
  

• Communication: Students are expected to email or speak with their college instructor whenever they have questions or concerns. They should get to know their instructor early and understand how to reach them.
  
  

• Grades & Eligibility:
  
  

• Students earning below a C will not be permitted to dual enroll the following semester at district expense.
  
  

• Students with poor attendance at WHS may also lose future dual enrollment eligibility.
  
  

• Course Changes: Students may not drop a dual enrollment course without first meeting with the counseling office. If they are struggling, they should seek help immediately for the WHS counseling office.
  
  

• Withdrawal: Students who withdraw from a course after the allowable withdrawal window must reimburse the district for the cost of the course and will lose eligibility for the next semester. Students are not permitted to withdraw on their own. Contact the WHS counseling office if this is a concern.
  
  

• Progress Updates: Students are expected to keep parents informed of their progress. Grades should never be a surprise at the end of the course. Students must also provide grades to the counseling office when requested.
  
  

• Books/Materials: If the school rents a textbook for your child, it must be returned at the end of the semester. If the student pays for the cost of the book, once they pass the class, they will be reimbursed for the book.
  
  

• Coursework Timing: Any speeches, assessments, or assignments must be completed during the scheduled dual enrollment time. Students may not miss other WHS classes or pull peers out of class to work on dual enrollment coursework.
  
  

• Ownership & Responsibility: Dual enrolled courses are college courses, not high school classes. Students are expected to take full ownership of their learning, complete all work to the best of their ability, and manage their progress responsibly.
  
  

Please review these expectations with your student. After doing so, both you and your student should sign and return the attached form to the counseling office.

We are proud of the opportunities available to our Panthers and look forward to supporting your child’s success in dual enrollment. If you have any questions, please contact the counseling office.

Sincerely,

Christina Powers
Principal
Watervliet High School

Saturday, August 23rd

9:00 AM Varsity Volleyball at Coloma Tournament location @ Coloma HS

Monday, August 25th

6:00 PM Varsity Boys Soccer vs Parchment @ Parchment HS

Wednesday, August 27th

4:45 PM Varsity Cross Country at New Buffalo HS

5:00 PM Varsity Boys Soccer vs Lawton @ Watervliet HS

5:30/6:30 PM JV & Varsity Volleyball vs Parchment @ Watervliet HS

6:00 PM JV Football vs Coloma @ Coloma HS

Thursday, August 28th

7:00 PM Varsity Football vs Coloma @ Watervliet HS Panther Stadium

6:00 PM Watervliet Hall of Fame Induction @ Watervliet HS Panther Stadium

Earlier this month, Ms. Powers emailed all Panther parents a link for a parent engagement survey that will help us to determine the dates, times, and topics for the parent meetings and informational sessions that we offer this year. If you have not yet completed this survey you can do so here:

https://forms.gle/B5gvR8UGp6Mc2agFA

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We want to make sure your student doesn’t miss out on valuable scholarship opportunities that can help fund their post-secondary education or training. Scholarships are free money that does not need to be repaid—an incredible resource for your family!

I will be emailing scholarship opportunities on a regular basis, so please encourage your student to check their email frequently and review each one to see if they are eligible.

If your student needs help understanding or applying for a scholarship, Mrs. Tyler and Mrs. Dawson in the main office are available to assist them.

📌 Important notes:

• Scholarships are a great way to reduce the cost of college or technical training

• Each has a specific deadline, so it’s important to stay informed

• We’ll also share these opportunities in the weekly high school newsletter and email them directly to families

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We’re here to support your child in pursuing their goals!

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
1st Source Fieldhouse (Dowagiac Campus). This is primarily for groups of juniors/seniors.

A letter was recently sent home to families of students who did not return a Chromebook and/or charger at the end of the 2024–2025 school year.

Please take a moment to check with your child to ensure these items were returned. If your student attended summer school, we also encourage you to confirm that they turned in any borrowed devices at the end of the session.

If you have any questions or believe there may be an error, feel free to contact the high school office. Thank you for helping us keep our technology inventory up to date!

IT MAY NOT BE TOO LATE TO GET YOUR CHILD IN A CLASS LISTED BELOW; EMAIL CPOWERS@WATERVLIETPS.ORG WITH INTEREST/QUESTIONS

To better support student success, WHS offers lab support classes in addition to core academic courses. These lab classes are designed to help students strengthen their understanding, stay organized, and stay on track for graduation.

Lab classes are available for:

• Algebra I

• Geometry

• World History

• Physical Science

• English 9

• English 10

Students are placed with the same teacher for both the core class and the lab, ensuring consistency and focused support. During lab time, teachers will:

• Pre-teach and re-teach key concepts

• Provide time for homework completion

• Answer questions and offer one-on-one help

Lab classes count as elective credit, are pass/fail, and do not require additional homework. The primary goal is to help students pass their core academic class and stay on track for graduation.

If you think your student would benefit from a lab support class, feel free to reach out to the high school office for more information.

At WHS, we’re committed to helping every student succeed—especially those who may need a little extra support staying on track.

This year, we’re offering an additional layer of help through our “Checkout Teacher” program. A dedicated staff member will check in with assigned 9th and 10th grade students during 7th hour every day to:

• Review their homework and missing assignments

• Help them stay organized

• Answer questions or clarify directions

• Ensure freshmen have completed their planners

If you feel your child would benefit from this daily support, please email Ms. Powers at cpowers@watervlietps.org to request a checkout teacher for your student.

We’re here to help your child finish each day prepared and confident!

IT MAY NOT BE TOO LATE TO GET YOUR CHILD IN A CLASS LISTED BELOW; EMAIL CPOWERS@WATERVLIETPS.ORG WITH INTEREST/QUESTIONS

What’s JMG?

JMG is a rigorous classroom program modelled after the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) initiative. It’s part of Michigan’s efforts—led by Youth Solutions, Inc.—to equip high school students with the skills needed to graduate, explore careers, and transition confidently into college or the workforce.
. The program supports over 5,000 youth annually in Michigan and has helped maintain graduation rates above 90%

🧭 What Students Learn

• Soft skills that matter: Workplace readiness, communication, time management, and teamwork

• Career exploration: Resume writing, interview practice, job shadows, and industry tours

• Leadership & self-awareness: Student-led initiatives and goal-setting exercises
  

🤝 Mentorship and Support

Each student is paired with a JMG Specialist, who acts as a mentor, coach, and advocate. Specialists receive training in trauma-informed care to support students academically and emotionally from classroom instruction through post-graduation transition geneseeisd.org+11

📌 How it Fits at WHS

• Offered during the school day as a credit-earning elective

• Helps students:

  • Enhance job readiness and life skills

  • Set and pursue career or education goals

  • Connect with adults and community resources for mentoring and ongoing support

🎯 Why It Matters

• Proven success in helping at-risk youth stay in school and graduate

• Builds confidence, resiliency, and responsibility

• Connects students to real-world opportunities through local workforce networks

What Is It?

AP U.S. History (APUSH) is a year‑long, college‑level survey course offered by the College Board. It covers U.S. history from pre‑Columbian times (c. 1491) to the present, exploring political, social, economic, and cultural developments across nine chronological periods

Course Features & Skills

• Historical Thinking: Students work with primary sources, analyze multiple perspectives, and construct evidence-based historical arguments .

• Content-Based Units: The curriculum is organized into nine units aligned to the AP exam structure, each focusing on major eras like colonization, the Civil War, industrialization, civil rights, and modern America .

• Exam Preparation: Learners practice multiple-choice and short-answer questions, a Document-Based Question (DBQ), and thematic long essay responses—all key parts of the official exam .

Curriculum Themes

Instruction is centered around cross-cutting themes such as:

• American and national identity

• Politics, power, and governance

• Work, exchange, and technology

• Migration and settlement

• Geography and the environment

• Culture and social structures

• America in the global context
  

Why Take AP U.S. History?

• College readiness: The course mirrors freshman-level college U.S. history coursework and supports strong analytical and writing skills
  

• Add weight to transcripts: Success on the AP exam may earn college credit or placement, depending on the college policy
  

• Critical thinking growth: Students develop discipline in interpreting historical evidence, evaluating competing viewpoints, and crafting persuasive arguments.

Prerequisites & Resources

• Recommended: Strong background in reading, writing, and critical thinking; comfort with rigorous, fast-paced coursework .

American Sign Language 1 (ASL 1) is an introductory course that teaches students the fundamentals of ASL, a complete visual language used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the United States.

This course focuses on developing basic communication skills and building a strong foundation in both expressive and receptive signing.

🔑 What Students Will Learn:

• ASL alphabet (fingerspelling) and numbers

• Basic vocabulary and sentence structure

• How to introduce themselves and hold simple conversations

• Use of facial expressions, gestures, and body language as part of ASL grammar

• An introduction to Deaf culture, history, and the values of the Deaf community

🎯 Course Goals:

• Gain confidence in using beginner-level ASL in everyday situations

• Develop respect and cultural awareness of the Deaf community

• Fulfill the world language requirement for high school graduation

AP English Language and Composition (AP Lang) is a college-level course that focuses on the study of rhetoric and nonfiction texts. Students learn how to analyze and craft arguments across a variety of mediums—essays, speeches, articles, editorials, and more.

Rather than focusing on fiction and poetry, AP Lang teaches students to read critically, write effectively, and use language purposefully to inform, persuade, and engage audiences.

🔍 What Students Will Do:

• Analyze nonfiction texts for rhetorical strategies and purpose

• Write evidence-based argumentative, analytical, and synthesis essays

• Study classic and contemporary speeches, essays, op-eds, and articles

• Explore style, tone, diction, and structure in writing

• Prepare for the AP Exam, which includes multiple-choice questions and three timed essays

🎯 Course Goals:

• Strengthen skills in persuasive and analytical writing

• Develop the ability to read critically and think independently

• Understand how authors use language to influence and inspire

• Earn potential college credit or placement through the AP exam

FST is an upper-level math course designed to strengthen students’ skills in algebra, data analysis, and trigonometry—key areas that prepare them for Pre-Calculus, college math, or advanced career pathways in STEM, business, or technical fields.

This course blends real-world applications with rigorous math content to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

🔍 What Students Will Learn:

• Functions: Linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions

• Statistics: Data interpretation, probability, normal distribution, and statistical inference

• Trigonometry: Right triangle trig, unit circle, trig identities, graphs, and Laws of Sines & Cosines

• Applications: Modeling real-world problems using algebraic, statistical, and trigonometric methods

🎯 Course Goals:

• Strengthen mathematical understanding beyond Algebra II

• Prepare students for Pre-Calculus, AP-level math, or college entrance exams

• Apply math concepts to real-life situations and data

• Develop confidence in using multiple mathematical approaches to solve complex problems

SAT Prep is a targeted, skills-based course designed to help students prepare for the SAT college entrance exam. The class focuses on strategies, practice, and content review in the core areas of the test: Reading, Writing & Language, and Math.

Students will learn how to approach each section of the test with confidence, manage their time effectively, and apply test-taking techniques that lead to success.

🔍 What Students Will Learn:

• Strategies for reading comprehension and answering evidence-based questions

• Grammar and usage rules for the Writing & Language section

• Review of key math concepts, including algebra, geometry, and data analysis

• Practice with calculator and non-calculator math sections

• Tips for managing test anxiety, timing, and pacing

• Regular practice with official SAT-style questions and full-length exams

🎯 Course Goals:

• Improve performance in all areas of the SAT

• Build test-taking confidence through repeated practice and feedback

• Help students reach their college admission and scholarship goals

• Identify individual strengths and areas for growth

Dual Enrollment gives high school students the opportunity to take college-level classes while still in high school—earning both high school and college credit at the same time.

Here’s why it’s such a valuable opportunity:

• ✅ Save Money
  Tuition and fees are typically covered by the school district—get a head start on college without the cost!

• 📘 Earn College Credit Early
  Complete real college courses now and shorten your time on a college campus later.

• 🚀 Boost Academic Confidence
  Experience the rigor of college coursework and build skills needed for future success.

• 🧭 Explore Career Paths
  Take courses that align with your interests and future goals—before you graduate!

• 🎓 Smooth Transition to College
  Learn how college classes work in a supportive environment while still receiving high school support.

Dual enrollment is a smart way to challenge yourself, explore your future, and graduate ahead of the game. Interested? Reach out to the WHS Counseling Office to learn more!

Check out this data from our Spring Semester!