Panther Print for Parents 🐾

Full day : Exams 3, 4, 5

1st hour : 8:10 - 9:10 Study and review for your exams for the day

3rd hour: EXAM 9:15 - 10:45

Lunch A : 10:45-11:15

6th hour for Lunch B students 10:50 - 11:20

Lunch B : 11:20 - 11:50

6th hour for Lunch A students 11:20 - 11:50

4th hour EXAM : 11:55 - 1:25

5th hour EXAM : 1:30 - 3:10

If you go to the tech center in the PM, you will NOT GO on Monday so that you can take your 4th hour exam. You can go home at 1:25 after your 4th hour exam or wait in the media center for the remainder of the day.

If you attend the tech center in the AM, you will attend in the AM. Bus transportation is provided.

You will eat the same lunch as your 6th hour teacher.

These teachers have 1st lunch:

Simmons

Andrews

Brant

Hunt

Linderman

O'Toole

Sibley

Weber

These teachers have 2nd lunch:

Corkins

Fletcher

Grear

Macha

Mosher

Riedinger

Tremblay

Stofko

If you have any questions about the exam schedule for Monday--please email Ms. Powers at cpowers@watervlietps.org.

We are providing a catered dinner to any student and any members of their family who wish to attend these sessions in the high school media center for the remainder of this school year.

Please fill out the form below if you plan to attend so that we know how many people to plan for.

FEBRUARY 12th FOSTERING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Independent reading improves reading achievement, increases critical thinking skills, improves vocabulary, and results in higher scores on achievement tests in all subject areas in comparison to students who do not read independently. Student-selected novels from the classroom library and approved novels of their own to read throughout the marking period. Upon completion of the novel, students chose various book projects to present their knowledge of themes and elements. Some examples of these include Mackenzie Birmele’s book project on Jenny Han’s novel It’s Not Summer Without You in which she created a secret book filled with the treasures and characters. Angelica Daisy wrote a beautiful poem for her book project, including paper that reflected the mood and setting of her novel. Vivienne Sexton read a murder mystery, so she created a suspect Anacapa chart. Additionally, students rewrote novel endings, developed a music playlist, and designed storyboards that recreated climactic scenes, all of which expressed their creative interpretations of their novels.

Monday, January 22

4:00/5:30 PM JV Girls & JV Boys Basketball at Benton Harbor

Tuesday, January 23

6:00 PM Freshman Boys Basketball at New Buffalo

Wednesday, January 24

6:00 PM Varsity Wrestling SAC Meet at Gobles

Thursday, January 25

4:15/5:30/7:00 PM 9 th Boys, JV Girls & JV Boys Home vs. Fennville

Friday, January 26

9:00 AM Berrien County Tournament Girls Wrestling Meet at St. Joseph

6:00/7:30 PM Girls & Boys Varsity Basketball Home vs. Fennville

Saturday, January 27

9:00 AM Berrien County Tournament Varsity Wrestling at St. Joseph

9:00 AM MS Wrestling at Fennville Invitational

4:00/5:30 PM Girls JV & Varsity Basketball at Bridgman

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

I have worked at WHS since 2007. For a couple of years, I worked as the guidance secretary and offered central office support, but a couple of years later I moved into the position of Athletic Secretary. Currently, my responsibilities also include working on The School Bell and the district website. I also support the Curriculum Department.

My husband, Glenn, and I have two adult boys who are both WHS graduates. I am a New Buffalo High School and Grand Valley State (BS) graduate. I enjoy going to estate sales, reading, watching movies from my comfy recliner, and traveling.

Glenn and I bought a motor home last spring and we are looking forward to seeing the country in it. I am planning to retire at the end of 2024 (yes, really this time!) and hope to spend some time in January and February next year somewhere warmer.

The Watervliet Foundation for Excellence in Education is seeking new members for the organization. The Foundation provides resources for our schools over and above what the school can provide.

Past projects:
I’m in For Five - raised $20k for WiFi hotspots for needy students during COVID

Stadium Project - Donor-directed investment in Panther Stadium - $880k

Outdoor Classroom - currently raising funds to provide outdoor classroom spaces for each elementary campus - $200k

Classroom Mini-Grants: $2k each year for teacher-developed classroom grants/projects.

We have a big vision for this group and ambitious goals, but we need your help in the Foundation.

If you are interested in helping or just learning more about the Foundation, contact me or Rebecca Oliphant. Or, come to a meeting and find out more!

Hi Watervliet! My name is Mr. Ben VanRoekel, and I am the new student teacher for the band program this semester working alongside Mrs. Hollandsworth. I'm finishing up my last year at Western Michigan University in the Music Education program right now. I've decided to pursue becoming a band director because through music, I have met most of my best friends and my most inspirational mentors. I also believe that music is a core part of a complete education and band is one of the pillars of American music that students should be able to participate in. I hope to pass on my love of music to all of my students. I've worked with the Watervliet Marching Band for the past three years, so I'm glad to step into this bigger role at a school I am so familiar with!

I grew up not too far from here in Paw Paw, MI and joined band when I was in 5th grade. I played alto saxophone for two years and then switched to tenor saxophone. In high school I especially loved jazz band and improvising. After I graduated high school, I went to Southwestern Michigan College for 3 years and played/sang with all of their bands and choirs. From there, I then transferred to WMU and studied with Dr. Andrew Rathbun for jazz saxophone and Dr. Henning Schroeder for classical saxophone. I also played in many of the bands at WMU during my time there. Thank you for welcoming me into your school!

Go Panthers!

This is a renewable scholarship of up to $60,000 – dispersed over four years – established for immigrant students or the children of immigrants in Berrien County. Eligible applicants will be Berrien County graduating seniors who are an immigrant to the United States or have at least one parent born outside of the United States, are a first-generation college student in their family and plan to attend a four-year college or university in the United States. The student must also have a 2.5 GPA or higher and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship can be used at any four-year U.S. college/university for tuition, books, fees and other costs related to attending, including room and board.

To apply, visit www.berriencommunity.org/scholar and click Apply Now!

The Purdue Alumni Club of SW Michigan is proud to announce it is accepting applications for its 2024

Club scholarships. These scholarships are available to both current and incoming Purdue students living

in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties. The scholarships are provided by Purdue Alumni and friends

living in Southwest Michigan. This is the 22nd year for the scholarship program with over $78,000

granted.

Students can apply for the scholarships at purdue.scholarshipuniverse.com. Applications are due no

later than March 1, 2024. Decisions will be made by April 1 st . Students who have received other

scholarships are eligible to apply.

Questions about the scholarship program can be directed to Karen Dolohanty at 269-429-6332 or

dolohanty@asabe.org.

I have a beautiful family of 5 , married to my beautiful wife Samantha with whom I share two sons named Dominic (6) and DeLuca (3) and a beautiful baby girl Alessandra aging (8 mos).

I went to Bangor High School , Class of 2015!

4 Sport Athlete, Student Council President and Mr.Bangor 2014!

I completed 2 Years as a Visual Arts major at Southwestern Michigan College and currently pursuing a Bachelors in education with Western Governors University!

I am a Special Education Paraprofessional, and hope to transition to Teacher/Coach as time goes on! In my free time, I love to Kayak, watch Tv, Write Films and Tv Shows, Game, and work out!

I'm proud to be a WHS Panther because I see the potential that I can bring to the district and I love being a new face in a new place . Competed against this district for numerous years good and bad and saw the potential to be a part of it !

I'm very artistic and creative minded, I bring a lot of passion and understanding to the table for the students. I'm very spirited and can do alot when it comes to creativity and school spirit.

• We understand that any classes registered for, or grades received become a part of the student’s college record. That means if a student fails a college course, it becomes a part of his/her college record. It can negatively affect his her ability to obtain college scholarships.

• Students are expected to be in their dual enrolled class everyday and on time. If for any reason your child needs to be absent from his/her dual enrolled class, he/she needs to make his/her college teacher aware in advance. Your child’s college teacher has given your child his/her contact information.

• Students are expected to be in and remain in the online lab or designated classroom when they are not in their dual enrolled class but in school during the dual enrolled time. They are expected to be working in their dual enrolled course while they are in the online lab/classroom. They are not permitted to leave the online lab/classroom during this time unless they get permission from the main office.

• Students are expected to email or talk to their dual enrolled teacher anytime they have questions or concerns about the course. They should get to know their instructor early and understand how to reach their course instructor when needed.

• Students earning less than a C in a dual enrolled course have failed the course, and are not permitted to take a dual enrolled course the following semester at the expense of the school district. They are also required to reimburse the district for the cost of the course.

• Students who are not able to maintain positive school attendance and at least a 3.0 GPA are not permitted to dual enroll again in future semesters.

• Students are not permitted to drop/withdraw from their dual enrolled course w/o talking to the counseling office first. If a student feels that he/she is doing poorly in his/her class, he/she should come talk to the counseling office right away.

• Students who withdraw from the college course outside of the allowable withdrawal window, will be expected to reimburse the school for the cost of the course and will not be permitted to dual enroll the following semester at the cost of the school district.

• Students are expected to keep parents informed on their grade and how they are doing in their dual enrolled course. There should be no surprises at the end of the course regarding whether your child passed or failed. Students are required to make the counseling office aware of their college course/s grade as requested.

• If the school has rented the book for your child, your child is required to return the book to the school at the end of the semester.

• Any speeches or assessments that your student needs to do, must be done during the time of your student’s dual enrolled class. Students are not permitted to come out of other classes to do this work on dual enrolled coursework. Students are also not permitted to pull other students out of other classes for any reason.

Finally, dual enrolled courses are not high school classes. The ownership of the class is on the student. Students are expected to complete all of the assigned work to their best ability and take ownership of the class, the work, and their progress. If you have any question or or you would like to get your child dual enrolled for the spring semester of the 2022-2023 school year, please contact or send your child to the counseling office for more information.

Jamie Dawson, School Counselor jdawson@watervlietps.org

Jessica Tyler, Counseling Office Secretary jtyler@watervlietps.org

This is Mrs. KRISTINE LEFOR. She teaches Spanish at WHS. She has earned the PANTHER NATION FRIDGE for the first week of the new year! If you know her or your child has had her in class, you know why! Mrs. Lefor is an outstanding teacher. She works hard to make sure that all kids' needs are met in class. She builds relationships with all kids, while also holding them accountable to high standards of learning. We are lucky and grateful to have Mrs. Lefor on the WHS staff. THANK YOU Mrs. Lefor! You are the PRIDE OF PANTHER NATION!

Six medals today!

Sophie Wigent - 1st

Ayana Marshall - 2nd

Taylor Woollett - 2nd

Riley Hess - 3rd

Luke Isbrecht - 3rd

Aiden Wolford - 4th

The BCBSM Leadership Development Association, a chapter of the National Management Association proudly presents its annual Leadership Speech Contest. It’s the first step in one of the nation’s leading competitions among high school-age students.

Our nationwide speech contest promotes an understanding of Leadership among our nation’s high school students and encourages the development of vital communication skills.

Public, private, and home school students, grades 9 – 12, residing in Michigan are eligible. BCBSM LDA members take enormous pride in their educational outreach. Please click the link below for contest requirements and entry documents.

BCBSM Leadership Development Association Speech Competition

We sincerely invite your students to Apply for this important program.

The contest entry deadline is 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 21. 2024.

CONTEST DETAILS:

Who: Any Michigan high school student in grades 9-12

What: Speech presentation on “Leadership”

Where: BCBSM Lyon Meadows Conference Center

53200 Grand River Avenue

New Hudson, MI 48165

Tammi Martin

Administrative Assistant to

.

Cathy Longo, Director, HCV Business Administration

Peter DiLella, Director, HCV Strategy & Planning

Andrew Jurcisin, Director, HCV Business Planning & Performance

The Southwest Michigan Society of Women Engineers is honored to extend the 4th Annual Christine Strain Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is open to female-identifying students within your 2024 graduating high school class who will be enrolling in an undergraduate ABET or ACCJC accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Technology program during the 2024-2025 school year.

Attached to this email you will find a PDF containing the scholarship details and a flyer that can be posted for students to see. The easiest way to apply is for applicants to fill out the Application Form, and for recommenders to fill out the Recommendation Form. If use of Google Forms is not possible for your applicants or recommenders, please reach out and we will make alternate arrangements.

The deadline to have applications submitted is Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

The successful applicant will be notified of their scholarship award by Friday, May 31, 2024.

Looking forward to a confirmation email stating that the attached application has been received.

If you have any questions, please respond to this email.

--

SWMI SWE Exec

http://southwestmichigan.swe.org/

Follow us on Facebook!

• This page is where FSA is posting the latest updates on the FAFSA launch. We were told that this "soft launch" period will now last through mid-January. During the "soft launch," some sections or operations might not be fully operational. I think that is what is happening in this case.
  
  
• I would recommend waiting another 5 to 7 days or so and trying to file it again. Colleges will not be able to start processing FAFSA information until the end of January, so there is no harm in waiting until mid-January or so to file the FAFSA

It's time to submit Senior Portraits to ring in the 2024 graduates in our Yearbook. Our deadline is January 31, 2024.

Please upload your portraits through https://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/?code=49098

Senior portraits must be a VERTICAL headshot, but hands and/or upper body may be visible if desired. No props, hats that obscure the face, or distracting backgrounds, please.

Portraits must be of professional quality, at least 300 DPI, and 500 KB or larger. We CANNOT accept screenshots, proofs, links to photographer’s websites or portraits with the photographer’s logo.

Below is a help in navigating the upload process.

The Class of 2027 (and their families) are organizing a spaghetti dinner benefit for Becky Ryan. Becky and her two daughters are alumni, and her son is currently a freshman at WHS.

Please review the attached flyer for more details on this event.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on the day of the event or in advance.

In addition to the spaghetti dinner, there will be a bake sale, a silent auction, and a raffle.

A Facebook Event has been created and will be updated with silent auction items and raffle ticket information in the coming days.

https://facebook.com/events/s/benefit-spaghetti-dinner-for-b/3759725254305164/

We hope to see you on January 28th!

Each week, the high school teachers take some time out in their 3rd hour classes to review the expectations in an area of the building. This coming week we will focus on the MEDIA CENTER. Please review these expectations with your child. Students can enter a PBIS raffle in the main office anytime a raffle ticket is earned for demonstrating SAFETY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY at school!

Jan 24 Start of Semester 2

Jan 24 Early Release Day

Jan 24 SAC 7:30 AM

Jan 24 Senior /Scholarships Informational Night 6 pm

Jan 31 Early Release Day

Jan 31 PAC 6 pm

Feb 2 January Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM

Feb 5-9 Winterfest Week

Feb 7 SAC 7:30 AM

Feb 8 Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-7 pm

Feb 9 Half Day Start of Mid Winter Break

Feb 12 No School Mid Winter Break

Feb 12 ADULTING SESSION

Feb 15 Pre Festival Band Concert

Feb 19 MCTI/Project Search Informational Night 6 pm

Feb 21 SAC 7:30 AM

Feb 22 Pre Festival Choir Concert 6:30 pm

Feb 23 Progress Reports

Feb 28 Early Release Day

Feb 28 PAC 6 pm

Mar 1 February Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM

Mar 6 SAC 7:30 AM

Mar 12 LMC Accommodations Informational Night 6 pm

Mar 13 Early Release Day

Mar 20 SAC 7:30 AM

Mar 21 Van Buren Tech Informational Night 6 pm

Mar 27 PAC 6 pm

Mar 27 Early Release Day

Mar 28 End of MP 3

Mar 29 Good Friday No School

Mar 29-Apr 5 Spring Break

April 11 Work Keys testing for Juniors

Apr 12 March Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM

Apr 17 Early Release Day

Apr 17 SAC 7:30 AM

Apr 18 SAT for JUNIORS, PSAT for 9th and 10th Graders

Apr 19 MSTEP for Juniors (Science and Social Studies)

Apr 22 Dual Enrollment Informational Night 6 pm

Apr 24 PAC 6 pm

May 1 Early Release Day

May 1 Decision Day 10 am (Seniors)

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 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