
Panther Print for Parents 🐾
NEWSLETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 22nd
IF YOU MOVE DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, PLEASE CONTACT THE MAIN OFFICE!
PRESS BOX PLAYER OF THE WEEK!
Press Box Player of the Week Jacob Pleyer
This week’s Press Box Player of the Week is Watervliet’s Jacob Pleyer. Jacob is a sophomore guard and
second-year starter on the Panther varsity basketball team. His freshman season was cut short when he
suffered a broken bone in his lower leg half way through the schedule. He’s all healed now and leading
his team in scoring while playing solid defense.
Asked about starting on the varsity team in his freshman season, he said “It was a great experience
especially being able to play with teammates like Tyson Williams and Brady Bornas who were highly
experienced at the varsity level.”
He says the best part of his basketball experience at Watervliet so far was playing at Benton Harbor last
season, a well-played game that came down to the last two possessions. “Coach Dan Hoff is the best
coach I’ve ever had. It’s not just his knowledge about the game but the important life skills that he
teaches me and everyone around him. He always says “It's a great day to get better!””
At school his favorite class, by far, is history because Mr. Andrews keeps them engaged with the
material. He’s a big Kentucky fan and watches them as often as possible when he’s not playing
basketball.
After graduation he wants to play at a D1 school and eventually play in the NBA, as well as get a degree
in sports management.
Congratulations, and good luck Jacob!
ATTENTION 10th and 11th GRADERS!
ATTENTION SENIORS
SENIORS PICTURES FOR THE YEARBOOK!
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.
THANK YOU STUDENT COUNCIL!
During the month of December, the WHS Student Council sponsored a food drive to help the Watervliet Free Methodist Pantry help local families in need. The officers loaded up the items and they were delivered Thursday morning. A total of 1237 items were collected. First hour classes held a competition in order to collect the items. The winning class was Mrs. Riedinger with 341 items. Second place went to Mr. Steele's class with 200 items. Third place was Mr. Grear with 125. The winning class received a donut party on Friday. Many students used their own money to purchase the items that were donated. THANK YOU STUDENT COUNCIL!
FRESHMEN ENGLISH
Freshman English students finished the final scene of To Kill a Mockingbird. In the scene, the protagonist, Scout Finch, is in an agricultural pageant, dressed as a ham in a homemade costume and fell asleep waiting for her turn on stage. In this picture, Sarah Leoni is modeling the ham costusme. Brianna Shriver (Scout), Mimi Feneley (Bob Ewell), Kyle Domingo-Sturgeon(Jem), and Braydon Collins (Boo Radley).
NICE JOB AUSTIN SMITH!
Austin Smith has a true passion for Spanish, he is always sending me presentations he has created about Spanish speaking countries from customs to historical facts. Austin always had Spanish during his third hour and asked to present to my 3rd hour this year, thanks to Mrs. Sibley it was able to happen. Austin presented about Spanish Governments to a Spanish 1 class, we learned so much, thank you Austin!
WHAT'S GOING ON IN CHEMISTRY?
In chemistry we are looking at the "fingerprints" of different elements and comparing the wavelengths each has. With this we then started to compare where each element is located on the periodic table and the amount of electrons each has.
CONGRATULATIONS RILEY HESS!
Riley Hess is 11 and 2 on the season wrestling at 175 lbs.
and 75 - 30 for his high school career!
WHAT IS PRE CALC UP TO?
The PreCalculus class recently explored Newton’s Law of Cooling and brought it to life in a tasty way - by making Puppy Chow! The class took a break from equations and graphs to create some yummy treats and sweet memories. This activity fostered teamwork and the cooling process of the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture was a practical application of the concepts learned in class.
PLEASE JOIN US!
THIS WEEK IN ART!!
PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP FOR SENIORS!
https://cfsjc.org/anita-f-boorda-scholarship-for-the-performing-arts/
This is for students who plan to major in Performing Arts like Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.
NICE JOB INTERACT!
The Middle School Interact Club assembled 55 goody bags for the senior center in Coloma this holiday season. On Monday, three of the club officers delivered the bags to Meals on Wheels in Benton Harbor for delivery! Pictured here are Madison Darling, McKaylen Laws, and Melanie Cervantes. Interact is a service organization sponsored by the Paw Paw Lake Rotary Club. The club has 25-- 7th and 8th grade members this year! The club thanks again those parents and community members who donated the items for the bags.
ATTENTION SENIORS!
If you haven't placed your orders for graduation, there's still time. The deadline to place orders is January 1st. If you are borrowing a cap and/or gown, please stop in my office and let me know so I can remove your name from my list. Also, if you need a tassel and medallion (required for graduation), you may order with me. The cost is $15 each.
Please reach out to Mrs. Richcreek with questions or concerns. Thank you !
EXAM SCHEDULE
Unless your child qualifies for 3 and a B or 5 and an A, he/she will take an exam in every class. Exams count for 20% of your child's overall semester grade. They can make the difference between passing and failing a class for the semester. All teachers either review in class or provide a review for the exams. If your child is not required to take an exam, he/she is not required to be in school during that exam time. These absences will not be counted against your child and are considered school related absences. January 17-19 are half days of school. Students are dismissed at 11:40 AM each of those days. Please encourage your child to prepare for exams by reviewing notes, re-reading material, organizing material, quizzing himself/herself, etc.
PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN !
UPCOMING ATHLETIC EVENTS
Saturday, December 23
9:00 AM Varsity Wrestling at Lawton Invitational
Wednesday, January 3
6:00 PM SAC wrestling meet in Coloma with Constantine & Schoolcraft
Thursday, January 4
4:15/5:30/7:00 PM Boys Freshman, Girls JV, Boys JV Basketball Home vs. Dowagiac
Friday, January 5
6:00/7:30 PM Girls & Boys Varsity Basketball at Dowagiac
Saturday, January 6
9:00 AM Varsity Wrestling at Grand Rapids West Catholic Invitational
GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL
Front: #4 Aubrey James, #5 Morgan Lowell, #11 Alyssa Brown, #22 Tia Caldwell
Middle: #3 Grace Chisek, #13 Riley Preston, #12 Courtney Van Lente, #24 Abby Whorton, #10 Ellie Golden
Back: Coach Ben Loshbough, #20 Lauren Laws, #2 Natalie Van Lente, Head Coach Ken Dietz
Watervliet Wrestling
The Watervliet Wrestling team photo is attached. Front: Taylor Woollett, Jadon O'Brien, Camryn Reidsma, Kira Howe, Sophie Wigent. Middle: Braizen Robart, Lucs Smith, Kameron Smith, Ayana Marshall, Braydon Collins, Anthony Marta. Back: Mgr. Anya Sexton, Julian Velez, Aiden Wolford, Wyatt MacMillan, Riley Hess, Deandre Rose, Brayden Symonds, Head Coach Joe Isbrecht
Missing from Photo: Lucas Isbrecht
BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL
Front: #22 Chase Tremblay, #11 Landin Fuller, #14 Ado Geegan, #31 Logan Schaefer, #2 Wyatt Epple, #3 Jacob Pleyer, #12 Jerry Davis III, #20 Caleb Jewell, #32 Owen Epple
Back: Coach Zack Lindermann, Head Coach Dan Hoff, #33 Jaxon Allen, #24 Kaiden Bierhalter, #40 Colton Swisher, #21 Jacob Schaefer, #50 Tyler Asakevich, #10 Emmett Williams, Coach Luke Bell, Coach Jeff Jackson
WINTER BASKETBALL CHEERLEADING
Front: Natalaya Desjardin, Sienna Harris, Norma Gutierrez
Back: Sarah Leoni, Zoe Thornsbury, Coach Madi Flagel, Ella Harris, Kendra Sanders
STAFF SPOTLIGHT--MR. DAVID ARTER
I was born in Berrien County. I went to grade school in Niles at Ballard and I moved to Portage in 6th grade, graduating from Portage Central High School.
Initially, I went to Michigan State after high school, but transferred to Columbia. My Bachelors Degree is in Journalism. My first Masters Degree is from Northeastern in Special Education as a Learning Behavior Specialist. My second Masters Degree is from American in Educational Leadership. I also have a Mathematics certificate from American.
I teach Special Education.
My mom lives in Coloma. I have 4 kids. Three from when I was married and they live in Chicago: Jonny 18, Ava 16 and Cormac 13. I also have a surprise son, Nicasio (AKA Cash) who is 18 months old.
In my free time I like to make music, read, workout, ride motorcycles. But playing bass is far and away my favorite pastime.
I am very proud to be a Panther. The school: students, colleagues, administrators are so caring and kind. Everyone has gone out of their way to make sure I was welcome and taken care of.
People would be surprised to know that I had a severe case of mononucleosis when I was 14. I lost about 60 pounds very quickly and they put me on steroids to keep me alive, but I never grew another inch!
NOMINEES DECEMBER 2023 STUDENT OF THE MONTH!
Each month all faculty have the option of nominating 2 students at each grade level as a student of the month. Students are nominated for going above and beyond the expectations in the classroom and also for improvement in effort. Congratulations to all of the nominees below!
9th Grade
Sofie Shafer
Pyper Richards
Kira Howe
Sienna Harris
Allison Poole
Megan Tucker
Joelle Petznick
Krystina Lawrence
Gabriel Shotts
Aiden Wolford
Miriam Feneley
10th Grade
Sophie Grear
Gabe Richards
Natalaya Desjardin
Dylan Collins
Ava Sprague
Jacob Shunkwiler
Dimetric White
Christopher Parkhurst
Brayden Symonds
Keira Tremblay
Ella Geisler
Jaylee Havenaar
Ariana Ellsworth
Ash Petty
Austin Tomes
Ana Aguilera
11th Grade
Logan Schaefer
Alyssa Briley
Ilee Burgess
Amber Robbins
Nicole Bender
Angel Nearpass
Kendall Goodrich
Amber Robbins
Bianca Freeman
Chelsea Lange
12th Grade
Sam Crago
Mikey Fee
Olivia Price
Julia Pepple
Allison Poole
Aleigha Jackson
Brennan Crenshaw
Marleigh Schultz
Grace Macmillan
Ella Harris
Kaiden Bierhalter
YOUR FRESHMAN STUDENT OF THE MONTH--ALLISON POOLE!
Family: I have a split family with a few extra siblings on my moms side and a few extra on my dads.
Favorite Teacher: My favorite teacher is Mrs. Brush because she is away there for me, she's a great teacher, and I have learned so much from her.
Favorite Class: My favorite class this year has been history because anytime I need help or don't understand anything Mr. Linderman is always willing to help and explain or even double check my work to make sure that I didn't miss anything, he's a great teacher.
Sports or Clubs: I am wanting to get back into softball this year and I am in Student Council and SAC.
Free Time: During my free time, I like to relax, watch movies, and spend time with family.
After High School: I really don't know what I want to do yet after High School but I think I want to go to college or a trade school.. possible Grand Valley.
WHS Panther: I am proud to be a WHS Panther because of the opportunities presented to me, the support, and the people.
YOUR FRESHMAN STUDENT OF THE MONTH SIENNA HARRIS!
I live with my mom, dad, and my sister Ella, who is now a senior. It's hard to pick just one favorite teacher, as I've had many good teachers. If I have to pick just one, I would say Mrs. Hunt because she always helps us learn more about art and teaches us helpful techniques.
My favorite class has been art because I look forward to starting every day with it, especially since I love art.
I am involved with Basketball Cheerleading and Musical Theater at Children's Music Workshop, Performing Arts Workshop, and LMC. I like to draw, sculpt, write, spend time with my grandma's cats, hang out with friends, read, and perform musical theater (a few favorite roles of mine being: Pinocchio in Shrek Jr, Tamatoa in Moana Jr, and Old Man Jenkins in The SpongeBob Musical).
I plan on looking for a job that heavily involves my interests with performing arts, animals, and/or creativity.
I am proud to be a WHS Panther because they offer programs like Band, Art, and Choir, and it gives us opportunities to perform and pursue our passions. One of which, for me, was being able to perform in our school's last production of Annie Jr.
DEBATE TEAM UPDATE
This past weekend, our Debate Team competed at the State Finals. There were nearly fifty other schools attending. Two of our six team members made it to finals. While they didn't make the top ten in the state, Jerry Davis placed 11th, and Mackenzie Birmele placed 12th. Congratulations on a fantastic performance at State!
YOUR SOPHOMORE STUDENT OF THE MONTH--AUSTIN TOMES!
I have 3 main members in my family, my mom, my dad, and my little brother who is in the second grade. My favorite teacher has been Mrs. Lefor because the class is pretty easy and fun, I like her way of teaching, and all the jokes we make in that class, and that goes along with my favorite class as well, I find Spanish class very enjoyable, and I like learning new languages. The sport that I'm involved in is basketball. In my free time, I like to either hang out with my friends or play basketball. After high school, I plan to attend college and see where that takes me. I am proud to be a Watervliet Panther because I get to learn and have fun doing it.
YOUR SOPHOMORE STUDENT OF THE MONTH --ARIANA ELLSWORTH!
I live with my mom, dad, and my 3 other siblings. I have a little brother Thane. He is 12 he loves playing sports such as basketball, baseball, football, and hockey. He also loves food and video games like loves video games. I have 2 younger sisters, Aiela and Harbor. Harbor is the the newest addition, but Aiela loves to play games and be creative as well as nature she loves rocks and flowers and adores animals. My favorite teacher is Mrs. O’Toole she has always been a big help in her class and I love her energy. She is so sweet and kind and is always there to help. My favorite classes are choir and biology. I love choir because my dream is to sing. I’ve been singing since I was 5 and I will continue to pursue it. Biology is very interesting and I find it somewhat fun. In my free time I love to sing, write, doodle, and binge watch movies, as well as observe nature and go on walks. I am not sure what my plan is after high school but it will be related to music or education. I’m proud to be a panther and being apart of the amazing community. Some of the teachers are even there for you outside of school and as well as the district.
Order your 2024 Yearbook Now!
2024 Yearbook Presale Dec. 4 - 23
$45 for a yearbook with a FREE Namestamp on the cover.
You may place your order directly through this link:
https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/2956
Or see a yearbook staff member or Mrs. Brant
After Dec. 24, yearbooks will be $50 and namestamps will be $5.
YOUR JUNIOR STUDENT OF THE MONTH--LOGAN SCHAEFER!
I am in a family of 5. I have a brother named Jacob and a sister named Sarah. I have a great connection with my family and they always push me to do better and never quit. I have to give a lot of thanks to my family for all of the things they do for me.
My favorite teacher is Mr. Andrews. I Had Mr. Andrews last year in U.S. history and was lucky enough to be in his class this year for U.S. history in depth. Mr. Andrews is a great teacher and does a great job on keeping his students engaged throughout the whole class. I have learned a lot from Mr. Andrews and want to thank him for the things he has taught me.
My favorite class would have to be band. I really enjoy playing and listening to music. I really love the atmosphere of the class because we have to be very determined and meticulous to be able to accomplish our end goals. This year we won a state championship for the first time ever. This was a very exciting moment and it really gave me a great feeling of accomplishment.
I really enjoy sports. Whether it's watching or playing it is always very fun to be a part of.i play football, basketball, and plan to do golf this spring.sports are a great way to exercise your mind in a new and competitive way.
Although I don't have much free time, I really enjoy listening to music, spending time with family, and hanging out with friends.
After high school I plan on going to a four year university to get a bachelor's degree in architecture. I have always enjoyed the thought of doing architecture. My goal is to go to a college out of state because I want to get the experience of not being able to rely on other people.
I am proud to be an WHS panther because we really put forth great effort to execute in multiple functions of our school. Whether it's sports or academics, I know that my peers, coaches, and teachers will always push each other to do great things.
YOUR JUNIOR STUDENT OF THE MONTH--AMBER ROBBINS!
Hello my name is Amber Robbins and I have 4 siblings. I have 2 older brothers Blake (19) and Sumner (20) and my little sisters Charley (10) and Rita (3) then I have my mom and my dad, Jeff and Lynn Steinhaus. My 2 brothers are both in the marines with Sumner currently away at bootcamp and Blake sworn into the marines, and my parents run Ray's automotive and towing in coloma. My favorite teacher is Mrs.Fletcher because of the amount of care she puts into teaching us and she always finds a way to make it fun and I couldn't be happier to have her as my teacher for chemistry and astronomy.My favorite class is probably English 11, I love what we do in that class and I really enjoy analyzing different plays and books. I always look forward to my English class everyday. I am not currently involved in any sports but I am on the debate team this year and I have loved it along with being in the concert choir which I have always loved. In my free time I love to read, bake or hangout with friends and family. After high school I plan to go to college or trade school for welding and get a career somewhere in welding.
PBIS FOCUS FOR THIS WEEK
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 CLASSROOM. 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!
YOUR SENIOR STUDENT OF THE MONTH--SAM CRAGO!
I live with my Mom, Dad, and my sister. My favorite teacher has been Mrs Hollandsworth. She had been a teacher for me since 5th grade and I have always enjoyed playing music. My favorite class has been U.S History in-depth because I enjoy history and Mr. Andrews does a great job teaching it. In my free time I enjoy playing music, playing video games and hanging out with my friends. I want to swim in college but I might not and I want to go into computer science or pre med. I’m proud to be a Panther because I am apart of a very supportive community.
YOUR SENIOR STUDENT OF THE MONTH--ALEIGHA JACKSON!
I have four siblings, three sisters and one brother. I’m close with all of my siblings and my parents. My favorite teacher would have to be Ms. Hunt. I enjoy her class a lot and me and her have nice conversations. My favorite class would have to be English. I love English and writing is one of my favorite things to do. I’m not in any sports at the moment but maybe in the future. In my free time I like to read and write. I like to paint and draw and I also like hanging out with my friends and family. After high school I plan to go to college at Grand Valley State University to become a nurse and then further my education to become a nurse practitioner.
23-24 SCHOOL DATES--UPDATED PERIODICALLY
Jan 8 Return to School
Jan 10 Early Release Day
Jan 10 SAC 7:30 AM
Jan 10 PAC 6:00 PM
Jan 16 Exam in period 7
Jan 17-19 Half Days for Exams
Jan 21 2-4 pm Senior FAFSA help for families in the media center
Jan 22 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 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