Panther Print for Parents 🐾

Tuesday, November 28

4:15/5:45/7:00 PM Boys Freshman, JV & Varsity Basketball Home vs. Hartford

WPS SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT FOR STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY GRANT

Our district is seeking input from the community on our application for the 31aa grant from the State of Michigan that provides for Mental Health and Safety for schools. Please take some time to provide your input:

Community Input - Mental Health and Safety 31aa Grant

The Watervliet Middle School Interact Club will be making goody bags for a local senior center in the community. They are in need of donated items like: personal hygiene products(toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, etc.) and individually wrapped treats like candy and cookies. Interact will be assembling the goody bags on December 13th. They would love to have your donations to help out with the project. Anything you can donate should be delivered to the high school office. THANK YOU !

An important part of Transitions class is setting goals and planning for life after high school. Over the past weeks, students have continued to work on their goals for this year and plan for their post secondary goals. Additionally, students have been working on organization and planning skills to help them as they work to achieve their goals.

I graduated from Marcellus High School many years ago; where I still reside with my husband and kids. I attended Michigan State University earning a BA in Math and then attended Western Michigan University earning a MA in Educational Leadership. After teaching for three years at Dowagiac Union High School I settled in here at Watervliet High School. Something that may be surprising to know about me is that I started at WHS as a permanent sub and had to teach Algebra 2 and Health. Fortunately, Mr. Chisek hired me permanently after that year and I have had the pleasure of working here since 1997. My main teaching assignment has been Algebra 2 but I have also taught Algebra, SAT Prep, Pre-Algebra, Computer Applications, AP Computer Science, PreCalculus and Health; and for a few years, I was also the Student Council Advisor. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because of the great students and teachers that I get to work with at WHS.

We are always in need of donations of individually wrapped treats for our Panthers as we reward them on a daily basis for demonstrating RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and SAFETY in the building. If you are ever in a position to be able to donate candy, chips, granola bars, or individually wrapped goodies of any kind, it is appreciated!

In the recent AP Environmental Science demography lab, students engaged in a unique hands-on experience at the local cemetery. Exploring population dynamics, they applied theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, gaining valuable insights into ecological principles. This immersive learning opportunity allowed students to connect classroom knowledge with practical observations, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental science.

Advanced Art Students created an assignment inspired by flash fiction, a style of literature known for its extreme brevity. Students were given the task of writing a personal reflection using just six words that connect with their lives. The words they chose ranged from immensely powerful, to clever and playful. After students chose their six words, they had to illustrate it into a cohesive piece using the text and imagery. The assignment proved to be a meaningful way for students to reflect on the complexities of their life and to create beautiful art with personal meaning.

Concert Choir’s annual performance at the Tree of Love Lighting Ceremony.

Thank you Crystal Cartwright for the photo and video!

https://fancloth.shop/6DFBP

Here is the site to get some fan gear for wrestling. It ends the 22nd of November.

Thank you,

Joe Isbrecht

Watervliet High School Athletics

Thanks for those that supported the class of 2027 this evening. It was nice to see kids of all ages having fun. Thanks to Tom Gear for providing music. Thanks Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Waterpark for supporting the class of 2027.

Attention ladies interested in playing basketball this year.

Practice starts on Monday, November 20th for both JV and Varsity from 5:45 - 8:00.

All participants must have all of their final forms completed and have a physical on file with the athletic office.

This Saturday, NHS is hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 9-12. Plates are $7, and there are options for dine in and take out. Orders can be placed ahead of time using the QR code on the flyers throughout the building.

Seniors, cap and gown orders are due December 5th. You may order online or complete the order form and submit it to our Jostens representative on December 5th. He will be here during lunch hours.

The guidance office is looking for a student willing to tutor a 6th grader in all subject areas. If you are interested, please tell Mrs. Dawson in the guidance office.

Attention ladies interested in playing basketball this year.

Practice starts on Monday, November 20th for both JV and Varsity from 5:45 - 8:00.

All participants must have all of their final forms completed and have a physical on file with the athletic office.

There will be a meeting for any students interested in being a Boys’ Basketball Manager for this upcoming season on Monday after school in Room 148. Meeting will be 15-20 minutes. See Mr. Linderman with any questions.

Seniors, cap and gown orders are due December 5th. You may order online or complete the order form and submit it to our Jostens representative on December 5th. He will be here during lunch hours.

The annual WHS big buck competition has begun. Check your email for the details.

Juniors and seniors are eligible to take the biliteracy test in order to earn a seal on your diploma and wear a serape at graduation. If you are interested the testing is in November and you must sign up in the main office. The only seniors permitted to wear a serape at graduation are those who pass this test.

There is no school NEXT Wednesday through Friday due to Thanksgiving Break !

On Monday, November 27th, all freshmen are headed to SMC for a campus visit. Check out the agenda below!

On Thursday, the Sophomore class took a campus tour of the University of Olivet. The trip was chaperoned by Mr. Dietz (an alum of Olivet), Mr. Andrews, Mr. Coburn (our MCAN rep), and Ms. Webster. We aim for all of our students to make at least one campus visit each year. The students did a great job and represented us very well at the University.

Our Debate Team Wednesday Night had a strong overall performance. JT Davis placed 6th overall and 3rd in his chamber session. Braydon Collins placed 4th in his session. Mackenzie Birmele placed 8th in her chamber session and Elliott Worley placed 9th. The bills the team argued against did not pass. The team continues to improve and score higher overall in every meet. Great job, Debate! The team will travel to the State Meet on December 16th at Wayne State University.

This week in chemistry we first practiced placing elements in the correct order based on the data that was given, then the following day they put together all our periodic law concepts and worked on collecting data and organizing their own periodic table following the four main laws. Best part was the candy they got to eat in the end!

We are currently studying the various objects in our solar system as well as the distance between them and other galaxies, stars, and solar systems.

This week’s Press Box Player of the Week is Watervliet’s Sue Weckwerth.

Sue is a junior in her second season on the Panther volleyball team and having a fine season in her first

season as a starter. She recently led her team to wins against Coloma and Bangor to capture their third

consecutive district title, and leads her team in kills with 217 so far. Coach Edie Daugherty says “Sue’s

play throughout the season has continued to elevate. Her volleyball IQ, energy, and athleticism make

her a triple threat to our competitors”.

She’s been playing volleyball for six years and playing year-round on club and travel teams. She made

the varsity team last year but didn’t get much playing time behind first-team all-stater Sam Dietz. She

did get a taste of the bond that tight group had on and off the court. “I grew close with Jaylie Querfurth,

Myah Hobson, and Sam, and took notes knowing I had two years to get where they were.”

Her most memorable event this season was their match against Bridgman, who they dominated despite several setbacks heading into the game. “That win was a dream. It was so cool to prove the strength of our team that we didn’t know we had. My coaches are awesome. They let us have fun but rally the troops for a big game. I’m so glad I’ve gotten the chance to learn so much from Coach Edie.”

He favorite classes in school are art and weightlifting, which gets her awake and ready for the day with

her favorite people. She credits art teacher Mrs. Hunt with being genuinely nice and making her day

better.

Congratulations, and good luck Sue!

Any student with an 80% or higher in a class that also has 3 or fewer absences from that class is exempt from a semester exam in that class. Please remind your student of this added value of being in school everyday!

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 CAFE AT LUNCH. 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!

New for the 23-24 school year is Enrollment Express Forms through our student information system., Powerschool. We will not be sending home paper forms this year for returning students. All forms will be updated and/or completed online through Watervliet PowerSchool Parent Portal.

Below are the instructions to complete the registration/enrollment process for the new school year.

Step 1: Set up a PowerSchool account. If you do not already have a PowerSchool account, you can set up one by doing the following:

A. Open the Internet browser on your computer.

B. Type https://watervlietpowerschool.berrienresa.org/public/home.html into the address bar.

C. Click on the CREATE ACCOUNT tab. You must create a parent account.

D. Fill in the information requested for your desired username and password. You will need to confirm your email before you move to the next step.

If you already have a parent account, log into it and select ACCOUNT PREFERENCES and add student on the student tab. Their Access ID and Access Password will also need to be ttyped exactly s it appears on the welcome letter.

If you forgot your username or password, click on Forgot Username or Password on the parent portal sign in screen.

Step 2: Complete Enrollment Forms

In PowerSchool, select the student you are enrolling and click on the FORMS link with the left navigation menu. Click ENROLLMENT. You will navigate through several forms. Please make sure that you complete all forms.

Step 3: Provide Documentation

If you are unable to upload documentation vis the document upload elements on the form, please bring the following documentation to your school office from 7:30 AM -3:00 PM.

If you have questions, please call the school office at 269.463.0730 between 7:30 AM -3:00 PM, Monday -Friday.

We want all of our parents to be able to access their child's grades and progress in Canvas at any time. Please follow the directions below in order to access Canvas for your child this year !

For information and directions on how to use your parent Canvas account to check grades, view assignments or message teachers, visit www.watervlietps.org and click on the Canvas for Parents Link in the middle of the homepage.

Here is the direct link too. https://www.watervlietps.org/o/wps/page/canvas-resources

Nov 22 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

November 23/24 Thanksgiving Break

Nov 27 FAFSA Informational Night 7 pm

Nov 29 Early Release Day

Nov 29 PAC 6 pm

Nov 29 SAC 7:30 AM

Nov 30 Blood Drive

Dec 1 Progress Reports

Dec 1 November Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM

Dec 6 Early Middle College Informational Night 6 pm

Dec 13 Early Release Day

Dec 13 Career Fair

Dec 13 SAC 7:30 AM

Dec 14 Winter Band Concert

Dec 18 Winter Choir Concert

Dec 20 PAC 6 pm

Dec 25-Jan 5 Winter Break

Jan 8 Return to School

Jan 10 Early Release Day

Jan 10 SAC 7:30 AM

Jan 12 December Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM

Jan 17-19 Half Days for Exams

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

Apr 8 School Resumes

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