Panther Print for Parents 🐾
WEEKLY UPDATE FROM THE PRINCIPAL-NOVEMBER 1st
COLLEGE APPLICATION MONTH WAS A SUCCESS!
SO WHERE DID THEY APPLY?
Lake Michigan College
Southwestern Michigan College
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Valley State University
Ferris State University
Western Michigan University
Davenport University
Lincoln Tech
Moore Tech
Indiana University South Bend
Hobart Welding College
Alma College
Hope College
University of Michigan
Central Michigan University
University of Michigan Flint
University of Michigan Dearborn
Michigan State University
Albion College
Lake Superior State University
Cornerstone University
Aquinas College
Kalamazoo College
Oakland University
Baker College
Saginaw Valley State University
Eastern Michigan University
Northern Michigan University
Michigan Tech
Spring Arbor
Olivet University
Andrews University
University of Tennessee
University of Miami
Eastern Tennessee State University
Georgia State University
University of Georgia
Jackson State University
Tennessee State University
Clark Atlanta University
Goshen College
DePaul University
Carthage College
University of Colorado
Indiana University
College for Creative Studies
Alabama A and M
North Carolina A and T
University of Southern California
Auburn University
Howard University
Kennesaw State University
Western Welding Academy
Johns Hopkins University
Purdue University
Hawaii Pacific University
South Carolina State
Cornell College
Notre Dame University
Palette Cosmetology Academy
Butler University
Loyola University
Valparaiso University
Ivy Tech
Vanderbilt University
Clemson University
Appalachian State University
Arizona State University
University of Oklahoma
IT'S ALMOST THAT TIME!!
FUN IN ANATOMY
Anatomy students got to show off their artistic skills while learning about the integumentary system and wounds. They designed a fake wound on a classmate and then were able to investigate and describe the impact that it would have in real life.
PLEASE HELP!
WHERE IS MR. COBURN IN NOVEMBER?
Mr. Coburn is the Michigan Adviser college adviser that is assigned to work with seniors in both the Watervliet and Coloma school districts. He has already met with each Senior at least one time this year in order to establish how can assist each in achieving their plans for life after high school. Seiors and their parents can meet with him as needed. Feel free to reach out to him at christopher.coburn@watervlietps.org.
MICHIGAN YOUTH ACADEMY CHALLENGE
The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy is coming into the home stretch w/ Information Sessions for our upcoming cycle (beginning January 12, 2025). We have upcoming sessions in both Benton Harbor (Nov. 20) and Kalamazoo (Nov. 25). Info sessions are an opportunity for prospective applicants and parents/guardians to learn about the MYCA. Attendance at an in-person session is a mandatory step in the application process for those who choose to apply.
Interested stakeholders are welcome to attend as well (no need to register, only potential applicants should register).
Attendees should register to attend at: https://www.michigan.gov/myca/events
WHAT'S UP IN SPANISH?
Spanish 1 & 2 students have learned about the Mexican culture and Day of the Dead.
Spanish 1 students designed an alebrije that represents them (an animal from air, land and sea). Spanish 2 students write funny poems and put them on a calavera.
FALL ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION DATA
ATHLETIC SCHEDULE THIS WEEK!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT--MR. JEREMY ANDREWS!
Question: Where did you grow up?
Boyne City High School in Boyne City, Michigan
Question: Where did you go to college, what degrees do you hold?
Two years at KVCC, then on to Western Michigan University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Group Social Studies. I have also earned a Masters degree in Athletic Administration/Sport Management from Western Michigan University.
Question: What do you teach, coach, and advise?
I teach U.S. History and U.S. History In-Depth. I am currently the varsity golf coach.
Question: Tell us about the members of your family.
I have been married to my wife Lauren (a Watervliet Middle School Math Teacher) for 21 years. I have two kids, both of whom are students at North Elementary. My daughter Jocelyn is 10 and in 5th grade. My son Cedric is 8 and in third grade.
Question: What do you like to do for fun?
I love sports and anything to do with sports. I love to golf as much as I can, I enjoy coaching my kids football, basketball, and baseball/softball teams as much as possible. I also enjoy traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures. I love spending time with my family doing a wide variety of things including camping, boating, bike riding, board games, and just about anything else. Finally, I also enjoy cooking.
Question: Why are you proud to be a WHS Panther?
I'm proud to be a Panther because I think our district is the best in the area. We have staff that are passionate about what they teach and coach, and who genuinely care about students. When I started teaching and coaching here almost 23 years ago I was not planning on staying very long, but once I was here for a little bit it became a place I didn't want to leave.
WESCO PEPSI CHALLENGE 2024
Wesco is honored to be part of every community in our 55 locations and is fortunate enough to give back to them. Through our relationship with Pepsi, $20,000 of fountain profits will be donated to local public high schools like yours.
Every Wesco location will donate three cents from each fountain drink sold to local public high schools during November until the $20,000 donation goal is reached. Each Public High School will receive a minimum of $100. The rest of the $20,000 pledge will be distributed according to sales.
As one of the high schools selected, you will be notified of the amount collected from your local Wesco in early January. We are excited to work with Pepsi on this generous giving program for our local public education.
Sincerely,
Bryan Link
Marketing Director
Wesco Inc.
ANNUAL MILITARY INFORMATIONAL NIGHT!
CONGRATULATIONS to our STUDENT OF THE MONTH NOMINEES FOR OCTOBER 2024
FRESHMEN
Nolan Weckwerth
Erica Burgos
Karina Short
Aiyanna Forrester
Chloe Womac
Jane Rudell
Kaden Conklin
Miranda Lowell
Jadden Kahler
Steffi Lewison
Persaius Thomas
Leah Melton
Kendra Goss
Annabella Schadler
Eliza Brooks
JT Isbrecht
SOPHOMORES
Sofie Shafer
Liz Leblang
Kenzie Webster
Sienna Harris
Olivia Mitchell
Aj Holmes
Gage Sirk
Angelica Daisy
Adrian Hernandez
Kyle Domingo
Sofia De Veras Quaresma
Vivienne Sexton
Leanna Lovell
Gage McKie
Analia Alvarado
Shelby Schlipp
Jacqueline Brito Lorenzo
Gabriel Shotts
Javion Veal
MaKena Guzman
JUNIORS
Moeko Crago
William Sherrard
Chris Parkhurst
Mya Hood
Felipe Garcia
Jaylee Havenaar
Ava Sprague
Zeke Cardozo
Phoenix Anderson
Austin Tomes
Cole Getz
Adeleni Moron
Jack Rodgers
Izzy Tarantino
Jeremy Morton
Jacob Pleyer
Halee McLean
Sukhpreet Singh
Karla Cervantes
Eli Alsup
SENIORS
Logan Schaefer
Hayden Arnosky
Lilly Summers
Kendra Sanders
Maddison Roell
Carter Krohn
Kim Romero
Nicole Bender
Gavin Collins
Kayden Harrington
Jewell Burgess
Tyler Asakevich
Kyra Sullivan
Ben Casper
Jordan Brule
Nic Terry
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES
Each month, Ms. Powers meets with WHS parents to review upcoming dates and events at the high school. This is also a time to ask questions and share concerns. Please see the slides below from the most recent PAC meeting that was held on October 30th. The next PAC meeting is November 20th at 7 PM. All high school parents are invited.
IT'S ALMOST THAT TIME!
DOES YOUR CHILD NEED A SPORTS PHYSICAL?
Bangor has an Intercare clinic on their campus that offers FREE sports physicals for students. If families have insurance, the clinic will accept it. If families don't have insurance, they simply proceed without payment. Sports physical forms can be picked up in the main athletic office. After paperwork is completed, the families will call 269-427-6810 to set up an appointment. The clinic is open 9am - 3pm, Monday through Friday.
The alternative in town is the hospital but there is a $60 fee associated with the physical.
LORI'S PLACE
TRADES EXPO
Kalamazoo Valley Community College to Host Nov. 7 Technical Trades Expo
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Advanced Technology Center is hosting a November 7 Technical Trades Expo. During the expo, which runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus, prospective students can learn about automotive technology; electrical technology; energy technology systems; construction; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); engineering, design and manufacturing technology; and welding technology. Information about the college's additional technical trade opportunities will also be available.
The event will include tours of the technical trades labs, demonstrations and information about financial aid, internships and apprenticeships. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk with current and former students, instructors and local employers.
More details on website:
WHAT SHOULD YOUR SOPHOMORE BE DOING NOW TO PLAN FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
WHAT SHOULD YOUR FRESHMAN BE DOING NOW TO PREPARE FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
DO YOU HAVE A STUDENT WHO WILL BE 18 IN TIME TO VOTE?
STANDARDS BASED GRADING
Do you want to know more about our standards based learning and grading initiative? Be sure to visit our informational page that explains how we assess and grade in the standards based system. If you have questions, please be sure to speak with your student's teacher or principal.
LMC NIGHTS!
MONDAY NIGHT PHONE CALLS
Parents will receive a Monday night phone call if a student is failing any class as of Monday morning. This will occur every week of the school year. If you receive this call, please talk with your child. Ask to see your child's grades in Canvas or log into Canvas yourself.
1. What work is your child missing?
2. What is your child struggling with?
3. Does your child need to complete missing work from being absent?
4. Does your child need to meet with Mrs. Dawson to get extra assistance?
Email or call Mrs. Dawson, the School Counselor, if you do not know how to help your child with failing grades. jdawson@watervlietps.org.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS
Each week of the school year, the faculty at the high school will review with your child the expectations in one area of the building. The purpose of teaching and reviewing these expectations with your child is to 1. Make sure they understand the expectations in the building and 2. Assist them in having success at the high school. Please review the LOCKER expectations with your child. The expectations below will be reviewed during this coming week.
MICHIGAN ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP FOR SENIOR FAMILIES!
Students and their families looking to secure more financial aid for college are encouraged to register for an informational webinar about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which is the newest State of Michigan scholarship program expected to impact the majority of students.
Participants will be able to gather the following information:
- Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
- Important action items for students and families
- Additional resources and program information
All sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Register for one session only, as space is limited.
Closed captioning will be provided. If you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact mistudentaid@michigan.gov two business days prior to the scheduled webinar. Requests received after that date cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made to provide the accommodation requested.
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential is not affiliated with National Merit Scholarship Corporation or its registered trademarks National Achievement®, Achievement Scholarship®, or Achievement Scholar®.
2024-2025 Parent/Student Calendar Dates
Take a look at the high school calendar dates for the first half of this school year. Additional dates have been added since the last time this calendar was sent home. Feel free to contact the high school office with any questions or concerns. This calendar will continue to be updated and included weekly in our parent newsletter.
NOVEMBER
6 Early Release 1:10 PM dismissal
6 Debate League Competition
6 Military Parent Informational Night 6 PM
8 SOTM Breakfast 8:15 AM
13 SAC Mtg. 7:30 AM
18 Financial Aid Night for Senior Parents 6 PM
19 Blood Drive
20 PAC Mtg. 7 PM
20 Early Release 1:10 PM dismissal
25 PBIS Mtg. 3:15 PM
27-29 Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER
4 SAC 7:30 AM
4 Debate League Competition
5 Early Middle College Parent Presentation 6 PM
11 Early Release 1:10 PM dismissal
11 Winter Band Concert 7 PM
11 Career Fair
16 PBIS Mtg. 3:15 PM
18 SAC 7:30 AM
18 PAC Mtg. 7 PM
19 Winter Choir Concert 7 PM
23-31 Winter Break
JANUARY
1-5 Winter Break
6 Students and Staff Return
8 SAC 7:30 AM
10 SOTM Breakfast 8:15 AM
15-17 Exams; 1/2 days 11:40 AM dismissal
17 End of Semester 1
20 No School for Students (MLK DAY)
22 SAC 7:30 AM
27 PBIS Mtg. 3:15 PM
29 PAC 7 PM
29 Early Release 1:10 PM dismissal
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE PRINCIPAL
Parent/guardian input and feedback is always important at the high school. We are always in search of parents to serve on the Student Advisory Council to the Principal for the 24-25 school year. All meetings are held in person. Any high school parent is welcome to attend anytime. Mark your calendar now to attend these meetings and provide your input. All meetings are held at 7 PM in the high school media center.
November 20
December 18
January 29
February 26
March 26
April 30
May 21
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS NIGHTS
Each month, the high school hosts and provides educational sessions for parents on a variety of topics aimed at preparing students for life after high school.These presentations will again take place during the 24-25 school year. Mark your calendar for these important sessions. All sessions are held at 6 PM in the high school media center
Nov 6 Military Informational Night (recruiters from all branches of the military present to talk with interested families)
Nov 18 Financial Aide Planning Night for parents of Seniors
December 5 Early Middle College Presentation (intended for the parents of 9th and 10th graders)
Feb 25 Van Buren Tech Informational Night (intended for the parents of 9th-11th graders)
March (date to be determined) Accommodations in College Night (intended for the parents of students with IEPs and 504 plans planning on post secondary training)
April 23 Dual Enrollment Night (intended for parents of 9th-11th graders interested in earning college credit free while in high school)
24-25 Bell Schedules
Full Day
Period 1 8:10-9:02 (52 min)
Period 2 9:07-10:01 (54 min to include announcements)
Period 3 10:06-10:57 (51min)
Lunch A 10:57-11:27 (30 + 5 min passing time)
Lunch A Class 11:32-12:23 (51 min)
Lunch B 11:22-11:52 (30 min)
Lunch B Class 11:02-11:22/11:52-12:23 (51 min)
Lunch C 11:53-12:23 (30 + 5 min passing time)
Lunch C Class 11:02-11:53 (51 min)
Period 5 12:28-1:19 (51 min)
Period 6 1:24-2:15 (51 min)
Period 7 2:20-3:10 (50 min)
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
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 10:47-11:51
Period 5 for Lunch A 11:22-11:56
Lunch A 10:47-11:17
Period 5 for Lunch B 10:47-11:21
Lunch B 11:21-11:51
Period 6 11:56-12:30
Period 7 12:35-1:10
Late Start Schedule 2 Hour Delay
Period 1 10:10-10:45
Period 2 10:50-11:24
LUNCH A 11:24-11:54
Period 3 11:29-12:02
LUNCH B 12:02-12:32
Period 3 11:59-12:32
Period 4 12:37-1:10
Period 5 1:15-1:50
Period 6 1:55-2:30
Period 7 2:35-3:10