Panther Print for Parents 🐾

These students enjoyed a special recognition breakfast with their families this morning at the high school.

From left to right: Hanna Ice, Leneya Taylor, McKaylen Laws, Nora Billings, Jorge Zuniga, Erick Jimenez, Isaias Mendez, and Ariana Ellsworth!

If your child has a concern regarding anyone's safety in the building (student or staff), the Panther Hotline is an anonymous way to report the information to the building principal immediately. It is always preferred that the student come to the office to talk face to face about the concern, however if that is not possible, the Panther Hotline is the best way to get the information to building administration immediately. All students have been emailed this link. It is also posted around the school building.

https://forms.gle/iy8Nep5DZDjZYwsF7

Tuesday and Thursday with Mr. Arter until 4. Students have to arrive to his room by 3:15.

Tuesday and Thursday with Mrs. Hunt. Please be in her room no later than 3:15.

Tuesday with Mr. Dimino (Mr. Dimino can help with all levels of math).

STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION HOME AT 4 PM.

REPORT TO THE TEACHER'S CLASSROOM BY 3:15 PM.

STUDENTS CAN MEET WITH ANY TEACHER FOR ASSISTANCE--NOT JUST THE TEACHERS THEY HAVE IN CLASS.

Are you interested in getting FREE ADMISSION to ALL FALL 2025 HOME ATHLETIC EVENTS??? If so, here is how you can earn it!

• You must be a current 9th, 10th, or 11th grader.
• You must play a Spring sport at WHS this year. (Spring 2025)
• Spring Sports include: Baseball, Softball, Track and Field, Golf, and Girls Soccer
• You must maintain a spot on the roster of your respective team at the end of the season.
• Students who are removed, kicked off, or cut from a team will not receive free tickets.
• Any student who attempts to join a team after the first week of practice (after 3/14) will not receive free tickets.
• You must not be suspended from school at anypoint this spring.
• You must be enrolled at WHS for the 2025-26 school year.

If you successfully meet all of those requirements, the athletic department will issue you a season pass good for ALL HOME FALL ATHLETIC EVENTS (excluding any post-season tournaments we host.) Home Fall Athletic Events include: Cross Country, Boys Soccer, Football, and Volleyball. Passes will be good for MS, JV, and Varsity events. Passes will be issued in August, 2025.

The rescheduled date for the dentist coming in on March 13th. They will be seeing students from the MS and the HS. Forms were sent out last month. We need to have a combination of 25 students between the two schools for them to come. Any opportunity we can give our students to have access to basic care, we need to push. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Mary Spaulding, our school nurse.

1. Some people just don’t have the math gene.

I cannot tell you how many conversations I’ve had where upon hearing what work I do, people tell me some combination of “I was never good at math” or “You must have the math gene” or “I don’t have the math gene”. Usually this is followed up by an anecdote of a friend or family member who did have the math gene, and how their paths differed. I have yet to find a witty but honest response to this besides “There’s no such thing as a math gene. I believe all people can learn math.”

Why it’s a myth: Biologically, the math gene just does not exist. There is no genetic code that gets passed on from parent to child predetermining their mathematical ability. Additionally, people aren’t born with a natural aptitude for numbers and mathematical reasoning. What has been shown in studies is that students who believe that intelligence can increase with effort (adopting a growth mindset, rather than a fixed mindset) achieve higher.

Kernel of truth: People vary in the level of enjoyment they get out of doing mathematics, and just as in all things, people like to spend time doing things they enjoy and that come naturally to them. People that do more mathematics become better at mathematics, forming a positive reinforcement cycle. I also think that students differ in the facility with which they learn new math concepts. This is not due to the presence or absence of a math gene as much as more general cognitive differences in working memory, metacognition, and self-regulation. It is important to distinguish between the ability to do mathematics and the ability to learn mathematics. I am using “learning mathematics” to mean acquiring the concepts and skills outlined in grade-level expectations for school mathematics. It is a shame that so little of what is taught in schools and how it is taught reflects the work, habits of mind, and reasoning processes of actual mathematicians. Perhaps if more of math class was focused on reasoning mathematically, rather than just getting right answers, many more students would find the subject accessible and rewarding.

Why this myth is problematic: The existence of a math gene divides people into the “haves” and the “have nots”. The “haves” are treated with awe and respect and regarded as “geniuses” while the “have nots” are tolerated and sympathized with. We are missing out on loads of potential for joy and mathematical discovery by limiting mathematics to a select group.

Perhaps the better answer to the math gene statement is to say that we’re all missing the math gene. It does not exist!

This month WHS is celebrating the Panthers who participate in CTE programming this year. Each day, one CTE student is volunteering to share their learning experience over the PA on the announcements. Check out the students that we have heard from this week!

These ladies assisted Ms. Powers and Mrs. Dawson in talking with the current 8th graders on Tuesday about life at the high school. Their time and participation is much appreciated!

From left to right: Gianna Berry, Katelyn Brown, Madison Darling, McKaylen Laws, and Aiyanna Forrester. Not pictured Melany Cervantes.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we approach Spring, it is time to think about your students scheduling plans for the 2025-2026 school year. During this and next week, I will be in the English classrooms to go over schedule options for next school year with. your student. At that time students will be given a high school graduation checklist, —a snapshot of their high school. transcript listing classes that they have passed, failed, or still need to take, a copy of their Graduation Progress. Report and a list of classes that will be offered in the new school year. Students will be guided through manually. auditing their transcripts against the graduation checklist and then be asked to make informed decisions concerning. the upcoming school year based on the graduation requirements that they still need to complete. Students will have

two days to submit their official requests within PowerSchool allowing them time to bring the above listed items home. and discuss them with you before submitting their final requests. The graduation checklist requires a parent/guardian. signature and will come home on the day that I am in your students' English class, so please be on the lookout for. this document. Additionally, course offerings are listed on the back of the graduation checklist and can be found in

our Course Catalog which is posted on the school website at:

https://www.watervlietps.org/o/high-school/page/student-services.

Here are the dates that I will be in English classes:

Freshman - March 6th, 2025 (schedule requests to be submitted in PS by March 10th)

Sophomores - March 10th, 2025 (schedule requests to be submitted in PS by March 12th)

Juniors - March 11th, 2025 (schedule requests to be submitted in PS by March 13th)

Once schedule requests are submitted, I will work through meeting with students individually to resolve any questions. concerning scheduling. With that being said, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns with. your students schedule for the upcoming school year. Students can additionally email to set up a time with me to go. over scheduling questions.

As you consider your students schedule for next year please account for the following graduation requirements:

● 4 credits of Mathematics (or a math related course senior year)

● 4 credits of English

● 3 credits of Science (a 4

th year is encouraged for those attending a four year college; this can be an

additional year of Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Placement Biology, Anatomy & Physiology )

● 3 credits of Social Studies

● 1 credit of Fine Arts (band, choir, art, woods or Van Buren Tech Center or Berrien CTE 11th or 12th grades)

● 1 credit of PE/Health

● 2 consecutive credits of the same Foreign Language (we offer Spanish at WHS or online foreign language

courses for 10, 11, 12 with a qualifying GPA)

● 24 total credits are required to earn a Watervliet High School Diploma

Please feel free to reach out with questions or concerns and be advised that requests are not final schedules and are. subject to be adjusted based on student need to complete graduation requirements or due to student/parent request.

Thanks,

Jamie Dawson

jdawson@watervlietps.org

269-463-0735

Watervliet High School Counselor

I grew up in and graduated from LaPorte High School in Laporte, Indiana. After high school I attended

Purdue University and earned a my Bachelor's of Science Degree. Since then I have attended the American College of Education and earned my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. I am married to my wife Brooke and together we have two little ones at home: a daughter Gemma and a son Brady.

I currently serve as the Dean of Students at both the middle school and the high school.

In my free time I like to golf and play video games. I am proud to be a WPS Panther because

I love that we are a school that offers something for everyone. Our "Arts" program is top-notch, our athletics are great. We also offer a great academic experience to all students. Something that people might be surprised to know about me is that I like Pokemon TCG.

The Debate Class completed the first Congressional Debate on two bills: Schools will begin later in the day; cell phone access in schools. The first bill overwhelmingly did not pass, and the last bill did pass by a close margin. Winners of the debate include 1st Place: Kaden Conkin; 2nd Place: Bryce Tietsma; 3rd Place: Marley Alsup; 4th Place: Lily Collins; 5th Place: Grace Ripley; Additional place winners include: Hanna Ice, Izzy Tarantino, and Taylor Green. Joseph Stanisci won the Novice Award and Kaden Conkin won for best Presiding Officer. They will now move to a team-based debate called Open Forum and will be addressing two different resolutions: Creativity is more important than intelligence; and AI does more harm than good in schools. Debate has been a great opportunity for students to not only practice their speech writing, but also gain presentation, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, all valuable tools they will need for career and college readiness.

Monday, March 10

MHSAA - All Spring Sports Begin

This letter was sent to the parents of students who meet the GPA requirement for dual enrollment (3.0 or higher) for the fall semester next year. Additional considerations for being eligible for dual enrollment include attendance and behavior. There is a dual enrollment parent informational night on March 27th at 7 PM in the high school media center open to any parents who would like to learn more. Questions about dual enrollment can be directed to Jamie Dawson, School Counselor at jdawson@watervlietps.org.

You are receiving this communication because your high school student, based on grades and current GPA, is eligible to dual enroll for the fall semester of the 2025-2026 school year.

Dual enrollment is the process by which a high school student completes a college course or courses during the school day while also earning credit toward his/her high school diploma. These college courses are completed at the cost of Watervliet Public Schools. Dual enrollment at WHS is in partnership with Lake Michigan College and Southwestern Michigan College. The dual enrolled courses typically count towards your child’s required elective credits.

There are many benefits of dual enrollment. Dual enrolling in high school increases the likelihood that a student will enroll in post secondary coursework after high school. It eases the transition from high school to college as students get to experience what it is like to take college courses while still in high school. Because students are taking college courses in high school, it lessens the time that is needed on a college campus to complete a degree after high school. Dual enrolling in high school lessens the cost of a college degree as Watervliet Public Schools assumes the cost of college courses while a student is in high school. Dual enrollment also allows students to explore classes they might be interested in outside of the traditional high school offerings and can provide more rigorous coursework when needed.

We would like to see as many Panthers who are eligible and interested consider dual enrollment. If your child has interest in pursuing this option for the fall semester, please encourage him/her to go to the counseling office this week to seek out more information. The counseling secretary (Mrs. Tyler) will get your child started in this process by looking at a course catalog at the offerings available at LMC and SMC. In addition to classes offered at the Benton Harbor campus (for which we will be providing a bus),and online classes (taken here at WHS), classes are offered on site at WHS so that students do not have to leave the school campus in order to complete a course.

This semester, 80 Panthers are dual enrolled in a total of 170 courses while also working toward their high school diplomas at Watervliet High School. We would like to see your child take advantage of this opportunity as well. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns on the topic of dual enrollment. We are eager to make the opportunity available to eligible students with interest. Registration for FALL semester 1 at LMC and SMC are OPEN! If your child is interested in dual enrollment, he/she should see Mrs. Tyler in the Counseling Office right away. There is a parent informational night on March 27th at 7 PM in the high school media center, if you would like to learn more!

Hanson International is expecting to fill 5 positions for tool and die apprenticeships with high school graduates.

They will likely be making their selections of candidates by the end of May. They are planning to enroll them in our summer program at LMC, which will start in June.

Below is a link to their application page for Hanson apprenticeships.

https://hansoninternational.com/apprenticeship-program/

Please see attached Apprenticeship Opportunities spreadsheet. This will be updated as more information and opportunities become available.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YbctXDLujzDZ5h42NHrnYvzKFQycUN8DzIXyRt2-w2Q/edit?usp=sharing

Good Morning. Just a quick reminder the Monday, March 17 deadline for our scholarships is quickly approaching.

Students interested may apply at Scholarships - MEC - Midwest Energy & Communications.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Lori

Lori A. Ruff

Community Relations Specialist

Midwest Energy & Communications

60590 Decatur Road

Cassopolis, MI 49031

269-445-1139

Congratulations to the WHS band who earned straight A's at Festival on Wednesday with an overall rating of a 1. They make us proud and represent the high school well every time they compete!

My stepmom works for a program called PACE, she schedules appointments for the elderly.

My favorite subject is choir because I like to sing.

My favorite teacher has been Mr. Linderman because he's really lenient, if you need an extra day or two, he allows it.

I don't participate in any clubs or sports.

In my free time I like to draw, listen to music, and read.

After high school I plan to go to SMC.

I am so proud to be a panther because there's lots of opportunities. Staff care about their students' future.

My family consists of my dad, Eric, who is a Senior Engineering Manager with Whirlpool, and my mom, Angie, who is a teacher at Van Buren Tech. My sister, Lauren, is a junior at the University of Tennessee and is majoring in Marketing/Business Administration. I like all of my teachers. But I think my favorites this year are Mrs. Sibley and Mrs. O'Toole. Both of their classes really help me learn the subjects they teach, so I enjoy going to them. I feel like they both really help me succeed, and their classes are very fun. I am currently closing the Girls JV Basketball season as the team manager. I am a member of Student Council, SAC and have volunteered with Interact. I am also the Secretary of the Berrien County Community Foundation TEAM. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends, especially going to Taco Bell with Melany. I also enjoy traveling, kayaking, shopping, camping, tubing, hiking and doing things in the summer. Volunteering is also important to me because I like giving back to my community and helping others. My plans after high school are to attend the University of Tennessee and major in Communications.I am proud to be a WPS panther because of the amazing opportunities that are offered to students at the school. Our school focuses on a lot of good things that help make kids become the best possible kids because of high expectations.

My name is Isaias Mendez. My family consists of my mom and my stepfather, who are very hard workers and ensure that my older brother, younger sister, and I are well provided for. My favorite subject is history. I like history because of the teacher, Mr. Andrews, who always makes sure that the class is enjoyable and always brings some exciting and interesting facts about US history. My favorite teacher is Mrs. Sibley because she is always an awesome person to have a conversation with and is always teaching me new things every day. She is just overall a super cool and awesome person. The sports that I participate in are football and basketball, and I plan on participating in baseball this year. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and hang out with my friends, and I like going on drives and listening to music. After high school, I plan on going to a 4-year university to further my education in engineering. I am proud to be a Watervliet Panther because it is where I grew up my entire life, brought me my friends, and gave me opportunities in life to be successful and be better.

The members of my family include my grandmother, my mother, my older sister, my younger sister, and my little brother. My favorite subject has been U.S. history this year because I find history to be very interesting and I love learning about what happened in the past. My favorite teacher this year has been Mr. Andrews because he gives us so much information about U.S. history and he always has a positive attitude, you can definitely tell that he loves teaching his students. I currently don't participate in any clubs or sports. I like to worship Jesus, listen to music, bake / cook, color, hangout with friends and family, and go shopping in my free time during the winter. In the summertime, I like to worship Jesus, go to the beach, tan, swim, go camping, go hiking, go to the fair, and go tubing during my free time. After high school, I plan to go to college in order to become a labor and delivery nurse or a surgical technician. I'm proud to be a WHS panther because Watervliet provides students with many learning opportunities and wants all their students to thrive in life.

I live in two households, one with my mom and the other house with my dad, stepmom, and my sister. My favorite subject this year has been Chemistry because the class is interesting. My favorite teacher has been Mrs. Irmen because she is always understanding. I don't participate in any sports or clubs. In my free time I like to hangout with my friends and play video games. After high school I plan to go into welding or auto mechanics. I'm proud to be a WHS Panther because they give me lots of opportunities to achieve my goals for after high school.

I have my parents, my step dad and mother, as well as my 4 other siblings, Thane, Aiela, Harbor, and Holden. Currently, my favorite subjects are Art and Choir. My whole life my interests and hobbies have been revolved around singing and being creative, joining these classes has only grown my desire and love to learn new music as well as writing lyrics, being in art has really allowed me to find my spark, I don't think I would have ever found my potential for art, if I hadn't joined, same goes for choir. This then leads to the two best teachers I have this year, and of course in general, Mrs. Hunt and Mrs. Brush. Mrs. Hunt has shown me and the class so many techniques to draw, shade, literally anything and that is what has helped me find my love for art, I find it very therapeutic and just a way to escape from reality and go inside my head and make something beautiful, I don't think I would have ever found that feeling if it weren't for Mrs. Hunt. Mrs. Brush, I've been in her choir ever since i've come to watervliet and has overtime pushed me to be the best version of myself, find that spark for music even if it gets hard sometimes and it's okay to make mistakes, not only is this true in music, but it also helps me in the long run just throughout life in general, she has such a strong passion for teaching music, bonding with her class as a family, and helps us to sound and do the best we can. A few things I enjoy doing in my freetime is drawing, writing stories or lyrics, poems, singing, I adore singing. It is a lot of where my passion is put into. I would like to become a future elementary teacher or become involved with law enforcement, though, no matter what I will be making music but it won't be my main job, just a hobby I extremely love. I am proud to be a WHS panther because I have grown to become who I am today with the teachers and opportunities it provides as well as many fun events. It's helped me find who I am, find those close friends, and overall have a good education.

I have 5 family members, my mom and dad, my 2 older brothers, and lastly my older sister. My siblings have all done some form of college education, my sister is studying radiology, my oldest brother has his accounting degree and my 2nd oldest brother is studying computer science. My favorite subject has always been math because I found it the most enjoyable for me, and science because of the labs that you do. My favorite teachers are Andrews and Hickman, but O'Toole has been fun lately because of the labs that you do. But Andrews and Hickman will always be my favorite because they made their classes really enjoyable. Same goes for Dimino. I'm sort of getting interested in Track & Field mainly just for fun. I like to play video games, watch youtube, and take my dog on walks. I'm not too sure on what to do, but I roughly want to do business or a chiropractor or something that helps people. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because of how the school helps you as an individual.

I have five family members. An older sister, a younger sister, and my mom and dad. My older sister is at the University of Missouri. My younger sister is an 8th grader. My mom teaches 7th grade at Watervliet. Lastly, my dad is a logistics manager. My favorite subject is either history or math. History, I like because it is interesting to see how everything became how it is. While math gives me a little challenge that I enjoy. While there are many great teachers at Watervliet, my favorite has to be Mr.Andrews. He really understands American History and connects with all the students in his class. He made American History very interesting to me, and I have taken two college courses this year on American History to learn more about it. I play soccer, cross country, and I am planning on running track and playing golf this upcoming spring. I am also in the National Honor Society, Student Council, Student Advisory Council, and I was a mentor for the freshman during the summer. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends or playing my guitar or piano. After high school, I plan to go to a four-year university and earn a Bachelor's degree in construction management and a Master's degree in finance. I am proud to be a Watervliet Panther because Watervliet gives you the opportunity to succeed if you act upon it.

My name is Lauren, Recruiting & Staffing Coordinator for a company called KE Camps, which operates summer day camp programs at country clubs all across the United States.

Joining our team offers an engaging environment where students can thrive and build critical skills sought after by employers, such as creativity, problem solving, flexibility, collaboration, organization, planning, and communication.

This summer, we will be running a small program at the Point O’Woods Golf and Country Club in Benton Harbor, MI for children aged 5-12. The camp will operate Monday-Friday during the weeks of 6/24, 7/8, 7/22, and 7/29. Please note that all employees must be at least 18 years of age by the time that camp starts.

Here is a link to a flyer with key information about this opportunity, including a QR Code that leads to the application. You can also view the application directly here. I would greatly appreciate it if you could share this information with your students or include it in any relevant communications.

If there are any specific protocols for sharing such opportunities with students, please let me know.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all as you review and share this opportunity!

Best,

Lauren Kiermaier

Staffing & Recruitment Coordinator

KE Camps

P: 877.671.2267 Ext. 860

F: 877.829.5556

Lauren@kecamps.com

www.kecamps.com

The first of 3 8th grade parents meetings was held this week. What is takes to be successful at the high school was the topic. This information is a good reminder for all students, not just the incoming Class of 2029.

Mar 10th Local scholarship applications available

Mar 27th Deadline for Teacher Pie in the Face for FAFSA completion

Mar 28th Senior picture due to yearbook

April 11th Local scholarship applications due

April 17th--NO SCHOOL FOR SENIORS DUE TO TESTING INTHE BUILDING

April 25th community service hours are due to Mrs. Richcreek to wear a cord at graduation

May 5th Decision Day 10 am auditorium DATE CHANGE!!

May 5th Memory Board Poster due to the HS

May 6th Senior class photos due for Baccalaureate presentation

May 10th Prom 8-11 PM Union and Social St. Joe

May 11th After Prom 12 AM -5:30 AM Mishawaka

May 14th Senior Scholarship/Academic Awards 6 PM Auditorium

May 16th Graduation speeches are due to Ms. Powers for review

May 20-23 Senior Exams

May 21st Senior check-out sheets are due to Mrs. Richcreek

May 23rd 3:10 Deadline for grades and passing all classes to walk at graduation

May 23rd All fees and fines due

May 23rd 10 AM process through school buildings

May 23rd Car Parade 4 PM Old Mill Site

May 23rd Senior Sunset Silver Beach

May 28th Baccalaureate 6 PM Auditorium

May 29th Senior Field Day

May 29th Senior Picnic 2 PM

May 29th Graduation Practice 3:15 PM in the media center (required in order to walk at graduation)

May 30th Graduation– Students meet in the media center by 5:30 PM; group photos begin at 5:45 sharp, graduation start at 6:30 PM in the stadium

SENIORS PICTURES FOR THE YEARBOOK!

It's time to submit Senior Portraits to ring in the 2025 graduates in our Yearbook. Our deadline is March 28, 2005 (Spring Break)

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.

We will take a group of interested students by school bus on this trip. Look for a permission slip in the guidance office soon.

We are excited to announce that 2025 Yearbooks are now on sale. Dec. 1 - 20.

Discounted presale price is $45 which includes a free name stamp on the cover. Students may purchase during school from a yearbook staff member or Mrs. Brant. Make checks payable to Watervliet Public Schools.

Yearbooks can also be purchased online through this link: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/2956

After Dec. 20, yearbooks will be $50 and optional name stamps an additional $5.

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.

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.

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 expectations below with your child. The expectations below will be reviewed during this coming week.

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.

March 26

April 30

May 21

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

(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)