Panther Print for Parents 🐾

THURSDAY with MRS. HUNT.

WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY WITH MR. DIMINO.

TUESDAY and THURSDAY with MRS.O'TOOLE and NHS Members.

MONDAY-THURSDAY with MR. ARTER.

TUESDAY, JAN 14th 7th hour exam 1:15-3:10 PM

WEDNESDAY, JAN 15th 1st and 2nd hour exams 11:40 AM dismissal

THURSDAY, JAN 16th 3rd and 4th hour exams 11:40 AM dismissal

FRIDAY, JAN 17th 5th and 6th hour exams 11:40 AM dismissal

Any exam that is missed will have to be made up by the student or the grade for the exam will become a 0.

Students who meet the 3 and a B or the 5 and an A incentive do not have to be in school at the time of the exam and the absence will not count against them. Students can reach out to Ms. Powers to inquire about their absences.

The exam grade can make the difference between passing and failing a class. Teachers provide reviews and students are expected to study and prepare in advance for exams.

From left to right:

Aubrey Hayes, Chaz hart, Jenna Ritter, Jose Cruz-Margarito, Sienna Harris, Gage McKie, and Gianna Berry. Jacob Pleyer not pictured.

Students did Mole Day projects in chemistry class on Thursday. They all worked hard for three days on a project to which they then presented to the whole class on the history of Amedeo Avogadro and his scientific contributions. Students sang songs, made posters, presentations, and even rapped. A great way to learn about scientific history!

The Anatomy class wrapped up their study of joints this week and dove into the fascinating world of muscles. To kick off their muscle unit, students participated in an engaging activity called "Muscle Speed Dating." In this dynamic exercise, each student was assigned a specific muscle and tasked with learning key details about it. The challenge? To find their "perfect muscle match" by communicating their muscle's unique characteristics to their classmates. This fun and interactive format encouraged students to:

• Develop a strong understanding of muscle anatomy and function.

• Practice clear and concise scientific communication.

• Collaborate and engage with their peers in a meaningful way.

AP Seminar students are completing Individual Argument presentations on Moral Courage and Civil Disobedience. Additionally, they are completing practice exams and have shared feedback that they are very comfortable and confident in writing their practice exams and presentations.

Hailey Adams presented the argument that, in order to improve society, civil disobedience is necessary. She used credible research articles including one on on Dr. Eloise Cobell's research and activism for the Native American's class action lawsuit on the mismanagement of the Indian Trust Fund, the National Institute of Health's psychology on the bystander effect, Jacob Lawrence's artwork "The Bridge" that depicts the Civil Rights Movement march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of Bloody Sunday.

Students are finishing up the novel To Kill a Mockingbird in English 9 by acting out scenes from the play and watching the original 1962 movie, comparing and contrasting the movie to the book.

This week in AP Biology, students took a deep dive into cellular transport by exploring how cell size influences the efficiency of this vital process. Using a creative and visually engaging experiment, students worked with bleach and beetroot samples to model the dynamics of cellular transport.

The beetroot's vivid pigments provided a striking visual cue, allowing students to observe how different sizes of "cells" reacted to the bleach. The experiment simulated how substances move in and out of cells, emphasizing the importance of surface area-to-volume ratios. Through this interactive activity, students gained a deeper understanding of why cell size plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient transport and overall cellular health.

This week, Biology students embarked on an exciting virtual journey to explore the complex cellular energy processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Using cutting-edge VR headsets borrowed from BRESA, students immersed themselves in interactive simulations that brought these vital biological mechanisms to life.

The virtual reality technology enabled students to trial-and-error their way through different aspects of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. By manipulating variables and observing real-time effects, students gained an in-depth understanding of:

• How plants convert light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis.

• The intricate steps of cellular respiration and how cells produce ATP.

• The interconnectedness of these processes and their role in sustaining life.

This hands-on, immersive approach allowed students to visualize and interact with processes that are otherwise challenging to grasp through traditional methods.

9TH GRADE

Lily Maldonado

Jonah Robart

Nolan Weckwerth

Annabella Schadler

Kaden Conklin

Joseph Stanisci

Chloe Womac

Lilliana Kirby

Persaius Thomas

McKaylen Laws

Gavin Leiter

Madison Darling

Ava Bentley

Dominic Stack

10TH GRADERS

Kyle Domingo

Aiden Wolford

Claire Moore

Kenzie Webster

Abbie Hayes

Angelica Daisy

MaKena Guzman

Liz Torres

Gage McKie

So'Marion Bennett

Angelina Pailleres

Maycie Medlin

Kylin Blackston

Deandre Rose

Gabriel Shotts

Isabella Clark

11TH GRADE

Kendal Kiefer

Emy Baldwin

Jaylee Havenaar

Ava Sprague

Zeke Cardozo

jack Rodgers

Ella Isbrecht

Jessie Desjardin

Leila Wells

Ariana Wells

Taylor Green

Jaxon Allen

Kami Rathfon

12TH GRADE

Nicole Bender

Jaysen Bauschke

Nic Terry

Kim Romero-Chairez

Carson Underwood

Christian Shriver

Ramsey Perez Perez

Gavin Collins

Lilly Summers

Adrian Flores

Jewell Burgess

I grew up on the east coast in Norfolk, VA until high school when I moved to Aurora, Illinois where I went to West Aurora High School. After high school, I went to the University of Notre Dame, earning a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Sociology. Not knowing what I wanted to be when I grew up, I continued my education, getting a Master's degree in Sociology from the University of Virginia, and then finally deciding to use almost none of that education and to become a math teacher.

After more coursework at IUSB and Bethel College and teaching experiences in both Indiana and Michigan, I'm so glad to have landed in room 126 at Watervliet High School teaching Algebra I and Personal Finance. While I enjoy the personal finance curriculum more than the mathematics, my students know that I come to school every day to support them and this Watervliet community. I am proud to wear the maroon and white and to call myself a Watervliet Panther.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my three teenagers and playing board games that you may have never heard of. Monopoly and Scrabble will NEVER hit my table. Also, if you ever make it on to a game show, reach out to me first, I probably have a winning strategy for you.

Me with my best co-teacher friend, Barb...she's a bad influence on me. I promise that this was TOTALLY her idea.

We are super excited to announce that this year’s musical production will be MOANA JR! Auditions are open to all Watervliet High School students, and will be held after school on Tuesday, January 14th, and Wednesday January 15th. All audition materials and sign ups are posted on the wall in the choir and band hallway. Stop by and get your audition packet and sign up for an audition time!

Our teachers are already running low on boxes of Kleenex this year. If you have any that you are willing to donate, it would be much appreciated!

Mr. Dimino won a $500 grant from the WPS Foundation for Excellence for his classroom! He will be using the grant to upgrade the vertical whiteboard system in his classroom with thicker and more durable whiteboards and a 3M hanging system that will work on all of the different wall types in my classroom.

Friday, December 20

4:30/6:00/7:30 PM Boys JV White, JV Maroon & Varsity at Bridgman

Saturday, December 21

TBD Varsity Wrestling at Lawton Invitational

TBD Girls Varsity Wrestling at Brandywine Invitaitonal

Friday, December 27

2:15 PM Boys Varsity Basketball at Bangor vs. Eau Claire

Friday, December 27

2:15 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament at Bangor

Saturday, January 4

TBD Varsity Wrestling Invitational at Grand Rapids West Catholic HS

Dec. 14, the Debate Team left Watervliet High School at 4:30 a.m. to compete at State Finals at Wayne State University in Detroit. After numerous hours of practicing, including on the bus, they competed in Congressional Debate Novice and Congressional Debate Open against 364 other students in Michigan. While they weren't able to break into finals, they had several debaters that scored in the top placements in their sessions including Miriam Feneley with a 3rd place ranking, Amber Robbins with a 5th place ranking in two rounds, and Landon Schlipp, Brianna Shriver, and Mackenzie Birmele with 7th place rankings. With 20 competitors in each session, Watervliet Debate Team overall performed impressively.

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.

Dear Senior Families:

The FAFSA is now open and able to be completed!

Students who can complete the FAFSA by December 31st (within the first month that it is open) will receive a free goody bag from Ms. Powers. Students who complete the FAFSA by Spring Break (Mar 31st) will be able to participate in the Pie a Staff Member in the Face event, in which students get to pick the staff member of their choice to pie in the face before leaving for spring break. Student who complete the FAFSA by March 1st will receive a $50 visa guftcard!

Mr. Coburn, our certified FAFSA expert, will be meeting with your Senior in the next month to ask the following questions: (1) where have you applied? (2) where have you been accepted? (3) do you have your FSA ID?

If you would like to meet with Mr. Coburn to get assistance in completing the FAFSA, please reach out to him at christopher.coburn@watervlietps.org. He is available during and after the school day to meet with any parent who would like assistance.

It only takes 30 minutes to complete the FAFSA once you have all of the needed information: FSA ID for both parent and student, 2023 tax information, total current account amount for both parent and student, net worth of any businesses, SS # for both parent and student, and a list of all of the schools to which your Senior has applied.

It is our goal that 100% of the Class of 2025 completes the FAFSA this year. Whether your child is headed to post secondary training or not, plans can change over the summer. We want your child to be ready for whatever comes their way in the Fall of 2025 with a completed FAFSA! THANK YOU !

The letter below has been mailed home to all families of eligible students who are not yet dual enrolled for the spring semester. Please reach out to us with questions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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®.

Take a look at the high school calendar dates for the remainder of the semester. 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.

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/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.

January 29

February 26

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

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)