Panther Print for Parents 🐾

This week in art, Sculpture students explored the possibilities of using paper and cardboard as materials for creating sculptures. Advanced Art students took on the challenge of painting still lifes with sticks instead of traditional brushes, aiming to produce artwork that is loose and expressive.

Watervliet takes SILVER with Best Music and Best General Effect. AND the highest score in Watervliet history… 84.6!!

I’m super proud of our performance and our hardworking group of kids!!!

A special thank you to our awesome staff, volunteers, and parents!!

Congratulations to Daniel Mandujano for finishing 23rd this morning, earning All State!

He also broke the school record again with a time of 16:04!

#pantherpride

#victoryinourveins

Congratulations to all the senior athletes who earned the Panther Pride Award for the Fall 2024 season!

The Panther Pride Award is given to athletes who represented WMS and WHS in a given sport every year that is was offered during their athletic career.

#pantherpride

#victoryinourveins

YOUR Freshman October 2024 Student of the Month--Leah Melton! My mom works at Watervliet North Elementary School. She is very kind to me and other people. My dad and I go hunting with my bird dog. We go hunting up north and I love it . My favorite teacher is probably Mrs. Brush. She is my favorite teacher because she is always so nice to us and it’s fun to be in her class. Spanish class has been my favorite class because it’s very fun to learn about a new language. I don’t do any sports or clubs. What I do in my free time is I spend time with my family or I watch my phone or tv . What I plan to do after high school is go to a trade school or college. Why I’m proud to be a WHS student is that the school is very good and all of my friends are here to and one last thing the staff are so nice to us.

YOUR Freshman October 2024 Student of the Month --Miranda Lowell! The people in my family are my older sister Morgan, Marissa, and my parents Ben and Kylee Lowell. Morgan runs cross country at LMC and her team made it to nationals this year. Marissa is a junior in the high school with me and she is duel enrolled and is making her way to college. My Dad works at Holetec and is an engineer. My favorite teacher has been Mr.Steele because he has a lot of experience and he knows what he is talking about. He also does not beat around the bush he is a very straightforward person which I like about him. My favorite class is Woodshop because it is a hands on class and I am always excited to go to woodshop and talk to Steele and continue building my project. I participate in Cross Country, basketball, and track. I also am a member of the virtues club at our school. When I have free time I like to be outside and doing something physical like sports or doing something with my hands. After high school I am hoping on going to college and getting a degree. I am proud to be a Watervliet High School panther because I enjoy being a part of our sports teams and winning games.

YOUR Sophomore October 2024 Student of the Month--Analia Alvarado! I live in a Mexican home. My mom, dad and I are all from Texas but moved here. Our first language is Spanish. This year my favorite teacher has been Mrs. Hunt. She is very understanding My favorite class is art as much as I don't love all the things we do, I like being in the class. I dont do sports. I would like to do cheer though. I like to play games, call my friends, and draw in my freetime . I plan to move out and go back to Texas and live with my family, get into the college I want to go to, and get a stable job after high school. I like the school. I don't like many things they do here, and i think some things could be handled differently, but I like the school. It's calm and this is where all my friends are.

YOUR Sophomore October 2024 Student of the Month--Sofie Shafer! My mom is a travel respiratory therapist, my dad works at Gast Manufacturing, I have a little sister named Paige in eighth grade, and a little brother named Gavin who is in first grade. My favorite teacher is Mrs. Hollandsworth. She has been my teacher since 5th grade and she is very kind, and gives me a greater appreciation for music. My favorite class is Biology because I like taking science classes and I find them interesting. I participate in marching band, and robotics. In my free time I like to read books, listen to music, or golf. I plan on going to collage and I would like to do something in the medical field at this time I am leaning towards being a x-ray tech. Why are you proud to be a WHS Panther? I am proud to be a WHS Panther because I like the experiences that are offered to me.

YOUR Junior October 2024 Student of the Month --Chris Parkhurst! Family: My closest family is my mom, sister, and grandparents. My sister is in middle school, my mom is incredibly hardworking, and my grandparents care for me a lot. Favorite Teacher: Mr. Linderman, because he makes me feel engaged in class. Favorite Class: Choir, because singing is incredibly enjoyable. Clubs/Sports: I don't participate in any clubs or sports unless choir counts as a club. Free Time: I read and play video games in my free time. After High School: I plan to go to college after high school. Pride: I am proud to be a WHS student because of the wonderful lunch staff.

YOUR Junior October 2024 Student of the Month --Halee McLean! I have my mom, my dad, 3 brothers and 1 sister. I have an akita mixed with husky named bear, and a husky named Annie. I don't have a favorite teacher, because I can't choose, all of my teachers have impacted my life in some way and they're part of the reason why I am where I am today. My favorite class is choir, because I love music and when I'm singing with the people in that class it feels so natural and just fun. I haven't been in any sports but I am joining the girls wrestling team this year. In my free time, I like to read, sleep, or listen to music and hangout with friends. After high school I plan on going to college for either the medical field or something in music. I'm proud to be a WHS panther, because I wouldn't have met the people that I've met during my time here at Watervliet.`

YOUR Senior October 2024 Student of the Month--Lilly Summers! I live with my parents and my two sisters Lyvia, who is currently studying engineering at Western, and Lucy, who is a 5th grader! I have two cats and three dogs that I love very much. My favorite class is choir, and my favorite teacher is Mrs. Brush. I admire her dedication to the profession she chose; she works hard everyday for her students to become better singers and people. This is my last year and I am very proud of the dedication I have had towards it. This year I am dual enrolled, I am in two choirs and am the president of choir, as well as being in student council, a morning announcement reader, and a representative of the senior class. In my free time I love to hang with my friends and family. I thrive off of being around the people I love. I also like to write, read, sing, color, or be crafty. After high school I plan to go to a university, preferably in a city. I am undecided, but I would love to go into journalism or directing/screenwriting. I have applied to many colleges and I am just now getting acceptance letters back! I love being a WHS Panther because of the staff. Everyone in the building is very nice and welcoming, and I am close with many teachers who have become mentors for me.

YOUR Senior October 2024 Student of the Month --Kendra Sanders! My favorite teacher would be Mr. Dimino because he is fun and he is very nice. My favorite class is art class or choir because I love to do art projects and I love to sing. I participate in cheerleading. In my free time, I like to watch movies, hang out with friends, and play with my animals. After high school, I plan on going to college at MSU or GVSU. I am proud to be a Watervliet Panther.

My name is Lauren Gonzales and I work as the Michigan Youth Coalition Network Coordinator for Prevention Network, a nonprofit that aims to reduce substance misuse in the state of Michigan. I am reaching out to all of the public schools in Michigan in the hope that I can expand my Youth Advisory Council to be more representative of all experiences in the state.

Youth Advisory Council (YAC) membership is an opportunity for youth 7th-12th grade to discuss hopes and concerns around substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, build coalition leadership skills, and organize a leadership opportunity and/or project. YAC members have the opportunity to travel to conferences such as CADCA National Leadership Forum and also participate in the planning of the Youth Coalition Development Leadership Retreat.

I look forward to hearing from you!

EMAIL OR CALL HER IF YOU HAVE INTEREST.

Lauren Gonzales, MPH

she - her - hers

MYCN Program Coordinator - Prevention Network

3815 W. St. Joseph Street, Suite A-500 Lansing, MI 48917

P: (517) 393-6890

laureng@preventionnetwork.org

I grew up in Bainbridge and attended Watervliet Public Schools. I received my bachelors degree in English education from Grand Valley State University and my Masters in Educational Technology from Western Governors University. After teaching English for 28 years, I have shifted to overseeing our online education classroom, leading the peer-to-peer program, and advising yearbook once again after a ten year hiatus. I am loving the personal growth I get to see in my students as they help other students in the peer-to-peer program. Teaching others is when we truly learn, and this group of young adults has done a great job learning how to help our younger students. I've also been blessed with an incredible yearbook staff again this year. They inspire me everyday with their positive attitudes and enthusiasm for creating and documenting every experience at WHS this year. Our students here at WHS are what make me so proud to have been a panther my entire life. When I'm not at WHS, I love to travel, golf, spend time on the water, and make memories with family and friends. My husband and I have two sons, Nicholas and Tyler, who are WHS and Western Michigan University graduates. I love the time I get to share with them and their friends as they all create their best lives. Being part of our close-knit community has given me the greatest opportunity to continue being a part of so many former students' lives. Watching them all flourish brings me the greatest happiness.

Friday, November 8

6:00 PM Volleyball District Final at Cassopolis

Monday, November 11

3:30 – 5:30 PM Freshmen & Sophomores – Boys JV Basketball Tryouts

5:30 – 8:00 PM Juniors & Seniors – Boys Varsity Basketball Tryouts

3:30 PM High School Cheer Tryouts, HS Auditorium

Tuesday, November 12

3:30 – 6:00 PM Juniors & Seniors – Boys Varsity Basketball Tryouts

6:00 – 8:00 PM Freshmen & Sophomores – Boys JV Basketball Tryouts

3:30 PM High School Cheer Tryouts, HS Auditorium

Wednesday, November 13

3:30 PM High School Cheer Tryouts, HS Auditorium

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.

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

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 LOCKER 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 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

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/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

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 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)