Panther Print for Parents 🐾

TUESDAY AND THURSDAY WITH MRS. O'TOOLE AND NHS MEMBERS

THURSDAY WITH MRS. HUNT

WEDNESDAY WITH MR. DIMINO (MATH)

Monday through Thursday with Mr. Arter.

CONGRATULATIONS to Senior, Chaz Hart, who has been selected as the 2025 Rotary Essay Contest Nominee from Watervliet High School!

Each Berrien County High School is asked to nominate one senior student to participate in the event.

Chaz will report to Berrien Regional Education Service Agency’s Administrative

Center on February 12th for the writing of his essay. He will be allowed two hours to write his essay.

Essays will be judged on:

Content 30%

Originality/Style 30%

Coherence/Unity 30%

Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling 10%

Judges include members of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Rotary Club and Berrien RESA staff members.

Winners will be identified by early April. All students who participated in the event will be invited to attend a luncheon reception on. April 21, 2025. Winners as well as all participants of the contest will be formally recognized at this event.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three essay writers: first place will receive $1,000,

second place will receive $750 and third place will be awarded $500.

This year's prompt is:

What comprehensive strategies and international policies can be

implemented and sustained in order to achieve and maintain long-

term world peace, considering economic, social, political, and

environmental factors?

CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO CHAZ!

As part of their recent astronomy unit in Earth Science, students participated in the Astrodynamics Rocket Lab, where they learned about spacecraft, launch vehicles, and orbits. Through simulations, students tested the physics of space travel, explored vehicle design, and worked to understand how rockets are built for successful launches.

The main challenge was to design a rocket with booster stages capable of carrying a payload to space. Students applied engineering concepts to plan, test, and refine their designs. They also built and tested balloon rockets as part of the process to better understand rocket propulsion and forces.

This project gave students a real-world connection to current space exploration efforts, including NASA and SpaceX's work on sending humans back to the Moon and beyond.

Take a look at the students' projects and designs!

Juniors from Ms. Bruce's class are participating in a student-led Literature Circle discussion.

We are very proud of Zack Gruszczyk for being awarded a prize in the KVCC High School Art Show for 2024 at the Center for New Media. His digital illustration piece was chosen for 2nd Place. Lots of amazing student art is on display In the Center for New Media located in Downtown Kalamazoo, MI.

Students in the Sculpture class were given the challenge of designing a wearable paper hat that reflected a personal trait or interest. We started by experimenting with different techniques to create textures and forms using paper, while also exploring how contemporary artists use paper in their work. The project involved a lot of trial and error as students developed their designs. Once the hats were completed, we held a photoshoot where students took turns photographing each other and showcasing their creations.

Spanish 1 & 2 are reviewing for tests by playing games! This month we introduced Spoons, students need to match the Spanish word, English word and a picture. It has been pretty competitive.

On Wednesday, Dec 11th, Watervliet High School held a career fair throughout the school day. Students were presented with activities to help them prepare to take the next step after high school. Some activities were intended to spark students’ interest in developing a vision for their future. This helped them think about what they could do to help achieve their goals.

Activities included writing a resume, making a vision board, and researching trade schools, colleges, and career options. We also had many volunteers from the community who came in to talk to the students about different careers, volunteer opportunities, job benefits, and interviewing skills. The Career Fair was coordinated by WHS mathematics teacher Dr. Donya Mosher.

At the HS career fair, art students took a moment to envision their futures at the age of 35. With creativity and ambition in full swing, they crafted vision boards to bring their dreams to life. The boards were filled with images representing the careers they hoped to build, the homes they imagined living in, and the families they aspired to have.

I grew up right here in beautiful Berrien County. I love Silver Beach and went cross-country skiing at Sarett. LMCollege was in my backyard. I would walk through the cornfield and go feed the ducks. My childhood home no longer exists because Napier is now 4 lanes instead of 2 but my parents did not move far. I attended LMCatholic for high school. I was a state cross country and track runner.

I went to LMCollege while I went to high school. That was very unique at the time. I also attended LMCollge on a scholarship after high school. I then transferred to WMU to get a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with a double major in Physics and Math. After I received my degree I started teaching high school at Battle Creek Lakeview. While they I completed a Master’s Degree in Physics and a PhD in Science Education from WMU.

I have 2 brothers. One still lives in Berrien County and the other is in Washington State. I have a son who is currently a Freshman in high school. He keeps me busy with his desire to practice golf and pool. My husband of 4 years is Joe.

I am currently teaching Geometry. I am qualified to teach all math and science subjects 6-12 grade. I have also taught college math and physics classes at Kellogg Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and WMU.

I practice a lot of pool and golf. (See above) I also watch alot of crime and medical dramas. I love Bones, Criminal Minds, and NCIS.

I am excited to be able to work with such great students, parents, and colleagues.

This week, our students had the incredible opportunity to participate in a presentation by the organization, Gift of Life, during their Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry, and Health classes. Here are some highlights from this enlightening experience:

• Learned about organ donation and transplantation.
• Discovered the types of organs and tissues that can be donated.
• Informed about the number of people waiting for donations and how matches are made.
• Given the chance to handle plasticized organs.
• Tried on glasses that simulated corneal blindness to understand the importance of cornea donation.

It was a remarkable experience that sparked meaningful discussions and increased awareness about this vital topic. We are proud of our students for their engagement and curiosity!

A career milestone at 100 victories for Luke Isbrecht as of Saturday December 7th!

Friday, December 13

4:30 PM Boys JV White Basketball at Centreville

6:00/7:30 PM Girls & Boys Varsity Basketball Home vs. Allegan

Saturday, December 14

9:00 AM Varsity Wrestling at Eau Claire Tournament

Monday, December 16

5:30/7:00 PM Girls JV and Boys JV Maroon Basketball at Parchment

Tuesday, December 17

4:00/5:30/7:00 PM Boys JV White, Girls Varsity, & Boys Varsity Basketball Home Vs. Parchment

Wednesday, December 18

6:00 PM Varsity Wrestling SAC Meet at Coloma

Thursday, December 19

5:30/7:00 PM Girls JV & Varsity Home vs. Bridgman

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

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.

Start your Saturday right with a warm stack of pancakes for a great cause! The Watervliet High School National Honor Society is thrilled to invite you to our Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, December 14th, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, in the Watervliet High School Cafeteria. For just $7 a plate, enjoy two fluffy pancakes with your choice of toppings, crispy bacon, a savory sausage, and a refreshing drink. Every bite you take helps support the incredible work of our National Honor Society. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference while savoring a delicious breakfast—we can’t wait to see you there!

https://www.zolmantire.com/Student-Leadership-Award

Dear Senior Families:

The FAFSA is now open and able to be completed!

Students who can complete the FAFSA by December 20th (within the first 20 days that it is open) will receive a free goody bag from Ms. Powers. Students who complete the FAFSA by Spring Break 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.

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.

Jostens is the official partner of Watervliet HS and we work with Sophomores for their Class Ring program. We are trying to keep parents and families informed about the Class ring Program.

Now a days you can design and order your class ring online at Jostens.com, or place your order in school like the old days. Class ring design packets were passed out at school through you sophomore English classes. Make sure you check out the exclusive sophomore ring promos that are valid during your order window. Save $$ and get a free class of Hoodie. We will be in school to take class ring orders on Dec. 2nd to take class ring orders size fingers and display all rings. The class ring promo will end on December 16th. You can order later but the promo will not be valid. We wanted to send you this email so you can get started.

Click on the social media link below for how to videos and order dates.

You can always call my office anytime if you have questions. Hope to see you on Dec. 2nd during lunch on class ring order day

Jim Ross/Jostens

269 217 6936

Watervliet HS Class ring design videos and order shop

Don’t forget to check out the new Tradwinds collection at a lower price

Jim Ross

Jostens of southwest Michigan

269-217-6936

Jostens is the official partner of Watervliet HS and we work with Seniors for their Graduation, C&G and senior rings. We are trying to keep parents and families informed about the upcoming graduation and C&G order deadlines. Now a days you will place your online at Jostens.com. We will be in school to take orders on Dec. 2th to take class ring orders and show all new senior apparel. Remember this is not just a C&G order. Everything we do is custom for you school and this graduation year, so make sure you are planning on how you will celebrate your seniors accomplishments. All prices are reduced when you place your order while the class window is open. You class window is open now and will close on Dec. 20th We wanted to send you this email so you can get started.

Click on the social media link below for how to videos and order dates.

You can always call my office anytime if you have questions.

Jim Ross/Jostens

269 217 6936

Watervliet HS Graduation and C&G order information and how to videos

Jim Ross

Jostens of southwest Michigan

269-217-6936

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 BATHROOM 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.

DECEMBER

16 Winter Band Concert 7 PM

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.

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

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)