Panther Print for Parents 🐾

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 with Mr. Dimino(math)

Monday with Mr. Arter.

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.

REMINDER: The Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp visit has been rescheduled for Friday, February 28th. They will be here all day auditioning people during class.

If you would like to audition for a merit scholarship, click here: Merit Scholarship Application This online application must be completed prior to Friday. You will be asked to enter the date of your scholarship day (2/28), along with this unique code: 1417

I still have some fliers in the band room if you'd like more information! See me for more information.

I live on 10 acres in Bangor with my husband, Jason, and our two daughters, Kaelin (24) and Kenzie (21). We have two dogs, Sweetie, (Chihuahua/Dachshund mix) and JoJo, (Beagle puppy). Jason and I have been married for 25 years.

I graduated from Wyoming Park High School in 1991 and was active in band, choir, softball and swimming..

I attended Western Michigan University and hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education.

I teach and direct the 6th Grade Choir, 7th-8th Grade Choir, Treble Choir, Concert Choir, MS Theater Performing Arts and HS Theater Performing Arts. I also assist in managing the auditorium, and I am the director of the musical productions. We are currently working on the WPS production of Moana.

In my free time I love to travel, knit, crochet, golf, and spend time with my family and friends.

I am actively involved as a vocalist outside of teaching. I am a member of the choral group, Chorllennium and this past summer I had the opportunity to travel to Paris and perform at many historical venues, including the wreath laying ceremony at Normandy on July 4, 2024!

I am proud to be a Watervliet Panther because I enjoy all of my students and love making music together! I am so proud of their hard work and dedication to our program!

Approximately 150 outstanding students have been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) at Van Buren Tech!

Established in 1984, NTHS is the premier honor society for recognizing student achievement in CTE. With over 100,000 active members annually, NTHS celebrates personal growth and leadership development, providing members with exclusive access to scholarships, career readiness resources, and a network of industry professionals. https://nths.org

At Van Buren Tech, we take pride in our students' accomplishments. Their induction into NTHS celebrates their academic and technical skills and acknowledges their embodiment of the society's core values: Skill, Scholarship, Leadership, Honesty, Responsibility, Service, and Citizenship. Please join us in congratulating these exemplary students on their well-deserved recognition.

Back row left to right: Zackary Gruszczyk and Chaz Hart

Front row left to right: Ana Aguilera, Isabella Bultema, Angel Nearpass

WHS is a closed campus. That means that students are not permitted to leave during the school day (IF NOT FOR AN APPT) and come back to school later in the day. For example, students cannot leave to go home or go get lunch and then come back later in the day. Once a student leaves for the day, unless the student is leaving for a documented appt., the student is not able to return tot he school building. Many of our students are drivers. We are responsible for the safety of al of our students during the school day. The safety risk increases every time a student driver leaves the building. For that reason, WHS has been a closed campus. The media center is always available for students who are dual enrolled and cannot leave the building. If you have a child who think he/she needs to leave the building and come back later in the day, please encourage your child to contact Ms. Powers to discuss the situation.

On Valentine’s Day, the chemistry students made chemistry-themed valentines cards! These included topics they previously have learned about such as the periodic table, bonding, and lab safety.

Mr. Tremblay was awarded a $500 check from the WPS Foundation for Excellence last week. He applied for this grant that will enable him to purchase additional PE equipment for his classes. YAY Mr. Tremblay!

WE HAVE MOVED THE MONTHLY PAC MEETING TO THURSDAY DURING CONFERENCES SO THAT MORE PARENTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND. ATTEND CONFERENCES AND THEN MEET WITH MS. POWERS IN THE MEDIA CENTER at 6 PM TO FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.

Dear Parents/Guardians of WPS,

Our Transportation Department would like to express our sincere appreciation for allowing us to support your students' educational journey. We take great pride in providing reliable transportation to and from school, ensuring a safe and efficient experience for all families. However, we have noticed a significant increase in the number of students utilizing shuttle services between school buildings in the mornings and afternoons. While we understand that navigating multiple parent drop-off lines can be challenging, this increase has led to overcrowding on our buses, creating a safety concern for students. To help alleviate this issue, we kindly ask for your cooperation in the following ways:

● For families residing within the district: Please have your child ride the bus directly to and from school from your home. However, if you live within the city limits, the shuttle service will still be available for your student as needed.

● For families residing outside the district: Please utilize our SOC (School of Choice) stops. Nearly every bus route includes at least one designated SOC stop, which can help balance bus capacity. Your cooperation in following these guidelines will help us ensure a safer and more efficient transportation system for all students.

If you need assistance determining the best transportation option for your child, please contact the Transportation Department. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sincerely, Alan Berget Director Watervliet Public Schools

450 E Red Arrow Hwy

Watervliet Mi 49098

Office: 269-463-0739

alan.berget@watervlietps.org

Friday, February 21

6:00 / 7:30 PM Varsity Girls and Boys vs. Fennville @ Fennville High School

Tuesday, February 25

5:30 / 7:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV & Varsity Game vs. Black River @ Black River High School

Wednesday, February 26

6:00 PM Wrestling: MS vs Multiple Schools @ St. Josep High School

We'd like to share with you this amazing opportunity for high school students who want to further develop their love of the arts! The Wood Family Arts Scholarship will award up to two $1,500 scholarships to incoming 9th-12th grade students who are going to summer arts camps or intensive programs this year.

The deadline to apply for this brand-new scholarship opportunity is Saturday, March 15.

The Wood Family’s participation in music goes back several generations to Doug’s grandpa Archie, who entertained Great Lakes cruise ship passengers in the 1930s. Jill and Doug believe that arts education is critical to educational, social and personal growth and, with a little luck, builds a skill that can bring lifelong joy to the student.

Learn more about this opportunity at www.berriencommunity.org/WoodFamilyArtsScholarship. To learn about other scholarship opportunities for summer arts programming, visit www.berriencommunity.org/SummerArtsScholarships.

I’ve attached a flyer for the scholarship if you would like to display it.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best,

Susan Matheny

Program Director

Berrien Community Foundation

(269) 983-3304

Tanya Hagen | Office Assistant

2900 S. State St., Ste 2E

St. Joseph, MI 49085

This is an an exciting day! Your District Rotary Youth Exchange Team is now offering a SHORT-TERM EXCHANGE PROGRAM (STEP)! This is in response to many students that expressed interest in a summer-only youth exchange program.

Specifics of the programs are:

1. Two different types of STEP are available:

1. Camp – Usually 10 days – 2 weeks; campers are from around the world; highly competitive to be accepted; age ranges vary by camp, with most taking 13 to 18 year olds. See attached list. Note the application deadlines, age limits, and more information under column marked “PDF Flyer.”
2. Family to Family: This program offers a Michigan student a 2-3 week stay with a family in another country with a student approximately the same age. After the 2-3 weeks then the student from other country comes to the Michigan student’s family for 2-3 weeks. Age requirement: 15-1/2 to 18-1/2.
3. Applications for Camps are OPEN; Deadline see camp schedule. For Family to Family: March 31, 2025. Find a student interested and let us know where they want to go! It's that simple!

1. Costs vary, but are minimal.
   1. There will be a per diem cost for insurance, plus some program costs to the district for administration. Air fare will be the responsibility of the family.
   2. No VISAs are required.
   3. Passports must be up to date; expiration date beyond 9/1/2025.

1. The application process is not as long as Long Term; however, must be done promptly to ensure placement. Requirements include:
   1. Student application with medical information;
   2. Student’s parents complete a Host Family application for Family-to-Family program;
   3. Background checks are required for the Family-to-Family program.
   4. Student and family interviews will be held with Rotary District and Club Officers to verify eligibility and suitability.

Questions? Please feel free to contact Rotary District 6360 STEP coordinators: Danielle Plichta – 269-491-0800; djplichta@lpslancer.net
Cathy Jo Mattson – 901-218-0192; cathyjomattson@gmail.com

Rotary Youth Exchange – a peace building program one student at a time!
Sincerely in Rotary,
Margie Haas
District 6360
Youth Exchange Chair

Hello Everyone! We have one more opportunity to support Watervliet High School Robotics, Pantron-X #9758. This is our last scheduled fundraising event before we begin competing next month at FIRST in Michigan District Events.

Please review the attached information about the L'Bri Fundraising Event that Amy Moffatt has organized for our team. She is donating her commission to Pantron-X to help us "Build the Bot". Orders can be made throughout the month of February. You can also visit our Watervliet High School Robotics Facebook Page for more information.

We are so thankful for Amy's generosity and kindness!

Mar 1st Deadline to earn $50 gift card for FAFSA completion

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 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.

Dear Senior Families:

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 !

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.

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)