
Panther Print for Parents 🐾
WEEKLY UPDATE FROM THE PRINCIPAL-FEBRUARY 7TH
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JANUARY 2025 STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!
PANTHER HOTLINE
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.
AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELP NEXT WEEK!
Tuesday and Thursday with Mr. Arter.
Tuesday and Wednesday with Mr. Dimino.
Tuesday with Mrs. Hunt.
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.
WINTER ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION DATA
Items to consider:
- We offer few opportunities in the winter compared to the fall season. I'm confident spring numbers are going to be comparable, if not higher, than the fall
- 45% of our 10th grade boys and 43% of our 8th grade boys participate in a sport.
- Both groups have a higher participation rate in winter vs. the fall and are the only 2 data groups that show this increase.
WHAT'S UP IN ART 1?
Art Room Creativity Challenge: Students teamed up in groups of three, with each person choosing a section—top, middle, or bottom. Using modeling clay, they sculpted their part of a creature. After ten minutes, the pieces were combined to reveal their unique creation. Each group then named their creature, introduced it to the class, and shared some fun facts about it!
Watervliet High School Robotics, Pantron-X #9758
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!
WEIGHT TRAINING STATS
PE STATS
IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR OUR SPRING MUSICAL!
OUR NEWEST SENIOR FAFSA COMPLETER--GAVIN COLLINS!
Students have until March 1st to complete a FAFSA and get a $50 gift card. If you or your child need help, contact Mr. Coburn or Ms. Powers.
OUR NEWEST SENIOR FAFSA COMPLETER--HAYDEN ARNOSKY!
OUR NEWEST SENIOR FAFSA COMPLETER--CHRIS ORTEGA!
OUR NEWEST SENIOR FAFSA COMPLETER--LILLY SUMMERS!
OUR NEWEST SENIOR FAFSA COMPLETER--TANNER VANNIEL!
OUR NEWEST SENIOR FAFSA COMPLETER--BRAIZEN ROBART!
OUR NEWEST SENIOR FAFSA COMPLETER--GRAYSON RICHARDS!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT! MRS. RIEDINGER--ENGLISH 10 and 12
I grew up about 3 and a half hours northeast from Watervliet in a town called Midland. My family is still there, so my husband and I go back to Midland to visit frequently. After high school at Midland High, I attended Central Michigan University where I got my undergraduate degree in Secondary Education. Not shortly after receiving my undergraduate degree I decided to go back to CMU and get my Master’s in Reading & Literacy.
My husband, Brad, and I have been in the Southwest Michigan area for just over 2 years. We have a little one on the way that will make their arrival in April! At this time, we are not sharing the gender, but will give everyone an update once the baby is born! In addition to that, we have a 10 year old dog named Tucker and a 2 year old dog named Penny.
Something people don’t know about me is that I am an avid shoe collector and wearer. I don’t ever wear the same pair of shoes twice in one week. In fact, I have so many shoes that I have to switch out my shoes based on the seasons.
I am proud to be part of WHS because I can already see the impact I am making on my students. Everyone is so respectful and willing to learn something new. I appreciate the fact that the students listen to me and are eager to learn something that they will take with them through life.
WHAT'S UP IN CHEMISTRY ?
This week, our high school chemistry students participated in performing their own titration experiments where they measured the concentration of an unknown solution. It was a practical application of the concepts they have been learning, helping strengthen their understanding of chemical reactions and lab techniques. Here’s a glimpse of the students carefully conducting their experiments and developing valuable hands-on lab skills.
ATHLETIC EVENTS THIS WEEK
Friday, February 7
4:30/6:00/7:30 PM JV Boys/Varsity Boys & Girls Basketball vs Bridgman (Winterfest)
Saturday, February 8
9:30 AM Wrestling MHSAA Individual Districts at Dowagiac Union HS
TBA - MSBOA Band Solo & Ensemble
Sunday, February 9
10:30 AM Girls Wrestling Districts at Dowagiac Union HS
Tuesday, February 11
4:00/5:30/7:00 PM JV White/JV Maroon Boys/Varsity Boys Basketball vs Lawton
5:30/7:00 PM JV/Varsity Girls Basketball at Delton-Kellogg HS
Wednesday, February 12
6:00/7:30 PM JV/Varsity Girls Basketball at River Valley HS
6:00 PM Wrestling Team Regionals vs TBA
Thursday, February 13
4:00 PM Freshman Girls Basketball vs St. Joseph
5:30/7:00 PM JV GIrls and JV Boys Maroon vs Coloma
4:00 PM JV Boys White at Parchment HS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 WINTERFEST QUEEN CANDIDATES from left to right
Lilly Summers
Kendra Sanders
Natalie Van Lente
Makena Edelberg
Ayana Marshall
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 WINTERFEST KING CANDIDATES from left to right
Tyler Kuehl
Chaz Hart
Emmett Williams
Lucas Isbrecht
Tyler Asakevich
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 WINTERFEST Princes and Princesses from left to right
Jayden Brassard
Sarah Leoni
Phoenix Anderson
Addison Smith
Anahi Howell
HAPPY WINTERFEST WEEK 2025! NICE JOB CLASSES!
Freshmen Hallway
Seniors
Seniors
Seniors
Seniors
Senior Hall
Junior Hall
Sophomore Hall
SENIOR JANUARY 2025 Student of the Month--Nic Terry!
My family is really close. My mom is really sweet and caring she also very loving. My dad is caring and loving. I liked the fact that my dad does tough love because I know it will make me a better person down the line. My brother is very sweet and loving and I can't change him for any one in the world. My favorite teacher is Mr. Arter because he is very helpful when I ask for it. He does an amazing job at explaining things to me when I don't understand it. My favorite class is English even if I don't like to read I am still able to let my creativity ideas out. I'm in a club for DnD (dungeon and dragons). In my free time I like to listen to music, drawing, and play with my cats. I'm planning to take a year or two off before I start college at Kalamazoo valley community college for cosmetology. I'm proud to be a panther because I gained a ton of experience which will help me in the future.
SENIOR JANUARY 2025 STUDENT OF THE MONTH --OWEN EPPLE!
My family consists of my older brother, my mom, and my dad. My brother is a freshman at Davenport University where he plays baseball. My dad is an apple and peach farmer, and my mom helps with the farm and is a loan and grant analyst. My favorite teacher ever was Mrs. Romeo in third grade. I remember her class always being super fun and she was really amazing. My favorite class is WoodShop with Mr Steele. I have made a ton of cool projects and woodworking has became a new hobby of mine. I play baseball, basketball, and football as a panther. In my free time I like to play sports and be outdoors. I like to hunt and fish and spend time with family and friends. After high school I plan to attend Michigan State University and study plant and soil science. I am proud to be a panther because Watervliet is my home town, and I have so many wonderful friends and family from Watervliet as well. I am also proud to be a panther because we are baseball state champs!
JUNIOR JANUARY 2025 Student of the Month--Daz Zang!
I have divorced parents, so my time is split. I have 4 pets, a cat at my mom's, 2 dogs, and a cat at my dad's. My sister and her daughter live with me at my mom's, while at my dad's it's just my pets, me, my dad, and my brother. I also have 2 half brothers,. Also my pets' names are Remy, Ziggy, Zoey, and Coco.
My favorite teacher has been Ms. Irmen for quite some time now, because she's always willing to help me when I need it, and gives me extra time on assignments. She's also really great with teaching chemistry and I'm able to grasp the concepts of chemistry quite well because of her. I also chat with her about some of my interests and such, she is very sweet about it. She has to be one of the most understanding teachers I have ever met.
My current favorite class is Chemistry because I find it the most interesting, solving complex problems and experimenting with different chemicals in labs is always fun. My teacher is also another reason why I love chemistry so much.
I'm not involved in any sports or clubs, due to being extremely busy with things at home and schoolwork.
I love to play video games in my free time, and write too. I'm writing my own short story for one of my characters, and one of the video games I'm playing right now is Persona 3 Reload, the Persona franchise is my favorite.
After high school I plan on getting a job, possibly going to a community college. I want to be able to make enough money so I can be a full time author and Vtuber/live streamer.
I'm proud to be a panther because of my teachers, I appreciate them being accommodating towards me when they can. I'm going to continue to strive to do my best because of them!
JUNIOR JANUARY 2025 Student of the Month--Phoenix Anderson!
My family consists of my mom, my little brother, Jaxon and my sister, Sage. My favorite teacher is probably Mr Linderman. I've had him 2 years in a row and he's been my basketball coach for 2 years. My favorite class is US History in Depth. It's a fun class getting to learn lots of new material. I play basketball, soccer, and baseball. In my free time I work a lot and go on runs. After high school I want to attend a 4 year college and do photography for sports. I'm proud to be a WHS Panther because it means coming to school everyday and supporting our teams.
SOPHOMORE JANUARY 2025 Student of the Month --Mackenzie Webster!
My family consists of my brothers Maxton, and Maddox, and my mother Maghan. As well as my two dogs Gizmo and Kyra, and my cat Bella. My favorite teacher is Mrs. Brush. I have been with her since 6th grade. She gives amazing feedback and support and surrounds me with a good environment, one I want to work in. She has us all strive for the best. My favorite class is Spanish because I enjoy learning the foreign language as well as the environment of new teaching aspects and engagement. What I like to do in my free time is hang out with my friends, and family as well as pets, and sometimes read. What I plan to do after high school is go to college, but I'm not sure what for yet. I'm proud to be a WHS panther because I get the ability to meet new people, explore, I'm open to more learning opportunities, and get to grow in my journey from high school to out of high school.
SOPHOMORE JANUARY 2025 Student of the Month--Alexis Coburn!
My family are strong individuals. They want me to do well and succeed in my life. They also want good for me. I believe my family is one of the strongest ones out there. No matter what life has brought us, we all try our best as people. My favorite teacher would most likely be my ELA teacher. I enjoy Mrs.Riedinger. She always listens and is always willing to listen. I also really like Mrs. Lefor. My favorite class would be Spanish class. I enjoy having Mrs. Lefor. She’s always understanding and will work with you to guide you. We also play games to learn our words better for her class. I love to play Fortnite and spend time to my loved ones during my free time. I’m not fully sure what I plan to do after high school. I feel like I would try to do something in the cps/ foster care system to help children in need. I’m proud to be a Watervliet student because no matter the challenges life brings the school will work with you to help you in any way possible to keep you on your feet.
FRESHMAN JANUARY 2025 Student of the Month--Nolan Weckwerth!
Hi my name is Nolan Weckwerth. My family consists of my three siblings (Susannah, Daniel, and Grace), my Mom, my stepdad (Jon), my Dad, my stepmom (Nuris), and my stepsister (Nicole). My favorite teacher is Mrs. Hollandsworth because she pushes me to become my very best, is very supportive and hilarious at the same time. My favorite class right now is jazz band due to the music we play in that class and the friends I have made overtime because of that class. I am involved in the school musical Moana, marching band, and track. Some things I like to do in my freetime are play piano, read books, learn French, read The Bible, watch movies/shows/musicals, and listen to music or podcasts. After high school, I plan to either go to Western Michigan University or study abroad in Paris/France. I don't really know what to major in yet but I have some time to figure it out. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because of the supportive adults and friends I have met due to this school. They have really helped me out when I'm feeling down. Overall the environment at WHS is helpful when I need a little push to be a better version of myself!
FRESHMAN JANUARY 2025 Student of the Month--Steffi Lewison!
I live with my mom, her boyfriend and my brother, along with our dogs. My two sisters, grandma and dad live in Wisconsin. My mom is a very hard worker along with her boyfriend and my oldest sister is a dental hygienist.
My favorite teachers are probably Mrs. Lefor and Mr. Dimino because they are just really kind and caring teachers.
My favorite class is Spanish because it's fun to learn a new language.
I'm currently not in any clubs or sports.
I love to draw and do art in my free time.
I plan on going into mortuary science to be a mortician after high school.
I'm proud to be a panther because it's a very safe space. Students are allowed to be themselves and there are many opportunities to take part in sports or clubs and there are always people who can help you.
THE TISCORNIA FOUNDATION
The Tiscornia Foundation is now accepting applications from qualified high school
seniors for The Lester C. Tiscornia Scholarship award. The applicant must be a
graduating senior attending one of the following high schools located in northern Berrien
County.
Benton Harbor High School
Coloma High School
Lake Michigan Catholic High School
Lakeshore High School
Michigan Lutheran High School
St. Joseph High School
Watervliet High School
Watervliet Christian School
Country Side Academy
The Scholarship is in the amount of $5,000 per year, and is renewable for three additional
years for a total of $20,000 for the purpose of attending an accredited college or
university (junior colleges are not eligible) of the applicants’ choice.
The applicant should be unmarried and be less than 23 years of age, except insofar as the
scholarship selection committee expressly waves marital status and age if it determines
that marital status and age is not detrimental in carrying out the expected course of study.
All applicants desiring consideration are urged to submit an application to:
The Tiscornia Foundation, Lester C. Tiscornia Scholarship
505 Pleasant St, Suite 301
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Or electronically:
In addition, telephone inquiries may be directed to Winston Tiscornia at 269-369-6740.
Applications should be submitted at the earliest possible time, but no later than
Monday, April 14, 2025.
1. The scholarship selection committee, in selecting the recipients, shall be governed by
the following terms and conditions:
a) Community Service
b) Extra Curricular School Activities
c) Academic Achievement
d) Financial Need
2. The applicant must have two letters of recommendation from his or her high school
faculty, one of which shall be the principal. In addition, the applicant shall have a letter of
recommendation from a member of the community who is not a relative.
3. The recipient of the scholarship may select any accredited American or Canadian
college or university of his or her choice; provided, however, that the college or
university normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a
regularly enrolled student body in attendance at the place where its educational activities
are regularly carried on. Provided, further, that he or she may not transfer to another
equally acceptable college or university without the approval of the scholarship selection
committee or its designated representative.
4. If the recipient of the scholarship becomes entitled to governmental or veteran’s
educational benefits, or shall be awarded a scholarship grant from any other source, such
recipient’s scholarship may be revoked or reduced by the amount of such other benefits,
scholarships or grants, at the discretion of the scholarship selection committee or its
designated representative.
5. Where practicable, the funds incident to each scholarship shall be paid directly to the
school of the recipient’s choice on behalf of the recipient, and shall be applied towards
the payment of tuition, fees, room and board.
6. The Tiscornia Foundation shall review the scholastic records of each recipient of the
Lester C. Tiscornia Scholarship Award at the conclusion of each semester or term, and
may revoke or fail to renew the scholarship at any time upon finding that the recipient has
failed to maintain the scholastic or character standards established by the school selected.
7. The scholarship selection committee, or its designated representative, may revoke the
scholarship of any recipient of the Lester C. Tiscornia Scholarship Award for such
reasons as it shall reasonably determine, other than those immediately specified, subject
to the approval of the Tiscornia Foundation.
Sincerely,
James Winston Tiscornia
Secretary
The Tiscornia Foundation
SKILLED TRADES SCHOLARSHIP!
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS WITH FEBRUARY DEADLINES
THIS IS THE LINK TO THE WHS SCHOLARSHIP PAGE FOR SENIORS!
NEXT BLOOD DRIVE!
EARLY SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR JUNIORS
Dear Students and Parents,
The Momentum Scholarship for Juniors offers $1,000 to high school juniors who are ready to jumpstart their scholarship journey. No essay is required—create your Going Merry account and apply! This is your chance to get ahead of the game and start applying to scholarships early.
Scholarship Details:
- Worth $1,000.
- No Essay Required.
- Must be in the Class of 2026.
- You can only find this opportunity through the exclusive link below.
- Deadline: March 31st, 2024.
COMING SOON!
YOUR MONTHLY OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE!
UPCOMING PARENT INFORMATIONAL SESSION
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN SCIENCE OLYMPIAD?
IMPORTANT SENIOR DATES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR!
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 1st Decision Day 10 am auditorium
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
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR SENIOR PHOTO!
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.
JUNIORS AND SENIORS MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
We will take a group of interested students by school bus on this trip. Look for a permission slip in the guidance office soon.
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK NOW!
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.
THE FAFSA IS OPEN!
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 !
WHERE IS MR. COBURN IN FEBRUARY?
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.
STANDARDS BASED GRADING
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.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS
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 MEDIA CENTER expectations with your child. The expectations below will be reviewed during this coming week.
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE PRINCIPAL
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
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS NIGHTS
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)
24-25 Bell Schedules
Full Day
Period 1 8:10-9:02 (52 min)
Period 2 9:07-10:01 (54 min to include announcements)
Period 3 10:06-10:57 (51min)
Lunch A 10:57-11:27 (30 + 5 min passing time)
Lunch A Class 11:32-12:23 (51 min)
Lunch B 11:22-11:52 (30 min)
Lunch B Class 11:02-11:22/11:52-12:23 (51 min)
Lunch C 11:53-12:23 (30 + 5 min passing time)
Lunch C Class 11:02-11:53 (51 min)
Period 5 12:28-1:19 (51 min)
Period 6 1:24-2:15 (51 min)
Period 7 2:20-3:10 (50 min)
Half Day Schedule
Period 1 8:10-8:36
Period 2 8:41-9:06
Period 3 9:11-9:36
Period 4 9:41-10:07
Period 5 10:12-10:38
Period 6 10:43-11:09
Period 7 11:14-11:40
Early Release Schedule
Period 1 8:10-8:45
Period 2 8:50-9:24
Period 3 9:29-10:03
Period 4 10:08-10:42
Period 5 10:47-11:51
Period 5 for Lunch A 11:22-11:56
Lunch A 10:47-11:17
Period 5 for Lunch B 10:47-11:21
Lunch B 11:21-11:51
Period 6 11:56-12:30
Period 7 12:35-1:10
Late Start Schedule 2 Hour Delay
Period 1 10:10-10:45
Period 2 10:50-11:24
LUNCH A 11:24-11:54
Period 3 11:29-12:02
LUNCH B 12:02-12:32
Period 3 11:59-12:32
Period 4 12:37-1:10
Period 5 1:15-1:50
Period 6 1:55-2:30
Period 7 2:35-3:10