Panther Print for Parents 🐾
NEWSLETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 2nd
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JANUARY 2024 STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!
BRIANNA SHRIVER
YOUR FRESHMAN January 2024 Student of the Month --Brianna Shriver!
My family consists of my dad, my step mom, my mom, my step dad, my 2 sisters- Abby and Adisyn, my 2 brothers- Christian and Brantley. My favorite subject is Art because I feel like I can express my feelings through the art. My favorite teachers are Mr. Linderman, Mrs. Simmons, and Mrs. Hunt. Mr. Linderman is a very funny teacher and I love talking to him in the mornings with my friends. Mrs. Simmons is a very funny and kind teacher when you get to know her. She always shows that she cares about how I’m doing. Mrs. Hunt always wants me to test my ability and I always feel amazed at what I can do and create in her class. I participated in debate this year. I’m in student council. I’m in the girls group. I also try to participate in Interact when I can. I have played soccer for 3 years and will be trying out for the team this year. I love to paint, practice soccer, or play Nintendo with my little brother in my free time. After high school I want to go to college and become a child therapist. I’m proud to be a WHS student because of the amazing community and the awesome panther pride!
ANGELICA DAISY
YOUR FRESHMAN January 2024 Student of the Month is Angelica Daisy!
My mother is Cambodian and my father is from English and German descent. They run a small Nursery business, but sell strawberries in the summer months.
My favorite subject is world history, because I like to learn about all the unique people in history and their religions.
I do not have a favorite teacher, they are all wonderful!
I'm not in any sports or clubs.
I like to eat, watch movies, play games, workout, and play with my dog in my free time.
I plan on joining a military branch, and then after my required service time has ended, I might go to University if I don't want to continue my service.
I'm proud to be a WHS Panther, because in my opinion this is a great school!
ELI ALSUP
YOUR SOPHOMORE January 2024 Student of the Month is Eli Alsup!
I have 3 parents, my mom Alicia Hutchins who works at WV Hospital in the surgery department as an Anesthesia technician, my dad Nate Hutchins who is married to my mom and owns and operates Mr. Clean’s Cleaning and Restoration, and my Dad Eric Wade who works in sales at KTM. I have 2 siblings, Noah Hutchins who is in 6th grade at WV MS, and Grace Hutchins who is in kindergarten at Grace Christian School. My favorite subject in school is lunch because I am a hungry, hungry boy and they starve me at home. Just kidding, I eat plenty. I don’t I have a favorite teacher I like them all in their own certain ways. I belong to the Watervliet Football and Basketball team. In my free time I like listening to all genres music. My plans for after high school is still to be determined, stay for the journey and you’ll find out.
ISSABELLA SANCHEZ
YOUR SOPHOMORE January 2024 Student of the Month--Issabella Sanchez!
I live with my parents, Virginia and Rigoberto. I have a younger sister in Middle School and she's in sixth grade. My favorite subject has been History, because the teacher makes it interesting and fun. My favorite teacher this year has been Mr. Linderman, because he always made me feel welcomed and interacted with the class making it a fun learning experience. Since this is my first year at Watervliet, I haven't joined any sports or clubs, but I am hoping to join some soon. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family. My plans after High School is to attend college and become a Traveling Nurse or an Ultrasound Technician. I'm proud to be a WHS Panther because we are a supportive community and can all count on each other!
LUCAS ISBRECHT
YOUR JUNIOR January 2024 Student of the Month--Lucas Isbrecht!
My family consists of my Mom, Dad, and 3 brothers, Alex, Nathan, and JT. My two older brothers, Alex and Nathan, both currently attend GVSU, and my younger brother, JT, is a middle schooler. My favorite subject has been AP Calculus because it is not an easy class that you can just pass without trying and requires a decent amount of effort. My favorite teacher has been my math professor, Dr. Blackburn because she always wants us to succeed and understand the material she teaches us. I will be a three-sport athlete this year, and I am involved in cross-country, wrestling, and will be making my grand return to track this year. I am also involved in the National Honors Society. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games with friends or doing homework. After high school, I plan to attend a 4-year university, but I have not decided where I will attend. I am proud to be a WHS panther because of all the opportunities I have that others may not.
JOCELYN SOLIS
YOUR JUNIOR January 2024 Student of the Month --Jocelyn Solis!
My family consists of my mom, dad, and my 3 older sisters and 1 younger sister. I would say my favorite subject is anatomy because I have found what we learned in that class really interesting and fun. My favorite teacher would be Mrs. O’Toole because this is my second year having her for a different class and she has always been helpful and gives us a fun way to learn the new material in her class. I am currently not involved in any sports. In my free time I spend time with family and friends. My plans after high school is to go to college for either sonography or radiology. I am proud to be a panther because they provide many great opportunities for our interest and are a very encouraging community.
ANTHONY FREEMYER
YOUR SENIOR January 2024 Student of the Month --Tony Freemyer!
In my family I have a mother, Jennifer Baham. I have a step-dad, Edward Baham. I have 1 brother, Dalton and he's married to Katie. I also have a cousin who goes to Watervliet. His name is Jaden Baham.
My favorite subject is Spanish. Spanish has been my favorite subject because I will need it in life someday.
My favorite teacher has always been Mr. Andrews because he's funny, very sociable, and very smart. I always talk sports with him everyday and sometimes on the weekends.
I used to help the football team with the water and equipment as a manager. I'm going to be helping again this season because I enjoy being outside and talking to friends, especially meeting other football players.
What I like to do during my free time is hang out with a friend who goes to Watervliet High School named Jazmine Sweeney. I also love to Play Video Games, Watch Sports, which is obvious, fish, and play baseball for the West Michigan Marlins.
What I plan to do after high school is basically go to college. I'm deciding between Ohio State, Michigan State, and Notre Dame.
I'm proud to be a Watervliet Panther because it persuades me to do my best and work.
GRACE CHISEK
YOUR SENIOR January 2024 Student of the Month--Grace Chisek!
My family consists of My Mom, Shelley, who works as a dental hygienist. My Dad, Chris who is an engineer at Whirlpool. My brothers, Ryan and Andrew who both work at Whirlpool. And my sister-in-law, Katie who's a personal trainer.
My favorite subject right now is weight training. I like this class because of the people in it and how we get to stay active.
My favorite teacher has been Mrs. Sibley. I was in her Pre-Calc and Algebra 2 classes in the past few years. I love the way she teaches and how she is always willing to answer questions at any time.
I am a three-sport athlete involved in Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball. Along with that, I am involved in the National Honor Society, Student Council, Post Prom Committee, and the Student Advisory Council.
In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, watching movies, and playing fetch with my dog.
After High School, I plan to attend GRCC to further continue both my academic and athletic career. I plan to get into the dental hygiene program and play softball while at GRCC.
I am proud to be a WHS panther because of all of the opportunities this school has given me. The student body and staff are always there for you when you need help.
STUDENTS ARE BALANCING EQUATIONS IN CHEMISTRY!
CLAY IN ART CLASSES!
This week, students in Art I began their adventures in ceramics by learning vocabulary and making pinch pots. Second year art students finish their time with clay with a creative writing assignment. They each wrote a narrative telling the back story of their ugly jug.
STUDENT COUNCIL FUNDRAISER
The High School Student Council is running a braided bread fundraiser now through March 8. We need each member to sell at least 5 items for this fundraiser to be a success! To order, see any Student Council member or visit our online store here!
CONTACT SHELLEY CHISEK WITH DONATIONS! cschisek@hotmail.com
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MATH CLASSES?
Algebra 2
In Algebra 2, students have recently begun the new semester by working on learning how to simplify radical expressions with rational exponents. These acquired skills hold practical applications in real-world fields, including engineering, physics, health sciences, and financial disciplines.
PreCalc
Students in PreCalc have been examining trigonometric ratios. These mathematical concepts lay the groundwork for advanced calculus and have practical applications in various scientific and engineering disciplines; as well as equipping them with essential tools for success in STEM-related fields.
WHAT'S UP IN GEOMETRY?
We started the semester with Standard 6 similar polygons. Students spent time drawing mini snowmen to help better understand scale factors and dilations.
PERSONAL FINANCE and ALGEBRA 1
Finance students are beginning a unit on debt. They will first dive into mortgages, learning the costs and steps associated with a mortgage. Then they will move on to refi’s, researching the benefits of refinancing a mortgage, then analyzing the costs of each option to determine if it’s even worth refinancing. During the lessons, students will be creating and using a spreadsheet to calculate their the overall costs of a mortgage over 30 and 15 year loans. Algebra students are beginning to solve linear inequalities given data and company constraints. Then using graphs of inequalities, students are deciding how much various products to manufacture to maximize profits.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT--MR. JEREMY ANDREWS!
I grew up in Boyne City, Michigan, graduating from Boyne City High School. I spent two years playing baseball at KVCC before transferring to Western Michigan University. I have earned both a Bachelors and Masters degree from WMU.
I was a history major with a group Social Sciences minor. My Masters degree is in Sport Management/Athletic Administration. I am certified to teach all Social Studies classes.
I currently teach U.S. History and U.S. History In-Depth. In the past I have also taught Government, Economics, and World History. I am currently the Varsity Golf Coach. In the past I have coached football, baseball, and track.
I enjoy watching and playing sports. The sports I am still actively involved in are golfing and skiing. I also love to travel. I am fortunate enough to have visited many beautiful places in North America and Europe. I also enjoy reading. I always have a book concerning some topic, person, or event in history that I am reading. Lastly, I love spending time with my family. Whether it's playing games, biking, golfing, cooking, or traveling together, time with them is priceless.
Lauren, my wife of 20 years, is also a teacher in the district. She teaches 6th grade math. We share the same love of family time and travel. My oldest child is a 10 year old 4th grader named Jocelyn. She loves sports and school. My son Cedric is an 8 year old 2nd grader. He loves sports and the Detroit Lions.
When I took this job I had just graduated college and had only recently heard of Watervliet. After almost 22 years this school district is my second home and the people here are my second family. I have continually been proud of the work we do here to help educate young people and prepare them for life as adults. Some of the best memories of my life are associated with the work I have done here as a teacher and coach.
Something you might not know about me is, I once baked 52 different pies (from scratch) in a single year.
ARE YOU CHECKING CANVAS REGULARLY? HERE'S HOW!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JANUARY 2024 STUDENT OF THE MONTH NOMINEES!
9th Grade
Sofie Shafer
Pyper Richards
Miriam Feneley
Angelica Daisy
Gabriel Shotts
Megan Tucker
Abbie Hayes
Brianna Shriver
Talynn Davis
10th Grade
Sophie Grear
Gabe Richards
Eli Alsup
Issabella Sanchez
Carter Krohn
Jessica Rudell
Caleb Jewell
Natalaya Desjardin
Skylar Blaylock
Addison Smith
Kassandra Riggs
Kelsey Howell
Giovanni Ayala
Kami Rathfon
11th Grade
Sydnee Enders
Alyssa Briley
Clorisa Worley
Ayana Marshall
Jewell Burgess
Luke Isbrecht
Jocelyn Solis
Daniel Mandujano
Carson Underwood
Judith Aguilera
Nicole Bender
Amber Robbins
Noah Bentley
12th Grade
Lydia Koshar
Mikey Fee
Grace Chisek
Anslie Saylor
Tony Freemyer
Iam Coleman
Michael Melcher
Kameron Smith
Hailey Hutchens
2 FREE years at LMC for all 2024 WHS graduates!
Red Hawk Futures Scholarship
Will you graduate from high school in 2024?
We can help you pay your tuition.
LMC’s Red Hawk Futures Scholarship is a new program that pays your remaining tuition costs.
You read that right.
You are eligible for FREE TUITION at Lake Michigan College.
Here's How to get started:
To launch your college degree you can fill out the LMC admission application. It’s online and it's free!
Request high school transcripts.
Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s also online and free!
Sign up for a New Student Orientation. Visit the College and get valuable registration information.
Talk to an advisor about the classes you want to take.
Start classes this fall!
THAT'S IT!
Your Red Hawk Futures Scholarship pays your tuition after financial aid and other scholarships are applied. This means your already low tuition bill at LMC will be lowered to $0 after you complete your FAFSA and finish your application.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY?
- You‘ve earned your high school diploma from an in-district high school in 2024, or you are an in-district resident with a GED/high school equivalency in 2024.
- You are a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen, or documented DACA recipient.
- You have a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at LMC.
- You do not already have an associate's or bachelor’s degree.
- You enroll full-time (12 credits per semester minimum) during the fall and spring semesters (there is no minimum for summer).
Fall 2024 high school graduates from the LMC district must complete the application and FAFSA to earn this scholarship.
The Red Hawks Futures Scholarship is only for educational programs at Lake Michigan College.
Any federal, state, or third-party scholarships and grants will be applied to your account first. The Red Hawk Futures Scholarship is a “last-dollar program” that will cover the remaining balance of tuition and fees.
Questions? Please call or text Admissions at (269) 927-8626 or email RedHawkFutures@lakemichigancollege.edu.
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS:
- Students must start college at LMC in the fall of 2024 to qualify, so don’t delay.
- (Note: You can still earn Early College credit before graduation and even take summer courses, but the scholarship only covers tuition and fees beginning in the fall semester.)
- There is no GPA requirement.
- (We do require high school transcripts or documentation of completion for GED or home school students.)
- This scholarship covers tuition and fees. It does not apply to housing, transportation, or course related items like lab and technology fees.
- (Note: Other financial aid options may help pay for course fees and book, contact Financial Aid for more information.)
- Qualifying students will receive this scholarship for two years of full-time enrollment.
- (Note: If you take a semester off (not including summer) or drop below full time, you will lose this scholarship. You should contact the Office of Financial Aid if this happens as you may get support through other scholarships and financial aid options.)
- Recipients of the Red Hawk Futures Scholarship must remain a student in good standing with LMC to continue to receive funding.
Supporting students from our district is part of what makes LMC your community college.
A conservative estimate, using the average cost of tuition and fees for four-year, public, Michigan universities, is that this scholarship will save the average student at least $7,000 a year. The savings for students who will transfer to private colleges and universities will much greater.
- We will connect you to high quality college classes with transferrable credit.
- We will connect you to a future with little to no student debt.
- We will connect you to college right here, in your backyard.
Any federal, state, or third-party scholarships and grants will be applied to your account first. The Red Hawk Futures Scholarship is a “last-dollar program” that will cover the remaining balance of tuition. If accepted, loans are applied to your account last.
Questions? Please call or text Admissions at (269) 927-8626 or email RedHawkFutures@lakemichigancollege.edu.
TRADES SCHOLARSHIP
UPCOMING ATHLETIC EVENTS
Friday, February 2
5:30/7:00 PM Girls & Boys Varsity Basketball at South Haven
Saturday, February 3
9:00 AM Varsity Wrestling at SAC Tournament at Constantine
TBD Girls HS Wrestling Invitational at Portage Northern
1:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Ottawa Hills at Lox Norrix HS Invitational
Monday, February 5
5:00/6:00 PM Girls 7 th & 8 th Maroon Basketball Home vs. Dowagiac
Tuesday, February 6
4:15/5:30/7:00 PM Freshman , JV, Varsity Boys Basketball at Delton-Kellogg
5:30/7:00 PM JV & Varsity Girls Basketball Home vs. Galesburg-Augusta
Wednesday, February 7
6:30 PM Varsity Wrestling Team District at Coloma
5:30/7:00 PM Girls & Boys Varsity Basketball Home vs. Benton Harbor
Thursday, February 8
4:15/5:30/7:00 PM Freshman Boys, JV Girls, JV Boys Basketball at Allegan
TBD Wrestling MS meet at Delton-Kellogg High School
Friday, February 9
6:00/7:30 PM Varsity Basketball Home vs. Allegan
Saturday, February 10
9:00 AM Varsity Wrestling Individual District Tournament at TBA
SEMESTER 2 EXPECTATIONS
This week, we reviewed semester 2 expectations in all math classes. Mrs. Dawson gave each student his/her updated transcript. Each student is aware of the number of credits needed to be promoted to the next grade level for next year. Additionally, Ms. Powers reviewed the behavioral expectations. Please see the slideshow below and take tome to talk to your child about the expectations at WHS!
IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS AND FAMILIES!
MIDDLE SCHOOL INTERACT NEEDS YOUR HELP!
PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Our teachers really appreciated the parent provided dinner that took place in the fall during parent teacher conferences. We are in the process of setting that up again for our faculty for FEBRUARY 8th at 3:00 PM.
If you have a dish, dessert, drinks, or any item that you are willing to provide for the staff on the evening of parent/teacher conferences, we would appreciate it!
Email Ms. Powers at cpowers@watervlietps.org with your donated item!
AFTER PROM PLAN
Permission slips will be at the school beginning the 2nd week of February. Listen to the morning announcements for more detail on how to get yours. Parent signature is required even if the student is 18 yrs old.
The purpose of the After Prom is to provide a safe, drug/alcohol-free event for the Junior & Senior students of Watervliet and their guests.
When: Sunday, May 12th, 2023, 12:00am to 6:00am.
Where: Urban Air Adventure Park - 12331 James Street, Holland, Michigan 49424
Cost: $10 (hardship cases, call Shelley Chisek at 269-921-5981) includes the following:
Ride to and from Urban Air, everyone must ride the bus BOTH WAYS to attend.
late night dinner buffet and snack
Who can attend: Any Watervliet Junior or Senior (and their guest - no Freshman or younger) – even if you do not attend Prom.
What to wear: Please come in casual, comfortable attire.
What to do: Battle Beam, Warrior Course, Climbing Wall, Virtual Reality, Ropes Course, Wipe Out, Sky Rider, The APEX Trampolines, Trampoline DodgeBall, Slam Dunk and More. There will also be a couple of rooms room with movies going for some downtime if you get break.
We ask that students do not bring any bags, if they do, they will be searched. Absolutely no outside drinks or food allowed.
We will be leaving promptly at 12:00am from the gym lobby; everyone MUST ride the bus BOTH WAYS to attend. If you sign up to attend and do not show up, we will be notifying parents.
Once we are at the center, no one can leave, no exceptions; everyone will ride the bus back to the high school, with an arrival time of approximately 6:00am. Student to have transportation waiting at the High School (picking up your student is recommended - as they have been up all night)
Southwestern Michigan College Hosts WELDING DAY
All students in grades 9-12 who are interested in WELDING as a career are invited to sign up in the counseling office for this optional field trip on February 23rd from 9 AM -1 PM. Pick up a parent permission slip and sign up in the counseling office if you have interest.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES ARE COMING SOON !
AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELP EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY!
IF YOUR CHILD NEEDS TRANSPORTATION HOME, HE/SHE MUST EMAIL MS. POWERS IN ADVANCE OF THE DAY THAT YOUR CHILD IS STAYING.
FREE ADULTING SESSIONS WITH DINNER for FAMILIES!
We are providing a catered dinner to any student and any members of their family who wish to attend these sessions in the high school media center for the remainder of this school year.
Please fill out the form below if you plan to attend so that we know how many people to plan for.
FEBRUARY 12th FOSTERING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Dinner will take place 30 minutes before the session starts.
WINTERFEST IS COMING! FEBRUARY 19-23
ATTENTION 10th and 11th GRADERS!
ATTENTION SENIORS
PBIS FOCUS FOR THIS WEEK
Each week, the high school teachers take some time out in their 3rd hour classes to review the expectations in an area of the building. This coming week we will focus on the MEDIA CENTER. Please review these expectations with your child. Students can enter a PBIS raffle in the main office anytime a raffle ticket is earned for demonstrating SAFETY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY at school!
23-24 SCHOOL DATES--UPDATED PERIODICALLY
Feb 7 SAC 7:30 AM
Feb 8 Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-7 pm
Feb 9 Half Day Start of Mid Winter Break
Feb 12 No School Mid Winter Break
Feb 12 ADULTING SESSION
Feb 15 Pre Festival Band Concert
Feb 19 MCTI/Project Search Informational Night 6 pm
Feb 19 Winterfest Week
Feb 21 SAC 7:30 AM
Feb 22 Pre Festival Choir Concert 6:30 pm
Feb 23 Progress Reports
Feb 28 Early Release Day
Feb 28 PAC 6 pm
Mar 1 February Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM
Mar 6 SAC 7:30 AM
Mar 12 LMC Accommodations Informational Night 6 pm
Mar 13 Early Release Day
Mar 20 SAC 7:30 AM
Mar 21 Van Buren Tech Informational Night 6 pm
Mar 27 PAC 6 pm
Mar 27 Early Release Day
Mar 28 End of MP 3
Mar 29 Good Friday No School
Mar 29-Apr 5 Spring Break
April 11 Work Keys testing for Juniors
Apr 12 March Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM
Apr 17 Early Release Day
Apr 17 SAC 7:30 AM
Apr 18 SAT for JUNIORS, PSAT for 9th and 10th Graders
Apr 19 MSTEP for Juniors (Science and Social Studies)
Apr 22 Dual Enrollment Informational Night 6 pm
Apr 24 PAC 6 pm
May 1 Early Release Day
May 1 Decision Day 10 am (Seniors)
May 1 SAC 7:30 AM
May 3 Progress Reports
May 3 April Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM
May 9 Blood Drive
May 11 PROM 7-11 PM; place TBD
May 15 Early Release Day
May 15 Senior Awards Night 6 pm
May 15 SAC 7:30 AM
May 16 Spring Band Concert
May 22 PAC 6 pm
May 21-23 Senior Exams Days
May 23 Spring Choir Concert
May 24 Seniors’ Last Day
May 24 Car Parade
May 27 Memorial Day; No School
May 29 Baccalaureate 6 pm (Seniors)
May 29 SAC 7:30 AM
May 30 Senior Picnic/School visits and grad practice
May 31 May Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM
May 31 Graduation 6:30 pm
June 3 Underclassmen Awards; time TBD
June 4-6 Half Days for Exams
June 6 Last Day of School