Panther Print for Parents 🐾

Polynomials are fundamental mathematical expressions that find application in various fields such as algebra, calculus, physics, and engineering. By understanding the basics, employing various factoring techniques, and using appropriate methods for different degrees, students can confidently tackle polynomial equations. This week students ended the week practicing some skills and creating a MadLib.

Jadon O'Brien and a few other students in Mr. Steele's class made 2 bookshelves for my classroom. They fit perfectly under the windows in my room! I had books hidden away in filing cabinets, but now I am able to have them all on display! Thanks Jadon, Mr. Steele, and anyone else who contributed in making these custom bookshelves!

I grew up next to Lake Michigan College. I went to Lutheran Schools (Trinity and Christ) until 8th grade. I chose to go to Lake Michigan Catholic for high school and also took some classes at Lake Michigan College.

All of my degrees are from Western Michigan University. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with a double major in Math and Physics. I have a Master's degree in Physics. I have a PhD in Science Education. I also received an integrated science certificate so I am qualified to teach all math and science classes.

I am the Science Olympiad advisor.

I am married to Joe and have a son Alexander who is currently in 8th grade.

I play pool (8ball and 9ball) a couple times a week in a league. I also have a new puppy.

I am grateful to be at Watervliet schools because the students are great and I love helping them see their full potential.

Students had to place their ships (five total), then ask their opponent questions related to elements. Such as, chemical and physical properties, Groups and periods, decay processes, and electron configuration! They had a blast, so many laughs and wonderful learning.

Students in the sculpture class learn three ways to hand build with clay. Those techniques are pinch pots, coil building and slab building. Once they have learned these skills, they design projects of their choice to create. Here are some examples of their hard work.

2024 Yearbook Presale Dec. 4 - 23

$45 for a yearbook with a FREE Namestamp on the cover.

You may place your order directly through this link:

https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/2956

Or see a yearbook staff member or Mrs. Brant

After Dec. 24, yearbooks will be $50 and namestamps will be $5.

Courtesy of your Student Advisory Council to the Principal, we are adding 5 and an A to the 3 and a B program starting immediately. That means that if your child has an 80% or higher in any class at the end of the semester with 3 or fewer absences, your child is exempt from the exam at the end of the semester in that class. Keep in mind, your child always have the option to take an exam no matter what if he/she chooses.

Additionally, if your child has a 90% or higher and 5 or fewer absences, your child is exempt from the exam at the end of the semester in that class.

The ONLY absences that do not count towards this total are school related absences like field trips and class trips. This new incentive starts right away. If your child does not have to take an exam, your child is not obligated to be in school.

Watervliet High School will now have its own HS Robotics Team! Team number 9758. If you likke to design, code, build or market, then HS robotics has a lot to offer! If you are interested or have any experience with robotics, please sign up in the office asap! A team roster will need to be submitted soon. You will have until Friday, December 15th to sign up.

On Tuesday Dec 5th we are offering an optional field trip to all students in grades 9-12. The trip is to Lyons Industries (Dowagiac) and then also to Alro Steel. (Niles). This trip is intended for students who would like to pursue a career in a trade field. You will leave at 8 am and be back before the end of the school day. If you attend a center, your absence will be excused if you attend this trip. This trip will not count against the 3 and a B program. We are only taking a small number of students. If you want to go, sign up in the counseling office today. Do not wait, there is a limit on this trip. All students must wear long pants and close toe shoes on this trip or you will not be able to get on the bus.

Students are reminded that no other student should be using your chrome book for any reason. If you are allowing another student to use your device, you could be consequenced.

Additionally, Students must use the school sign-on account. If the teacher cannot view your screen from their device as they should be able to, you may be consequenced.

Just a reminder that students are not allowed to be in the building after the school day unless you are in a classroom with a teacher getting help or you are with a coach. If you are sitting in the cafe or wandering the building, you will be asked to leave.

On Monday December 4th there will be a financial aid presentation in all senior English classes. If you do not have an English class in the building, but you would like to hear the presentation, you can join for either period 2, 4, or 7.

Seniors, cap and gown orders are due December 5th. You may order online or complete the order form and submit it to our Jostens representative on December 5th. He will be here during lunch hours.

Sophomores, class ring Orders are due on December 5th. Our Jostens Representative will be at all lunch hours to collect orders or you may order online.

The guidance office is looking for a student willing to tutor a 6th grader in all subject areas. If you are interested, please tell Mrs. Dawson in the guidance office.

Winter Weight Lifting is now running every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15-4:45. This is open to all athletes (Winter Athletes with their Coaches permission).

On 12/1 Student Council is sponsoring a Food Drive. Please bring in all non-perishable food items to your 1st hour teachers. The class with the most items will win a donut party. The drive ends on 12/15. Let’s make this the biggest drive ever and help families in our community!

Attention all track runners gearing up for the upcoming season! Join us three days a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays – as we prepare together until the official start of the season. Lace up those running shoes, and let's get ready to hit the track!

Every month, every faculty member has the opportunity to nominate 2 students at each grade level. Students are nominated based on their effort in the classroom. Two winners at each grade level will be announced at the end of this week and highlighted in next week's newsletter.

FRESHMEN: Sienna Harris, Miriam Feneley, Angel Cruz-Margarito, Elizabeth Leblang, Megan Tucker, Abbie Hayes, Shelby Schlipp, Mackenzie Birmele, Landon Schlipp, and Trinity Reese

SOPHOMORES: Ava Sprague, Halee McLean, Jaylee Havenaar, Jordan Peek, Leila Wells, Zeke Cardoso, Austin Tomes, Aubrey Hayes, Riley Smith, Ariana Ellsworth, Abigail Klopp, Brooklyn Richardson, Larry Perez, Izzy Tarantino, Benjamin Ruland and Sophia Grear

JUNIORS: Ilee Burgess, Kendra Sanders, Victoria Mandujano, Keegan Pownell, Kendall Goodrich, Ana Kobow, Luke Isbrecht, Tanner Vanniel, Bianca Freeman, Hector Salguero, Amber Robbins, Carson Underwood, Jocelyn Solis, Judith Aguilera and

Natalie Van Lente

SENIORS: Lauren Lovell, Kimberly Patzer, Alex Hicks, Landon Fuller, Grace Chisek, Marleigh Schultz, Grace Macmillan, Keziah White, Michael Fee, Mellisa Cardoza-Aviles, Michael Melcher, Guillermo Moron, Matthew Morgan, and Elsa Perez-Cruz

Tuesday, December 5

4:15 PM Boys Freshman Basketball at Galesburg-Augusta

5:30/7:00 PM Boys JV and Varsity Basketball at Martin

5:30/7:30 PM Girls JV and Varsity Basketball Home vs. Gobles

Wednesday, December 6

6:00 PM Varsity Wrestling at Allegan

Thursday, December 7

4:15/5:30/7:00 PM Freshman Boys, JV Girls, JV Boys Basketball at Fennville

Friday, December 8

6:00/7:30 PM Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball at Fennville

Saturday, December 9

9:00 AM Varsity Wrestling at Zeeland Invitational

Congratulations to Watervliet Panther Seniors Wyatt Epple (DB) and Chase Tremblay (WR) who have been named by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association to the Division 6 All-State First Team.

Nice work, Gentlemen. We’re proud of our Panthers!

The Panther Varsity Boys' Basketball Team opened the 2023-2024 season by defeating neighboring Hartford by the score of 61-40. The Team improved its play each quarter, dominating in the second half. The squad next takes the floor on Tuesday, December 5 at Martin. Game time is 7:00

This weekend our Panther volleyball team celebrated a spectacular season with an awards banquet. Seniors added “23” to numbers posted in the gym lobby to indicate their SAC Divisional Championship and their District Championship this year.

Volleyball isn’t the only sport that has a lot to celebrate this fall. All of our Panther fall sports teams have now concluded their seasons with awards banquets, recounting some of their most memorable moments, and awarding deserving players.

Trophies for Most Valuable Players & Most Improved Players, and certificates for Divisional, Conference, District, and Regional Award winners have been awarded. Find out who took home Panther Sports awards this fall here: Fall 2023 Athletics Award Earners

Apply to 50+ Local Scholarships with 1 application!

The Berrien Community Foundation's annual scholarship application is now open! This is a single application that students can use to apply to over 50 different local scholarship opportunities. Here are some important things to know:

• These scholarships are open to current high school seniors, early/middle college students, current college students, adults returning to school and students going into the skilled trades. We strongly encourage all Watervliet High School Seniors to apply!
  
  
• Scholarships are determined by a variety of factors, including: Intended majors, extracurricular activities and financial need. They are not solely determined on GPA.
  
  
• Students can apply right now at www.berriencommunity.org/scholar. The deadline for applying is February 1, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

• Dependent of an MEA member or MEA-Retired member in good standing
• Graduate of a Michigan public high school or private high school that has an MEA bargaining unit.
• Will attend or is currently an undergraduate student of a Michigan public community/junior college, four-year degree-granting institution, or vocational training institution that grants a degree, certification or license. Those attending the following private institutions ONLY are also eligible: University of Detroit–Mercy; Adrian College; Finlandia University; and Albion College. (The aforementioned private institutions are existing local MEA affiliates.)
• Note: Children of MEA officers, fund trustees, and MEA staff are not eligible.
  (A child of an MEA, MESSA or MEA-FS staff person is eligible if the other parent is an MEA member in good standing).
• Beginning in 2022-2023, MEA will offer an additional scholarship meant to encourage and support the continued education of members of the BIPOC (African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander or Hispanic/Latinx) community to further the belief that a diverse society enriches all individuals. Applicants for the BIPOC Scholarship must identify as a member of a defined BIPOC group as listed above.

Selection Criteria

Priority is given on the basis of:

• Academic achievement
• Extra-curricular activities
• School and community service

Last year, MEA awarded 42 scholarships totaling $45,500 ($1,400 scholarships to 23 new winners and $700 scholarships to 19 returning college students). We have not yet determined the number and amount of scholarships for 2024.

Please direct eligible applicants to https://mea.org/mea-scholarship/ to access the application. The application can be typed into, saved and then printed for signature to be mailed with the required documentation. If applicants are unable to fill out the application electronically, legible handwritten applications are acceptable. Applicants may also email all materials in a PDF format to meascholarship@mea.org.

Please discard any 2023 applications you might have. We will not be able to accept applications that are submitted on outdated forms.

The application deadline is Thursday, February 15, 2024– this is the date that applications need to be received by MEA. A postmark does not constitute being received. No applications will be accepted after the deadline. Please stress the timely submission of the application to students and school personnel. There will be no extensions granted due to weather delays, snow days or power outages.

If you have any questions regarding the application or scholarship, please contact Barb Hitchcock at bhitchcock@mea.org or 517-333-6276.

Thank you very much for your assistance. We look forward to receiving applications from students in your high school.

Have a great day!

Barb Hitchcock

Manager, Payroll and Benefits

Michigan Education Association

1350 Kendale Blvd. P.O. Box 2573

East Lansing, MI 48823

D: 517-333-6276

F: 517-203-2950

The Berrien Community Foundation scholarship page opens up on December 1. Many of these scholarships apply to CTE students. Please share!

Trades Scholarships and more available to Berrien County students!

Berrien Community Foundation’s scholarship application opens December 1. This common application allows students to complete one application and be considered for the over 50 scholarship programs BCF awards. There are also many trades scholarships available:

• James and Bernadette McKittrick Agricultural and Environmental Scholarship (up to $1,000) – eligible applicants are Berrien County seniors entering an agricultural or environmental field
• Jon and Chenai Gillispie Trades Scholarship (up to $1,000) – eligible applicants are Berrien County seniors who are entering a construction trade program (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, welding, etc.)
• Lehmann-Peapples Trades Scholarship (up to $4,000) - eligible applicants are Berrien County seniors who are entering a construction trade program (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, welding, etc.)
• Maybury Scholarship (up to $1,000) – eligible applicants are seniors from Harbor Country and Buchanan who are going into trades, nursing, environmental studies, or medical technician fields
• Patricia Gagliardo Kutz-Holland Trades Scholarship (up to $1,000) – eligible applicants are Berrien County seniors who are entering a construction trade program (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, welding, etc.), office administration, or business management.
• Patrick Freehling Memorial Scholarship (up to $2,500) – eligible applicants are Berrien County seniors or current college students who are entering the agricultural field (animal husbandry, pre-veterinarian, soil conservation, etc.)

Many more scholarship opportunities are available. Applications are due February 1.

Kelly Dargus

Perkins/CTE Consultant

Office of Career & Technical Education

Berrien Regional Education Service Agency

269-471-7725 x 3318

If you know of potential clients (children, adolescents, adults, couples, families) who may benefit from counseling services, the Andrews Community Counseling Center (ACCC) will have openings for many new clients when we re-open in January, 2024 after the semester break. Individuals interested in services are encouraged to call now and leave a confidential voicemail message to get their name toward the top of the request list. Graduate-level practicum students who provide these free counseling services at the ACCC are trained to counsel adults, adolescents, and children. Counseling sessions are completely confidential.

All practicum counselors are doctoral- or masters-level students who have had at least preliminary counseling experiences, have been evaluated by licensed professionals as ready to provide counseling in a supervised clinic setting, and each practicum counselor provides services under professional supervision.

Types of referral issues accepted include, but are not limited to:

· loneliness and isolation due to pandemic

· relationship issues (e.g., marital and premarital counseling)

· Identity growth and exploration

· grief and bereavement

· social skills problems

· behavioral problems

· bullying problems (victims and perpetrators)

· depression

· anxiety

· academic problems

· career guidance

· parent-child conflict

· personality assessments (for the purpose of treatment planning)

· and many others (including just needing a listening ear when social support is limited for you)

We do not have the expertise to take on cases that involve court testimony, disability evaluations, custody disputes, walk-in crises, or that require around-the-clock availability of intensive services (e.g., frequently actively suicidal or violent thought disorder).

I have attached a brochure which describes the ACCC and how to contact the ACCC. Please distribute this email and/or the brochure in any form (electronic or in print) to teachers, parents, students, community, or anyone else interested in these types of services, which we are grateful to be able to offer to the community for no cost.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me (see my phone number below my signature).

Please give potential clients the phone number for the ACCC (269-471-6238). We will be open for spring semester starting on January 8, 2024 and counselors will start contacting individuals within a couple of weeks after re-opening, but individuals may call now and leave a confidential voicemail message to get on the request list now.

With care,

Ron Coffen, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

Professor of Counseling and School Psychology

Director, Andrews Community Counseling Center (ACCC)

School of Graduate Psychology and Counseling

Bell Hall 157C

Andrews University

4195 Administration Dr.

Berrien Springs, MI 49104

www.andrews.edu/~coffen

pronouns: he/him/his (why pronouns matter)

Finance students are hard at work determining how much their investments will be worth using a spreadsheet to calculate their earnings/interest for their entire working life. It’s exciting to see their eyes light up when they see the realistic possibility to be a millionaire by the time they want to retire. Parents of seniors in Finance, ask your son/daughter to ask what your investments will be worth when you retire - you’ll be amazed what their investment spreadsheet can do for you.

Algebra students are beginning to write linear equations given data, then calculating rates of incline/decline to predict future outcomes. It’s an important skill to master, as much of the real world involves constant rates and predictions need to be made based on those rates.

What is HOBY?

HOBY is a Leadership Seminar held across the country on a yearly basis. The program’s mission is to inspire and develop youth to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation.

During their HOBY experience, students:

• discover and sharpen their leadership skills;

• come face-to-face with current leaders in such fields as government, media, business and education;

• are taught how to think, not what to think, empowering them to value their own ideas and to find the courage to express those ideas among their peers;

• are challenged to take their experience back to their home, school, and community and make a difference for others.

Watervliet High School sophomores are encouraged to apply to be our HOBY Ambassador by submitting an essay about leadership. A faculty committee then selects a representative and an alternate based on their essay, leadership ability, sensitivity to others, and desire to communicate knowledge to peers.

How to apply:

Please write a short essay, as completely and neatly as possible, in answer to the following prompt:

Describe three qualities you think are most important for a leader to have, and explain how you demonstrate these qualities. In your essay, please include your reason for applying to be our 2023-24 HOBY representative.

Applications are due to Mrs. Dawson or Mrs. Tyler by December 6th.

Last week, we did a quick check in with our student body to gauge how things are going for students this year. We appreciate those students who took time to respond. We will continue to work with students and staff to improve upon the results that you see below.

MSBOA District VI HS All Star Band with guest conductor Dr. Shannon Shaker!

Congrats to Isabella, Olivia, Moeko, Lauren, Isaiah, Hannah, Lydia, Sam, and Logan!

I am so proud of these students’ hard work and professionalism during this event. And the group sounds great!

Teachings assistants Lydia, Gianna, Shelby, and Sofie led the beginning brass class through instrument care and maintenance last week. Definitely a full circle experience!

Every month we take time to compare a current week of attendance versus our attendance rate for the same week the previous year. The 3 and a B incentive has significantly increased our daily attendance rate. From the data below, you can see that the high school students are doing better than this time last year being in school daily. Nice job Panthers!

The Watervliet Middle School Interact Club will be making goody bags for a local senior center in the community. They are in need of donated items like: personal hygiene products(toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, etc.) and individually wrapped treats like candy and cookies. Interact will be assembling the goody bags on December 13th. They would love to have your donations to help out with the project. Anything you can donate should be delivered to the high school office. THANK YOU !

We are always in need of donations of individually wrapped treats for our Panthers as we reward them on a daily basis for demonstrating RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and SAFETY in the building. If you are ever in a position to be able to donate candy, chips, granola bars, or individually wrapped goodies of any kind, it is appreciated!

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 HALLWAY. 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!

New for the 23-24 school year is Enrollment Express Forms through our student information system., Powerschool. We will not be sending home paper forms this year for returning students. All forms will be updated and/or completed online through Watervliet PowerSchool Parent Portal.

Below are the instructions to complete the registration/enrollment process for the new school year.

Step 1: Set up a PowerSchool account. If you do not already have a PowerSchool account, you can set up one by doing the following:

A. Open the Internet browser on your computer.

B. Type https://watervlietpowerschool.berrienresa.org/public/home.html into the address bar.

C. Click on the CREATE ACCOUNT tab. You must create a parent account.

D. Fill in the information requested for your desired username and password. You will need to confirm your email before you move to the next step.

If you already have a parent account, log into it and select ACCOUNT PREFERENCES and add student on the student tab. Their Access ID and Access Password will also need to be ttyped exactly s it appears on the welcome letter.

If you forgot your username or password, click on Forgot Username or Password on the parent portal sign in screen.

Step 2: Complete Enrollment Forms

In PowerSchool, select the student you are enrolling and click on the FORMS link with the left navigation menu. Click ENROLLMENT. You will navigate through several forms. Please make sure that you complete all forms.

Step 3: Provide Documentation

If you are unable to upload documentation vis the document upload elements on the form, please bring the following documentation to your school office from 7:30 AM -3:00 PM.

If you have questions, please call the school office at 269.463.0730 between 7:30 AM -3:00 PM, Monday -Friday.

We want all of our parents to be able to access their child's grades and progress in Canvas at any time. Please follow the directions below in order to access Canvas for your child this year !

For information and directions on how to use your parent Canvas account to check grades, view assignments or message teachers, visit www.watervlietps.org and click on the Canvas for Parents Link in the middle of the homepage.

Here is the direct link too. https://www.watervlietps.org/o/wps/page/canvas-resources

Dec 1 Progress Reports

Dec 1 November Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM

Dec 6 Early Middle College Informational Night 6 pm

Dec 13 Early Release Day

Dec 13 Career Fair

Dec 13 SAC 7:30 AM

Dec 14 Winter Band Concert

Dec 18 Winter Choir Concert

Dec 20 PAC 6 pm

Dec 25-Jan 5 Winter Break

Jan 8 Return to School

Jan 10 Early Release Day

Jan 10 SAC 7:30 AM

Jan 12 December Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM

Jan 17-19 Half Days for Exams

Jan 22 Start of Semester 2

Jan 24 Early Release Day

Jan 24 SAC 7:30 AM

Jan 24 Senior /Scholarships Informational Night 6 pm

Jan 31 Early Release Day

Jan 31 PAC 6 pm

Feb 2 January Student of the Month Breakfast 8:15 AM

Feb 5-9 Winterfest Week

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 15 Pre Festival Band Concert

Feb 19 MCTI/Project Search Informational Night 6 pm

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

Apr 8 School Resumes

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