Restorative Conversations at WHS
Watervliet High School is piloting a new approach to behavior management that focuses on restorative practices. When a student receives a referral for a lower-level behavior that would typically result in a detention, they now have the option to participate in a restorative conversation instead.
During these conversations, the student meets with one of our trained senior peer conflict mediators to talk through what happened, reflect on their choices, and take responsibility for their actions. Currently, we have three trained seniors in the building facilitating these conversations.
This approach allows students time to process their decisions and learn from the situation, while also keeping them engaged in school rather than serving detention. At the same time, it provides valuable leadership opportunities for our senior mediators, who are helping guide their peers through these important conversations.
We are proud to continue finding ways to support students in learning, growing, and building a positive school culture at WHS. 🐾
Watervliet High School is piloting a new approach to behavior management that focuses on restorative practices. When a student receives a referral for a lower-level behavior that would typically result in a detention, they now have the option to participate in a restorative conversation instead.
During these conversations, the student meets with one of our trained senior peer conflict mediators to talk through what happened, reflect on their choices, and take responsibility for their actions. Currently, we have three trained seniors in the building facilitating these conversations.
This approach allows students time to process their decisions and learn from the situation, while also keeping them engaged in school rather than serving detention. At the same time, it provides valuable leadership opportunities for our senior mediators, who are helping guide their peers through these important conversations.
We are proud to continue finding ways to support students in learning, growing, and building a positive school culture at WHS. 🐾
Make sure to check out this week’s Panther Parent Newsletter! You’ll find the latest celebrations, updates, and Panther Pride happening in our building — and let’s just say… it might be the best newsletter on this stretch of Red Arrow Highway. 🐾
https://app.smore.com/n/nsphg
https://app.smore.com/n/nsphg
GOOD LUCK PANTHERS AT STATE!!
🏆 Scoreboard Update: Watervliet Seniors Hit 80% FAFSA Completion!
🔥 CAN’T STOP • WON’T STOP 🔥
🐾 PANTHER PRIDE! 🐾
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR SENIOR FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month--LEILA LIBERTO-TAYLOR!
My family consists of my mom and dad, my two older sisters, and my younger brother. My dad works for the school, and my mom is a travel nurse. My two older sisters are in college, and my brother is a freshman this year.
My top two favorite classes are Personal Finance with Mr. Dimino and Girls' Weight Training with Mr. Tremblay. Both classes are so much fun and help me improve in many ways. Both teachers want the best for their students and are incredibly supportive.
During the school year, I play volleyball, basketball, and softball, and I have loved every minute of it. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my dogs and rabbits, and being with friends.
After high school, I plan to attend college and become a lawyer. There will definitely be some challenging moments, but it will be worth it when I can help others. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because it provides opportunities for me to grow academically and personally.
My family consists of my mom and dad, my two older sisters, and my younger brother. My dad works for the school, and my mom is a travel nurse. My two older sisters are in college, and my brother is a freshman this year.
My top two favorite classes are Personal Finance with Mr. Dimino and Girls' Weight Training with Mr. Tremblay. Both classes are so much fun and help me improve in many ways. Both teachers want the best for their students and are incredibly supportive.
During the school year, I play volleyball, basketball, and softball, and I have loved every minute of it. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my dogs and rabbits, and being with friends.
After high school, I plan to attend college and become a lawyer. There will definitely be some challenging moments, but it will be worth it when I can help others. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because it provides opportunities for me to grow academically and personally.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR FRESHMAN FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month --Daniella Romero-Chairez!
My family consists of my mom and dad. I have two older sisters. The oldest, Brenda (22), attends SMC, and my sister Kimberly (18), who is my best friend, attends Washington University in St. Louis.
My favorite class is ASL because it’s super cool to learn a new language, and it would be amazing to use it in real life. The projects are always fun, and learning new signs is exciting.
My favorite teacher is Ms. Irmen because she is very chill and funny. The projects in her class are fun, and she is always helpful when I don’t understand something. I have her for two classes, and they are both my favorites.
I plan to go to college in Michigan to stay close to home. I want to live far enough away to feel independent but still be able to come home on weekends. I’m not sure what I want to study yet, but I really enjoy my Marine and Freshwater class.
I’m proud to be a WHS Panther because of the amazing people and staff here. The community is strong, everyone gets along, and the staff truly cares about their students.
My family consists of my mom and dad. I have two older sisters. The oldest, Brenda (22), attends SMC, and my sister Kimberly (18), who is my best friend, attends Washington University in St. Louis.
My favorite class is ASL because it’s super cool to learn a new language, and it would be amazing to use it in real life. The projects are always fun, and learning new signs is exciting.
My favorite teacher is Ms. Irmen because she is very chill and funny. The projects in her class are fun, and she is always helpful when I don’t understand something. I have her for two classes, and they are both my favorites.
I plan to go to college in Michigan to stay close to home. I want to live far enough away to feel independent but still be able to come home on weekends. I’m not sure what I want to study yet, but I really enjoy my Marine and Freshwater class.
I’m proud to be a WHS Panther because of the amazing people and staff here. The community is strong, everyone gets along, and the staff truly cares about their students.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR FRESHMAN FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month--Caroline Weber!
My name is Caroline Weber, and I am a freshman at Watervliet High School. I am the daughter of Kyle Weber and Melissa Morlock and the oldest of four children. I am involved in volleyball, basketball, golf, student council, and the student advisory committee. My favorite teachers are Mr. Linderman, Mrs. Brant, and Ms. Boswell. They each have a strong passion for the subjects they teach and a natural ability to connect with their students, making learning engaging and enjoyable.
In my spare time, I enjoy helping out on my family’s farm and bakery. My future plans are to pursue a career in agriculture. I’m proud to continue the legacy of being a fourth-generation Panther.
My name is Caroline Weber, and I am a freshman at Watervliet High School. I am the daughter of Kyle Weber and Melissa Morlock and the oldest of four children. I am involved in volleyball, basketball, golf, student council, and the student advisory committee. My favorite teachers are Mr. Linderman, Mrs. Brant, and Ms. Boswell. They each have a strong passion for the subjects they teach and a natural ability to connect with their students, making learning engaging and enjoyable.
In my spare time, I enjoy helping out on my family’s farm and bakery. My future plans are to pursue a career in agriculture. I’m proud to continue the legacy of being a fourth-generation Panther.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR JUNIOR FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month --MAX KIRBY!
Some members of my family are farmers, and I live with them. I do not live with my mom and dad because of school.
My favorite class is Wood Shop because Mr. Dennison is a really fun teacher.
I am not involved in any clubs or sports.
In my free time, I enjoy 3D printing.
My plan after high school is to join a trade program.
Some members of my family are farmers, and I live with them. I do not live with my mom and dad because of school.
My favorite class is Wood Shop because Mr. Dennison is a really fun teacher.
I am not involved in any clubs or sports.
In my free time, I enjoy 3D printing.
My plan after high school is to join a trade program.
Please join us!
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR JUNIOR FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month--Aaron Alvarado!
I have eight family members. My favorite class is a very close tie between ASL and AP U.S. History. ASL is very interesting and is allowing me to expand my linguistic skills. As for AP U.S. History, I’ve always loved history and learning more about it. Mr. Linderman teaches in a way that makes it easy to understand, and I’ve enjoyed his class since freshman year when I took his World History course.
My favorite teacher is also a close tie between Mrs. Irmen and Mr. Linderman. Both of their classrooms are great places to be; they make learning easy and always manage to put a smile on your face.
I play soccer and basketball for the school, which takes up much of my free time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I plan to attend LMC and major in History. I’m proud to be a Panther because of all the people I’ve met and the lessons I’ve learned that will carry me through the rest of my life.
LET'S GO PANTHERS!!
CONGRATULATIONS to YOUR SOPHOMORE FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month--BRYCE STRONG!
My family includes my dad, Daniel, who works as a sales representative for Four Branch; my mom, Jacqueline, who works as a nurse clinical coordinator at Elara Home Care; my older brother Brenden, who is a senior in the WAY program at Watervliet; and my younger brother Brayden, who is a sixth grader at Watervliet.
My favorite class this year is Basic Woodworking because I enjoy working with my hands and designing and creating new things. My favorite teacher is Mr. Dennison because he is an amazing teacher, and I really enjoy his class.
I play football, will be playing golf this spring, and am a member of Virtue Club. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. After high school, I plan to attend trade school for welding to become a welder.
I am proud to be a WHS Panther because this school offers many programs that I enjoy and value.
My family includes my dad, Daniel, who works as a sales representative for Four Branch; my mom, Jacqueline, who works as a nurse clinical coordinator at Elara Home Care; my older brother Brenden, who is a senior in the WAY program at Watervliet; and my younger brother Brayden, who is a sixth grader at Watervliet.
My favorite class this year is Basic Woodworking because I enjoy working with my hands and designing and creating new things. My favorite teacher is Mr. Dennison because he is an amazing teacher, and I really enjoy his class.
I play football, will be playing golf this spring, and am a member of Virtue Club. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. After high school, I plan to attend trade school for welding to become a welder.
I am proud to be a WHS Panther because this school offers many programs that I enjoy and value.
CONGRATULATIONS to YOUR SOPHOMORE FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month--Madalein Myers!
My family includes my dad, CJ, who works at the Cook plant and is the wrestling coach for Watervliet High School; my mom, Ashley, who works for neurosurgeons; and my four siblings—my older sister Liv, older brother Colton, younger brother Deagan, and younger sister Grace.
My favorite class is Mrs. Hunt’s Advanced Art. I enjoy this class because I’m able to express myself in a variety of ways, and I genuinely love creating art. I am a member of the varsity wrestling team and also attend Virtue Club on Fridays.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors and hanging out with my friends. After high school, I plan to attend college and become a pediatric or NICU nurse.
My family includes my dad, CJ, who works at the Cook plant and is the wrestling coach for Watervliet High School; my mom, Ashley, who works for neurosurgeons; and my four siblings—my older sister Liv, older brother Colton, younger brother Deagan, and younger sister Grace.
My favorite class is Mrs. Hunt’s Advanced Art. I enjoy this class because I’m able to express myself in a variety of ways, and I genuinely love creating art. I am a member of the varsity wrestling team and also attend Virtue Club on Fridays.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors and hanging out with my friends. After high school, I plan to attend college and become a pediatric or NICU nurse.
CON GRATULATIONS TO YOUR SENIOR FEBRUARY 2026 Student of the Month--Dylan Collins!
My family includes my dad, Cory, who works as a machinist/operator for LECO, and my sister Lily, who is a sophomore at the high school. My favorite class this year has been U.S. History In Depth because I enjoy gaining a deeper perspective on important topics like the Holocaust and the Vietnam War. Likewise, my favorite teacher is Mr. Andrews—not just because he teaches my favorite class, but also because of the respect and influence he commands in the classroom, as well as how kind-hearted he is.
Outside of school, I spend much of my time working at McDonald’s in Coloma. After high school, I plan to attend Southwestern Michigan College to pursue a career in Finance or Education.
My family includes my dad, Cory, who works as a machinist/operator for LECO, and my sister Lily, who is a sophomore at the high school. My favorite class this year has been U.S. History In Depth because I enjoy gaining a deeper perspective on important topics like the Holocaust and the Vietnam War. Likewise, my favorite teacher is Mr. Andrews—not just because he teaches my favorite class, but also because of the respect and influence he commands in the classroom, as well as how kind-hearted he is.
Outside of school, I spend much of my time working at McDonald’s in Coloma. After high school, I plan to attend Southwestern Michigan College to pursue a career in Finance or Education.
Don’t miss this week’s Roar Report — it’s packed with celebrations, important updates, and powerful Panther Pride moments you won’t want to miss! 🐾✨
https://app.smore.com/n/zc96u
https://app.smore.com/n/zc96u
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FEBRUARY 2026 NOMINEES FOR STUDENT OF THE MONTH! Winners at each grade level will be announced on Monday!
FRESHMEN
Amber Bryant
Sam Casiano
Ayvah Domingo-Sturgeo
Josh Koch
Ellie Norman
Kendrah Robart
Braiden Robards
Aleksander Rogers
Daniella Romero-Chairez
Aubrey Winnell
Caroline Weber
SOPHOMORES
Jose Cruz
Anahi Howell
Kevin Johnson
Emma Kirksey
Sophia LeChuga
Leah Melton
Madalein Myers
Cadence Phillips
Karina Short
Bryce Strong
Ava Thomas
Connor VanLente
JUNIORS
Aaron Alvarado
Mackenzie Birmele
Jaqueline Brito-Lorenzo
Ashton Colemen
Braydon Collins
Sienna Harris
Max Kirby
Lucy Logsdon
Gage McKie
Olivia Mitchell
Claire Moore
Emma Owens
Jayden Reed
Landon Schlipp
Seniors
Adriana Adams
Alina Bell
Dylan Collins
Natalaya Desjardin
Cole Getz
Landon Layer
Leila Liberto-Taylor
Destiny Lynch
Sam Milham
Ashlyn Petty
Grace Ripley
Issabella Sanchez
Austin Tomes
Keira Tremblay
Dimetric White
FRESHMEN
Amber Bryant
Sam Casiano
Ayvah Domingo-Sturgeo
Josh Koch
Ellie Norman
Kendrah Robart
Braiden Robards
Aleksander Rogers
Daniella Romero-Chairez
Aubrey Winnell
Caroline Weber
SOPHOMORES
Jose Cruz
Anahi Howell
Kevin Johnson
Emma Kirksey
Sophia LeChuga
Leah Melton
Madalein Myers
Cadence Phillips
Karina Short
Bryce Strong
Ava Thomas
Connor VanLente
JUNIORS
Aaron Alvarado
Mackenzie Birmele
Jaqueline Brito-Lorenzo
Ashton Colemen
Braydon Collins
Sienna Harris
Max Kirby
Lucy Logsdon
Gage McKie
Olivia Mitchell
Claire Moore
Emma Owens
Jayden Reed
Landon Schlipp
Seniors
Adriana Adams
Alina Bell
Dylan Collins
Natalaya Desjardin
Cole Getz
Landon Layer
Leila Liberto-Taylor
Destiny Lynch
Sam Milham
Ashlyn Petty
Grace Ripley
Issabella Sanchez
Austin Tomes
Keira Tremblay
Dimetric White
JMG students Jenna Ritter, Isaias Mendez, and Jeremy Morton (accompanied by Ms. Irmen and Mrs. Tyler) traveled to the Michigan State Capitol for Legislative Day, where they had the opportunity to speak directly with state representatives about the impact of Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG). During their visit, they shared personal experiences and highlighted how JMG supports students in building career readiness, leadership skills, and pathways to success after graduation. Their advocacy helped amplify student voices and demonstrated the real-world value of JMG programs across Michigan.
💜 Calling All Inspiring Women Leaders! 💜
Watervliet High School is hosting our Women Who Inspire Us Day on Friday, March 13 from 1:00–3:00 PM, and we are looking for incredible women from our community to share their stories with our students.
We would especially love to connect with:
✨ WHS graduates
✨ Women in leadership roles
✨ Female Business owners
✨ Women in non-traditional career fields
✨ Women in sports or the arts
✨ Female Community change-makers
Students will rotate through small-group sessions, giving you the opportunity to share your journey, lessons learned, and advice with multiple groups of young people who are eager to learn and be inspired.
If you are interested — or if you know someone who would be a great fit — please email Christina Powers at cpowers@watervlietps.org
.Let’s show our students what leadership, courage, and Panther Pride look like in action.
Can’t Stop • Won’t Stop • Panther Pride 🐾💜
Watervliet High School is hosting our Women Who Inspire Us Day on Friday, March 13 from 1:00–3:00 PM, and we are looking for incredible women from our community to share their stories with our students.
We would especially love to connect with:
✨ WHS graduates
✨ Women in leadership roles
✨ Female Business owners
✨ Women in non-traditional career fields
✨ Women in sports or the arts
✨ Female Community change-makers
Students will rotate through small-group sessions, giving you the opportunity to share your journey, lessons learned, and advice with multiple groups of young people who are eager to learn and be inspired.
If you are interested — or if you know someone who would be a great fit — please email Christina Powers at cpowers@watervlietps.org
.Let’s show our students what leadership, courage, and Panther Pride look like in action.
Can’t Stop • Won’t Stop • Panther Pride 🐾💜
💰🎓 CASH, GRADUATION & GLORY — FAFSA PAYS OFF! 🐾
Way to go, Class of 2026! 62% of our seniors have already completed their FAFSA, and we’re excited to celebrate that momentum.
Very soon, WHS will begin distributing $100 gift cards to seniors who have completed theirs — and we can’t wait to recognize their effort and Panther Pride.
Haven’t finished yet? There’s still time. Let’s keep the momentum going — Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop.
Way to go, Class of 2026! 62% of our seniors have already completed their FAFSA, and we’re excited to celebrate that momentum.
Very soon, WHS will begin distributing $100 gift cards to seniors who have completed theirs — and we can’t wait to recognize their effort and Panther Pride.
Haven’t finished yet? There’s still time. Let’s keep the momentum going — Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop.
