ALL SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!

Let the countdown begin!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GREG CHISEK SENIOR SCHOLARS for the CLASS OF 2026!
From left to right front row: Julian Cardoso, Ben Ruland, and Jaylee Havenaar.
From left to right back row: Marissa Lowell, Keira Tremblay, Alina Bell and Chris Parkhurst.
These students are selected using a formula that includes their highest SAT score in addition to their GPA.
From left to right front row: Julian Cardoso, Ben Ruland, and Jaylee Havenaar.
From left to right back row: Marissa Lowell, Keira Tremblay, Alina Bell and Chris Parkhurst.
These students are selected using a formula that includes their highest SAT score in addition to their GPA.

CONGRATULATIONS to the ACADEMIC TOP TEN for the CLASS OF 2026! From left to right front row: Moeko Crago, Marissa Lowell, Julian Cardoso, Alina Bell, and Keira Tremblay. From left to right back row: Brianna Zwar, Ben Ruland, Gio Ayala, Jaylee Havenaar, and Chris Parkhurst.

Big things are happening at WHS—click here to stay in the loop!
https://app.smore.com/n/caxqy
https://app.smore.com/n/caxqy
A big THANK YOU to Mrs. Riedinger’s classes for filling our building with kind and uplifting messages this week! 💙
Your positivity made a difference for everyone who walked through our doors—we appreciate you spreading encouragement and Panther Pride! 🐾
Your positivity made a difference for everyone who walked through our doors—we appreciate you spreading encouragement and Panther Pride! 🐾

It's a great day when the Senior Count Down goes up!

TODAY, we took time to celebrate three of the most hardworking and dedicated administrative assistants in town. From left to right: Mrs. Jessica Tyler (Counseling Office), Mrs. Edie Daugherty (Athletics), and Mrs. Teri Richcreek (Principal’s Office).
They do an incredible job every single day—their talent, dedication, and attention to detail never go unnoticed. We are truly fortunate to have them supporting our school and helping lead our teams to success.
They do an incredible job every single day—their talent, dedication, and attention to detail never go unnoticed. We are truly fortunate to have them supporting our school and helping lead our teams to success.

Deadlines are fast and furious this time of year. Be in the know!

Mental Health Matters Week Continues...💚
Take a look at the photo—our students have been spreading kindness and support by tagging lockers with positive reminders for one another. Small messages can make a big impact, and it’s been incredible to see our school community lift each other up.
Today’s Quote:
“Talk to yourself like someone you love.” — Brené Brown
Today’s Tip:
The way we speak to ourselves matters more than we think. Studies show that positive self-talk can lower stress and anxiety, while also improving performance in school, sports, and everyday life.
Let’s continue to choose kindness—not just toward others, but toward ourselves. #MentalHealthMatters #PantherPride
Take a look at the photo—our students have been spreading kindness and support by tagging lockers with positive reminders for one another. Small messages can make a big impact, and it’s been incredible to see our school community lift each other up.
Today’s Quote:
“Talk to yourself like someone you love.” — Brené Brown
Today’s Tip:
The way we speak to ourselves matters more than we think. Studies show that positive self-talk can lower stress and anxiety, while also improving performance in school, sports, and everyday life.
Let’s continue to choose kindness—not just toward others, but toward ourselves. #MentalHealthMatters #PantherPride

Our goal is to have 100% of the Class of 2026 represented in this class photo, which will be proudly displayed outside the main office for the entire year!

TOMORROW is the final day of testing for JUNIORS!

Today we’re kicking off Mental Health Matters Week at the high school! 💚
A big thank you to our student planning team—Emma Kirksey, Hanna Ice, and Reaghan Prestidge—for putting together a thoughtful week focused on positivity and calm.
To start things off, we’re playing calming music during each passing time today to help set a peaceful tone throughout the building. 🎶
We also shared this message over the PA this morning:
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
And today’s fun fact:
Your brain actually releases a small amount of dopamine (a “feel-good” chemical) every time you complete even a small task. So starting something—no matter how small—can help boost your mood and motivation.
Be sure to check back throughout the week for more Mental Health Matters tips and activities! 💚 #PantherPride
A big thank you to our student planning team—Emma Kirksey, Hanna Ice, and Reaghan Prestidge—for putting together a thoughtful week focused on positivity and calm.
To start things off, we’re playing calming music during each passing time today to help set a peaceful tone throughout the building. 🎶
We also shared this message over the PA this morning:
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
And today’s fun fact:
Your brain actually releases a small amount of dopamine (a “feel-good” chemical) every time you complete even a small task. So starting something—no matter how small—can help boost your mood and motivation.
Be sure to check back throughout the week for more Mental Health Matters tips and activities! 💚 #PantherPride

Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to share that the Smile Program will be bringing a mobile dentist to our district! This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to receive dental care right at school in a safe, familiar environment.
Great news! Your child can receive dental services during the school day—and in most cases, there is no cost to you if your child is insured through Medicaid or CHIP. Private insurance and affordable self-pay options are also available.
Easy & Convenient
Having your child seen by the in-school dentist saves you valuable time. Licensed, local dental professionals will provide care at school, including:
Complete dental exam
X-rays
Cleaning
Fluoride treatments
Sealants (when needed)
Basic restorative care, such as fillings (if necessary)
Keep Your Child Healthy
Regular dental care helps reduce the risk of:
Early tooth loss caused by decay
Gum disease
Heart disease
Impaired speech development
Taking care of your child’s teeth is an important part of their overall health and well-being.
Program Dates:
North School: May 18–19
South School: May 20
Middle/High/Way School: May 21
To participate, please complete and return the consent form that was sent home with your child. You may also sign up online at myschooldentist.com or by scanning the QR code located on the application.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.
Warm Regards,
Mary Spaulding BSN RN
District Nurse
Watervliet Public Schools
269-463-0890
mary.spaulding@watervlietps.org
We are excited to share that the Smile Program will be bringing a mobile dentist to our district! This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to receive dental care right at school in a safe, familiar environment.
Great news! Your child can receive dental services during the school day—and in most cases, there is no cost to you if your child is insured through Medicaid or CHIP. Private insurance and affordable self-pay options are also available.
Easy & Convenient
Having your child seen by the in-school dentist saves you valuable time. Licensed, local dental professionals will provide care at school, including:
Complete dental exam
X-rays
Cleaning
Fluoride treatments
Sealants (when needed)
Basic restorative care, such as fillings (if necessary)
Keep Your Child Healthy
Regular dental care helps reduce the risk of:
Early tooth loss caused by decay
Gum disease
Heart disease
Impaired speech development
Taking care of your child’s teeth is an important part of their overall health and well-being.
Program Dates:
North School: May 18–19
South School: May 20
Middle/High/Way School: May 21
To participate, please complete and return the consent form that was sent home with your child. You may also sign up online at myschooldentist.com or by scanning the QR code located on the application.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.
Warm Regards,
Mary Spaulding BSN RN
District Nurse
Watervliet Public Schools
269-463-0890
mary.spaulding@watervlietps.org

Spring is in the air and Panther Pride is blooming! Check out what’s happening this week at WHS. 🌸🐾
https://app.smore.com/n/3e6tw
https://app.smore.com/n/3e6tw
KIA ANNOUNCEMENT:
Last Friday evening marked the opening reception for the prestigious Kalamazoo Institute of Arts High School Area Show. Nearly 300 works of art were submitted from across southwest Michigan, with only 97 selected for the final exhibition—six of which were created by WHS students.
In addition to having work accepted into the show, two WHS students were recognized for their outstanding achievements. Jaylee Havenaar received a scholarship to Olivet College for her vibrant still life painting, while Sienna Harris earned the Director’s Award, a cash prize, for her painting of her cat.
Congratulations to all six students—we are incredibly proud of your hard work, creativity, and accomplishments!
Last Friday evening marked the opening reception for the prestigious Kalamazoo Institute of Arts High School Area Show. Nearly 300 works of art were submitted from across southwest Michigan, with only 97 selected for the final exhibition—six of which were created by WHS students.
In addition to having work accepted into the show, two WHS students were recognized for their outstanding achievements. Jaylee Havenaar received a scholarship to Olivet College for her vibrant still life painting, while Sienna Harris earned the Director’s Award, a cash prize, for her painting of her cat.
Congratulations to all six students—we are incredibly proud of your hard work, creativity, and accomplishments!





Thursday is the Day !

It may be rainy and gray outside, but it’s bright and sunny at the high school—check out this week’s newsletter to see all the great things happening!
https://app.smore.com/n/e2v6zs
https://app.smore.com/n/e2v6zs
State testing continues this coming week! Panthers—be sure to get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast (at home or at school), and bring a fully charged device.
Please review the details below.
Please review the details below.

Students in Basic Woodworking just completed bat houses that will be going to the Berrien County Conservation District for their annual Spring Sale. These 4 chamber roosting houses can house between 90-200 bats, and they'll be going up all over the county to encourage more bat activity in desired areas. Do you have a community project that you'd like the woodshop to help out with? Reach out to Luke Dennison (luke.dennison@watervlietps.org) to collaborate and get on the schedule for the 2026-2027 school year!



