Watervliet High School

CONGRATULATIONS to the members of the Class of 2024 and Mrs. Sarah Brant, who all worked very hard last year to ensure that our current Seniors did well on the ELA portion of the SAT. Our Panthers ranked second in the entire county for ELA and 19% above the State average! WAY TO GO PANTHER TEAM! We are proud of you !

YOUR FRESHMAN OCTOBER 2023 Student of the Month--Claire Moore! I usually spend time with my parents or grandparents after school. I like to do different things not only with them individually but go on trips as well. Everyone has a different personality and hobbies which makes every interaction amazing. My mom has two kittens named Moxie and Elton that I love a lot, and recently my Dad has gotten a puppy, Lola. My favorite class this year to no surprise has been the musical classes, high school band and the jazz band. I have a deep love for music and getting to perform concerts and competitions has been a blast. Regardless, I still love many other classes that I’m in like art and history. Many other students and I have always deeply appreciated Mrs. Hollandsworth for her work for our band program and general interaction with students, and because of this favored her. She’s been teaching me for at least over 3 years now throughout middle school and I admire all she does. I have new teachers every year that I meet and love, but you can’t stay with them or interact for such a long time that you may get with programs like band, choir, or art. I’m active in the Watervliet Band/Marching band, playing the flute. I also play saxophone in the Jazz Band. I’ve also recently joined the Student Advisory program and been active in that as well. In my free time I enjoy listening to different kinds of music, making my own art, playing video games, and even playing instruments like the piano and guitar. I also go on camping trips every summer with family friends to new places and national parks to explore and learn about. I probably will go into a college for some type of creative path that would include a form of music, art, design, or writing; I’d also work towards getting my own job and home. WHS offers lots of unique programs in the education system that many schools do not and students and staff generally create a very good atmosphere to be in. Many parts of the school like the Marching Band have great achievements and it’s great to be a part of something not only that makes people happy but accomplishes things as well.

YOUR SENIOR OCTOBER 2023 Student of the Month--Grace MacMillan! My family consists of my parents Steve and Faryn and my brother Wyatt. My favorite class is my Agriculture and Natural Resources class at The Van Buren Tech Center. My teachers there (Mrs. Meachum & Mrs. Brown) always have fun activities planned and create great learning opportunities for us. I’d have to say My Agriculture teachers are my favorite because they are considerate and are always inclusive. In my free time I like to fish, read, work, and hangout with friends. After high school I plan to attend college for my masters degree in social science. I am proud to be a WHS Panther because all of the staff/teachers that help out when needed.

Good Morning Watervliet High School Panthers! Today is Wednesday November 1st. My name is Ella Harris and I am your Wednesday morning announcement reader. Watervliet Public Schools will be a premier district that challenges and empowers students and staff to achieve beyond their own expectations. Today’s lunch is: Chef Boyardee Ravioli & WG Garlic Bread Romaine & Spinach Salad Michigan Pears & Choice of Milk Tomorrow’s breakfast is Chicken Sausage Biscuit Fresh Pear & Choice of Milk Happy Birthday to Miriam Feneley, Daijahnae Hatcher, Brianna Zwar and Mrs. Simmons! PBIS winners for demonstrating respect, responsibility or safety at school are: Riley Smith Brooklyn Richardson Ava Hobson Karla Cervntes Aguilera Freshman Give Back Night--OPEN TO EVERYONE TO ATTEND! November 9th 5:30-8:30 Surfari Joes - Watervliet $20/swimmer Surfari Joes will donate half of all sales back to the Class of 2027. CHOIR Century Resources fundraiser money and forms are due TODAY. A reminder that we are halfway through semester 1. Students who want to be exempt from semester 1 exams are reminded to have an 80% or higher in a class with 3 or fewer absences that are not school related. TODAY and Thursday, November 1st & 2nd, the gym will be open for open gym to anyone NOT still participating in a fall sport. Wednesday, November 1 - (Early Release Day) - Open gym from 1:20 - 2:30 Thursday, November 2 - Open gym from 3:20 - 4:30 Science Olympiad Competition is March 8th. There are 23 possible events to choose from. You can do up to 5 by yourself or with a partner. See Dr. Mosher if interested. Event focus: Anatomy and Physiology - Learn about the cardiovascular, lymphatic and excretory systems. Attention juniors and seniors, there will be a visit to Hope College on Thursday, November 9. The first 45 students to sign up and return permission slips will be able to attend. Sign up and permission slips are available in the guidance office. The only students permitted to be in the building after school are those who are working with a coach or a teacher. If you are waiting for a ride, wait at the cafe doors please. Semester 2 dual enrollment is open now. If you plan on dual enrolling for semester 2 see Mrs. Tyler ASAP and get registered. TODAY is another early release day. PJs are allowed. You will eat the same lunch as your 5th hour teacher. At this time we ask you to stand. The privilege of this day was made possible by those who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms that we enjoy. Let us respect and honor their efforts by standing, placing our hands on our hearts and reciting the pledge of allegiance. If you are wearing a hat, please remove it. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Those are all of our announcements for today. Make it a great day or not Panthers, the choice is yours!

YOUR SOPHOMORE OCTOBER 2023 STUDENT OF THE MONTH --MARK BIRMELE! My family consists of my Mom, Dad, and sister My favorite class is US history and Mr Andrews is also my favorite teacher. I enjoy his class and enjoy the way he teaches his lessons and how he has a passion for teaching our classes. My favorite sport is baseball. I have been playing baseball all my life and it is something I love doing and am very passionate about. Something I do for fun is work out. I plan on attending a trade school after high school. I'm proud to be a Panther because I like the society that surrounds me.

YOUR WHS HIPPIE HALLOWEEN STAFF!

COME OUT AND SUPPORT OUR LADY PANTHERS!!

YOUR FRESHMAN OCTOBER 2023 STUDENT OF THE MONTH--HANNA ICE! My close family includes my mom, Casey Miller, my older sister, Harley, my younger sister, Joslynn, my little brother, Lucas, and my grandmother, Janet Miller. My favorite class is either World History / Geography or Spanish 1 because I like learning about what happened in the past and I like Spanish 1 because it's interesting to learn about a foreign language! My favorite teacher is either Mrs. Lefor or Mr. Linderman because they teach my favorite subjects and are very understanding. My favorite sport is swimming. Some of the things I do for fun are coloring, writing, baking, decorating / cleaning my room, and shopping. I plan to attend a good college to become a midwife after high school. I'm proud to be a WHS panther because I love learning.

YOUR SENIOR OCTOBER 2023 STUDENT OF THE MONTH--JULIE RUDELL! My family consists of my parents Joe and Jennifer and my three siblings, John, Jessica, and Jane. My favorite class is peer-to-peer. I enjoy attending Mrs. Andrew's math class and helping her students. I participate in soccer. This year I am the class vice-president and a member of the student council. When I am not in school I enjoy hanging out with my friends, attending sports events, working at Gala-T-Inn, and shopping. After high school, I plan to attend college to become a teacher. I am proud to be a Panther because I enjoy having a small community where I know everyone.

YOUR JUNIOR OCTOBER 2023 STUDENT OF THE MONTH--RILEY PRESTON! My name is Riley Preston. I live with my Mom, Heather, Dad, Adam, and my younger brother named Tyler. My favorite class has to be one of two, yearbook with Mrs. Brant, or Ceramics and Sculpture with Mrs. Hunt. I love yearbook with Mrs. Brant because I love to attend all the activities and enjoy capturing all the memories we make in highschool, and using my creative mind to condense it all into a book to share. But I also love Ceramics and sculpture with Mrs. Hunt. I enjoy art with Mrs. Hunt because I love sketching things and making them come to life by using clay. My favorite teacher is a tie between Mrs. Brant and Mrs. Hunt. They are both amazing, If you need anything they both can help in any way. I participate in many things outside of the school day. I play volleyball, soccer, and basketball. I am also in student council again this year. For fun outside of school I hangout with my friends, I love shopping and spending money. After high school, I plan on attending Douglas J. Aveda Institute in Grand Rapids. To pursue a career in cosmetology. While attending beauty school, I will take business classes at Grand Valley University. I am proud to be a Watervliet Panther because I love being apart and representing a small town.

YOUR JUNIOR OCTOBER 2023 STUDENT OF THE MONTH--AUSTIN SMITH! In my household, my family includes me and my mom Melissa Smith. Close family not in my household that I visit with the most are my Grandma Murlene Wolter and my Aunt Vernell Wright. My favorite class is U.S. History in Depth. I like history and the class really gets in depth into it. It's hard to pick a favorite teacher for this school year. I'm not in any sports or clubs. I'm an avid writer. If you walk up to me in my free time, I may be seen writing something. The longest story I've written so far is 17 pages with 4440 words. Eventually I might beat that record. I'm challenging myself to go longer and longer. I like listening to music while doing something. I just can't handle silence. I also like watching movies. I'm still debating on what I'll be doing after high school. Something I'm kinda thinking of is something with writing. I'm proud to be a panther because of the amazing staff. They really seem to truly want their students to learn and help them if needed and they're not just doing it because it's required of them.

YOUR SOPHOMORE OCTOBER 2023 STUDENT OF THE MONTH --MOEKO CRAGO! My family consists of my mom, my dad, and my brother. I also have 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 turtles. My favorite class has been high school band. It has been my favorite class ever since I got to high school. I enjoy starting my day by playing music and going outside for class to rehearse our marching band show. My favorite teacher is Mrs. Hollandsworth. She always makes the class fun. She always does everything she can to help and make us succeed. I participate in student council, the student advisory council, and interact club. I also play basketball and golf. I enjoy baking, arts and crafts, exercising, reading, and watching tv. I am currently unaware of what my plan is for after high school. I am proud to be a panther because I like representing my class in all these different clubs and participating in as many activities as I can to show my school spirit and show that I enjoy doing it.

Freshman Give Back Night--OPEN TO EVERYONE TO ATTEND! November 9th 5:30-8:30 Surfari Joes - Watervliet $20/swimmer Surfari Joes will donate half of all sales back to the Class of 2027. All students and families invited to attend!

Good Morning Watervliet High School Panthers! Today is Tuesday October 31st. My name is Abby Lomoro and I am your Tuesday morning announcement reader. Watervliet Public Schools will be a premier district that challenges and empowers students and staff to achieve beyond their own expectations. Today’s lunch is: Jack-O- Lantern Pizza Bag of Baby Carrots Fresh salad greens Pumpkin Cookie Sliced Michigan Apples & Choice of Milk Tomorrow’s breakfast is Fresh Baked Cinnamon Roll Petite Banana & Choice of Milk Happy Birthday to Evelyn Perez Cruz and Ava Sprague. PBIS winners for demonstrating respect, responsibility or safety at school are: Angelica Daisy Talynn Davis Chris Parkhurst Tyler Cole Dennis Frazier Kelsey Howell Adileni Moron Makena Guzman Madison Rynberg Taylor Green Katelynn Kostrzewa Hailey Adams Daijahnae Hatcher Mackenzie Birmele There is an SAC meeting Wednesday at 7:30 am–all student representatives should attend. If you are wearing a costume today, please remove a mask in class if asked. The Lady Panthers placed 6th in a field of 18 teams at the Regional Meet. Morgan Lowell continued her streak of great races finishing 4th overall with a new PR of 20:30. This is Morgan’s second straight year qualifying for the State Meet. Kimmy Romero also put together an excellent race to finish 11th with a new PR of 21:26 and qualified for the State Meet as well. Mimi Feneley finished up her first season of cross by knocking 59 seconds off her time to post a 23:49. Gabby Wisdom, Ella Geisler, Marissa Lowell, and Johanna Granados all held steady with consistent performances to help the team finish in the top third of the field. The Panther boys wrapped up the season with an 11th place finish at Regionals. Daniel Mandujano finished 5th overall with a time of 16:47 to qualify for the State Meet for the second year in a row. Luke Isbrecht raced his way to a new PR of 19:03. Alex Sexton posted his season best with a 20:08 followed up by Zeke Cardozo in 20:20. Dennis Frazier had his best race of the season lowering his PR by 51 seconds to 20:28. CHOIR Century Resources fundraiser money and forms are due tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 1! A reminder that we are halfway through semester 1. Student who want to be exempt from semester 1 exams are reminded to have an 80% or higher in a class are 3 or fewer absences that are not school related. This Wednesday and Thursday, November 1st & 2nd, the gym will be open for open gym to anyone NOT still participating in a fall sport. Wednesday, November 1 - (Early Release Day) - Open gym from 1:20 - 2:30 Thursday, November 2 - Open gym from 3:20 - 4:30 Science Olympiad Competition is March 8th. There are 23 possible events to choose from. You can do up to 5 by yourself or with a partner. See Dr. Mosher if interested. Event focus: Anatomy and Physiology - Learn about the cardiovascular, lymphatic and excretory systems. Attention juniors and seniors, there will be a visit to Hope College on Thursday, November 9. The first 45 students to sign up and return permission slips will be able to attend. Sign up and permission slips are available in the guidance office. The only students permitted to be in the building after school are those who are working with a coach or a teacher. If you are waiting for ride, wait at the cafe doors please. This Wednesday and Thursday, November 1st & 2nd, the gym will be open for open gym to anyone NOT still participating in a fall sport. Wednesday, November 1 - (Early Release Day) - Open gym from 1:20 - 2:30 Thursday, November 2 - Open gym from 3:20 - 4:30 Semester 2 dual enrollment is open now. If you plan on dual enrolling for semester 2 see Mrs. Tyler ASAP and get registered. WEDNESDAY is another early release day. PJs are allowed. You will eat the same lunch as your 5th hour teacher. At this time we ask you to stand. The privilege of this day was made possible by those who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms that we enjoy. Let us respect and honor their efforts by standing, placing our hands on our hearts and reciting the pledge of allegiance. If you are wearing a hat, please remove it. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Those are all of our announcements for today. Make it a great day or not Panthers, the choice is yours!

ALL WHS STUDENTS AND STAFF ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE!

ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT EACH BRANCH HAS TO OFFER!

CONGRATULATIONS to our October 2023 nominees for Student of the Month! FRESHMEN Olivia Mitchell Hanna Ice Kelsie Gaston Megan Tucker Claire Moore Angelica Daisy Elliott Worley SOPHOMORES Ava Sprague Jenna Ritter Mark Birmele Grace Ripley Natalaya Desjardin Arianna Ellsworth Moeko Crago Aubrey Hayes Kami Rathfon Ella Isbrecht Abby Klopp Brendan Strong Addison Smith Aiden Bryan Austin Tomes JUNIORS Lilly Summers Amber Robbins Riley Preston Chase Morris Austin Smith Jewell Burgess Alex Wilder Luke Isbrecht Chaz Hart Kimberly Romero Riley Preston Jaysen Bauschke SENIORS Ella Harris Trevor Tavolacci Julie Rudell Anslie Saylor Antonio Velasquez Savannah Nearpass Sam Crago Grace MacMillan Olivia Price

Good Morning Watervliet High School Panthers! Today is Monday October 30th. My name is Tia Caldwell and I am your Monday morning announcement reader. Watervliet Public Schools will be a premier district that challenges and empowers students and staff to achieve beyond their own expectations. Today’s lunch is: Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Light Sour Cream Tortilla Chips Salsa Cup Romaine Ribbons Peach Cup & Choice of Milk Tomorrow’s breakfast is Cereal Breakfast Kit Light Mozzarella String Cheese & Choice of Milk Happy Birthday Ella Geisler! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for the Watervliet Marching Band! On October 14th, the Watervliet Marching Band traveled to Grandville High School for the Reeths-Puffer West Shore Invitational. This was their first competition of the MCBA season and they finished in 1st Place in Flight V and took caption awards for Best Music, Best Marching, and tied for Best General Effect. The next weekend, they headed to Jenison and finished again in 1st place earning all three caption awards for Best Music, Visual, and General Effect. Last Saturday, the band competed in MCBA Championship Prelims. This competition determined the ranking and performance order going into State Finals. For the first time ever, Watervliet is ranked first in their flight going into State Championships! MCBA State Championships is held on Saturday, November 4th at Ford Field in Detroit. Flight V starts at 7:30 am with awards at 9:50 am. Watervliet will be performing last in their flight. Visit www.themcboa.org for more championship information. Good luck to all of our band members this weekend! Anyone interested in the Science Olympiad Team this year, please see Dr. Mosher as soon as possible this week ! The only students permitted to be in the building after school are those who are working with a coach or a teacher. If you are waiting for ride, wait at the cafe doors please. This Wednesday and Thursday, November 1st & 2nd, the gym will be open for open gym to anyone NOT still participating in a fall sport. Wednesday, November 1 - (Early Release Day) - Open gym from 1:20 - 2:30 Thursday, November 2 - Open gym from 3:20 - 4:30 Semester 2 dual enrollment is open now. If you plan on dual enrolling for semester 2 see Mrs. Tyler ASAP and get registered. If you choose to dress up for Halloween TOMORROW, no weapons, real or fake can be brought into school. If a teacher asks you to remove a mask in class, you are expected to do so. WEDNESDAY is another early release day. PJs are allowed. You will eat the same lunch as your 5th hour teacher. At this time we ask you to stand. The privilege of this day was made possible by those who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms that we enjoy. Let us respect and honor their efforts by standing, placing our hands on our hearts and reciting the pledge of allegiance. If you are wearing a hat, please remove it. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Those are all of our announcements for today. Make it a great day or not Panthers, the choice is yours!

Check out this week's Panther Parent Newsletter! https://www.smore.com/gu5rp

Here are a few of the final pencil drawings from the Art I class.