In celebration of Veterans Day, WHS is creating a special display to honor the family members and friends of our students who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

We invite families to email a photo of a veteran they would like to recognize to Ms. Powers at cpowers@watervlietps.org, or have their student send it directly.

Please include:

The veteran's name

The branch of the military in which they served

Their connection to the WHS student (grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle, family friend, etc.)

Let's fill our halls with the faces of those who have served and show our gratitude for their service and sacrifice! ❤️🤍💙

🐾 Celebrating Our October Students of the Month! 🐾

Friday morning, we had the pleasure of celebrating our October 2026 Students of the Month alongside their families!

These outstanding Panthers were recognized for their hard work, positive attitudes, and the many ways they make Watervliet High School a better place.

Pictured from left to right: Noah Hutchins, Virginia VanDeWiele, Mackenzie Driver, Emma Camp, Ashton Coleman, Steffi Lewison, and Jazmine Moses.

Not pictured: Eathan Burnett.

Congratulations to all eight students! We are so proud of you and grateful to your families for joining us to celebrate your accomplishments!

❤️🤍 Panther Pride! 🐾

🐾 Panthers Explore History at The Henry Ford! 🇺🇸

Yesterday, our AP Government and U.S. History in Depth students traveled to The Henry Ford Museum with Mr. Linderman and Mr. Andrews for a day of learning beyond the classroom!

Students had the opportunity to experience American history up close, exploring exhibits that brought important people, events, and innovations to life.

📸 In the photos, our boys are standing in front of President Theodore Roosevelt's presidential carriage, while our girls are pictured in front of the limousine in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Other photos capture students enjoying the observation deck at the Ford Rouge Factory, where they had the opportunity to learn about American manufacturing and innovation.

What a great opportunity for our Panthers to connect what they are learning in the classroom to the people, places, and events that shaped our nation!

A special thank-you to Mr. Linderman and Mr. Andrews for providing this memorable learning experience! ❤️🤍🐾

Students in Advanced Art had the opportunity to attend an informative presentation about the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) this week. During the presentation, students learned about the variety of programs offered at MIAD, as well as the career opportunities and potential employment pathways available through each area of study. It was a great opportunity for students to explore possibilities for a future in the arts!

Wednesday night, Watervliet competed in their November league debate. Here are the results:

Top Chamber Speakers:

Kaden Conklin - 2nd

Brianna Shriver - 1st

Braydon Collins - 9th

Landon Schlipp - 10th

Jazmine Moses - 7th

Makenzie Birmele - 1st

Abby Shriver - 10th

Reaghan Prestidge - 9th

Joelle Petznick - 3rd

Eithan Nickel - 9th

Lily Collins - 4th

In league top scores, Lily Collins placed 8th and Makenzie Birmele placed 6th. 

🎓 Attention Seniors: Required Scholarship Meeting – November 24!

All WHS seniors will attend a required scholarship meeting on Tuesday, November 24, at 11:00 a.m. in the media center. We are excited to welcome Quini McGhee, Scholarship & Development Coordinator, who will help students learn about scholarship opportunities and how to navigate the application process. Students will receive a Scholarship Application Checklist and a Scholarship Common Application Toolkit to help them stay organized, prepare strong applications, and take advantage of opportunities to earn money for college or other postsecondary education. This is an important opportunity for our seniors to learn about resources that can help make their future education more affordable. All seniors at school on this day will attend. Seniors who are dual enrolled and potentially out of the building at this time are encouraged to make plans to join us!

On Tuesday, 6 Panthers took part in the SAC Leadership Conference at Coloma High School. The motivational speaker was Craig Hillier. Students from all 18 SAC schools were in attendance while Craig covered topics including handling adversity, leading by example, and school culture. 

#pantherpride. #ownthemoment

🐾 Sophomores Explore the University of Olivet!

On Tuesday, all WHS sophomores had the opportunity to tour the University of Olivet and experience what life on a college campus is like!

Each year, we make it a priority for every grade level to participate in a college campus visit. Throughout their high school years, students have opportunities to explore community colleges as well as four-year public and private universities. By alternating these experiences, we hope to expose students to a variety of educational opportunities and help them discover what might be the best fit for their futures.

These visits are an important part of helping our Panthers begin thinking about life after high school and the many possibilities ahead!

Thank you to the University of Olivet for welcoming our students and providing this valuable experience!

🐾 Own the Moment!

School pictures are now available!

To see if your child's pictures are available to view, please log in to your account at mylifetouch.com. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one using your email address.

To locate your child's photos, you'll need their Student ID or Portrait ID and Access Code. If you don't have this information, you can:

Check your inbox for an email from Lifetouch that may contain your access credentials and a direct link to your child's images.

Contact the Lifetouch Help Center for assistance

Please note that pictures may not become available for all students at the same time, so check back later if you don't see your child's images yet.

Students had wonderful things to say about Mr. Dimino! They described his personality as “FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!” and praised his positive attitude, great sense of humor, and genuine dedication to helping every student succeed.

Students shared that Mr. Dimino goes above and beyond to make sure everyone understands the material. He takes the time to explain difficult concepts, offers additional help before and after school, and provides opportunities to retake assessments so students can improve their understanding and grades.

One student described him as “the best math teacher I have ever had in my school career,” while others highlighted his kindness, patience, and ability to make learning enjoyable.

What stands out most is that Mr. Dimino never gives up on his students. He wants every student to understand, improve, and feel successful in his classroom.

Congratulations, Mr. Dimino, on being named our November 2026 Staff Member of the Month! Your dedication, encouragement, and positive energy make a difference for our Panthers every day! 🐾

Pictured here: Norma Gutierrez, Senior and member of the SAC and Mr. Dimino.

We are excited to share that Watervliet High School and North Elementary have been recognized by Michigan’s MTSS Technical Assistance Center for their efforts to use student behavior data to make informed decisions and improve student support.

What does this mean? At WHS, we don't just respond to behavior concerns. We look at patterns, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to create a positive learning environment for all students.

Through our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, we teach schoolwide expectations, recognize students for making positive choices through Caught in the Act, and work to build strong relationships and a supportive school culture.

This recognition celebrates our staff's commitment to making thoughtful, data-informed decisions that help students succeed.

We are proud of this recognition and even prouder of the work happening every day to make WHS a great place to learn!

🐾 Own the Moment!

Watervliet High School will host our Annual Career Fair on the morning of February 12, and this year, we're hoping to make it extra special by featuring WHS graduates as all of our guest speakers!

Are you a WHS graduate who loves your job or is passionate about your career? We would love for you to come back to WHS and share your experiences, career journey, and advice with the next generation of Panthers!

What better way to inspire our students than by showing them the amazing things WHS graduates have gone on to accomplish?

Interested in participating? Please email Ms. Powers! cpowers@watervlietps.org

She would love to get you on the schedule!

Once a Panther, Always a Panther! 🐾

Meeting Highlights | November 4, 2026
Facilitator: Ms. Powers, Principal

What's Happening at WHS?

🏆 Staff Member of the Month
Congratulations to Mr. Dimino, our November Staff Member of the Month! SAC representative Norma Gutierrez presented his Panther award. Student comments will be shared in Friday's newsletter.

👕 Dress Code Proposal
Students will revisit the dress code proposal template and decide whether to move forward with proposed changes.

🏫 Superintendent Classroom Visits
Students enjoyed the Superintendent's recent math classroom visits and would love to see him interacting with students more often. Ms. Powers will arrange a visit to Mr. Dimino's fourth-hour class.

🐾 Caught in the Act Tickets
Updated tickets will include the teacher's name so we can recognize staff who celebrate positive behavior. Five students will now be recognized daily instead of three!

🚻 Restroom Expectations
Students discussed concerns about toilets not being flushed in the boys' restrooms. Everyone is reminded to help keep our facilities clean.

🎓 College Fair & Campus Visits
Students especially enjoyed hearing from WHS alumni at the college fair and would like more graduates invited in the future. Ms. Powers and Ms. Dawson will explore a four-year campus visit plan that includes community colleges and public and private universities.

💼 February 12 Career Fair
Our goal is to feature WHS alumni as career speakers! Students who know graduates willing to participate should email their names to Ms. Powers.

🇺🇸 Veterans Day
Plans include a veteran photo display, announcements, and a possible flag-raising ceremony featuring a student playing "Taps." Photos of both living and deceased veterans are welcome. A veterans breakfast was suggested for next year.

🪖 Military Opportunities
Students appreciated the military recruiter visiting English classes and would like continued opportunities to learn about military careers and service.

❤️ Red Ribbon Week
Thank you to Katelynn Brown for sharing Red Ribbon Week facts during morning announcements!

🌎 Indigenous Peoples Week
Activities will be postponed one week. Additional student volunteers are needed to help plan.

SAC Representatives | 2026–2027

9th: Teegan Green, Amaya Payton, Reagan Arndt, Olivia Kinzler

10th: Olivia Lurkins, Marqus Liberto, Alex Zuniga, Jolie Bertuca

11th: Katelynn Brown, Madison Darling, Miranda Lowell, Jayden Brassard

12th: Shelby Schlipp, Norma Gutierrez, Mackenzie Birmele, Hanna Ice

Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 18, at 7:30 a.m.

Thank you to our SAC representatives for sharing their voices and helping make WHS better for everyone!

🐾 Own the Moment!

VIRGINIA VANDEWIELE

FRESHMAN

I live with my mom, and my favorite teacher is Mr. Linderman because he always makes class fun. My favorite class is band because I get to spend time with my friends. I am in marching band, student council, and my class's leadership team. After high school, I want to become a teacher.

NOAH HUTCHINS

FRESHMAN

I'm currently living with my mom, dad, and sister. My favorite teacher would have to be Mr. Dimino because he can always help, and he has a pinball machine. My favorite class would have to be wood shop because there is always something new and exciting. I just finished soccer last month, and I'm excited to start wrestling for the first time. In my free time, I like to play video games and hang out with my dad. Currently I'm undecided on what I want to do when I get out of high school.

EMMA CAMP

SOPHOMORE

I switch between houses with my mom, stepdad, and little sister, and then my dad, my dad’s girlfriend and her three children, and my brother.  I can’t choose between my two favorite teachers, but its Mrs. Hollandsworth and Mrs. Hunt. Mrs. Hollandsworth has been my teacher since 5th grade and she’s taught so much which would be becoming more confident, trying new things, and being able to pursue my love in music. She’s also an amazing person in general and she always puts a smile on my face. Mrs. Hunt is also one of my favorite teachers because she taught me more about what I love doing which is art, and helping become more confident with my drawing skills.   My favorite class has been band and art once more because both classes give me time to relax and do what I love doing.   I’m not involved in any sports or clubs other than marching band if that counts.  I like to sleep whenever I can, draw, and i’m always listening to music when I’m able to in my free time.  What I plan to do after high school is probably pursue something in music or arts, or do something with helping people in need all around the world and to be able to travel. 

MAKENZIE DRIVER

SOPHOMORE

I live with my mom, my younger sister Evelyn, our dog, and two cats. My favorite teacher is Mr. Linderman because he makes learning interesting and creates a positive classroom environment. My favorite class is World History because I enjoy learning about different cultures and how the past has shaped our world.

I play percussion in the marching band during the fall and run track in the spring. In my free time, I enjoy talking with my friend Faith, listening to music, watching shows, and spending time with friends.

After high school, I hope to attend Grand Valley State University to study criminology and pursue a career in criminal justice. I'm excited about what the future holds!

EATHAN BURNETT

JUNIOR

I live with my mom and dad, 2 brothers and a sister.  My favorite teacher has been Mr. Dennison as he's always very helpful with projects.  My favorite class has been Woodshop as it's what I'm most interested in.  I'm involved in cross country.  I like to bake and hangout with people in my free time.  After high school I'd like to get into a trade.

STEFFI LEWISON

JUNIOR

I live with my mom and step dad. We have two dogs and a cat. I love all my teachers and can't really choose who my favorite is. My favorite class is Civics. I mostly read in my free time or do art and I plan on going to college for something in zoology or History after high school.

ASHTON COLEMAN

SENIOR

 I live with my Brother Hunter who is in 7th grade this year and my mom Shayla.  My favorite teacher has been Mr Andrews since I had him Sophomore year, hes a great role model and he makes school exciting.   My favorite class this year has been personal finance not just because it's my only class at the school but, I like learning stuff that I will use when I'm older.  I play football, basketball, golf and do esports if time is available.   In my free time I like hanging out with my friends and playing games with them.  I plan to go to college and get a degree in whatever I decide to do and get a well paying job.

JAZMINE MOSES

SENIOR

My mom is the hardest working person I know, along with my grandma, i am really grateful to them. Mr>Linderman would have to be my favorite teacher, and has revitalized my love for history after having some bad history teachers beforehand. It would be a tie between AP Gov and AP Lit, both classes encompass my love for history and reading. Currently debate, it is my last year. read. become a lawyer and own a law firm.

As part of our Tier 1 PBIS plan, students receive a brief review each week of our school wide expectations for a specific area of the building. These weekly reminders help ensure that all students clearly understand what it looks like to be respectful, responsible, and safe throughout Watervliet High School.

Next week, students will review our TECHNOLOGY Expectations with their 2nd-hour teacher.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to read through the TECHNOLOGY expectations below and review them with your child at home. When school and families reinforce the same expectations, it helps us create a positive, safe, and successful environment for everyone.

Thank you for partnering with us! 🐾

At Watervliet High School, all seniors are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of their graduation requirements.

Not planning to attend college next year? You should still complete the FAFSA! Plans can change, and completing the FAFSA helps students explore financial opportunities they may not even know are available. The FAFSA can open doors to grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and financial assistance for community colleges, universities, and eligible trade and technical programs.

Even if a student plans to enter the workforce, join the military, or take time off after graduation, completing the FAFSA keeps future educational options open. Completing the FAFSA does not obligate a student to attend college, accept financial aid, or take out student loans.

Our goal is to make sure every WHS graduate leaves with as many opportunities available to them as possible. We encourage all seniors and their families to complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available and reach out to our counseling office if they need assistance.

🐾 Panthers, your future is full of possibilities—don't leave money or opportunities on the table.

MONDAY

HS Cheer Begins

Picture Retake Day

WEDNESDAY

HS Basketball Begins

HS Band plays "Star Spangled Banner" at Flag Raising Ceremony 11 AM

THURSDAY

Rake a Difference Day; some classes are leaving school grounds to rake yards in community service