Perrysburg Schools

Tickets on sale TODAY for the PHS Spring Musical: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! https://lnkd.in/gFGepN3W

Employee Spotlight Hunter Kollarik Bus Driver and Playground Monitor Hull Prairie Intermediate School “Hunter is a dependable coworker,” shared Jes Reynolds, Transportation Bus 1 and PreK Monitor Bus 15. “He was the only returning monitor from last year leading the recess monitor team. It is a big job and he never complains. He is also very patient and calm with the students and works very well with students with special needs.” “Hunter has been with us for a little over a year and has really stepped up with some our out of district transportation for students receiving special services and has been great with our preschool route,” shared Courtney Upell, Director of Transportation. “We’re happy to have Hunter as a part of our team!” “Hunter has been extremely valuable as a recess monitor at HPI for the past year,” shared Brandon A. Tharpe, Bus Driver and Cafeteria Monitor, Hull Prairie Intermediate School. “He has proven to be a leader outside for his fellow monitors who were all new this year and Hunter really stepped up to help guide them through the job and all that it entails. He himself has only been here a year but he does a great job leading by example We are very lucky to have Hunter as part of our HPI team!”

Employee Spotlight Mary Neely Receptionist Board of Education Office Mary Neely has been with Perrysburg Schools since 2008, beginning as a counseling secretary and currently as receptionist at the Board of Education Office. “Mary is always so upbeat and positive at our monthly OAPSE meetings,” shared Kim Schumaker, Bus Driver. “She shows up and is always kind to everyone. She displays the Jacket Way, with pride!” “Mary is one of the kindest, sweetest and caring people I have ever met,” shared Melissa Curson, Executive Assistant, Human Resources. “She always has a smile on her face and is willing to help anyone at any time.” “Mary is never satisfied to be sitting still and is always looking for ways to help in any way possible,” shared Don Christie, Executive Director of Human Resources. “She always wants to be challenged to learn new things and will do whatever it takes to learn regardless of how challenging it might be for her.” “When Mary moved to Central Office she jumped in with both feet,” shared Paula Stout, Executive Assistant, Human Resources. “She took over Red Rover and mastered it as though she had been doing it for years. Mary is so welcoming to each person who enters our building, whether it is a new parent enrolling a child, a staff member attending a meeting or someone who stops by with a question.” She loves to travel, especially to National Parks and Disney, and has a goal of visiting all 50 states – she only has Oregon and Alaska to go! Mary also loves spending time with family and friends. Thanks for all you do for our employees and families!

Student Spotlight Raef Burgard Toth Elementary School “Raef is an exemplar of the Jacket Way each and every day!” shared Julia Mihalcik, M.Ed., Intervention Specialist, Toth Elementary School. “Raef brings positivity, effort, and kindness to everything he does. He is always willing to lend a helping hand. His compassion and respect for others sets a wonderful example for everyone around him. Raef works hard at school, always persevering if things get challenging. It is a joy to teach Raef!” We are so proud of you, Raef!

Employee Spotlight Craig Krueger Social Studies Teacher Perrysburg Junior High School Mr. Craig Krueger has dedicated his professional career to the education and experiences of students at Perrysburg Junior High School for nearly 30 years and continues to be a vital presence to the PJHS community. Serving as an 8th grade social studies teacher, Mr. Krueger has shared the love of American history with his students, providing rigorous learning activities and outreach opportunities. Mr. Krueger sets high expectations for all his students and brings the content alive through debates, critical analysis, and engaging instructional activities. “Mr. Krueger has been a dedicated professional through his time at PJHS,” said Mr. Scott Buker, PJHS Principal. “What’s been impressive about Mr. Krueger is his ability and desire to learn and evolve in the changing landscape of education. Mr. Krueger has modeled the idea of being a life-long learner to our students and staff members.” In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Krueger has provided multiple experiences for the students at PJHS. For over 20 years, Mr. Krueger has facilitated the annual Washington DC trip for 8th grade students in which the group explores the history of the nation’s capital. Mr. Krueger has worked collaboratively with the Perrysburg Exchange Club to sponsor the annual Freedom Shrine Contest and has served on district level committees and teams such as the Building Leadership Team, Curricular Review, and the District Grading Committee. Outside the classroom, Mr. Krueger currently serves as the 7th grade girls basketball coach and previously has served as a junior high boys basketball coach, junior high football coach and high school baseball coach. Mr. Krueger can often be found working the scorer’s table for athletic events he’s not coaching and volunteering at other school activities including the Student Council Lock-In and Dodgeball Tournaments. Thank you, Mr. Krueger for all your work, effort and support of our students, families and school community!

Perrysburg Board of Education seeks Applicants for Vacant Seat On Monday evening, Perrysburg Schools received the resignation of Board Member Dr. Lori Reffert, who is relocating outside of the school district, effective April 1, 2025. The Board of Education is inviting community members to apply for the vacant seat. The Board extends its gratitude to Dr. Reffert for her dedicated service and commitment to the students, staff members, and families of the school district. Board President Ms. Susan Rowland Miller expressed appreciation for Dr. Reffert’s contributions, stating: “Dr. Reffert has always provided thoughtful and honest perspectives, which grew out of her unique experiences as both an educator and a mother. We will miss her voice in our deliberations and decisions and thank her for her leadership.” Superintendent Tom Hosler also praised Dr. Reffert’s service, stating: “Dr. Lori Reffert has always maintained a passion to serve all students in our school district. In her actions and approach as a Board Member, it was always clear that she wanted to provide a voice for all students, especially for those most vulnerable.” The Board, following its policy 0145, is now accepting applications from individuals interested in serving the remainder of Dr. Reffert’s term, through December 31, 2025. Per Ohio law, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be registered to vote, reside within the school district boundaries and meet all eligibility requirements outlined by state and local regulations. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Board members to support the school district’s mission and initiatives. Interested candidates must fill out an application, including providing a letter of interest, by Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the following link or by visiting the Board of Education office (140. E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg) to fill out a paper application: https://lnkd.in/gwBFx4EY. The Board shall interview interested candidates to ascertain their qualifications, scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025 and, if needed, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Appointment by the Board to fill a vacancy shall be by majority vote of the remaining members of the Board, which is anticipated to take place at the Monday, April 21, 2025 Board of Education Regular Meeting. For any questions, please contact Superintendent Thomas L. Hosler at 419-874-9131 or supt@perrysburgschools.net.

Board of Education recognizes Cranston for being named Ohio String Teacher of the Year! Betsy Cranston was recently recognized as the Ohio String Teacher of the Year! Ms. Cranston has taught in Perrysburg Schools for almost 20 years and has had a phenomenal impact on the growth and quality of the orchestra program. She currently teaches at Hull Prairie Intermediate School and Perrysburg Junior High School. She was recognized at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Professional Development Conference in early February. Congratulations, Ms. Cranston! L to R Laura Meinke – Board of Education Member, Betsy Cranston – Ohio String Teacher of the Year, and Scott Buker –- PJHS Principal

Board of Education recognizes PHS’s Zechman for receiving Presidential Award! Tara Zechman, Mathematics Teacher at Perrysburg High School, has been selected to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)! The PAEMST program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, recognizes outstanding teachers for their contributions to the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Each awardee receives a $10,000 award from NSF and will travel to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony. L to R Susan Rowland Miller – Board of Education President, Tara Zechman – PHS Mathematics Teacher and Dave Dakolios – PHS Interim Principal

Board of Education recognizes PHS Mock Trial! The PHS Mock Trial team competed in the Regional OCLRE Mock Trial Competition at the Wood County Courthouse where both the Plaintiff and Defense teams were victorious, and the entire team moved on to the State Mock Trial Competition in Columbus! At state the entire team made it to the second round, Luella Eynon won Outstanding Witness for the Defense and Anwyn Sawaya won Outstanding Witness for the Plaintiff! Back Row L to R: Sue Larimer – Board of Education Member, Scott Hicks, Ella Hahn, Allison Harrold, Anwyn Sawaya, Bismah Gill, Lillith Dunn, Zachary Meyer, and Brandi Sharlow – Coach and PHS Social Studies Teacher Front Row L to R: Luella Eynon, Momina Gill, and Maanya Parikh. Not pictured: Camryn Bruderly, Jonathan Severt, and Avnish Shendge

Board of Education recognizes Speech and Debate State Qualifiers! The Perrysburg Speech and Debate team qualified 21 high school students along with 3 first alternates to the 97th State Championship Speech and Debate Tournament! Seniors Seth Ermie and Sydney Wolfinger advanced to second place in the final round of Duo Interpretation with their performance “Two Sides to Every Coin” by Gregory T. Burns. They are the first Duo team in the 25-year history of the Perrysburg Chapter to advance to the final round at the State Tournament. Twelve students traveled to the National Qualifying Tournament for the Western Ohio District. Alex Ban in Informative Speaking, Seth Ermie in Dramatic Interpretation, and Robinson Zhang in Humorous Interpretation qualified to represent Western Ohio at the National Speech and Debate Association this June. Also advancing to the final rounds were Aymana Alam and Maayna Parikh. During the State Finals Tournament, the following students advanced to the quarter-final rounds: Jacob Nahhas and Jordan Nahhas in Duo Interpretation performing “The Great Dictator” by Charlie Chaplin, Aymana Alam in Program of Oral Interpretation performing “Hear Me” a program of domestic violence and Iris Weisstein in International Extemporaneous speaking. The team had six tournament championships during the season and earned the number one team in the Toledo District. Six students pre-qualified to compete at the States Finals this year by placing at the top of their category in a minimum of four tournaments during the season. They were Aymana Alam in Program of Oral Interpretation, Robinson Zhang in Humorous Interpretation, Iris Weisstein in International Extemporaneous, Jia Thakker in Original Oratory, and Alex Ban and Maanya Parikh in Informative Speaking. The team is coached by Jennifer Nagy Lake along with assistant coaches Alex Leong and Debra Kemp. Dr. Melissa Miller advises extemporaneous speakers. Row 1 L-R Anwyn Sawaya, Aymana Alam, Cindy Ma, Head Coach Jennifer Nagy Lake, Jia Thakker, Elyssa Hinesman, Ria Khatri, and Alex Ban Row 2 L-R Coach Debra Kemp, Dr. Lori Reffert – Board of Education Member, Ella Hahn, Robinson Zhang, Iris Weisstein, Seth Ermie, Sydney Wolfinger, Jordan Nahhas, Jacob Nahhas, Maayna Parikh, and Patrick Chen Not pictured: Shubham Brahme, Gabriella Briscoe, Nithya Rajan, Anushree Verma, and Kate Wu