Perrysburg Schools Spotlight - December 2016 Edition

We hope you enjoy our monthly eNewsletter, spotlighting excellence in our programs, students and employees!

The slogan of the High Impact Peer Program at PJHS is: “Lead Today… Bring About Change.” The goals of H.I.P.P. are:

• Provide group interaction and leadership training
• Improve the self-esteem of the students involved
• Develop a support system among participants
• Promote an acceptance of the differences of others
• Anti-Bullying awareness/prevention
• Develop a sense of team and trust among participants
• Plan and implement service to others

Students are selected to participate in H.I.P.P. by teacher nomination. They attend a two-day leadership camp to learn, gain or improve upon their group interaction skills, group decision making skills, listening skills and personal self-esteem. The camp also includes strategies on how to become confident to stand up to bullying and be a leader. The Jacket Way program is also reinforced. The camp is offered twice a year, serving a total of about 50 students annually.

A few of H.I.P.P.’s activities have included:

• Sock drive for Hannah's Socks
• Power of Positive Words Week
• Nursing home visit to distribute cards and share joy
• Posters/signs made to help promote events as needed

Thanks advisors Jackie Derr, Kelley Treece and Matt Ferguson for leading this important program for our students!


Katherine Swartzbeck is a senior at PHS, and plans to major in Theatre – Stage Management at Baldwin Wallace University next fall. Her goal is to be a stage manager for a touring theatre company.

“Katherine is one of the most outstanding students I have had the privilege to work with in my career,” Rob Gentry, PHS Director of Theatre, shared. “She takes charge of whatever task is given her and sees it to completion. She is going to excel as a professional stage manager!”

Her favorite subject is English. “Katherine's enthusiasm in AP English is contagious,” teacher Caitlin Evans shared. “She brings a wonderful energy to class discussions that set a great model and example for her peers. Katherine is not just a motivated, successful student, she is a kind person who greets everyone with a smile.”

“Katherine is always smiling - she is a friendly face every day in the hallway and in class,” Aryn Hinkle, Math Teacher, shared. “When you are working on a group project - she is someone you want to have in your group. This is because she not only works hard and is very organized, but she values the contributions of others.”

“Not only is she the model student with her knowledge of the material, insight on class discussions, and hard work to go above and beyond on assignments, but she is also an extremely caring, helpful, and kind young lady,” stated Janet Hohenberger, Business Education.

“Katherine’s work ethic has led her to be not only a valued member of my class but also an exemplary role model and leader for her peers,” shared Erin Nazario, Social Studies Teacher. “I also have the pleasure of working with Katherine in National Honor Society, where she has demonstrated her passion for service. She has been very active in volunteer opportunities both in school and throughout the community, enthusiastically doing her part wherever needed.”

We’re so proud of you, Katherine!
Emily White is an All Day Kindergarten Teacher at Fort Meigs Elementary School. She is also a PHS Graduate from the Class of 2010. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, for the last two seasons, Mrs. White has coached the PHS Freshman Girls Soccer Team.

“Emily is a passionate and dedicated teacher,” stated Kellie Johnson, Principal. “She works tirelessly to create lessons for all the learners in her class and is always energetic and friendly. Emily continually advocates for her students and is always thinking outside of the box to reach them in new ways. Mrs. White is a wonderful part of our Fort Meigs staff!”

Thanks for all you do for our students, Mrs. White!


To suggest a program, student or employee for an upcoming Spotlight, please contact Rachel Zickar at [email protected].