Perrysburg Schools Spotlight - May 2016 Edition
We hope you enjoy our monthly eNewsletter that spotlights excellence in our programs, students and employees!
Code Pink Computer Science Club
Jeanna Heuring, Gifted Intervention Specialist at Toth & Woodland Elementary, saw a need to get more girls involved in coding and computer science. She took the initiative to set up Code Pink, a computer science club for girls in grades 3-5 at Woodland Elementary, and volunteers her time on Fridays before school for the club meetings. Over 60 students participate. Ms. Heuring, with the help of Julia Whalen, primarily use code.org and Khan Academy lessons to help students learn the skills that can later be used to create such things as iPhone and iPad apps, websites and graphic images. The goal is to expose girls to computer science at an early age so they can see how fun it is to be creative and innovative with computers!
Taylin Hunter
Taylin Hunter, a member of the Class of 2016, will go on to The Ohio State University after graduation. Her major is undecided at this time. She is involved in basketball, volleyball, Key Club, National Honor Society, Project Moore, choir and she was in the spring musical. Taylin is also a recipient of a 2016 Undefeated Spirit scholarship through the Chuck Ealey Foundation. Former University of Toledo and CFL football star Chuck Ealey provides 15 scholarships to deserving area high school seniors. Taylin was selected based on the following criteria:
1) An undefeated spirit—inspiring drive and leadership with her teammates, campus, community and/or youth
2) Strong family values with strong family support—encouraging and supporting parent/family structure behind the athlete
3) Strong focus on education and community/campus involvement—good grades and extracurricular activities
She was honored during a ceremony at The University of Toledo’s Driscoll Alumni Center. We’re so proud of you, Taylin!
Ginger Pacer
Fort Meigs Elementary School Art Teacher Ginger Pacer introduced time-lapse videos into her classroom. Third, fourth and fifth graders will begin their annual large mural in early May and she will capture the entire weeklong process in one video. The video she made last year was a big hit locally and online. After some video experimentation a couple years ago, Ginger asked her family members to consider pooling their resources to get her a GoPro Camera for her birthday, which she then taught herself how to use. “I’m not ‘techie,’ I’m just curious and willing to try it out,” explained Mrs. Pacer. “Failure is such a great teacher and it’s part of the process of growing and learning to fail with grace. It keeps you humble.”
This year, Mrs. Pacer presented at the Ohio Art Educational Association (OAEA) as well as the National Art Educational Association. She also brought eight students to the OAEA Regional Art Show in Defiance. With her own art, she prefers abstract and experimental painting, hand-built ceramics and is an active blogger. Her blog, Paintbrush Rocket, gets an average of 200 hits per day from all over the world. It as well as other social media platforms have connected her with other art teachers and has led to further collaboration, including starting a workshop series in Ohio and Tennessee called Art Scouts, where participants may earn CEUs or graduate credit with hands-on painting, printmaking, fibers and ceramics. “It’s amazing how technology has changed my life,” Mrs. Pacer remarked.
To suggest a program, student or employee for an upcoming Spotlight, please contact Rachel Zickar at [email protected].
Posted Friday, April 29, 2016