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


WEB Program
Perrysburg Junior High School

PJHS was very excited to begin the WEB Program at the beginning of this school year. The WEB program is the junior high version of the Link Crew, which Perrysburg High School has successfully implemented over the last three years. WEB, which stands for Where Everyone Belongs, and the Link Crew are both created by the Boomerang Project (who create peer mentoring and student transition programs) and are researched-based curricula that are utilized in all fifty states and in multiple countries around the world.

WEB has three component programs: Orientation, Transition and Mentorship. It uses 8th grade WEB Leaders to connect with assigned 7th grade students to welcome them to PJHS. In the inaugural year for WEB at PJHS, we had 78 8th Grade WEB Leaders. They dedicated two training days in August to prepare for the 7th Grade Orientation Day, which was the first day of school for the incoming 7th grade students. On this day, the WEB Leaders led the 7th graders through a Welcome Assembly and small-group sessions that focused on team building, strategy and tips for success at PJHS.

The 8th Grade WEB Leaders continue to work with their 7th grade WEB groups throughout the year in a mentoring role. PJHS sent a team of five educators to Ypsilanti, Michigan to be trained to be WEB Coordinators. Those teachers include Mr. Troy Opperman, Mr. Justin Badik, Mrs. Sara Cannon, Mrs. Andrea Monheim and Mr. Scott Buker. Through WEB, the goal is for all students to be able to connect with a peer mentor to assist in the transition to junior high while continuing to build a positive school culture and climate.



Avery Secrest
Second Grade
Toth Elementary School

Gerard Way once said: “All of the best heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary!” Avery Secrest, with the help of some friends, proved that being extraordinary can happen at any age! While other kids were enjoying the last days of summer before the school year began, Avery, Cameryn (Avery's sister) and some friends wanted to do something to raise money that they could donate to their school. A few days after Garage Sale Season ended, the students set up a Lemonade Stand that was stocked with homemade lemonade, water, blueberry flavored water and candy corn. All items cost 50¢, and all money collected went toward supporting events and students at Toth. Visitors to their stand included neighbors, runners, kids and a Police Officer! Avery and her friends were excited to learn that the money raised helped pay off lunch balances for three Toth Elementary Students! When Avery was asked why she wanted to give back to the school, her answer came easily – when thinking about all of the nice teachers she has had so far and all of the events that Toth holds, Avery wanted to find a way to help out and give back to her school!

We’re so proud of you, Avery! Thank you for helping others!



Tara Zechman
Math Teacher
Perrysburg High School

Tara Zechman is chair of the Math Department at Perrysburg High School, and in that capacity, she works tirelessly to bring math alive for students. This happens in her own classroom and as she works with her fellow math teachers to help them to make math accessible and interesting for students. She is an essential player in making sure students get what they need, and works hard to see that students are placed in the math course where they will best thrive.

“Coursing through every ounce of Tara's being is the desire to help both students and teachers to achieve their full potential every day!” shared her colleague, Deb Drew, PHS English Language Arts Teacher. “That desire is a part of her core.”

“Tara is the heart and conscience of the mathematics department,” shared Michael P. Short, Ed.D. Principal, Perrysburg High School. “She is always looking to improve her practice and the school as a whole. Tara is a tremendous leader and an empathetic colleague.”

She works hard making sure her department is focusing on doing what makes math work for students, and that they are aligned with other teachers who are teaching the same course. This insures that there is consistency across the department in the teaching of state standards. She keeps up with curriculum developments in the school district and the state to prepare students for math success both during and after their time at PHS. Also toward that goal, she works with teachers of all grade levels toward vertical alignment of math standards throughout the school district.

Tara Zechman serves on the Building Leadership Team and District Leadership Team, and also informally mentors teachers at PHS. She works well with a variety of personality types, and with teachers from all departments. She is a teacher well-respected and admired by her peers. She is also the founder and a member of the District Math Committee, a member of the BGSU Student Teacher Advisory Board and, in the community, she is a Cub Scout Den Leader and the Fort Meigs Parent Booster Club Treasurer.

Outside the classroom at PHS, Tara Zechman has been involved with making student life at PHS the best it can be. Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, she has served as the assistant advisor to Student Council, where she works with the entire student council each week. Prior to this, she worked with students as a class advisor for many years, where she planned many events, dances and proms.

“She wants all students to feel included, and while student council is full of students who have been elected by their peers, what they do is work to make the entire school a welcoming and engaging place for all students,” shared Deb Drew. “She is found at many student events showing her support of all kids!”


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