Perrysburg Schools Spotlight - August 2017 Edition

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


The Hull Prairie Intermediate School staff participated in their first professional development activity on Project-Based Learning (PBL) in June. Jodi Haney, a local expert on PBL, provided the staff with an overview and opportunities to learn more and begin planning student PBL projects. The staff has designed a school-wide project-based introduction activity around the August solar eclipse.

Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem or challenge. Projects are focused on student learning goals and include Essential Project Design Elements:

• Key Knowledge, Understanding and Success Skills - The project is focused on student learning goals, including standards-based content and skills such as critical thinking/problem solving, communication, collaboration and self-management.
• Challenging Problem or Question - The project is framed by a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer, at the appropriate level of challenge.
• Sustained Inquiry - Students engage in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, finding resources and applying information.
• Authenticity - The project features real-world context, tasks and tools, quality standards or impact – or speaks to students’ personal concerns, interests and issues in their lives.
• Student Voice & Choice - Students make some decisions about the project, including how they work and what they create.
• Reflection - Students and teachers reflect on learning, the effectiveness of their inquiry and project activities, the quality of student work, obstacles and how to overcome them.
• Critique & Revision - Students give, receive and use feedback to improve their process and products.
• Public Product - Students make their project work public by explaining, displaying and/or presenting it to people beyond the classroom.

PHS Junior Carolyn Glasser has participated in many summer programs since she was in 6th grade. She has done the John's Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth program for three summers, studying Anatomy and Physiology, Zoology and Biotechnology. This summer, she is studying at Emory University, taking a course in Medical Microbiology. She has attended a music camp at Baldwin Wallace University for four summers. This summer, Carolyn took part in the Ohio Ambassadors of Music, where the students toured and performed in seven countries throughout Europe while learning about the different cultures. During the school year, she participates in both band and symphony orchestra. She has been playing flute since she was in 5th grade and piccolo since 9th grade.

Carolyn has been in Key Club and Friendship Circle since 7th grade, where she works with children to make them feel more included in everyday routines. She also swims every day after school and most Saturdays.

Carolyn plans to major in biomedical research/engineering with a possible minor in chemistry. Her top choice schools are Dartmouth and Harvard. Other schools of interest are Rice University, Emory University, Cornell University, John's Hopkins University or University of Michigan. She would love to work in a lab and develop advanced treatments for people with fatal diseases like Tay-Sachs, in order to better their lives.

We’re so proud of you, Carolyn!

Sara Jones, Ed.S., NCSP

School Psychologist

Sara Jones, Ed.S., NCSP is the school psychologist for Frank Elementary and Hull Prairie Intermediate School (previously Fort Meigs Elementary). She has been a school psychologist in Perrysburg for 11 years. She conducts initial evaluations and reevaluations to determine if students qualify to receive special education services. She consults with teachers, staff, parents and guardians to assist students to improve their academic or behavioral performance and helps develop academic and/or behavior interventions. Mrs. Jones also conducts data collection and analysis and provides employee professional development. She is an advocate for students and helps with crisis preparedness and response.

“Sara is a strong child advocate with one of her biggest strengths being her ability to build strong relationships,” shared Sara Stockwell, Ed.S., Executive Director of Pupil Services. “She is not only a resource to teachers, related service staff and administrators, but is also well-respected by other school psychologists. Sara ensures that families feel at ease in meetings and keeps the student at the forefront of the discussion. She is always seeking opportunities to be involved and take on leadership roles that will ultimately have a positive impact on students. Sara is certainly an asset to our department and someone who we often go to for feedback, suggestions and ideas.”

Mrs. Jones is head of the District Autism Team; co-leads the district's Response to Intervention Team; is a member of the District Leadership Team, Frank and HPI Building Leadership Teams; Wellness Committee and the District Jacket Way committee. She will also teach at The University of Toledo this fall in the school psychology program, and has an intern school psychologist from UT each year.

Mrs. Jones is the mother of three busy kids. An avid runner, she is currently coaching for a Dave's Training Group and ran her first full marathon in April!


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