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


Peer Collaboration Program
Perrysburg Junior High School

Amanda Colvin and Jeff Quinn, Intervention Specialists at Perrysburg Junior High School, sat down after a meeting earlier this school year and asked themselves: “What does true inclusion look like for all students at PJHS?” They felt they could do more to help support students outside of the school day. They reached out to some students to see if they would be willing to come in and work on peer modeling, social skills and being a friend. The Peer Collaboration program was born!

The goal of the Peer Collaboration program is to teach strategies and skills that will improve students’ abilities to be an effective peer buddy and help foster meaningful friendships. The vision of the program is for the Perrysburg Junior High School community to benefit from the program by fostering long-lasting relationships and creating an accepting, inclusive and positive learning environment that fosters the Jacket Way initiative.

As this program progresses, Amanda Colvin and Jeff Quinn continue see a strong benefit for all of the students who are involved. Their hope is that these friendships that have developed in the classroom setting will continue to develop outside of the school setting and into the community.

“We feel so fortunate to have about 25 students who are willing to go above and beyond to support students who may have different abilities than they do,” shared Amanda Colvin. “The PJHS staff members have been so supportive and encouraging of this program and they are now recommending more students to help foster an inclusive environment around more areas of our school!”

One of the students in the program shared: “I first started Peer Mentors because I think that all people should be treated the same. The reason I continued Peer Mentors second semester is that it is soo much fun… it helps me wake up in the morning.”

Another shared: “The Peer Mentor program has allowed me to see that anybody can do anything that they set their mind to, even if they do it differently. I’ve experienced that all students can learn in different ways.”



Sawyer Wilson
Hull Prairie Intermediate School

Respectful, responsible and ready – Sawyer Wilson encompasses the Jacket Way every day at HPI. He is always ready and prepared for school. When facing challenges, he responds with kindness and courage. He doesn't ever settle with “good enough,” but consistently exceeds expectations by going above and beyond.

He is very talented. His talents extend beyond the classroom into many sports, such as Junior Jackets basketball and baseball. He is also involved with the HPI Student Council. He exemplifies the characteristics of a friend, a student and an athlete.

“Sawyer shows respect by being kind to others,” shared Laura Davidson, HPI Assistant Principal. “He always has a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He is able to persevere through difficult tasks and successfully navigate life as an HPI student with compassion for others. He treats adults and students with respect. He is always encouraging to others and frequently cheers others on! The quality that best describes him is sheer joy. His smile is contagious and he is quick to encourage others.”

Sawyer leads by example. He shares thoughtful responses that make his classmates think about ideas and texts in new ways. His leadership does not end with discussion, as he regularly volunteers to lend a hand. He is quick to hold the door for others or offer his place in line. Most importantly, he always includes others and helps make the HPI team a place where all belong.

We’re so proud of you, Sawyer!



Ashley Brown
Second Grade Teacher
Woodland Elementary School

Currently a second grade teacher at Woodland, Ashley Brown has held multiple leadership roles at the building and district level. She was instrumental in developing capacity to provide co-taught instruction at Woodland and is always willing to implement new strategies to meet the needs of students. She makes students feel good about themselves – she is an expert regarding building confidence in kids!

Her colleagues shared the following: “Ashley is an amazing educator who strives to make each day the best that it can be for each student in her classroom. She consistently goes above and beyond to make sure each student is having their needs met so that they have the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential. Ashley takes the time to get to know each of her students on an individual level in order to make her classroom a positive learning experience for all. She always collaborates and builds rapport with colleagues and is a go-to person for new ideas and resources. Ashley is appreciated by so many at Woodland for the impact that she has made on their lives. We are so lucky to have Ashley in our Woodland family!”

“Ashley makes learning fun in a way that students of all ability levels find engaging!” shared Brook Price, Principal, Woodland Elementary. She is kind and consistent, and creates a family-type atmosphere for her students. Students who have since graduated from Woodland still return to visit Mrs. Brown long after they have had her as a teacher because of the impact she has had on their lives.”


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