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

 

WPJH produces a show every other Friday that is created, written and produced by the students at Perrysburg Junior High School. Students learn the full function of a news broadcast, including generating ideas, writing scripts, conducting interviews, editing pre-taped segments, practicing live segments and producing a final show for over 800 students and staff members.

WPJH has been in existence since January 1981 as either a class or an after school activity. Participants are 8th graders who apply to participate in the spring of their 7th grade year. English Language Arts Teacher Cynthia Blubaugh and STEM Teacher Jackie Derr teach the class, which meets every day. Students are assigned one of the following jobs for each show on a rotating basis: live anchor, interviewer, roving reporter, sports, weather, pre-taper, sound, switcher, flow sheet and camera operator. The students learn to operate video and still cameras, iMovie for editing, sound board and switcher board.

“The life skills students learn in WPJH include communication, meeting deadlines, working independently, troubleshooting, problem solving and teamwork,” shared Ms. Blubaugh.

Woodland Elementary School
Danny Soto Belmontes

Danny Soto Belmontes is a 4th grader at Woodland Elementary School. Danny is always willing to help others and comes to school prepared and ready to work. This year, Danny proudly serves as a member of Safety Patrol to help keep the students of Woodland safe. He is responsible for informing students and teachers of any changes in bus numbers and when it is safe for students to walk to their bus. “He takes this role very seriously and I am very proud of him for being such a great role model for future Safety Patrol students,” shared Mrs. Emily Bagdonas, Danny's current teacher.

Danny embodies the Jacket Way for so many reasons. He comes to school ready to learn with a positive attitude on a daily basis. Danny is kind and respectful to his peers and all adults. He strives to help others and he truly shows concern for others. “Danny always has a smile on his face and is a friend to everyone!” shared Mrs. Megan Williams, Danny's teacher last school year. “Danny often speaks highly of his family and his love for all of them, especially his younger brother in kindergarten, who he is always looking out for.”

We’re so proud of you, Danny!

 

 

 

Employee Spotlight
Cristy Merk
Mathematics Teacher
Perrysburg High School

Cristy Merk’s colleagues describe her as someone who gives generously of her time developing lessons, activities and homework for Algebra and shares them with her colleagues. She often uses her planning period to help students in math. “She truly cares for our students and wants to do everything she can to help them succeed,” shared Principal Michael P. Short, Ed. D.

Ms. Merk is the lead teacher in the Algebra I team and is in charge of the creation of guided notes, homework, test reviews and tests. She has served as a leader for PHS’s SWAT committee, which stands for “Staff Working Against Trouble,” where staff members are able to share concerns with the committee, which then works to address them. She previously advised a Gay Straight Alliance student group, served as a representative on Perrysburg Education Association (teachers’ union) from 2015-2017 and helped create ACT review materials to run before school ACT practice sessions.

Ms. Merk is also an instructor at Pure Barre Perrysburg. She teaches exercise classes a few times a week either before school or on the weekends.


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