Perrysburg Schools Spotlight – January 2020 Edition

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


Reaching New Heights

Students from all four Perrysburg elementary schools are engaging in the Reaching New Heights reading program. Students in 2nd through 4th grade meet after school at the Perrysburg Heights Community Center Monday through Thursday to engage in literacy-building activities and receive reading instructional support using the Project MORE curriculum model. Hosted by the Perrysburg Heights Community Association, the program also places a priority on creating a sense of community through reading. Currently, the main funding sponsor of the program is the Perrysburg Heights Community Association. Taylor Automotive recently joined as an additional sponsor.

The structure of the Reaching New Heights reading program works to build a community of readers. Each session begins with an interactive read aloud. Students then engage in individualized reading support using the Project MORE program. Students end each session with homework help and kinesthetic literacy activities. Building a sense of community and pride is also a feature of the Reaching New Heights program.

The program utilizes mentor volunteers from around the community, including retired teachers and students from Bowling Green State University, The University of Toledo and Perrysburg High School. The program is designed to create an opportunity to grow as readers, build self-confidence and strengthen their ties to the community. The program also utilizes the principles of The Jacket Way. Students focus on being respectful, responsible and ready just as they do within the school setting. Guest readers from the community also visit the program each week to read aloud to students and share their experience as readers. Another highlight of the program is to provide every child with a new book each month to celebrate the gift of reading.



Jenna Hertzfeld
12 Grade
Perrysburg High School

Jenna Hertzfeld, a senior at Perrysburg High School, participated in the Swanton Juried Fine Art Exhibit in October. Seventy artists from 22 cities presented 172 pieces during the exhibit. In the Student Drawing category, Jenna won first place for her piece titled: “Jack-O-Lanterns.” She also earned second place for her piece titled: “When in Rome,” which was inspired by her travels in Italy.

“Jack-O-Lanterns” was completed in her drawing class last year for Mrs. Lynne Barefoot and was inspired by the fall season.

Jenna plans on attending The Ohio State University or Miami University in the fall and is undecided on her major at this time.

“Jenna is a hardworking and talented artist,” shared Michelle Brunner, Visual Arts Teacher, Perrysburg High School. “I really enjoy seeing her fresh and innovative ideas for each project that we do in class. I am so glad that her hard work paid off and she was recognized by the Swanton Art Exhibition.”

We’re so proud of you, Jenna!



Terry Lewis
Bus Driver
Transportation Department

“Mr. Terry is so much more than a bus driver,” shared Annette Foght, Parent. “He takes a personal interest in each child who rides his bus. He has stuffed animals on his bus that he lets the kids take home to care for over school breaks. On his bus rides, the kids sing songs about the streets they are closing. He always has a smile and a friendly wave. I am sure being a bus driver is stressful but you don’t see this from Mr. Terry. I am confident my child is safe on Mr. Terry’s bus and appreciate all he does to go above and beyond every day to make a difference to our kids.”

Parent and Perrysburg Schools Intervention Specialist Rachel Lotycz also shared that he gives out candy on holidays and greets the students every morning and says goodbye every afternoon. “He is excited to see all of us!" her children shared. “Mr. Terry is the best bus driver ever!”


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