We hope you enjoy our monthly eNewsletter, spotlighting excellence in our programs, students and employees!
Perrysburg Preschool
The Perrysburg Preschool program was brought in-house at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year to better align with our K-12 programming. This school year we have six classrooms with both AM and PM sessions. The use of evidence-based practices support the learning of the whole child to develop the skills necessary to be lifelong learners.
Monday-Thursday, students attend programming for 2-1/2 hours per day. The Friday schedule includes play-based assessments by appointment, evaluation team meetings, home visits and recreational and educational family involvement activities. Each classroom has no more than 16 students as required by the state. Each classroom follows an inclusive model of a 50/50 ratio of eight students who receive special education services and eight students who are typically developing. The curriculum includes literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
“Research has shown that, for many students, special education services required later in life are reduced in both intensity and amount when started in early childhood,” explained Kristin VanCuren Koester, Ed.S. Preschool Coordinator/ Itinerant Teacher. “Quality early childhood programs positively impact academic achievement, behavior, educational progression and attainment.”
The benefits of our inclusionary model include:
• Supporting Peer Relationships Among ALL Students
• Strengths-Based Model
• Specialized, Differentiated Instruction for ALL
• Social Skills & Empathy
• Evidence-Based Practices
Austin Raike
Toth Elementary School
Grade 3
Austin Raike is a Diversity Ambassador and 3rd grade student at Toth Elementary School. Toth’s 3rd and 4th grade Diversity Ambassadors meet with the Principal once a month. They talk about how classmates are diverse, such as culture, abilities, etc. Their job is to help Principal Dr. Beth Christoff help all students at Toth to celebrate each other’s differences and to make everyone feel comfortable and special. Their big project is a Diversity Fair in February. The 2018 Diversity Fair will be the second annual.
“Austin has the biggest and kindest heart,” shared Dr. Christoff. “He recently put together a big project! He had a bake sale to support the Family House of Toledo. He baked cookies and brownies with his grandmother the day before and held a bake sale in his neighborhood. He raised over $300 for this worthwhile cause!”
Family House is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing homeless families in crisis with professional, comprehensive housing and social services in a safe, caring environment.
Austin advertised, baked, set up, ran the sale and cleaned up afterward. His mother took him to use some of the money he raised to purchase specific items the Family House needed and then he donated the remaining funds he raised to Family House for their projects.
We’re so proud of you, Austin!
Scott Buker
Assistant Principal
Perrysburg Junior High School
Mr. Scott Buker has held a number of different positions in the Perrysburg School District, including nine years as an intervention specialist at the high school, one year as an intervention specialist at the junior high, three years as the junior high athletic director and now he is in his first year as junior high assistant principal. Mr. Buker has also been an assistant coach for track and football over the last ten years.
“Scott Buker is an educator who has high moral character and an incredible work ethic,” shared Don Christie, PJHS Principal. “He cares about helping kids to be the best person and student they can be each day. His loyalty to the community and schools of Perrysburg is demonstrated on a daily basis by how he interacts positively with students, staff members and families.”
Mr. Buker has actively participated on a variety of committees throughout the school district, including: Autism Team, Jacket Way, Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports and Vision 2020 Strategic Planning. He also has kept himself very busy during the summer months over the last 10 years as the Director of Summer Recreation for the City of Perrysburg.
To suggest a program, student or employee for an upcoming Spotlight, please contact Rachel Zickar at [email protected].