Monday, September 22, 2025 |
Monday, September 22, 2025 |
 | Coffee with Principals Wednesday, September 24 9:15am Library Please join Principal Ben McMurray and Assistant Principal Dr. Amanda Ricketts for an opportunity to learn more about Ottawa Hills Jr./Sr. High School. A variety of topics will be covered and attendees will have the chance to ask questions. Please check in using our raptor system. RSVP Here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv5Om9rZqJWHPv2rm5w4xUh1EbVgCbDbIW1mVqPuCf1VBjiw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107115093698517002713 |
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Cookout is immediately after school on Thursday, September 25 3:00pm–4:00pm (end time is approximate). After the cookout, we strongly encourage students to stay and show their school spirit by supporting our teams: 5:00 p.m. – 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Game
6:00 p.m. – Junior High Boys Football Game This is a great opportunity for your child to enjoy time with friends, cheer on classmates, and celebrate our school community. We hope to see your student at the cookout and in the stands showing their school spirit! Rain date will be Thursday, October 2. |
Cookout is immediately after school on Thursday, September 25 3:00pm–4:00pm (end time is approximate). After the cookout, we strongly encourage students to stay and show their school spirit by supporting our teams: 5:00 p.m. – 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Game
6:00 p.m. – Junior High Boys Football Game This is a great opportunity for your child to enjoy time with friends, cheer on classmates, and celebrate our school community. We hope to see your student at the cookout and in the stands showing their school spirit! Rain date will be Thursday, October 2. |
 | Food for Thought Food Drive September 15-October 6 Please consider donating non-perishable food items outside of the main office. Thanks to Volunteer Focus for facilitating this food drive! |
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High School Students Mentor Sixth Graders at Camp Storer The sixth graders of Ottawa Hills Elementary recently continued their annual tradition, making a trip to Camp Storer for a unique outdoor educational experience. The students spent their time immersed in nature, learning about natural sciences and environmental issues, as well as participating in activities focused on cultural history and team building. This year's trip was made even more special by the participation of high school students who volunteered as cabin leaders. They played an important leadership and mentoring role, guiding the sixth graders through activities and helping foster a sense of teamwork. Principal Dr. Jeremy Bauer, the sixth-grade teachers, and the Camp Storer staff were incredibly impressed with the leadership and compassion demonstrated by the high school cabin leaders throughout the trip. The following students served as cabin leaders for this year's trip: Megan Allen, Nina Clark, Karis Connelly, Piper Downing, Emma Friedman, Maggie O’Brien, Lily Sturtz, Cora Urfer, Julia Vicente, Gates Begeman, Sam Kapadia, Thomas Lathrop, Henry Lenahan, Kyle Rose, and Lowell Shreve. Special thanks go out to the entire sixth grade team and the YMCA Camp Storer staff for providing such an amazing experience for the class of 2032. This annual trip continues to be a highlight for the students and a valuable lesson in both education and community. Photos by Andrea Williamson |
High School Students Mentor Sixth Graders at Camp Storer The sixth graders of Ottawa Hills Elementary recently continued their annual tradition, making a trip to Camp Storer for a unique outdoor educational experience. The students spent their time immersed in nature, learning about natural sciences and environmental issues, as well as participating in activities focused on cultural history and team building. This year's trip was made even more special by the participation of high school students who volunteered as cabin leaders. They played an important leadership and mentoring role, guiding the sixth graders through activities and helping foster a sense of teamwork. Principal Dr. Jeremy Bauer, the sixth-grade teachers, and the Camp Storer staff were incredibly impressed with the leadership and compassion demonstrated by the high school cabin leaders throughout the trip. The following students served as cabin leaders for this year's trip: Megan Allen, Nina Clark, Karis Connelly, Piper Downing, Emma Friedman, Maggie O’Brien, Lily Sturtz, Cora Urfer, Julia Vicente, Gates Begeman, Sam Kapadia, Thomas Lathrop, Henry Lenahan, Kyle Rose, and Lowell Shreve. Special thanks go out to the entire sixth grade team and the YMCA Camp Storer staff for providing such an amazing experience for the class of 2032. This annual trip continues to be a highlight for the students and a valuable lesson in both education and community. Photos by Andrea Williamson |
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School Counselor Represents Ottawa Hills at National College Admission Conference Our school counselor, Crystal Burnworth, represented Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School at the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) conference in Columbus this past week. This premier event brought together over 6,500 college admission counseling professionals from across the country to share best practices, inspirational ideas, and cutting-edge research. Mrs. Burnworth is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the college admissions landscape to best serve our students. Her participation in this conference allows her to bring back the latest insights and strategies to help our students and families navigate the college application process. She attended various sessions and workshops designed to enhance her knowledge and skills, and we know she will come back with a wealth of new information to share. Additionally, she took part in the guided tours of area colleges and universities. These tours were specifically for school counselors, providing invaluable firsthand knowledge of campus life, academic programs, and the admission process at these institutions. This experience allows her to provide even more personalized and informed guidance to our students. Thank you, Mrs. Burnworth, for your commitment to our students’ futures! We can’t wait to hear about your experience. |
School Counselor Represents Ottawa Hills at National College Admission Conference Our school counselor, Crystal Burnworth, represented Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School at the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) conference in Columbus this past week. This premier event brought together over 6,500 college admission counseling professionals from across the country to share best practices, inspirational ideas, and cutting-edge research. Mrs. Burnworth is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the college admissions landscape to best serve our students. Her participation in this conference allows her to bring back the latest insights and strategies to help our students and families navigate the college application process. She attended various sessions and workshops designed to enhance her knowledge and skills, and we know she will come back with a wealth of new information to share. Additionally, she took part in the guided tours of area colleges and universities. These tours were specifically for school counselors, providing invaluable firsthand knowledge of campus life, academic programs, and the admission process at these institutions. This experience allows her to provide even more personalized and informed guidance to our students. Thank you, Mrs. Burnworth, for your commitment to our students’ futures! We can’t wait to hear about your experience. |
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OHHS Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame Recipients Honored On Friday the district recognized distinguished alumni who have made a meaningful contribution to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and careers have honored the tradition of excellence at Ottawa Hills. The district also inducted new members to the Athletic Hall of Fame in appreciation of extraordinary contributions to our athletic programs or recognition of outstanding achievement in sports. Distinguished Alumni Recipients - Sara (Monoky) Bloomquist (’90) -Award-winning journalist, master storyteller, and community champion
- Susan Feniger (‘71) -James Beard Award winner, food television start and culinary pioneer
- James (Jim) Klein (‘62) -Distinguished law professor, legal education innovator and access to justice advocate
- Geof Meyers (’62) -Corporate finance leader, community board champion, and philanthropic leader
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees - Eliot Browarsky (‘10) -Two-sport standout and Division I collegiate soccer star
- Burt Jamieson (‘80) -Record-setting basketball scorer, three-sport athlete and collegiate competitor
- Megan Jamieson (‘07) -Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Sportsmanship Award recipient
- Roger Owen (’58) -Green Bear sports legend and Fair-Trade coffee industry pioneer (was unable to attend and will be recognized and inducted in 2026)
- 2008 Boys Soccer Team-State championship team and Toledo-area trailblazers
Many thanks to Director of Development and Alumni Relations Erica Silk, the DAA/AHOF selection committee, the Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation, and Foundation Board Chairman for making the event possible. It was a magical evening for our school and community. Congratulations to our 2025 Distinguished Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame recipients! The program can be viewed on the district website here Special thanks to our event sponsors: Spengler Nathanson Attorneys at Law, Spartan Chemical and Metzgers. |
OHHS Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame Recipients Honored On Friday the district recognized distinguished alumni who have made a meaningful contribution to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and careers have honored the tradition of excellence at Ottawa Hills. The district also inducted new members to the Athletic Hall of Fame in appreciation of extraordinary contributions to our athletic programs or recognition of outstanding achievement in sports. Distinguished Alumni Recipients - Sara (Monoky) Bloomquist (’90) -Award-winning journalist, master storyteller, and community champion
- Susan Feniger (‘71) -James Beard Award winner, food television start and culinary pioneer
- James (Jim) Klein (‘62) -Distinguished law professor, legal education innovator and access to justice advocate
- Geof Meyers (’62) -Corporate finance leader, community board champion, and philanthropic leader
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees - Eliot Browarsky (‘10) -Two-sport standout and Division I collegiate soccer star
- Burt Jamieson (‘80) -Record-setting basketball scorer, three-sport athlete and collegiate competitor
- Megan Jamieson (‘07) -Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Sportsmanship Award recipient
- Roger Owen (’58) -Green Bear sports legend and Fair-Trade coffee industry pioneer (was unable to attend and will be recognized and inducted in 2026)
- 2008 Boys Soccer Team-State championship team and Toledo-area trailblazers
Many thanks to Director of Development and Alumni Relations Erica Silk, the DAA/AHOF selection committee, the Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation, and Foundation Board Chairman for making the event possible. It was a magical evening for our school and community. Congratulations to our 2025 Distinguished Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame recipients! The program can be viewed on the district website here Special thanks to our event sponsors: Spengler Nathanson Attorneys at Law, Spartan Chemical and Metzgers. |
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Award-Winning Journalist Sara (Monoky) Bloomquist '90 Returns to Ottawa Hills On Friday, Ottawa Hills welcomed back alumna and award-winning journalist Sara Bloomquist '90 for a day of inspiration. Bloomquist, one of the most recognizable reporters in Philadelphia, shared her journey with students in Sara Eisenbaum's Professional Networking and Communication class and Sam Abbott's AP English Language class. As a prominent anchor and reporter at WPVI-TV, a part of ABC and the Walt Disney Company, Bloomquist has covered some of the most important stories of the last three decades. Her work has taken her around the world, from Italy and Egypt to Kenya, and she has covered major events like Presidential Inaugurations, the Super Bowl, and wildfires. Before moving to Philadelphia in 2002, she had an award-winning career in her hometown at Toledo's WTVG, where she earned accolades from the Associated Press and was nominated for two Emmy awards for her live coverage of the 9/11 attacks from Ground Zero. Bloomquist's passion for storytelling began in sixth grade at Ottawa Hills Elementary, where she participated in a kids' journalism program on WGTE called "The Right Side Up." Her career path was further inspired in eighth grade when her English teacher, Ms. Alice Lora, a former teacher of ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer, suggested she consider journalism. Students gained valuable insight into Bloomquist's college and career pathways, as well as the importance of effective communication and networking. This wonderful learning opportunity was made possible by Director of Development Erica Silk and our dedicated faculty and staff. A sincere thank you to Sara for sharing her story and inspiring our students. |
Award-Winning Journalist Sara (Monoky) Bloomquist '90 Returns to Ottawa Hills On Friday, Ottawa Hills welcomed back alumna and award-winning journalist Sara Bloomquist '90 for a day of inspiration. Bloomquist, one of the most recognizable reporters in Philadelphia, shared her journey with students in Sara Eisenbaum's Professional Networking and Communication class and Sam Abbott's AP English Language class. As a prominent anchor and reporter at WPVI-TV, a part of ABC and the Walt Disney Company, Bloomquist has covered some of the most important stories of the last three decades. Her work has taken her around the world, from Italy and Egypt to Kenya, and she has covered major events like Presidential Inaugurations, the Super Bowl, and wildfires. Before moving to Philadelphia in 2002, she had an award-winning career in her hometown at Toledo's WTVG, where she earned accolades from the Associated Press and was nominated for two Emmy awards for her live coverage of the 9/11 attacks from Ground Zero. Bloomquist's passion for storytelling began in sixth grade at Ottawa Hills Elementary, where she participated in a kids' journalism program on WGTE called "The Right Side Up." Her career path was further inspired in eighth grade when her English teacher, Ms. Alice Lora, a former teacher of ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer, suggested she consider journalism. Students gained valuable insight into Bloomquist's college and career pathways, as well as the importance of effective communication and networking. This wonderful learning opportunity was made possible by Director of Development Erica Silk and our dedicated faculty and staff. A sincere thank you to Sara for sharing her story and inspiring our students. |
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A Decade of Stewardship: Genzman and Students Keep Ottawa River Clean For nearly a decade, science teacher Paul Genzman and the students of the Eclipse Club have been on a mission to restore the Ottawa River. Every year, they venture to various spots along the river in the Village, meticulously working to remove the plastic and debris that has accumulated in the water. This effort is a long-standing commitment to the health of a vital local waterway. The cleanup is a true community partnership. Genzman works directly with Village Manager April McDonald and Mayor Thompson to identify the most critical areas in need of cleaning. This collaboration ensures the students’ hard work is focused where it can make the biggest impact on the river’s ecosystem. Thanks to the dedicated work of the students and teachers, combined with the recent removal of a dam, the river is gradually returning to its natural state. This sustained cleanup effort is crucial for preserving the natural ecosystem of the Lake Erie watershed, ensuring the river remains a healthy and beautiful part of the community for generations to come. Photos by Paul Genzman |
A Decade of Stewardship: Genzman and Students Keep Ottawa River Clean For nearly a decade, science teacher Paul Genzman and the students of the Eclipse Club have been on a mission to restore the Ottawa River. Every year, they venture to various spots along the river in the Village, meticulously working to remove the plastic and debris that has accumulated in the water. This effort is a long-standing commitment to the health of a vital local waterway. The cleanup is a true community partnership. Genzman works directly with Village Manager April McDonald and Mayor Thompson to identify the most critical areas in need of cleaning. This collaboration ensures the students’ hard work is focused where it can make the biggest impact on the river’s ecosystem. Thanks to the dedicated work of the students and teachers, combined with the recent removal of a dam, the river is gradually returning to its natural state. This sustained cleanup effort is crucial for preserving the natural ecosystem of the Lake Erie watershed, ensuring the river remains a healthy and beautiful part of the community for generations to come. Photos by Paul Genzman |
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A Weekend to Remember: Welcoming Back Our Alumni It was a special weekend at Ottawa Hills as we had the pleasure of hosting alumni from the classes of 1975 and 1995 for their 50th and 30th reunions. It's always wonderful to see our graduates return to campus and reconnect with old friends. In addition to their private get-togethers at places like Stubborn Brother and at classmates' homes, many alumni showed their Green Bear pride by cheering on our football team at Friday's game. On Saturday morning, our Director of Development Erica Silk and I had the honor of leading tours of the junior/senior high school. It was a fantastic opportunity to walk the halls with those who once called them home. The alumni were genuinely impressed with the updates to our building, particularly the Foundry, our state-of-the-art science labs, and the vibrant art classrooms. While they were amazed by the new spaces and technology, they weren't surprised by our continued tradition of excellence. It was a powerful reminder that while the building may evolve, the spirit of Ottawa Hills remains the same. We were so happy to have our alumni back and look forward to seeing them again soon! |
A Weekend to Remember: Welcoming Back Our Alumni It was a special weekend at Ottawa Hills as we had the pleasure of hosting alumni from the classes of 1975 and 1995 for their 50th and 30th reunions. It's always wonderful to see our graduates return to campus and reconnect with old friends. In addition to their private get-togethers at places like Stubborn Brother and at classmates' homes, many alumni showed their Green Bear pride by cheering on our football team at Friday's game. On Saturday morning, our Director of Development Erica Silk and I had the honor of leading tours of the junior/senior high school. It was a fantastic opportunity to walk the halls with those who once called them home. The alumni were genuinely impressed with the updates to our building, particularly the Foundry, our state-of-the-art science labs, and the vibrant art classrooms. While they were amazed by the new spaces and technology, they weren't surprised by our continued tradition of excellence. It was a powerful reminder that while the building may evolve, the spirit of Ottawa Hills remains the same. We were so happy to have our alumni back and look forward to seeing them again soon! |
Save the Date Wednesday, September 24: Picture Retakes Wednesday, October 8 : Testing Day: EARLY RELEASE Friday, October 10: Village Life Parade Saturday, October 11: Homecoming Wednesday, October 15: Senior Portraits Sunday, October 19: Fall Collage Concert Wednesday, October 22: Early Release Thursday & Friday, October 23-24: Parents/Teacher Conferences: NO SCHOOL Tuesday, November 4: No School-Voting Day |
Save the Date Wednesday, September 24: Picture Retakes Wednesday, October 8 : Testing Day: EARLY RELEASE Friday, October 10: Village Life Parade Saturday, October 11: Homecoming Wednesday, October 15: Senior Portraits Sunday, October 19: Fall Collage Concert Wednesday, October 22: Early Release Thursday & Friday, October 23-24: Parents/Teacher Conferences: NO SCHOOL Tuesday, November 4: No School-Voting Day |
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