Attendance Reminders from Mrs. George... With seven weeks left in the school year, I would like to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of regular school attendance. When students are consistently present and on time to class, they are more likely to stay engaged, perform well academically, and build strong connections with their peers and teachers. Here are a few key reminders: Email jhhsattendance@ohschools.org if your child is absent. If the absence is due to illness or a medical appointment, we ask that you provide a doctor’s note when possible. Excessive unexcused absences or tardies may lead to academic challenges and potential attendance interventions. If your family has a pre-planned trip or sporting event, please email Jasa George at jgeorge@ohschools.org to request a permissible absence form at least five days in advance so we can work together to ensure your child stays on track.
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Attendance Reminders from Mrs. George... With seven weeks left in the school year, I would like to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of regular school attendance. When students are consistently present and on time to class, they are more likely to stay engaged, perform well academically, and build strong connections with their peers and teachers. Here are a few key reminders: Email jhhsattendance@ohschools.org if your child is absent. If the absence is due to illness or a medical appointment, we ask that you provide a doctor’s note when possible. Excessive unexcused absences or tardies may lead to academic challenges and potential attendance interventions. If your family has a pre-planned trip or sporting event, please email Jasa George at jgeorge@ohschools.org to request a permissible absence form at least five days in advance so we can work together to ensure your child stays on track.
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 | AP Testing AP (Advanced Placement) Exams begin today. AP students and their parents were emailed the testing schedule and other important information to review before each testing date. AP Exams are taken by students who have been enrolled in AP classes for the year. Please email Mrs. Burnworth if you have any questions. Huge thanks to Mrs. Burnworth and our proctors for handling logistics for AP Exams. Special thanks to our AP teachers for the work they do day in and day out preparing students for these exams. We wish everyone the best! |
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Any unpaid fees and fines need to be resolved as soon as possible. Yearbooks will not be distributed to students with any outstanding fees or fines. The online portal can be accessed via PowerSchool or the district website. Yearbook distribution will take place Friday, May 23. Students will have time to have their classmates sign yearbooks during May Day festivities. Click here to access PowerSchool! |
Exams May 27-30
Please see below for the second semester exam schedule. All students will be dismissed at 2:00pm each exam day if they do not have any make up exams or other obligations to teachers.
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Exams May 27-30
Please see below for the second semester exam schedule. All students will be dismissed at 2:00pm each exam day if they do not have any make up exams or other obligations to teachers.
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I Make a Difference Honors Teachers and Students On Thursday, May 2 Ottawa Hills teachers Tim Hood and Tony Torio and seniors Ashley Wang and Hutch Carter were honored at the annual I Make a Difference Breakfast sponsored by the Educational Service Center Lake Erie West and held at the Toledo Club. The two seniors were asked to select a teacher that had a profound impact on them during their time at Ottawa Hills. Hutch chose Ap Physics and AP Calculus teacher Tim Adkins and Ashely chose social studies teacher Sean Mercer. Hutch shared, “Mr. Adkins understands that each and every one of his students are, before all else, humans. Instead of just telling us when our tests are, he talks to us, and tries to figure out which days would work best with us. And he talks to us not like we’re students, but like we’re people. People with lives, goals, and dreams.” Ashley felt similarly about Mr. Mercer, “High school has been a fun but unpredictable journey, especially these past 8 months of senior year, but Mr.Mercer’s unwavering support and motivation, this year and all the years before, has been a constant reminder to have faith and confidence in myself, and that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.” In the Fall, Ashely will attend the University of Michigan where she will study pre-law. Hutch will attend the University of Maryland and is planning to major in mechanical engineering. These teachers and students pursue excellence, help shape our positive school climate, push the boundaries of our curriculum, challenge and inspire staff and students, and celebrate the success of others. Congratulations, Mr. Adkins, Mr. Mercer, Hutch, and Ashley! Congratulations to our amazing students and teachers. Special thanks to the Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West for hosting the event. |
I Make a Difference Honors Teachers and Students On Thursday, May 2 Ottawa Hills teachers Tim Hood and Tony Torio and seniors Ashley Wang and Hutch Carter were honored at the annual I Make a Difference Breakfast sponsored by the Educational Service Center Lake Erie West and held at the Toledo Club. The two seniors were asked to select a teacher that had a profound impact on them during their time at Ottawa Hills. Hutch chose Ap Physics and AP Calculus teacher Tim Adkins and Ashely chose social studies teacher Sean Mercer. Hutch shared, “Mr. Adkins understands that each and every one of his students are, before all else, humans. Instead of just telling us when our tests are, he talks to us, and tries to figure out which days would work best with us. And he talks to us not like we’re students, but like we’re people. People with lives, goals, and dreams.” Ashley felt similarly about Mr. Mercer, “High school has been a fun but unpredictable journey, especially these past 8 months of senior year, but Mr.Mercer’s unwavering support and motivation, this year and all the years before, has been a constant reminder to have faith and confidence in myself, and that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.” In the Fall, Ashely will attend the University of Michigan where she will study pre-law. Hutch will attend the University of Maryland and is planning to major in mechanical engineering. These teachers and students pursue excellence, help shape our positive school climate, push the boundaries of our curriculum, challenge and inspire staff and students, and celebrate the success of others. Congratulations, Mr. Adkins, Mr. Mercer, Hutch, and Ashley! Congratulations to our amazing students and teachers. Special thanks to the Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West for hosting the event. |
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Decision Day 2025
On Thursday, May 1, excitement filled the gymnasium as members of the Class of 2025 gathered to celebrate Decision Day—a milestone event recognizing their post-secondary plans. Dressed in t-shirts proudly displaying the names and logos of their chosen colleges, universities, and career paths, students came together to share their next steps with peers, teachers, and families. Decision Day offered a joyful opportunity for students to reflect on their hard work and look ahead to the exciting journeys that await them next fall. The celebration included a class photo to commemorate the moment, capturing the spirit and unity of this accomplished group as they prepare for life beyond high school. A delicious breakfast was served, thanks to the efforts of Senior Class Advisor and Assistant Principal Jasa George, along with dedicated parent volunteers Julie Anderson, Sue Eidenier, Racquel Lorenzen, and Lucianne Penrod. |
Decision Day 2025
On Thursday, May 1, excitement filled the gymnasium as members of the Class of 2025 gathered to celebrate Decision Day—a milestone event recognizing their post-secondary plans. Dressed in t-shirts proudly displaying the names and logos of their chosen colleges, universities, and career paths, students came together to share their next steps with peers, teachers, and families. Decision Day offered a joyful opportunity for students to reflect on their hard work and look ahead to the exciting journeys that await them next fall. The celebration included a class photo to commemorate the moment, capturing the spirit and unity of this accomplished group as they prepare for life beyond high school. A delicious breakfast was served, thanks to the efforts of Senior Class Advisor and Assistant Principal Jasa George, along with dedicated parent volunteers Julie Anderson, Sue Eidenier, Racquel Lorenzen, and Lucianne Penrod. |
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Teen Pep Celebrates a Year of Important Work Today marked the conclusion of an inspiring year for our TeenP EP students at the Imagination Station. Throughout the school year, they had the opportunity to engage with PE classes and elementary groups, successfully educating over 2,000 children in the Toledo area on critical issues such as domestic violence, bullying, and advocacy. This initiative not only highlights the commitment of our Teen PEP members but also underscores the significant impact they are making in their community. Their hard work and dedication have fostered awareness and understanding among young students, empowering them to navigate these vital topics with knowledge and compassion. A special thank you goes out to Stacy Richards, our health teacher and advisor, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in the success of this program. Congratulations to all TeenPEP members for their achievements this year. Together, we are driving positive change and inspiring future generations to advocate for themselves and others. Established in 1995, Teen PEP focuses on sexual-violence prevention education as well as teen dating violence and bullying prevention. The project is based on the CDC-evaluated, evidence-based curriculum Expect Respect: A School-Based Program Promoting Safe and Healthy Relationships for Youth and integrates concepts from Safe Dates. The goal of the program is to train students as teen leaders to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in northwest Ohio. For more information about Teen Pep, click here. |
Teen Pep Celebrates a Year of Important Work Today marked the conclusion of an inspiring year for our TeenP EP students at the Imagination Station. Throughout the school year, they had the opportunity to engage with PE classes and elementary groups, successfully educating over 2,000 children in the Toledo area on critical issues such as domestic violence, bullying, and advocacy. This initiative not only highlights the commitment of our Teen PEP members but also underscores the significant impact they are making in their community. Their hard work and dedication have fostered awareness and understanding among young students, empowering them to navigate these vital topics with knowledge and compassion. A special thank you goes out to Stacy Richards, our health teacher and advisor, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in the success of this program. Congratulations to all TeenPEP members for their achievements this year. Together, we are driving positive change and inspiring future generations to advocate for themselves and others. Established in 1995, Teen PEP focuses on sexual-violence prevention education as well as teen dating violence and bullying prevention. The project is based on the CDC-evaluated, evidence-based curriculum Expect Respect: A School-Based Program Promoting Safe and Healthy Relationships for Youth and integrates concepts from Safe Dates. The goal of the program is to train students as teen leaders to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in northwest Ohio. For more information about Teen Pep, click here. |
Ottawa Hills Recognized by U.S. Department of State for Global Leadership We are proud to share that Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School has been honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Department of State in recognition of our ongoing commitment to international education and global understanding. This recognition celebrates our school’s active support of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs. These initiatives, which bring international students to schools across the United States, aim to promote mutual understanding and respect among young people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Through hosting exchange students, our students and community are enriched by the opportunity to engage with future global leaders and develop lifelong cross-cultural relationships. As a result of this work, Ottawa Hills has also earned the distinction of being a USA Medallion School—a national recognition given to schools that demonstrate outstanding support for international exchange and global education. The award was presented to Principal Ben McMurray by Miftahul “Dawa” Dawamah, our exchange student from Indonesia, during a special luncheon on Thursday. Thank you to everyone who helps make Ottawa Hills a school where global citizenship is not just taught, but lived. Special thanks to advisor Caitlin Shawaker, AFS liaison Linda Sherry, and AFS for all they do for our school and community. |
Ottawa Hills Recognized by U.S. Department of State for Global Leadership We are proud to share that Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School has been honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Department of State in recognition of our ongoing commitment to international education and global understanding. This recognition celebrates our school’s active support of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs. These initiatives, which bring international students to schools across the United States, aim to promote mutual understanding and respect among young people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Through hosting exchange students, our students and community are enriched by the opportunity to engage with future global leaders and develop lifelong cross-cultural relationships. As a result of this work, Ottawa Hills has also earned the distinction of being a USA Medallion School—a national recognition given to schools that demonstrate outstanding support for international exchange and global education. The award was presented to Principal Ben McMurray by Miftahul “Dawa” Dawamah, our exchange student from Indonesia, during a special luncheon on Thursday. Thank you to everyone who helps make Ottawa Hills a school where global citizenship is not just taught, but lived. Special thanks to advisor Caitlin Shawaker, AFS liaison Linda Sherry, and AFS for all they do for our school and community. |
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Celebrating Global Connections at the AFS End-of-Year Luncheon Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School recently celebrated another successful year of global exchange at the annual AFS end-of-year luncheon. The event honored the incredible experiences shared by this year’s exchange students, Miftahul “Dawa” Dawamah from Indonesia and Nicolás Quiroga Llana from Chile. Both students spoke warmly about their time in the United States, expressing heartfelt gratitude to AFS, the Ottawa Hills school community, and their host families for making their experience so meaningful. During the luncheon, the AFS liaison also took a moment to extend sincere thanks to all those who make the exchange experience possible. Special recognition was given to AFS advisor Caitlin Shawaker, teachers, administrators, and the Board of Education for their ongoing support of international education. Lastly, Linda expressed profound gratitude for the Tuckers, Hoezles, and Clarks, this year’s host families for opening up their homes to Dawa and Nico. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Linda Sherry and her husband Dennis, Sheri Brancatto, and Liza Halleran for their help organizing the luncheon and their continued involvement in AFS activities throughout the year. Events like this serve as a reminder of the value of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding and lasting friendships across the globe. Thank you to everyone who continues to help make Ottawa Hills a welcoming and globally-minded school community. AFS is looking for Ottawa Hills families to host next year’s exchange students. Families get to select their student from hundreds of biographies. To learn more, contact Linda at dsher343@aol.com or ask the Tuckers, Hoelzles or Clarks about their experience as host families. |
Celebrating Global Connections at the AFS End-of-Year Luncheon Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School recently celebrated another successful year of global exchange at the annual AFS end-of-year luncheon. The event honored the incredible experiences shared by this year’s exchange students, Miftahul “Dawa” Dawamah from Indonesia and Nicolás Quiroga Llana from Chile. Both students spoke warmly about their time in the United States, expressing heartfelt gratitude to AFS, the Ottawa Hills school community, and their host families for making their experience so meaningful. During the luncheon, the AFS liaison also took a moment to extend sincere thanks to all those who make the exchange experience possible. Special recognition was given to AFS advisor Caitlin Shawaker, teachers, administrators, and the Board of Education for their ongoing support of international education. Lastly, Linda expressed profound gratitude for the Tuckers, Hoezles, and Clarks, this year’s host families for opening up their homes to Dawa and Nico. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Linda Sherry and her husband Dennis, Sheri Brancatto, and Liza Halleran for their help organizing the luncheon and their continued involvement in AFS activities throughout the year. Events like this serve as a reminder of the value of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding and lasting friendships across the globe. Thank you to everyone who continues to help make Ottawa Hills a welcoming and globally-minded school community. AFS is looking for Ottawa Hills families to host next year’s exchange students. Families get to select their student from hundreds of biographies. To learn more, contact Linda at dsher343@aol.com or ask the Tuckers, Hoelzles or Clarks about their experience as host families. |
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Burns Receives 2025 Perseverance Award Congratulations, Graham Burns! Graham has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Perseverance Award. He was nominated by a staff member and chosen by a selection committee for this meaningful recognition. The Perseverance Award was originally established in the spring of 2022 with the support of an Ottawa Hills alumnus. This award honors a student who has demonstrated determination and growth in the face of adversity. Graham’s resilience and steady progress stood out to the committee, making him a deserving honoree. Graham was recognized at the Ottawa Hills Board of Education meeting in April, where he received a special certificate, plaque, and a $100 check from the award sponsor. His name will be added to a permanent plaque displayed in the main hallway of the school. |
Burns Receives 2025 Perseverance Award Congratulations, Graham Burns! Graham has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Perseverance Award. He was nominated by a staff member and chosen by a selection committee for this meaningful recognition. The Perseverance Award was originally established in the spring of 2022 with the support of an Ottawa Hills alumnus. This award honors a student who has demonstrated determination and growth in the face of adversity. Graham’s resilience and steady progress stood out to the committee, making him a deserving honoree. Graham was recognized at the Ottawa Hills Board of Education meeting in April, where he received a special certificate, plaque, and a $100 check from the award sponsor. His name will be added to a permanent plaque displayed in the main hallway of the school. |
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ASL Challenge Congratulations to our American Sign Language (ASL) Challenge Winners: ASL Ⅰ- Natalie Nixon ASL Ⅱ- Daisy Mullen ASL Ⅲ- Megan Allen Students used the knowledge they gained throughout the year to push themselves in the amount of illustrated representation of signs they have learned. Students were awarded for their hard work with a fun-filled jar of goodies and a gift card. A special shoutout to all of our ASL students that participated in this competition! Their abilities will be tested again during the next two weeks as they have another signing conversation with a member of the deaf community. Many thanks to Kay Cocke for running our language lab and continuing to be the liaison between ASL Virtual Academy and our ASL students. |
ASL Challenge Congratulations to our American Sign Language (ASL) Challenge Winners: ASL Ⅰ- Natalie Nixon ASL Ⅱ- Daisy Mullen ASL Ⅲ- Megan Allen Students used the knowledge they gained throughout the year to push themselves in the amount of illustrated representation of signs they have learned. Students were awarded for their hard work with a fun-filled jar of goodies and a gift card. A special shoutout to all of our ASL students that participated in this competition! Their abilities will be tested again during the next two weeks as they have another signing conversation with a member of the deaf community. Many thanks to Kay Cocke for running our language lab and continuing to be the liaison between ASL Virtual Academy and our ASL students. |
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Nixon Breaks 3200m School Record At the Whitmer Invitational outdoor track meet on Friday, freshman Natalie Nixon delivered an outstanding performance in the 3200-meter run, finishing with a time of 10:52. Her effort shattered the previous school record of 11:07.98, set in 2007 by Hollis Barber. Congratulations, Natalie, on this remarkable achievement! |
Nixon Breaks 3200m School Record At the Whitmer Invitational outdoor track meet on Friday, freshman Natalie Nixon delivered an outstanding performance in the 3200-meter run, finishing with a time of 10:52. Her effort shattered the previous school record of 11:07.98, set in 2007 by Hollis Barber. Congratulations, Natalie, on this remarkable achievement! |
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Ottawa Hills Hosts First-Ever “Big Sing” Concert On Sunday afternoon, the Ottawa Hills community came together for a powerful and heartwarming musical event—the first-ever Big Sing concert. This collaborative performance, featuring students from both the elementary and junior/senior high schools, showcased the incredible musical talent growing across our district. The concert was a joint effort led by elementary music teacher and Brown Bag Chorus advisor Kimburly Manchur and junior/senior high school vocal music director Hayley Hoss. Their vision brought together students from multiple grade levels to celebrate music, community, and creativity. The program opened with the combined choir performing Pure Imagination (arr. Audrey Snyder), featuring soloists Annie Lim and Layla Martinez. The energy continued with a moving rendition of A Million Dreams (arr. Mac Huff), highlighted by soloists Jo Mullan, Wisal Abudulimu, Jeila Pallitta, and Hannah Siders. The Brown Bag Chorus, under Ms. Manchur’s direction, performed Die with a Smile (arr. Roger Emerson), featuring soloist Gabriella Hreish, followed by the timeless Can’t Help Falling in Love (arr. Roger Emerson). The Jr. Chorale, directed by Ms. Hoss, brought energy and charm to For the Longest Time (arr. Tom Gentry) and Landslide (arr. Maryanne Muglia), followed by the Choraliers’ beautiful performance of For Good (arr. Roger Emerson). The afternoon concluded with all ensembles returning to the stage for a final combined performance, a fitting end to a concert that captured the joy and unity that music brings. Special thanks to accompanist Jeff Manchur for his musical support and collaboration throughout the performance. The Big Sing was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of the arts, student achievement, and the collaborative spirit that defines Ottawa Hills. We look forward to making this a new tradition in the years to come. |
Ottawa Hills Hosts First-Ever “Big Sing” Concert On Sunday afternoon, the Ottawa Hills community came together for a powerful and heartwarming musical event—the first-ever Big Sing concert. This collaborative performance, featuring students from both the elementary and junior/senior high schools, showcased the incredible musical talent growing across our district. The concert was a joint effort led by elementary music teacher and Brown Bag Chorus advisor Kimburly Manchur and junior/senior high school vocal music director Hayley Hoss. Their vision brought together students from multiple grade levels to celebrate music, community, and creativity. The program opened with the combined choir performing Pure Imagination (arr. Audrey Snyder), featuring soloists Annie Lim and Layla Martinez. The energy continued with a moving rendition of A Million Dreams (arr. Mac Huff), highlighted by soloists Jo Mullan, Wisal Abudulimu, Jeila Pallitta, and Hannah Siders. The Brown Bag Chorus, under Ms. Manchur’s direction, performed Die with a Smile (arr. Roger Emerson), featuring soloist Gabriella Hreish, followed by the timeless Can’t Help Falling in Love (arr. Roger Emerson). The Jr. Chorale, directed by Ms. Hoss, brought energy and charm to For the Longest Time (arr. Tom Gentry) and Landslide (arr. Maryanne Muglia), followed by the Choraliers’ beautiful performance of For Good (arr. Roger Emerson). The afternoon concluded with all ensembles returning to the stage for a final combined performance, a fitting end to a concert that captured the joy and unity that music brings. Special thanks to accompanist Jeff Manchur for his musical support and collaboration throughout the performance. The Big Sing was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of the arts, student achievement, and the collaborative spirit that defines Ottawa Hills. We look forward to making this a new tradition in the years to come. |
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Save the Date.. Wednesday, May 7: Board of Education meeting 8:30 a.m. district offices Tuesday, May 13: JHHS Choir Concert 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14: All District Band Concert 7 p.m. Friday, May 23: May Day! Early release for all students at 1 p.m. Monday, May 26: Memorial Day-Schools closed Wednesday, May 28: Eighth Grade Recognition Friday, May 30: Last day of school Friday, May 30: Commencement 6 p.m. |
Save the Date.. Wednesday, May 7: Board of Education meeting 8:30 a.m. district offices Tuesday, May 13: JHHS Choir Concert 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14: All District Band Concert 7 p.m. Friday, May 23: May Day! Early release for all students at 1 p.m. Monday, May 26: Memorial Day-Schools closed Wednesday, May 28: Eighth Grade Recognition Friday, May 30: Last day of school Friday, May 30: Commencement 6 p.m. |
Our mailing address is: Ottawa Hills Jr./Sr. High School2532 Evergreen Rd. Ottawa Hills, OH 43606-2204 To unsubscribe from ALL Jr./Sr. High School News click the link below |
Our mailing address is: Ottawa Hills Jr./Sr. High School2532 Evergreen Rd. Ottawa Hills, OH 43606-2204 To unsubscribe from ALL Jr./Sr. High School News click the link below |
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