Monday, September 15, 2025 |
Monday, September 15, 2025 |
 | Late Start Wednesday, September 17 Students can enter the building at 10:00am. |
 | 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 |
Fall Festival Click here to volunteer and buy tickets! https://ohspa.membershiptoolkit.com/fallfest25 |
Fall Festival Click here to volunteer and buy tickets! https://ohspa.membershiptoolkit.com/fallfest25 |
 | Food for Thought Food Drive September 15-October 6 Please consider donating non-perishable food items outside of the main office. Thank to Volunteer Focus for facilitating this food drive! |
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A Message from Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz: Green Bear Fans, Thank you for your ongoing support of our teams and student-athletes. I want to remind everyone to cheer for the Green Bears in a positive and respectful manner. This means refraining from yelling at officials or opposing teams, even when you disagree with calls. Remember, officials are humans and deserve respect. Recently, I have been informed by the OHSAA about several fan ejections at our sporting events. In most cases, these incidents involved fans continuing to berate officials after calls were made. Unfortunately, vulgar language has also been used at times. This behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the character we want to represent Ottawa Hills. There is currently a shortage of officials across all sports, which has led to game cancellations statewide. For example, a recent junior high football game and a varsity girls soccer game last season were canceled due to a lack of officials. With so few officials available and many games to cover, it’s important that our fan behavior does not discourage officials from working our events, which ultimately affects our student-athletes’ opportunities to compete. I ask all fans to stay positive and encouraging throughout the games and leave the officiating to those in uniform. Together, we can create a welcoming environment that can make our entire community proud. Go Green Bears!
Mr. Wronkowicz |
A Message from Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz: Green Bear Fans, Thank you for your ongoing support of our teams and student-athletes. I want to remind everyone to cheer for the Green Bears in a positive and respectful manner. This means refraining from yelling at officials or opposing teams, even when you disagree with calls. Remember, officials are humans and deserve respect. Recently, I have been informed by the OHSAA about several fan ejections at our sporting events. In most cases, these incidents involved fans continuing to berate officials after calls were made. Unfortunately, vulgar language has also been used at times. This behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the character we want to represent Ottawa Hills. There is currently a shortage of officials across all sports, which has led to game cancellations statewide. For example, a recent junior high football game and a varsity girls soccer game last season were canceled due to a lack of officials. With so few officials available and many games to cover, it’s important that our fan behavior does not discourage officials from working our events, which ultimately affects our student-athletes’ opportunities to compete. I ask all fans to stay positive and encouraging throughout the games and leave the officiating to those in uniform. Together, we can create a welcoming environment that can make our entire community proud. Go Green Bears!
Mr. Wronkowicz |
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Behind the Whistle: Experts Visit Our New Course Our new Principles of Officiating class had an incredible experience this week, welcoming two distinguished guest speakers: Rick Kaifas, the TAAC commissioner and former Interim OHHS Athletic Director, and veteran basketball official Tom Nagy. Mr. Kaifas and Mr. Nagy generously shared their valuable expertise and insights, giving our students a first-hand look at the world of sports officiating. This course, taught by teacher and coach Greg Neuendorf, is designed to empower our students to become certified officials with the OHSAA. We are so grateful to Mr. Kaifis and Mr. Nagy for helping to inspire the next generation of leaders on the field and court. |
Behind the Whistle: Experts Visit Our New Course Our new Principles of Officiating class had an incredible experience this week, welcoming two distinguished guest speakers: Rick Kaifas, the TAAC commissioner and former Interim OHHS Athletic Director, and veteran basketball official Tom Nagy. Mr. Kaifas and Mr. Nagy generously shared their valuable expertise and insights, giving our students a first-hand look at the world of sports officiating. This course, taught by teacher and coach Greg Neuendorf, is designed to empower our students to become certified officials with the OHSAA. We are so grateful to Mr. Kaifis and Mr. Nagy for helping to inspire the next generation of leaders on the field and court. |
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Ottawa Hills Senior Quinton Smith Recognized as National Merit Semifinalist Ottawa Hills High School senior Quinton Smith has been named a 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Congratulations, Quinton! The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. Principal Ben McMurray shares, “We are extremely proud of Quinton for this notable national honor. Quinton is an exceptional student—he’s compassionate and actively involved in our school community. His positive attitude, passionate curiosity, and commitment to learning are just some of his impressive attributes. Our faculty, staff, and administrators are thrilled to recognize his accomplishments.” “Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.” |
Ottawa Hills Senior Quinton Smith Recognized as National Merit Semifinalist Ottawa Hills High School senior Quinton Smith has been named a 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Congratulations, Quinton! The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. Principal Ben McMurray shares, “We are extremely proud of Quinton for this notable national honor. Quinton is an exceptional student—he’s compassionate and actively involved in our school community. His positive attitude, passionate curiosity, and commitment to learning are just some of his impressive attributes. Our faculty, staff, and administrators are thrilled to recognize his accomplishments.” “Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.” |
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OHHS State Qualifiers Honored by Athletics and Boosters Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School recently honored its 2025 state qualifiers from the swim and track and field teams. During a ceremony last Friday, these outstanding student-athletes were recognized for their remarkable accomplishments throughout the season. Each qualifier was presented with a commemorative jacket, a symbol of their success and dedication. The jackets were generously provided by the OHHS Boosters. We extend our congratulations to the following students: Natalie Nixon, Freya Klaus, Mercy Alamina, Audrey Nixon, Ella Majerski, Rafaela Marson, Mary Lathrop, Thomas Lathrop, David Seigar, and Seamus Kling. This event was made possible through the collaboration of our community and staff. Special thanks are extended to Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz, Booster President Kim Grimm, Katie Talbott, and the OHHS Boosters for their continued support of our athletic programs. |
OHHS State Qualifiers Honored by Athletics and Boosters Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School recently honored its 2025 state qualifiers from the swim and track and field teams. During a ceremony last Friday, these outstanding student-athletes were recognized for their remarkable accomplishments throughout the season. Each qualifier was presented with a commemorative jacket, a symbol of their success and dedication. The jackets were generously provided by the OHHS Boosters. We extend our congratulations to the following students: Natalie Nixon, Freya Klaus, Mercy Alamina, Audrey Nixon, Ella Majerski, Rafaela Marson, Mary Lathrop, Thomas Lathrop, David Seigar, and Seamus Kling. This event was made possible through the collaboration of our community and staff. Special thanks are extended to Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz, Booster President Kim Grimm, Katie Talbott, and the OHHS Boosters for their continued support of our athletic programs. |
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Kristin (Strobel) Emery Shares Her Journey with Ottawa Hills Students On Friday, Ottawa Hills welcomed back alumna and author Kristin (Strobel) Emery for a day of inspiration. She shared her journey as a writer with our 2nd and 4th graders before visiting several high school classes, including Sara Eisenbaum's AP English Literature, Darrin Broadway's Public Speaking, and Sam Abbott's AP Language. Students learned about her book, Edison Goes to Washington and gained valuable insight into their own future career and college paths. Later that day, Kristin continued to the Sanger Branch Library for a public event, where she read her book and signed copies for a crowd of enthusiastic young readers. This wonderful learning opportunity was made possible by Director of Development Erica Silk and our dedicated faculty and staff. A sincere thank you to Kristin for sharing her story and inspiring our students. |
Kristin (Strobel) Emery Shares Her Journey with Ottawa Hills Students On Friday, Ottawa Hills welcomed back alumna and author Kristin (Strobel) Emery for a day of inspiration. She shared her journey as a writer with our 2nd and 4th graders before visiting several high school classes, including Sara Eisenbaum's AP English Literature, Darrin Broadway's Public Speaking, and Sam Abbott's AP Language. Students learned about her book, Edison Goes to Washington and gained valuable insight into their own future career and college paths. Later that day, Kristin continued to the Sanger Branch Library for a public event, where she read her book and signed copies for a crowd of enthusiastic young readers. This wonderful learning opportunity was made possible by Director of Development Erica Silk and our dedicated faculty and staff. A sincere thank you to Kristin for sharing her story and inspiring our students. |
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The Art of Engineering: Students Learn Precision with Paper Hovercrafts Last week, junior high students in Patty Dowd's STEM classes put their understanding of physics to the test by designing and building paper hovercrafts. This hands-on project was the culmination of a multi-day activity focused on accurate measurement, design thinking, engineering, and trial and error. After a series of trials, students launched their hovercrafts and recorded the distance traveled. Several designs soared to impressive distances, with some traveling more than thirty feet. The project gave students a valuable lesson in precision as they transitioned from their plans to a physical model. As Mrs. Dowd noted, "The students had a good time with the skimmers, but the main lesson was in the details. They learned that a successful project requires precise measurements and careful building, which makes the biggest difference in how far their skimmer traveled." |
The Art of Engineering: Students Learn Precision with Paper Hovercrafts Last week, junior high students in Patty Dowd's STEM classes put their understanding of physics to the test by designing and building paper hovercrafts. This hands-on project was the culmination of a multi-day activity focused on accurate measurement, design thinking, engineering, and trial and error. After a series of trials, students launched their hovercrafts and recorded the distance traveled. Several designs soared to impressive distances, with some traveling more than thirty feet. The project gave students a valuable lesson in precision as they transitioned from their plans to a physical model. As Mrs. Dowd noted, "The students had a good time with the skimmers, but the main lesson was in the details. They learned that a successful project requires precise measurements and careful building, which makes the biggest difference in how far their skimmer traveled." |
Save the Date Saturday, September 20: Fall Festival 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 Saturday, September 20: Fall Festival 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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