 | A Message from Mr. McMurray... I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and relaxing break with family and friends. The fourth quarter began on Tuesday March 25. Students and parents can view PowerSchool to see final grades. We encourage students to develop plans and set goals to ensure a strong finish to the school year. April is filled with a variety of state assessments that are critical to each student’s growth and achievement. Additionally, results from the assessments are used to inform our decisions regarding instructional strategies and educational programming and providing additional support for students. A testing schedule is listed below. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions as we prepare for the final stretch of the school year. |
 | 1. Coffee with Jr./Sr. High School Principals
We invite you to join Principal Ben McMurray and Assistant Principal Jasa George for coffee and conversation on Tuesday, April 1 at 9:30 in the library. Please RSVP here! |
 | 2. OHLS and Office of Village Life partner with Stanford, MIT for AI Scholars program We are excited to host Inspirit AI for an on-campus AI project-building program this summer 2025. The program is a fantastic opportunity to get exposed to applied AI research and undertake profile-building social impact projects with Stanford, MIT, and Ivy League graduate students and industry professionals.
We will be holding an information session on Zoom on April 9, 2025 at 6.30pm ET for families to learn more. The session will be led by Varsha Sandadi, an MIT alumna and AI researcher. Please find the link to sign up for the information session here. In the summer intensive, students from rising 6th-12th grades will learn the fundamental concepts of AI and gain a deeper understanding of how AI is used to build ChatGPT and generative AI, fight the COVID-19 pandemic, power self-driving cars, and more. Students will learn to program AI using Python, discuss ethics and bias within AI, and complete a group project applying AI to a discipline like healthcare, astronomy, finance, among others. No prior computer science experience is required to participate, and separate middle and high school sections will be offered.
If you may be interested in participating in this unique opportunity, please fill out this short interest form and peruse the program brochure for more information about curriculum, schedule, projects, teaching team, and more! |
3. State Testing The district will soon be administering state-required tests to grades 3 through 11. Student attendance is very important during this testing period (April 2-29). The Jr./Sr. High School testing will begin Monday, April 14. |
3. State Testing The district will soon be administering state-required tests to grades 3 through 11. Student attendance is very important during this testing period (April 2-29). The Jr./Sr. High School testing will begin Monday, April 14. |
 | 4. DC Trip Parent Meeting
(parents of current seventh graders) All seventh grade parents are invited to attend the DC Trip Parent Meeting on Thursday, April 10 at 6:00pm in the auditorium. Please direct any questions to Cheri Palko at CPalko@ohschools.org. |
 | 5. Empowering Parents We are excited to announce another "Empowering Parents event in The Foundry on Wednesday, April 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m. for an insightful discussion on Collegiate Level Sports and how they can impact your student-athlete’s future. Email Darrin Broadway to RSVP at DBroadway@ohschools.org. |
 | Tickets on sale for "Hadestown: Teen Edition" This intriguing and beautiful folk opera offers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. The PG-rated high school production blends American folk music with vintage New Orleans jazz. Shows run April 4-6. |
 | smART Show 2025 Join us for the smART Show 2025: Masterpiece! In addition to strolling through our hallway galleries and admiring students' artwork, you can attend AP student artist talks, participate in hands-on activities, and even recreate a masterpiece. The smART Show is a free community event that has been elevating the arts and celebrating students since 2006. NEW this year is the inclusion of a LEGO Masterpiece Art Exhibit by elementary students. For submission criteria, registration information, and prize details click here. |
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Strong Finish for Quiz Bowl at State Championship The OHHS Quiz Bowl Team delivered an impressive performance at the NAQT Small School State Championship, held on Saturday in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Competing against some of the top academic teams in the state, OHHS secured a remarkable third-place finish, placing them among the top ten teams in the competition. This achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and deep knowledge across a variety of subjects. In addition to their success at the state level, the team had previously earned a spot in the prestigious National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) National Championship, which will take place in Chicago from April 25–27. This national competition will bring together some of the most talented Quiz Bowl teams from across the country, providing OHHS students with the opportunity to showcase their skills on a larger stage. The team members, pictured above (left to right), include Zach Rashid, Rohan Padhye, Josef Duley, Sahil Parikh, Quinton Smith, and Meral Humaida. Each player has contributed to the team’s success through their dedication to studying, teamwork, and ability to think quickly under pressure. A special thanks goes to advisor Tim Adkins. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the Ottawa Hills Schools Parent Association for their continued support of this extracurricular program, helping to provide resources and opportunities for students to excel in academic competitions. We look forward to seeing OHHS represent our school at nationals and wish them the best of luck in Chicago! |
Strong Finish for Quiz Bowl at State Championship The OHHS Quiz Bowl Team delivered an impressive performance at the NAQT Small School State Championship, held on Saturday in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Competing against some of the top academic teams in the state, OHHS secured a remarkable third-place finish, placing them among the top ten teams in the competition. This achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and deep knowledge across a variety of subjects. In addition to their success at the state level, the team had previously earned a spot in the prestigious National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) National Championship, which will take place in Chicago from April 25–27. This national competition will bring together some of the most talented Quiz Bowl teams from across the country, providing OHHS students with the opportunity to showcase their skills on a larger stage. The team members, pictured above (left to right), include Zach Rashid, Rohan Padhye, Josef Duley, Sahil Parikh, Quinton Smith, and Meral Humaida. Each player has contributed to the team’s success through their dedication to studying, teamwork, and ability to think quickly under pressure. A special thanks goes to advisor Tim Adkins. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the Ottawa Hills Schools Parent Association for their continued support of this extracurricular program, helping to provide resources and opportunities for students to excel in academic competitions. We look forward to seeing OHHS represent our school at nationals and wish them the best of luck in Chicago! |
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Students Earn Top Honors in American Legion Americanism Test The Social Studies Department is pleased to announce the winners of this year's Americanism Test, an annual competition held in collaboration with American Legion Adams Township Post #553. Open to students in grades 10 through 12, the test assesses knowledge of government at the local, state, and national levels. In addition to multiple-choice questions, students are required to write an essay expressing their opinions on critical issues currently facing America. Winners of the competition automatically advance to county and state-wide contests, with state-level winners earning an escorted trip to Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. This year’s award recipients are Henry Cohen, Samantha Brandstatter, Quinton Smith, Meral Humaida, Najjan Alsultan, and Mercy Alamina. According to the American Legion, more than 65,000 students across Ohio participate in this contest each year, making it one of the largest civic education initiatives in the state. For more information about the competition, visit the American Legion of Ohio website. A special thank you to teacher Stephen Bobak and the Social Studies Department for their dedication to helping students develop a strong understanding of democracy and civic engagement. Congratulations to this year’s winners! |
Students Earn Top Honors in American Legion Americanism Test The Social Studies Department is pleased to announce the winners of this year's Americanism Test, an annual competition held in collaboration with American Legion Adams Township Post #553. Open to students in grades 10 through 12, the test assesses knowledge of government at the local, state, and national levels. In addition to multiple-choice questions, students are required to write an essay expressing their opinions on critical issues currently facing America. Winners of the competition automatically advance to county and state-wide contests, with state-level winners earning an escorted trip to Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. This year’s award recipients are Henry Cohen, Samantha Brandstatter, Quinton Smith, Meral Humaida, Najjan Alsultan, and Mercy Alamina. According to the American Legion, more than 65,000 students across Ohio participate in this contest each year, making it one of the largest civic education initiatives in the state. For more information about the competition, visit the American Legion of Ohio website. A special thank you to teacher Stephen Bobak and the Social Studies Department for their dedication to helping students develop a strong understanding of democracy and civic engagement. Congratulations to this year’s winners! |
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Zayne Cheema Heads to NSDA Nationals Last weekend, Zayne Cheema competed in the state qualifier for National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) in a Congressional Debate at the Ohio State House in Columbus. Zayne secured 3rd place out of 175 representatives, earning a coveted spot at the National Tournament held in Des Moines, Iowa from June 15-20. The tournament, held in the very chambers where policymakers shape the state’s future, added a sense of gravity to the competition. Debating mock legislation on issues ranging from climate policy to food industry reform, Zayne was tested on his ability to navigate parliamentary procedures, deliver extemporaneous speeches, and rebut opponents. Placing 3rd in such a fiercely competitive field—where every participant had qualified through regional tournaments—underscored the intensity of the event. Lastly, this also places Zayne on the Congressional Debate Advisory Board, an elite group of debaters from Ohio. This board selects the top-ranked debaters from each district and enlists them to provide guidance and supplementary coaching to smaller debate programs with fewer resources. Special thanks to coach Willow Keller for her support and guidance throughout the season, as well as handling team logistics. Many thanks to the Ottawa Hills Schools Parent Association for the ongoing support for this extracurricular activity. |
Zayne Cheema Heads to NSDA Nationals Last weekend, Zayne Cheema competed in the state qualifier for National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) in a Congressional Debate at the Ohio State House in Columbus. Zayne secured 3rd place out of 175 representatives, earning a coveted spot at the National Tournament held in Des Moines, Iowa from June 15-20. The tournament, held in the very chambers where policymakers shape the state’s future, added a sense of gravity to the competition. Debating mock legislation on issues ranging from climate policy to food industry reform, Zayne was tested on his ability to navigate parliamentary procedures, deliver extemporaneous speeches, and rebut opponents. Placing 3rd in such a fiercely competitive field—where every participant had qualified through regional tournaments—underscored the intensity of the event. Lastly, this also places Zayne on the Congressional Debate Advisory Board, an elite group of debaters from Ohio. This board selects the top-ranked debaters from each district and enlists them to provide guidance and supplementary coaching to smaller debate programs with fewer resources. Special thanks to coach Willow Keller for her support and guidance throughout the season, as well as handling team logistics. Many thanks to the Ottawa Hills Schools Parent Association for the ongoing support for this extracurricular activity. |
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Save the Date.. Friday, March 14: End of third quarter Tuesday, April 1: Coffee with Jr./Sr. High School Principals Wednedsay, April 2: Empowering Parents April 4-6: Hadestown Spring play Wednesday, April 9: Summer AI Parent Meeting Friday, April 11: Coffee & Conversation with Dr. Fineske and Mr. Siloy |
Save the Date.. Friday, March 14: End of third quarter Tuesday, April 1: Coffee with Jr./Sr. High School Principals Wednedsay, April 2: Empowering Parents April 4-6: Hadestown Spring play Wednesday, April 9: Summer AI Parent Meeting Friday, April 11: Coffee & Conversation with Dr. Fineske and Mr. Siloy |
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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