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A Message from Mr. McMurray... The third quarter concludes on March 13. We encourage students to review PowerSchool, stay current with their academic requirements, and take advantage of the support available through their school counselors or the staff in the Foundry. Spring also brings state testing for various grade levels and subject areas. You can find detailed information about testing on the District website by clicking here. Our school counselors are currently meeting with individual students to discuss career and college pathways and to provide guidance on course selections for the 2026–27 school year. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Nikki Tolliver for rising 7–9 graders at NTolliver@OHSchools.org or Crystal Burnworth for rising 10–12 graders at CBurnworth@OHSchools.org. Finally, please check PowerSchool for any unpaid fees and fines. The online payment portal can be accessed through PowerSchool or on the school website. Please be aware that yearbooks cannot be distributed to students who have outstanding balances. Sincerely, Ben McMurray, prinicipal |
A Message from Mr. McMurray... The third quarter concludes on March 13. We encourage students to review PowerSchool, stay current with their academic requirements, and take advantage of the support available through their school counselors or the staff in the Foundry. Spring also brings state testing for various grade levels and subject areas. You can find detailed information about testing on the District website by clicking here. Our school counselors are currently meeting with individual students to discuss career and college pathways and to provide guidance on course selections for the 2026–27 school year. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Nikki Tolliver for rising 7–9 graders at NTolliver@OHSchools.org or Crystal Burnworth for rising 10–12 graders at CBurnworth@OHSchools.org. Finally, please check PowerSchool for any unpaid fees and fines. The online payment portal can be accessed through PowerSchool or on the school website. Please be aware that yearbooks cannot be distributed to students who have outstanding balances. Sincerely, Ben McMurray, prinicipal |
 | 1. Band & Choir Concerts Choir Concert Sunday, March 8 3:00pm Band Concert Sunday, March 8 7:00pm |
 | 2. End of Third Quarter & Spring Break We are quickly approaching the end of third quarter on Friday, March 13. Please be sure that you and your student are checking PowerSchool for updated grades, as well as fees and fines. Mark your calendars for our upcoming Spring Break, March 16-23. School resumes Tuesday, March 24. |
 | 3. Grease Grease is the Word Tell me more, tell me more! "Grease" is coming to the Ottawa Hills stage March 27-29. Tickets on sale now for three shows only. Don't miss summer lovin' at this spring musical! Purchase tickets HERE |
4. Agora 2026 Travel Planning Agora 2026
Monday, November 16-Friday, November 20 Below you will see a timeline for the first phase of Agora planning. This timeline is most important for students in current grades 10 & 11. Those students will have the option to travel for Agora next Fall. Traveling is only available to students in those grades. In the near future, campus options and further information will be made available. Tuesday, March 3: Mandatory lunch assembly for current grades 10 & 11 (this meeting will cover travel options and details) Tuesday, March 3: Assembly for grades 7-11 (seniors will be in their own meeting in the Foundry receiving cap & gown orders) Wednesday, March 11: Parent Meeting for students in current grades 10 & 11 6:00pm Thursday, March 12: Intent to travel google form released to current grades 10 & 11 6:00pm Friday, March 13: Intent to travel form closes |
4. Agora 2026 Travel Planning Agora 2026
Monday, November 16-Friday, November 20 Below you will see a timeline for the first phase of Agora planning. This timeline is most important for students in current grades 10 & 11. Those students will have the option to travel for Agora next Fall. Traveling is only available to students in those grades. In the near future, campus options and further information will be made available. Tuesday, March 3: Mandatory lunch assembly for current grades 10 & 11 (this meeting will cover travel options and details) Tuesday, March 3: Assembly for grades 7-11 (seniors will be in their own meeting in the Foundry receiving cap & gown orders) Wednesday, March 11: Parent Meeting for students in current grades 10 & 11 6:00pm Thursday, March 12: Intent to travel google form released to current grades 10 & 11 6:00pm Friday, March 13: Intent to travel form closes |
5. Toledo Area West College Night Register here: https://app.strivescan.com/registration |
5. Toledo Area West College Night Register here: https://app.strivescan.com/registration |
K-12 Tuition Enrollment Following the February 18 Board of Education meeting, Ottawa Hills Local Schools has reopened our K-12 tuition enrollment program. To maintain our commitment to small class sizes and personalized learning, tuition enrollment is carefully managed based on available space in each grade level. Please review the Guidelines for Non-Resident Tuition Enrollment and complete a Tuition Application if you are interested in having your student considered for tuition enrollment. https://www.ohschools.org/about-us/enroll-in-the-district |
K-12 Tuition Enrollment Following the February 18 Board of Education meeting, Ottawa Hills Local Schools has reopened our K-12 tuition enrollment program. To maintain our commitment to small class sizes and personalized learning, tuition enrollment is carefully managed based on available space in each grade level. Please review the Guidelines for Non-Resident Tuition Enrollment and complete a Tuition Application if you are interested in having your student considered for tuition enrollment. https://www.ohschools.org/about-us/enroll-in-the-district |
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The Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation invites you to a Green Bear GREEN SPACE Capital Campaign Gathering to learn more about the community collaboration of health, recreation and wellness. Join at any of the following dates: - Friday, March 27, 8:15 a.m. in the elementary community room
- Monday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. in The Foundry
- Tuesday, March 31, 8:15 a.m. in the elementary community room
Excitement is taking root in Ottawa Hills! Be a part of the growth and join the campaign today! Learn More https://www.ohschools.org/about-us/development/ottawa-hills-schools-foundation |
The Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation invites you to a Green Bear GREEN SPACE Capital Campaign Gathering to learn more about the community collaboration of health, recreation and wellness. Join at any of the following dates: - Friday, March 27, 8:15 a.m. in the elementary community room
- Monday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. in The Foundry
- Tuesday, March 31, 8:15 a.m. in the elementary community room
Excitement is taking root in Ottawa Hills! Be a part of the growth and join the campaign today! Learn More https://www.ohschools.org/about-us/development/ottawa-hills-schools-foundation |
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Girls Basketball Regional Semi Finals Spirit Bus Support our student athletes this Thursday at Bluffton. Purchase tickets at the link provided below. There will be a spirit bus free to students. Please sign up in the office by Wednesday, March 4 at noon. The bus will leave the parking lot at 6:15 on Thursday, March 5 for the 8:00pm game in Bluffton. Go Green Bears! Purchase division 6 tournament tickets here... https://www.ohsaa.org/tickets?cmid=6fb7b8e2-601d-4f75-aa48-b062ccef728f |
Girls Basketball Regional Semi Finals Spirit Bus Support our student athletes this Thursday at Bluffton. Purchase tickets at the link provided below. There will be a spirit bus free to students. Please sign up in the office by Wednesday, March 4 at noon. The bus will leave the parking lot at 6:15 on Thursday, March 5 for the 8:00pm game in Bluffton. Go Green Bears! Purchase division 6 tournament tickets here... https://www.ohsaa.org/tickets?cmid=6fb7b8e2-601d-4f75-aa48-b062ccef728f |
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Top Honors: Eight O.H. Students Recognized in Americanism and Government Test On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Ohio American Legion and the Ohio American Legion Auxiliary gathered at Adams Township Post 553 to recognize the outstanding achievements of eight high school students in the 2025-2026 Americanism and Government Test program. This long-standing tradition, established in Ohio in 1963, serves to inspire students to deepen their understanding of the U.S. Constitution, flag etiquette, and the mechanics of federal, state, and local government. The awards ceremony celebrated the culmination of a rigorous testing process that began last fall with over 65,000 participants statewide. The 50-question exam, which includes a 300-word essay, challenges students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades to demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of American civics. "This program is designed to foster a lifelong appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy as citizens," said Mr. Bobak. "By mastering these topics, these young leaders are preparing themselves to be active, informed participants in our democracy". The following students were honored with a certificate of achievement, American Legion pin, and cash prize for their exceptional scores: - 9th Grade: Ayaan Imam & Molly Mullan ($50 each)
- 10th Grade: Sungjoo Park & Shivani Pindiprolu ($150 each)
- 11th Grade: Thomas Lathrop & Mercy Alamina ($200 each)
- 12th Grade: Quinton Smith & Freya Klaas ($300 each)
Special congratulations to Quinton for his third consecutive year winning the award for the class of 2026 and to Mercy for her second consecutive year winning for the class of 2027. A big thank you to the Adams Township 553 Post of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for sponsoring this program and to Social Studies teachers Jessica Kozy, Stephen Bobak, and Tom McCarthy for facilitating the test on campus. For more information about the Americanism and Government Test or other youth programs, please visit the Ohio American Legion official website by clicking here. |
Top Honors: Eight O.H. Students Recognized in Americanism and Government Test On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Ohio American Legion and the Ohio American Legion Auxiliary gathered at Adams Township Post 553 to recognize the outstanding achievements of eight high school students in the 2025-2026 Americanism and Government Test program. This long-standing tradition, established in Ohio in 1963, serves to inspire students to deepen their understanding of the U.S. Constitution, flag etiquette, and the mechanics of federal, state, and local government. The awards ceremony celebrated the culmination of a rigorous testing process that began last fall with over 65,000 participants statewide. The 50-question exam, which includes a 300-word essay, challenges students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades to demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of American civics. "This program is designed to foster a lifelong appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy as citizens," said Mr. Bobak. "By mastering these topics, these young leaders are preparing themselves to be active, informed participants in our democracy". The following students were honored with a certificate of achievement, American Legion pin, and cash prize for their exceptional scores: - 9th Grade: Ayaan Imam & Molly Mullan ($50 each)
- 10th Grade: Sungjoo Park & Shivani Pindiprolu ($150 each)
- 11th Grade: Thomas Lathrop & Mercy Alamina ($200 each)
- 12th Grade: Quinton Smith & Freya Klaas ($300 each)
Special congratulations to Quinton for his third consecutive year winning the award for the class of 2026 and to Mercy for her second consecutive year winning for the class of 2027. A big thank you to the Adams Township 553 Post of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for sponsoring this program and to Social Studies teachers Jessica Kozy, Stephen Bobak, and Tom McCarthy for facilitating the test on campus. For more information about the Americanism and Government Test or other youth programs, please visit the Ohio American Legion official website by clicking here. |
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Green Bears Shine at State Championships Ottawa Hills swimmers and divers delivered another powerhouse performance at the OHSAA Division II State Championships in Canton, Ohio. This year’s results highlight the incredible growth and depth of our aquatic program, with several athletes climbing the podium and making school history. Thomas Lathrop dominated the field to become the state champion in the 500-yard freestyle. Thomas also added a runner-up finish in the 200-yard individual medley (IM) to his stellar weekend. Other notable individual swimming results include Rafael Marson, who secured a top-10 finish by placing 8th in the 100-yard breaststroke. Audrey Nixon also represented the Green Bears in two events, placing 22nd in the 500-yard freestyle and 30th in the 200-yard freestyle. The girls 400 freestyle relay that finished 20th. The team included: Mary Lathrop, Ella Majerski, Audrey Nixon, and Rafaela Marson. Our diving team showed great consistency on the state stage. Camille Weaver and Jack Johnson both represented the team well, finishing in 28th place in their respective diving competitions. These achievements are a direct result of the hours spent in the pool and the unwavering dedication of our student-athletes. We would like to extend a special thank you to coaches Emma Sampson and Phil Koester for their continued leadership and guidance, and to Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz for his support throughout the season. Stay tuned for information regarding special recognition for Thomas Lathrop, our State Champion. Way to go, Green Bears! |
Green Bears Shine at State Championships Ottawa Hills swimmers and divers delivered another powerhouse performance at the OHSAA Division II State Championships in Canton, Ohio. This year’s results highlight the incredible growth and depth of our aquatic program, with several athletes climbing the podium and making school history. Thomas Lathrop dominated the field to become the state champion in the 500-yard freestyle. Thomas also added a runner-up finish in the 200-yard individual medley (IM) to his stellar weekend. Other notable individual swimming results include Rafael Marson, who secured a top-10 finish by placing 8th in the 100-yard breaststroke. Audrey Nixon also represented the Green Bears in two events, placing 22nd in the 500-yard freestyle and 30th in the 200-yard freestyle. The girls 400 freestyle relay that finished 20th. The team included: Mary Lathrop, Ella Majerski, Audrey Nixon, and Rafaela Marson. Our diving team showed great consistency on the state stage. Camille Weaver and Jack Johnson both represented the team well, finishing in 28th place in their respective diving competitions. These achievements are a direct result of the hours spent in the pool and the unwavering dedication of our student-athletes. We would like to extend a special thank you to coaches Emma Sampson and Phil Koester for their continued leadership and guidance, and to Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz for his support throughout the season. Stay tuned for information regarding special recognition for Thomas Lathrop, our State Champion. Way to go, Green Bears! |
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Student-Athletes Visit Imagination Station for Second Annual Mental Health Summit On February 23, school counselor and Student Council advisor Nikki Tolliver accompanied several of our student-athletes to the Imagination Station in Toledo for the second annual "The Athlete. Mental Health Summit." The event was organized by Jonelle Massey, a licensed mental health therapist and the founder of Agility Counseling Group. Our students joined over 300 peers and faculty members from 20 local high schools, alongside professional therapists, coaches, and collegiate athletes from major programs like the University of Michigan, Oklahoma State, and the University of Toledo. Our students participated in sessions designed to dismantle the idea that mental health struggles are a sign of weakness. The day emphasized practical coping strategies, strengthening relationships between athletes and their support systems, and developing the resilience and empathy needed to lead teammates both on and off the field. Special thanks to Mrs. Tolliver for chaperoning the event and to bus driver Eric Swisher for safely transporting our students. |
Student-Athletes Visit Imagination Station for Second Annual Mental Health Summit On February 23, school counselor and Student Council advisor Nikki Tolliver accompanied several of our student-athletes to the Imagination Station in Toledo for the second annual "The Athlete. Mental Health Summit." The event was organized by Jonelle Massey, a licensed mental health therapist and the founder of Agility Counseling Group. Our students joined over 300 peers and faculty members from 20 local high schools, alongside professional therapists, coaches, and collegiate athletes from major programs like the University of Michigan, Oklahoma State, and the University of Toledo. Our students participated in sessions designed to dismantle the idea that mental health struggles are a sign of weakness. The day emphasized practical coping strategies, strengthening relationships between athletes and their support systems, and developing the resilience and empathy needed to lead teammates both on and off the field. Special thanks to Mrs. Tolliver for chaperoning the event and to bus driver Eric Swisher for safely transporting our students. |
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Ottawa Hills Green Bears Claim District Title in Thrilling Comeback The Ottawa Hills girls basketball team captured the District Championship in dramatic fashion on Saturday in Napoleon securing a hard-fought 44-41 victory over New London. The Green Bears trailed for the majority of the contest before surging ahead late in the fourth quarter to clinch the title. This championship is a testament to the hard work and determination displayed by the players throughout the season. A huge congratulations goes out to the entire team, Coach Lambert, and the dedicated coaching staff for their leadership and strategic execution under pressure. The journey continues this week as the Green Bears advance to the next round. They are set to take on Margaretta at Bluffton University on Thursday, March 5. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM. Let’s get a large crowd out to Bluffton to cheer on our champions as they look to keep this incredible post-season run alive. |
Ottawa Hills Green Bears Claim District Title in Thrilling Comeback The Ottawa Hills girls basketball team captured the District Championship in dramatic fashion on Saturday in Napoleon securing a hard-fought 44-41 victory over New London. The Green Bears trailed for the majority of the contest before surging ahead late in the fourth quarter to clinch the title. This championship is a testament to the hard work and determination displayed by the players throughout the season. A huge congratulations goes out to the entire team, Coach Lambert, and the dedicated coaching staff for their leadership and strategic execution under pressure. The journey continues this week as the Green Bears advance to the next round. They are set to take on Margaretta at Bluffton University on Thursday, March 5. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM. Let’s get a large crowd out to Bluffton to cheer on our champions as they look to keep this incredible post-season run alive. |
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Ottawa Hills Honors the Romantic Era: Miles Wharry Crowned Romantic Idol 2026 The stage was set, the velvet curtains drawn, and the spirit of the 19th century was alive and well at Ottawa Hills last week. Our sophomores once again proved that poetry is far from a "dead" art form by carrying on the beloved Romantic Idol tradition. Under the guidance of English teachers Karen Fischer and Sara Eisenbaum, students dove deep into the Romantic era. They explored the heavy hitters of literature, from the nature-obsessed verses of William Wordsworth and Emily Dickinson to the dark, supernatural musings of Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley. Much like the television show that inspired its name, the competition was fierce but friendly. After several intense in-class rounds, the field was narrowed down to a group of finalists who had the daunting task of performing their interpretations in front of the entire student body. This year’s finalists truly captivated the audience, bringing raw emotion and imagination to the stage. They included Owen Christen, Miles Wharry, Sofia Elfituri, Evelyn Sandretto, Ruth Mezo, Nickel Fineske, Natalie Nixon, and Audrey Kelm. While every performance was a testament to the students' hard work, three performers stood out to the voters. The winner of Romantic Idol 2026 is Miles Wharry, with Evelyn Sandretto as the first runner up and Sophia Elfiturri as the second runner up. An event of this scale doesn't happen without a village. A huge thank you goes out to Erica Kelm for costuming, Lowell Shreve for sound, and Claire Hawkins for lighting. We also extend our gratitude to Mr. Leeds and Ms. Hoss for their musical generosity, as well as Grace Wipfli, Darrin Broadway, and Ace Medina in the theater arts department for their unwavering attention to detail and support throughout the process. Congratulations to all the sophomores for keeping the flame of Romanticism burning bright. |
Ottawa Hills Honors the Romantic Era: Miles Wharry Crowned Romantic Idol 2026 The stage was set, the velvet curtains drawn, and the spirit of the 19th century was alive and well at Ottawa Hills last week. Our sophomores once again proved that poetry is far from a "dead" art form by carrying on the beloved Romantic Idol tradition. Under the guidance of English teachers Karen Fischer and Sara Eisenbaum, students dove deep into the Romantic era. They explored the heavy hitters of literature, from the nature-obsessed verses of William Wordsworth and Emily Dickinson to the dark, supernatural musings of Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley. Much like the television show that inspired its name, the competition was fierce but friendly. After several intense in-class rounds, the field was narrowed down to a group of finalists who had the daunting task of performing their interpretations in front of the entire student body. This year’s finalists truly captivated the audience, bringing raw emotion and imagination to the stage. They included Owen Christen, Miles Wharry, Sofia Elfituri, Evelyn Sandretto, Ruth Mezo, Nickel Fineske, Natalie Nixon, and Audrey Kelm. While every performance was a testament to the students' hard work, three performers stood out to the voters. The winner of Romantic Idol 2026 is Miles Wharry, with Evelyn Sandretto as the first runner up and Sophia Elfiturri as the second runner up. An event of this scale doesn't happen without a village. A huge thank you goes out to Erica Kelm for costuming, Lowell Shreve for sound, and Claire Hawkins for lighting. We also extend our gratitude to Mr. Leeds and Ms. Hoss for their musical generosity, as well as Grace Wipfli, Darrin Broadway, and Ace Medina in the theater arts department for their unwavering attention to detail and support throughout the process. Congratulations to all the sophomores for keeping the flame of Romanticism burning bright. |
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Successful State Debut for Ottawa Hills Junior High Speech and Debate Team The junior high speech and debate team recently concluded their first season with a strong showing at the state tournament. Most of the students placed in the top half of their categories, which is a significant achievement for a group of first-year competitors. In the Original Oratory division, Bismann Singh finished 14th out of 23 participants. The Extemp Debate category featured a much larger field of 71 competitors, where the team showed great consistency. Manal Zaidi finished 54th, while Izzah Ali and Aurelia Cavalieri-Heller both broke into the top half of the pack, placing 37th and 35th respectively. Highlighting the event was Anna Yang, who earned the title of State Champion with a perfect record, finishing first out of 71 competitors. This successful debut was made possible through the dedication of coach Willow Keller, who guided the students through their inaugural season. The team also extends a special thanks to the Ottawa Hills Schools Parent Association for their ongoing support of this extracurricular activity. |
Successful State Debut for Ottawa Hills Junior High Speech and Debate Team The junior high speech and debate team recently concluded their first season with a strong showing at the state tournament. Most of the students placed in the top half of their categories, which is a significant achievement for a group of first-year competitors. In the Original Oratory division, Bismann Singh finished 14th out of 23 participants. The Extemp Debate category featured a much larger field of 71 competitors, where the team showed great consistency. Manal Zaidi finished 54th, while Izzah Ali and Aurelia Cavalieri-Heller both broke into the top half of the pack, placing 37th and 35th respectively. Highlighting the event was Anna Yang, who earned the title of State Champion with a perfect record, finishing first out of 71 competitors. This successful debut was made possible through the dedication of coach Willow Keller, who guided the students through their inaugural season. The team also extends a special thanks to the Ottawa Hills Schools Parent Association for their ongoing support of this extracurricular activity. |
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Miami University Model United Nations Conference (MUMUNC XVII) 2025 PR From Saturday February 28th, through Sunday March 1st, the OH Model UN Club attended the Miami University Model United Nations Conference (MUMUNC) in Oxford, Ohio. This was the first time the OH MUN club has participated in this event and this type of College-Style MUN conference. Four OHHS students joined over 50 other Ohio high school students in participating in crisis simulations involving the Salem Witch Trials and the Papal Conclave. The students that were willing to try this new style of conference were Sophomores Pranathi Gundabolu, Ellie Kammeyer, Sungjoo Park, and Jack Tremblay. Receiving Honorable Mention for her work in Salem was Pranathi Gundabolu. All four delegates enjoyed this non-traditional form of high school MUN conference and would like to attend it again. Ottawa Hills High School alumni and four year OH Model UN Club member Thomas McCarthy is the Secretary General (president) of the Miami Model UN Club. Social studies teacher and club advisor Tom McCarthy prepared the delegates, organized the trip, and accompanied the students. Special thanks to the OHSPA for their continuing support. Photos by Tom McCarthy |
Miami University Model United Nations Conference (MUMUNC XVII) 2025 PR From Saturday February 28th, through Sunday March 1st, the OH Model UN Club attended the Miami University Model United Nations Conference (MUMUNC) in Oxford, Ohio. This was the first time the OH MUN club has participated in this event and this type of College-Style MUN conference. Four OHHS students joined over 50 other Ohio high school students in participating in crisis simulations involving the Salem Witch Trials and the Papal Conclave. The students that were willing to try this new style of conference were Sophomores Pranathi Gundabolu, Ellie Kammeyer, Sungjoo Park, and Jack Tremblay. Receiving Honorable Mention for her work in Salem was Pranathi Gundabolu. All four delegates enjoyed this non-traditional form of high school MUN conference and would like to attend it again. Ottawa Hills High School alumni and four year OH Model UN Club member Thomas McCarthy is the Secretary General (president) of the Miami Model UN Club. Social studies teacher and club advisor Tom McCarthy prepared the delegates, organized the trip, and accompanied the students. Special thanks to the OHSPA for their continuing support. Photos by Tom McCarthy |
Save the Date Sunday, March 8: Spring Choir Concert 3:00pm Sunday, March 8: Spring Band Concert 7:00pm Wednesday, March 11: Spring Sports Photos and Senior Banner Photos Wednesday, March 11: Agora Parent Meeting (current grades 10& 11) Friday, March 13: End of Third Quarter Monday, March 16-Monday, March 23: Spring Break Tuesday, March 24: School Resumes March 27-29: Spring Musical: Grease See live calendar https://jhhs.ohschools.org/calendars |
Save the Date Sunday, March 8: Spring Choir Concert 3:00pm Sunday, March 8: Spring Band Concert 7:00pm Wednesday, March 11: Spring Sports Photos and Senior Banner Photos Wednesday, March 11: Agora Parent Meeting (current grades 10& 11) Friday, March 13: End of Third Quarter Monday, March 16-Monday, March 23: Spring Break Tuesday, March 24: School Resumes March 27-29: Spring Musical: Grease See live calendar https://jhhs.ohschools.org/calendars |
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