 |
Dear Ottawa Hills Families, As another school year comes to a close, I want to thank everyone for your unwavering support. The partnership between our school and your families is essential to students' success, and we truly appreciate the time and energy you invest in our community. I wish everyone a restful and relaxing summer break. We will continue to send out periodic updates throughout June and July to keep you informed about the upcoming school year. Please keep a few quick reminders in mind as we transition into the summer: Semester II Grades: Second semester grades will be finalized on June 4. 2026–2027 Schedules: Next year's schedules will be viewable in PowerSchool early next week. We expect all students to have a complete schedule by the end of the day this Friday. Summer Work: Please check the school website for summer assignments required for certain classes. Athletic Physicals & Paperwork: Please use the summer months to update sports physicals and any necessary school paperwork.
Thank you again for your continued support of Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School. Have a wonderful summer. Sincerely,
Ben McMurray, Principal Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School |
Dear Ottawa Hills Families, As another school year comes to a close, I want to thank everyone for your unwavering support. The partnership between our school and your families is essential to students' success, and we truly appreciate the time and energy you invest in our community. I wish everyone a restful and relaxing summer break. We will continue to send out periodic updates throughout June and July to keep you informed about the upcoming school year. Please keep a few quick reminders in mind as we transition into the summer: Semester II Grades: Second semester grades will be finalized on June 4. 2026–2027 Schedules: Next year's schedules will be viewable in PowerSchool early next week. We expect all students to have a complete schedule by the end of the day this Friday. Summer Work: Please check the school website for summer assignments required for certain classes. Athletic Physicals & Paperwork: Please use the summer months to update sports physicals and any necessary school paperwork.
Thank you again for your continued support of Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School. Have a wonderful summer. Sincerely,
Ben McMurray, Principal Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School |
 |
Commencement Ceremony Friday, May 29 | 6 p.m. | Niedermeier Stadium The ceremony will include remarks from student speakers Quinton Smith, Sahil Parikh, and Nina Clark, as well as Jr./Sr. High School Principal Mr. Ben McMurray, Superintendent Dr. Adam Fineske, and the presentation of the class gift. The stadium will open at 5 p.m. Seating on the field and bleachers is accessible and wheelchair-friendly. There is no limit to the number of guests who may attend. All seating is handicap accessible. Immediately following commencement, graduates will participate in a police-escorted parade through the Village. Community members are encouraged to line the streets and cheer on the Class of 2026. |
Commencement Ceremony Friday, May 29 | 6 p.m. | Niedermeier Stadium The ceremony will include remarks from student speakers Quinton Smith, Sahil Parikh, and Nina Clark, as well as Jr./Sr. High School Principal Mr. Ben McMurray, Superintendent Dr. Adam Fineske, and the presentation of the class gift. The stadium will open at 5 p.m. Seating on the field and bleachers is accessible and wheelchair-friendly. There is no limit to the number of guests who may attend. All seating is handicap accessible. Immediately following commencement, graduates will participate in a police-escorted parade through the Village. Community members are encouraged to line the streets and cheer on the Class of 2026. |
 |
 |
8th Grade Recognition Wednesday, May 27 | 6 p.m. | Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium Recognizing 8th graders as they complete junior high and transition to high school. The ceremony will include remarks from students Leif Genzman and Nadia Clark, as well as Principal Ben McMurray and Student Council advisor Cheri Palko. |
8th Grade Recognition Wednesday, May 27 | 6 p.m. | Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium Recognizing 8th graders as they complete junior high and transition to high school. The ceremony will include remarks from students Leif Genzman and Nadia Clark, as well as Principal Ben McMurray and Student Council advisor Cheri Palko. |
 | Exams May 26-29
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.
|
Second Semester Exam Schedule 2025-2026 Tuesday, May 26 | 8:10-8:40 | Class | Period 1 | 8:45-9:15 | Class | Period 5 | 9:20-11:10 | Exam | Period 1 | 11:10-12:05 | Lunch | Lunch | 12:05-12:10 | Announcements | Report to Period 5 | 12:10-2:00 | Exam | Period 5 | 2:00 | Make-up Exams | |
Wednesday, May 27 | 8:10-8:40 | Class | Period 2 | 8:45-9:15 | Class | Period 6 | 9:20-11:10 | Exam | Period 2 | 11:10-12:05 | Lunch | Lunch | 12:05-12:10 | Announcements | Report to Period 6 | 12:10-2:00 | Exam | Period 6 | 2:00 | Make-up Exams | |
Thursday, May 28 | 8:10-8:40 | Class | Period 3 | 8:45-9:15 | Class | Period 7 | 9:20-11:10 | Exam | Period 3 | 11:10-12:05 | Lunch | Lunch | 12:05-12:10 | Announcements | Report to Period 7 | 12:10-2:00 | Exam | Period 7 | 2:00 | Make-up Exams | |
Friday, May 29 | 8:10-8:40 | Class | Period 4 | 8:45-9:15 | Class | Period 8 | 9:20-11:10 | Exam | Period 4 | 11:10-12:05 | Lunch | Lunch | 12:05-12:10 | Announcements | Report to Period 8 | 12:10-2:00 | Exam | Period 8 | 2:00 | Make-up Exams | |
|
Second Semester Exam Schedule 2025-2026 Tuesday, May 26 | 8:10-8:40 | Class | Period 1 | 8:45-9:15 | Class | Period 5 | 9:20-11:10 | Exam | Period 1 | 11:10-12:05 | Lunch | Lunch | 12:05-12:10 | Announcements | Report to Period 5 | 12:10-2:00 | Exam | Period 5 | 2:00 | Make-up Exams | |
Wednesday, May 27 | 8:10-8:40 | Class | Period 2 | 8:45-9:15 | Class | Period 6 | 9:20-11:10 | Exam | Period 2 | 11:10-12:05 | Lunch | Lunch | 12:05-12:10 | Announcements | Report to Period 6 | 12:10-2:00 | Exam | Period 6 | 2:00 | Make-up Exams | |
Thursday, May 28 | 8:10-8:40 | Class | Period 3 | 8:45-9:15 | Class | Period 7 | 9:20-11:10 | Exam | Period 3 | 11:10-12:05 | Lunch | Lunch | 12:05-12:10 | Announcements | Report to Period 7 | 12:10-2:00 | Exam | Period 7 | 2:00 | Make-up Exams | |
Friday, May 29 | 8:10-8:40 | Class | Period 4 | 8:45-9:15 | Class | Period 8 | 9:20-11:10 | Exam | Period 4 | 11:10-12:05 | Lunch | Lunch | 12:05-12:10 | Announcements | Report to Period 8 | 12:10-2:00 | Exam | Period 8 | 2:00 | Make-up Exams | |
|
To see and sign up for course specific exam jams Click Here |
To see and sign up for course specific exam jams Click Here |
 | Lost and Found
There will be a lost and found table outside of the main office. All items not claimed by June 1 will be donated.
|
 | Medication Pick Up All prescribed and/or over-the-counter medication needs to be picked up by Friday, May 29. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Baird Lbaird@ohschool.org. |
Green Space Capital Campaign Something magical is blooming near the kindergarten playground! The Land Lab is being transformed into a vibrant new Butterfly Garden, and you can be a permanent part of it. We're filling the garden with a kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies and now is your chance to add yours to the flutter. Whether honoring a student, a family, or a favorite teacher, help our new garden take flight! All proceeds support the Green Bear GREEN SPACE Capital Campaign: A Community Collaboration of Health, Recreation & Wellness. Projects will begin on the new all-inclusive elementary playground, White Field, and youth athletic fields when the full campaign goal is met. Read more and purchase your butterfly using the link below. |
Green Space Capital Campaign Something magical is blooming near the kindergarten playground! The Land Lab is being transformed into a vibrant new Butterfly Garden, and you can be a permanent part of it. We're filling the garden with a kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies and now is your chance to add yours to the flutter. Whether honoring a student, a family, or a favorite teacher, help our new garden take flight! All proceeds support the Green Bear GREEN SPACE Capital Campaign: A Community Collaboration of Health, Recreation & Wellness. Projects will begin on the new all-inclusive elementary playground, White Field, and youth athletic fields when the full campaign goal is met. Read more and purchase your butterfly using the link below. |
 |
 |
 |
Physics Day at Cedar Point Science Teacher Tim Adkins and their students participated in the annual Physics Day at Cedar Point on Monday, May 18. Thinking like Cedar Point engineers, students were asked to apply their understanding of Newton’s Laws and concepts like motion, speed, velocity, acceleration, and forces to their roller coaster experience. Despite the cloudy skies and drizzle, the group had a fabulous time. The annual field trip takes place every May. Many thanks to Tim Adkins for organizing the trip. |
Physics Day at Cedar Point Science Teacher Tim Adkins and their students participated in the annual Physics Day at Cedar Point on Monday, May 18. Thinking like Cedar Point engineers, students were asked to apply their understanding of Newton’s Laws and concepts like motion, speed, velocity, acceleration, and forces to their roller coaster experience. Despite the cloudy skies and drizzle, the group had a fabulous time. The annual field trip takes place every May. Many thanks to Tim Adkins for organizing the trip. |
 |
Mesasa and Makwa Capture the Spirit of the School Year The layouts for both yearbooks are beautiful and they each contain a wonderful archive of an unforgettable year. Many thanks to advisors Hayley Hoss and Lauren Tracy for their guidance and leadership. Both yearbooks were distributed on Friday, providing students with a reminder of the incredible experiences and memories they’ve made. We know the yearbooks will be treasured for years to come. A special thanks goes to yearbook advisors Hayley Hoss and Cheri Palko, along with the incredible student staffs of Mesasa and Makwa, for facilitating a smooth and celebratory yearbook distribution process. |
Mesasa and Makwa Capture the Spirit of the School Year The layouts for both yearbooks are beautiful and they each contain a wonderful archive of an unforgettable year. Many thanks to advisors Hayley Hoss and Lauren Tracy for their guidance and leadership. Both yearbooks were distributed on Friday, providing students with a reminder of the incredible experiences and memories they’ve made. We know the yearbooks will be treasured for years to come. A special thanks goes to yearbook advisors Hayley Hoss and Cheri Palko, along with the incredible student staffs of Mesasa and Makwa, for facilitating a smooth and celebratory yearbook distribution process. |
 |
 |
May Day 2026 Hats off to our incredible Student Council and high school advisors Matt Chappuies and Nikki Tolliver, as well as junior high student council advisor Dan Feuerstein for organizing a truly action-packed and engaging day for our high school and junior high students. From start to finish, the day buzzed with excitement and unity. Our junior high students enjoyed equally fun and meaningful experiences, thanks to the thoughtful planning of Cheri Palko, Dylan Bush, Dan Feuerstein, and the rest of the junior high teachers. We are deeply grateful to our faculty and staff, who not only supervised and ran the various events but also ensured the safety and enjoyment of all our students. Your flexibility, support, and energy made the day possible. Thank you to everyone in the Green Bear community who played a role in making May Day 2025 a shining example of what makes Ottawa Hills so special. |
May Day 2026 Hats off to our incredible Student Council and high school advisors Matt Chappuies and Nikki Tolliver, as well as junior high student council advisor Dan Feuerstein for organizing a truly action-packed and engaging day for our high school and junior high students. From start to finish, the day buzzed with excitement and unity. Our junior high students enjoyed equally fun and meaningful experiences, thanks to the thoughtful planning of Cheri Palko, Dylan Bush, Dan Feuerstein, and the rest of the junior high teachers. We are deeply grateful to our faculty and staff, who not only supervised and ran the various events but also ensured the safety and enjoyment of all our students. Your flexibility, support, and energy made the day possible. Thank you to everyone in the Green Bear community who played a role in making May Day 2025 a shining example of what makes Ottawa Hills so special. |
 |
Preparing for the Next Chapter: Sixth Graders Tour Junior High This year, the incoming sixth graders at Ottawa Hills made a memorable trip across the field to visit the junior high, marking the beginning of their exciting transition to seventh grade. The visit served as a valuable opportunity for students to get a taste of what life will be like at the junior high level, helping them feel more confident and prepared for the upcoming school year. The students were warmly welcomed by counselor Nikki Tolliver, Assistant Principal Mandy Ricketts, Principal Ben McMurray, and Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz, and a panel of current junior high students. Together, they shared personal insights, offered words of encouragement, and provided valuable advice to help the soon-to-be seventh graders navigate this important transition. Their message was clear: while change can feel overwhelming, the Ottawa Hills community is here to support every step of the way. A special thank you goes to Nikki Tolliver for organizing this informative and inspiring visit. We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the sixth-grade teachers Jennifer Griffith, Lindsay Brewington, and Angie Parker, as well as the entire elementary school faculty and staff, whose dedication has prepared the class of 2032 for this next chapter in their educational journey. We look forward to seeing our incoming students thrive as they move forward with confidence into junior high!
|
Preparing for the Next Chapter: Sixth Graders Tour Junior High This year, the incoming sixth graders at Ottawa Hills made a memorable trip across the field to visit the junior high, marking the beginning of their exciting transition to seventh grade. The visit served as a valuable opportunity for students to get a taste of what life will be like at the junior high level, helping them feel more confident and prepared for the upcoming school year. The students were warmly welcomed by counselor Nikki Tolliver, Assistant Principal Mandy Ricketts, Principal Ben McMurray, and Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz, and a panel of current junior high students. Together, they shared personal insights, offered words of encouragement, and provided valuable advice to help the soon-to-be seventh graders navigate this important transition. Their message was clear: while change can feel overwhelming, the Ottawa Hills community is here to support every step of the way. A special thank you goes to Nikki Tolliver for organizing this informative and inspiring visit. We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the sixth-grade teachers Jennifer Griffith, Lindsay Brewington, and Angie Parker, as well as the entire elementary school faculty and staff, whose dedication has prepared the class of 2032 for this next chapter in their educational journey. We look forward to seeing our incoming students thrive as they move forward with confidence into junior high!
|
 |
Thanks to OH News and Arrowhead Many thanks to Gerry Davis, Sam Abbott, Cheri Palko and the staffs of OH News, Arrowhead, and Bear Pause for spotlighting important school events and news throughout the school year. Congratulations to the advisors and their staffs on another successful year! We appreciate the role these student productions play in creating a positive school climate and in providing a powerful voice for our student body. |
Thanks to OH News and Arrowhead Many thanks to Gerry Davis, Sam Abbott, Cheri Palko and the staffs of OH News, Arrowhead, and Bear Pause for spotlighting important school events and news throughout the school year. Congratulations to the advisors and their staffs on another successful year! We appreciate the role these student productions play in creating a positive school climate and in providing a powerful voice for our student body. |
 |
OHHS Theater Delivers a Captivating Performance of Neil Simon's Rumors During Memorial Day Weekend, OHHS Theater treated audiences to a hilarious and fast-paced performance of the classic farce Rumors by Neil Simon. Hats off to the incredible ensemble cast that brought this witty, high-energy production to life: Jasmine Hajjar, Louie Olah, Lizzy Hoelzle, Evelyn Sandretto, Cora Walker, David Seiger, Nina Clark, Kyle Rose, Sawyer Ellis, Sofia Elfuturi, Claire Hakins, Henry Lenahan, Eddie Phillips, Audrey Kelm, Esah Hasan, Katie Davis, and Liana Johnson. This production would not have been possible without the generous support of our community partners. Our Title Sponsors include Effler Schmidt, Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation, Frankel Dentistry, Jamiesons Audio/Video, and Thermodyn. Our Director Sponsors include Kay Rasmus & Alison Rasmus Krieger of Danberry, Hannon's Block, Manchester Roofing, Hajjar Hospitality, Western Lake Erie Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and Rosie's Italian Grille. Our Stage Manager Sponsors include Rental Home Agreement, and Ottawa Hills Music Theater Association. Special thanks to Director Grace Wipfli, Technical Director Ace Medina, and Ticket Coordinator Joy Hajjar for making this holiday weekend production a success! |
OHHS Theater Delivers a Captivating Performance of Neil Simon's Rumors During Memorial Day Weekend, OHHS Theater treated audiences to a hilarious and fast-paced performance of the classic farce Rumors by Neil Simon. Hats off to the incredible ensemble cast that brought this witty, high-energy production to life: Jasmine Hajjar, Louie Olah, Lizzy Hoelzle, Evelyn Sandretto, Cora Walker, David Seiger, Nina Clark, Kyle Rose, Sawyer Ellis, Sofia Elfuturi, Claire Hakins, Henry Lenahan, Eddie Phillips, Audrey Kelm, Esah Hasan, Katie Davis, and Liana Johnson. This production would not have been possible without the generous support of our community partners. Our Title Sponsors include Effler Schmidt, Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation, Frankel Dentistry, Jamiesons Audio/Video, and Thermodyn. Our Director Sponsors include Kay Rasmus & Alison Rasmus Krieger of Danberry, Hannon's Block, Manchester Roofing, Hajjar Hospitality, Western Lake Erie Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and Rosie's Italian Grille. Our Stage Manager Sponsors include Rental Home Agreement, and Ottawa Hills Music Theater Association. Special thanks to Director Grace Wipfli, Technical Director Ace Medina, and Ticket Coordinator Joy Hajjar for making this holiday weekend production a success! |
 |
Math Beyond the Classroom: Scaling New Heights Last week, Mr. Torio’s Algebra II class traded their desks for the great outdoors to prove that mathematics lives outside of textbooks. Armed with simple tools, curiosity, and algebraic equations, students measured some of our campus's tallest landmarks, including trees, the flagpole, and the stadium lights. By applying the properties of triangles, the class calculated the heights of these massive objects from the ground. “These exact geometric methods were used nearly 175 years ago by British surveyors to measure Mt. Everest. Using similar mathematical principles, they calculated the 29,000-plus-foot peak to within a staggering 20 feet of its actual height,” shares Mr. Torio By stepping outside, Mr. Torio’s students didn't just learn an algebra lesson—they discovered how a little bit of math allows us to measure and understand the world around us. |
Math Beyond the Classroom: Scaling New Heights Last week, Mr. Torio’s Algebra II class traded their desks for the great outdoors to prove that mathematics lives outside of textbooks. Armed with simple tools, curiosity, and algebraic equations, students measured some of our campus's tallest landmarks, including trees, the flagpole, and the stadium lights. By applying the properties of triangles, the class calculated the heights of these massive objects from the ground. “These exact geometric methods were used nearly 175 years ago by British surveyors to measure Mt. Everest. Using similar mathematical principles, they calculated the 29,000-plus-foot peak to within a staggering 20 feet of its actual height,” shares Mr. Torio By stepping outside, Mr. Torio’s students didn't just learn an algebra lesson—they discovered how a little bit of math allows us to measure and understand the world around us. |
 |
Mesasa Receives Jostens 2026 National Yearbook Program of Excellence Last Tuesday, Jostens yearbook representative Michelle Weber presented OHHS yearbook advisor Hayley Hoss and her staff with the National Yearbook Program of Excellence 2026 Gold Level Award for the second year in a row. This honor recognizes yearbooks that engage and represent the entire student body. Ottawa Hills High School earned this recognition by meeting specific criteria in areas such as inclusivity, school engagement, and effective management of the yearbook creation process. Congratulations to Ms. Hoss and the Mesasa staff! |
Mesasa Receives Jostens 2026 National Yearbook Program of Excellence Last Tuesday, Jostens yearbook representative Michelle Weber presented OHHS yearbook advisor Hayley Hoss and her staff with the National Yearbook Program of Excellence 2026 Gold Level Award for the second year in a row. This honor recognizes yearbooks that engage and represent the entire student body. Ottawa Hills High School earned this recognition by meeting specific criteria in areas such as inclusivity, school engagement, and effective management of the yearbook creation process. Congratulations to Ms. Hoss and the Mesasa staff! |
 |
Ottawa Hills Athletic Update Our student-athletes are enjoying a fantastic postseason run across multiple sports. In boys tennis, the doubles team of Ian Marzano and Sahil Parikh finished as district runner-up. In singles, Henrique Marson placed third and Chris Thompson took fourth. All four athletes qualify for the State tournament this Thursday. The girls track and field team placed fifth overall in the district. Natalie Nixon won district titles in both the 1600m and 3200m, and the 4x800 relay team also finished as district champions. They all advance to regionals along with Molly Mullen (3200m), Piper Padgett (1600m), Audrey Nixon (800m), and Mercy Alamina (400m). For the boys team, Kaed Egan advances to regionals in the 3200m. The boys baseball team wrapped up their season with a tough loss to Fairview yesterday. |
Ottawa Hills Athletic Update Our student-athletes are enjoying a fantastic postseason run across multiple sports. In boys tennis, the doubles team of Ian Marzano and Sahil Parikh finished as district runner-up. In singles, Henrique Marson placed third and Chris Thompson took fourth. All four athletes qualify for the State tournament this Thursday. The girls track and field team placed fifth overall in the district. Natalie Nixon won district titles in both the 1600m and 3200m, and the 4x800 relay team also finished as district champions. They all advance to regionals along with Molly Mullen (3200m), Piper Padgett (1600m), Audrey Nixon (800m), and Mercy Alamina (400m). For the boys team, Kaed Egan advances to regionals in the 3200m. The boys baseball team wrapped up their season with a tough loss to Fairview yesterday. |
Save the Date Tuesday, May 26-May 29: Exams (Early release 2:00pm) Wednesday, May 27: 8th Grade Recognition Friday, May 29: Last day of school Friday, May 29: Commencement 6:00pm FRiday, May 29: Senior Parade (approx 7:15pm) See live calendar https://jhhs.ohschools.org/calendars |
Save the Date Tuesday, May 26-May 29: Exams (Early release 2:00pm) Wednesday, May 27: 8th Grade Recognition Friday, May 29: Last day of school Friday, May 29: Commencement 6:00pm FRiday, May 29: Senior Parade (approx 7:15pm) See live calendar https://jhhs.ohschools.org/calendars |
|
|
|
|
