April 2016 - Academy Publishing, Inc.

The
BUZZ
at PJHS
PERRYSBURG
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
550 E. South Boundary
Perrysburg, OH 43551
419-874-9193
ISSUE 2
APRIL 2016
ADMINISTRATION
Brent Swartzmiller,
Principal
Don Christie,
Assistant Principal
Dwight Fertig,
Assistant Principal
Cindy Nutter,
Dean
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
The 2015-16 school year has already proven to be a great year. As I review the
year, I have seen so many wonderful accomplishments from both students and staff.
Our students have received recognition for achievement in the areas of academics,
athletics and citizenship. I attribute these accomplishments to our responsible
students, supportive community and dedicated faculty and staff.
Amazingly, the end of the school year is almost here. The excitement of the summer
is in the air and it is tempting for students to start shutting down; however, we need
our students to finish the year strong. Our staff is working hard to insure that your
children continue to learn, but we need your help in emphasizing the importance of
staying focused. Finishing the year with good grades helps our counselors and the
high school counselors make the best decisions possible about students’ placement
into various programs for next year.
Not only do our students have a lot to do in their classes these remaining weeks,
but they also have a wide variety of activities in which we hope that they, and you,
will participate. These events include the eighth grade recognition, track meets, and
numerous music concerts. Please refer to our Daily Updates.
As we approach the end of this year, we wish our eighth grade students well as they
move on to high school. They have bright futures ahead of them, and we appreciate
all of their hard work as students at Perrysburg Junior High School. We know that they
have the skills and habits that they need in order to be successful at the next level. At
the same time, we look forward to the 2016-2017 school year with our incoming sixth
graders and our upcoming seventh and eighth graders.
Thank you for all of your support this year. We look forward to your continued
involvement in your child’s education.
Respectfully,
Mr. Brent Swartzmiller, Principal
bswartzmiller@perrsburgschools.net
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DODGEBALL AT PJH
On Friday, March 4, the first Junior High DECA Dodgeball Tournament was held. The event
was a great success with 14 teams participating and many fun memories made. The
winners of the event, “Swizzlin Twizzlers”, came out of the tournament undefeated. Thank
you to all who participated. Proceeds from the event totaled $500.00. This money will be
donated to the Make-A-Wish foundation. We plan to make this an annual event.
Pictured above (left to right) Standing: Zach Miller, Brendan Graves, Preston Evans, Kyle
Anderson, Nick Kilbride, Tyrone Mitchell, Front: Maddie Dana, and Claire Feldkamp.
The Buzz At PHJS
April 2016 • Issue 2
Perrysburg Junior High School
550 E. South Boundary
Perrysburg, OH 43551
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HIPP KIDS MAKE HEART CONNECTIONS
On Friday, February 5, a group of 30 PJH students and advisors from the HIPP (High Impact Peer Performance) leadership group visited
Heartland Nursing Care Facility and an interesting thing happened, lives were impacted. HIPP students and advisors meet monthly at
PJH to learn about leadership and anti-bullying. They decided to make Valentine cards as a community service project and visit with
the patients and residents of Heartland. The students visited almost every room in the facility, introducing themselves in groups of 3-5,
handing out homemade Valentines, and experiencing engaging conversations throughout their visit. HIPP students learned personal
stories of residents and were truly touched by their experiences.
Sarah Valette, a PJH eighth grader, stated, “Visiting the nursing home was great! I really enjoyed talking to the residents and learning about
their hobbies and lives when they were younger. I loved feeling like I had done something to help them just by visiting them. It showed me
that even the smallest acts of kindest can put a smile on someone’s face. I especially liked visiting the people who did not have anyone
to visit them, because it really felt like it made their day.”
Generations reaching out to communicate and care for one another was a life lesson for the HIPP leadership group and a wonderful service
to the residents in Perrysburg. Student Bobby Beck reflected, “I thought that the trip worked out well. We represented Perrysburg in a
good way and really made the people’s day at Heartland. I enjoyed talking to everybody there and had a great time. I think we should do
something like this again sometime in the future.” Lives were truly impacted, across generations.
ANOTHER SCHOOL
SAFETY WEEK AT PJH
March 20-26 was designated as Ohio’s
Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Coordinated by OCSWA (Ohio Committee
for Severe Weather Awareness), the state
of Ohio participated in a statewide tornado
drill and tested its Emergency Alert System
(EAS) on Wednesday, March 23, at 9:50 am.
During this time, all Ohio counties sounded
and tested their outdoor warning sirens.
Schools, businesses and households were
encouraged to practice their tornado drills
and emergency plans. According to the
State Fire Marshal’s Record of Emergency
Evacuation Drills (Form COM 5130),
“Tornado drills shall be conducted at least
once a month whenever school is in session
during the tornado season. The ‘tornado
season’ is the period from the first day of
April to the last day of July (OFC 409.2).”
Joe Coyle
Megan Coyle-Stamos
Proud supporters of Perrysburg Schools,
and proud parents of Kate and George Stamos!
1770 South Reynolds Road
Toledo, OH 43614 • 419-865-1295
CoyleFuneralHome.com
4 MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS
The PJH Music Department was busy performing during the month of March. Whether students were showcasing their talents on the
concert stage, at competitions around Ohio, at athletic events, or at spirit assemblies, these young musicians have captured the spirit and
achievement of PJH through their performance. As we enter fourth quarter, the best is yet to come! Thank you for all you do to support our
PJH Music Department. Without the support of our parents and community, we would not be able to achieve the same level of excellence.
Here is the news for the month:
PJH Music Has Strong Representation at OMEA Honors Festival
2016 Solo and Ensemble Events
This year’s solo and ensemble season was
a success for the PJH Music Department.
Students participating in the event can
choose to perform as a soloist, form a
small group with friends, or even both!
Participants do much of the preparation
outside of class – before school, after
school, during their lunch, and at home.
This experience tests the young musicians’
music reading ability, technical facility, and
artistic expression.
On Saturday, March 19, the PJH Band
and PJH Orchestra attended the Ohio
Music Education Association Large Group
Adjudicated Event at Southview High
School. These students brought home one
of the largest totals of “Superior” ratings in
NW Ohio. The PJH Band had 26 events, and
received 25 Superiors and 1 Excellent. The
PJH Orchestra had 56 events, and received
40 Superiors and 16 Excellents.
The PJH Choir hosted their own solo
and ensemble event at PJH on Monday,
March 14th. Over 100 PJH Choir students
participated and received a large amount
of Superior and Excellent ratings. Thank
you to all who helped host this event for
the PJH Choir.
38 of PJH’s finest young musicians performed at the Stranahan Theater in Toledo, Ohio,
as part of the Ohio Music Education Association Honors Festival. These students were
selected for the honor groups made up from the most talented student musicians in NW
Ohio. They performed for a full house with the artistry and pride of PJH!
Golden Jacket Show Choir Competitions
The inaugural year of the Golden Jacket Show Choir has put down the foundation for musical
achievement in the years to come. This group meets during the Academic Options (AO)
period, and is comprised of some of the most talented singers at PJH. The first competition
was the Teay’s Valley Classic in Asheville, Ohio. The Golden Jackets were awarded Best
Choreography, Best Costumes, and first Runner-Up in the Middle School Division. The Golden
Jackets also performed at Norwell High School, where they finished second Runner-Up with
Honors. Congratulations to a terrific first season for the Golden Jackets!
PJH Orchestra attends Toledo Symphony Young People’s Concerts
The 6th Grade Orchestra heard a performance inspired by Pixar’s hit movie Inside Out.
Students experienced how the orchestra alone can conjure all types of emotions—some we
can name and others that are so deep and special that we simply have no words for them.
The 7th Grade Orchestra experienced a journey to interstellar space and beyond with music
inspired by the Golden Disc of NASA’s Voyager Spacecraft—a time capsule of images,
sounds, and music sent into space to teach of life on Earth. This program explained how
the instruments of the orchestra make their unique sounds and explore how composers
use those sounds to create one of the most beautiful genres of music known to mankind.
PJH Band Getting Ready for the 3rd Annual Band on the Run 5K
The PJH Band is excited to host their 3rd annual Band on the Run 5K. The event takes place
Saturday, May 7, and will begin and end at PJH. The 5K begins at 9:00am and features a
course that goes through Woodland Park. Members of the PJH Pep Band will perform at
each mile marker. A kids’ Fun Run will begin at 8:00am on the PJH track. Inflatables will be
available afterwards for all Fun Run participants. For more information about the Band on
the Run 5K, visit: https://www.facebook.com/PJHSbandontherun or contact Kraig Bentley
at kbentley@perrysburgschools.net.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS
Making Beautiful Music Together
Three 7th grade PJH Band students - Ella Griffioen, Laura Griffioen, and
Rachel Hefner - performed an outreach program for Grace Pre-School’s
“Masterpiece Week.” Ella, Laura, and Rachel chose music, prepared
instrument demonstrations, and composed interactive music examples to
showcase music, the PJH Band, and Perrysburg spirit to the Grace PreSchool 4 and 5-Year-Old Class. What an exciting and fun experience for the
three musicians and the pre-school class!
Music Calendar
Band:
• April 12 - PJH Band Bowling Night
• April 26 - 6th Grade Band Concert
• May 3 - Jazz/7th/8th Grade Band OMEA Preview
Concert
• May 6 - 7th and 8th Grade Band OMEA Contest
• May 7 - Band on the Run 5K
• May 13 - 8th Grade Band - Cedar Point Festival
• May 14 - PJH Pep Band - Harbor Town Festival
• May 30 - PJH Marching Yellow Jackets - Perrysburg
Memorial Day Parade
Choir:
• April 28 - Talent Show for parents - 7:00 p.m.
• April 29 - Talent Show for school
• May 17 - Showcase Concert - 7:00 p.m.
Strings:
• April 14 - 6th Grade and AO
• May 3 - 7th and 8th Grade OMEA Preview Concert
• May 6 or 7 - 7th and 8th Grade OMEA Large Group
Contest • May 13 - 8th Grade Cedar Point Festival of Music
PJH is Alive with the Sound of Music
On Saturday, March 19, 26 solos
and ensembles from the PJH
Band performed in the Ohio Music
Education District 1 Solo and Ensemble
Adjudicated Event. The PJH Band was
awarded 25 Superiors (I - highest
rating possible) and 1 Excellent (II second highest rating possible). The
PJH Band also received a Letter of
Commendation from OMEA for the
level of performance from students
with special needs. While the ratings
and performances were amazing, there
were also some immensely touching
moments. The quintet is: Gavin Coonrod, Lucas
Reffert, Mitchell Cash, Anabel Rossi,
and Kenzie Bailey. The trio is: Jason Mefferd, Chase
Mackiewicz, and Frankie Matthews.
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6 STUDENT NEWS
BYE BYE BIRDIE AT PERRYSBURG JUNIOR HIGH!
The musical “Bye Bye Birdie” shook things up this February when 134 Perrysburg Junior High
students took the stage to bring this 1950’s teen-age rock ‘n roll production to life! Under
the musical direction of Katie Driscoll and Patrick Barrett, and the choreography of Elise
Hanson, the exceptional talent of these PJH students was showcased in this story of the 50’s
Elvis phenomenon and teenage life in Sweet Apple, Ohio! Rock ‘n roll heartthrob, Conrad
Birdie, is about to be drafted into the Army while his manager, Albert Peterson, and Albert’s
secretary and long-suffering girlfriend, Rosie DeLeon, plot to get one last payday out of their
meal ticket. They book Conrad to perform his latest hit song One Last Kiss on the Ed Sullivan
Show and afterwards he’ll deliver a real kiss to Sweet Apple teen and fan-club president, Kim
MacAfee, much to the dismay of Kim’s high school sweetheart, Hugo Peabody. A countless number of hours by parents and students went into the set preparation to
make Sweet Apple come to life. Wade Taylor, the mastermind behind the set, created one
of the largest sets the Junior High had seen in years! The production begins in the office of
Almaelou, where Albert Peterson and Rosie put together their scheme of “One Last Kiss.” Of
course, everyone is welcome to enter the MacAfee home full of colors that reflect the 1950’s
rock and roll era. But that is only the beginning...there is a total of twenty scene changes
that range from the streets of Sweet Apple to the set of The Ed Sullivan show. Don’t blink...
or you just might miss one!
Due to all the scene changes, the set crew was responsible for making sure the correct
scene is set at the correct moment. During the productions, student performers were
responsible for moving set pieces on and off the stage throughout the show. As a result,
students developed a deeper understanding and learned full production roles in many areas.
In addition to the parts they had, this year’s stage managers are: D’Angelo Wright, Nate
Stedman, Luke Knight, and Ethan Mullins. D’Angelo and Nate both loved the responsibility
that came with it, however Nate shared, “The biggest challenge is getting people off the
stage! People are always standing right where you need to be.” In addition, there were hundreds of props that had to make it on and offstage. Each cast
member was responsible for small items that were held in a prop box. However, that is only
the beginning! Mae Kennedy and Annabella Rodzos were the two Prop Masters who ensured
larger props were in the right place at the right time for characters to grab as they dashed on
stage. Annabella shared, “It’s exciting because I know where everything is so I can help people.”
The students rehearsed, the costumes were created, and the set was built! The show was
a huge success with three packed houses. Many thanks to all who supported Perrysburg
Junior High and the music program.
WINTER SEASON ATHLETICS
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A HUGE SUCCESS AT PJH!
The Perrysburg Junior High Athletic Department concluded its
2015-2016 winter sports season with tremendous success.
Preparation for winter sports began in November and ran through
the beginning portion of March that saw the Jackets compete in
boys and girls basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading.
The 7th grade boys basketball team, coached by Justin Fahncke,
finished their season with an overall record of 11-4. The Jackets
were the number 2 seed in the NLL Tournament. The 8th grade
boys basketball team, coached by Dave Perez, played to a 14-1
record and were the league runners up in the NLL Tournament.
The 7th and 8th grade wrestling team finished as league runners
up. The Jackets were invitational champions at the Northwood
Invitational and Lake Invitational. Mason Colon, Colin Ruby, Justin
PJH 8th Grade Girls N.L.L. Champions
Rader, and Alex Garee were all NLL Champions. The Jackets were
coached by Randy Musgrove.
Craig Krueger coached the 7th grade girls basketball team to a
12-3 record. The Jackets entered the tournament as the number
4 seed and finished as league runners up. The 8th grade Jackets
finished the regular season at 11-4 and entered the tournament as
the number 3 seed. The Jackets defeated both the number 1 and
number 2 seeds on their way to claiming the NLL Championship.
Tom Przybylski coached the Jackets.
The Jacket cheerleaders boasted a successful season cheering
at home basketball contests. The squad also placed second
at the annual Cheer for a Cure. The Jackets were coached by
Samantha Gentle.
Kneeling: Lydia Knowlton, Sydney Rudolph, Hannah Miller, Lilly Yoder, Paige Zolciak
Standing: Coach Przybylski, Leah Skrzyniecki, Sharon Smith, Maddie Johnson, Jude Faris,
Sara Pantenburg, Jena Koskinen, Gracie Mitchell, Mgr: Anabel Rossi
PERRYSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLS
140 E. Indiana Avenue
Perrysburg, OH 43551
Current Resident or:
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