Defined by excellence. Supported by tradition. FALL 2019

Fitness Center ALUMNI TAKING SHAPE EXCELLENCE » Full story on page 6 5 HONORED WITH DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME STRAIGHT ’S LAUNCHES WITH 4 INDUCTEES Again On State Report Card A » Full story on pages 4, 5 » Full story on page 8 foundationnews

A HALL OF FAME Start to another great year

tudents are enjoying the start of another remarkable school year – thanks in large Spart to you, the supporters of Ottawa Hills Local Schools. The love for our district is never-ending, but can best be expressed by what transpired over a two-day period in September. BOARD OF TRUSTEES

It began with the inaugural lecture in the Kadens Family Leadership Series, an PRESIDENT educational enrichment initiative funded by Pete (’96) and Amy (Robbins ’99) Kadens. George Lathrop Students in grades 7-12 heard a remarkable and moving talk from Rodney Walker, who shared his unbelievable journey from residing in a dozen foster care homes SECRETARY to graduating from two Ivy League universities. Dee Talmage

That same day, the Foundation Board of Trustees recognized dozens of its supporters TREASURER at the annual Donor Appreciation Event. Attendees were regaled with students’ musical Scott Estes performances but also heard them share moving stories about how donor-driven programs are reshaping their personal and academic lives. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Erica (Gatchel) Silk ‘89 The signature event came as we hosted our third Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony. Thank you to the five alumni who accepted the honor and became the newest additions BOARD OF TRUSTEES to this prestigious group. Sharing the limelight that evening were the four inaugural Jackie (Hylant) Berenzweig ‘93 inductees into the newly launched High School Athletic Hall of Fame, an idea discussed R. L. Berry ‘76 almost since the Foundation’s founding (see more coverage on pages 4, 5). Adam Fineske As all of this was occurring, we continued to provide grants to support curriculum Maara Fink enhancement and expansion, experiences inside and outside the classroom, and Austin Irving ‘02 opportunities in the arts and athletics. Meanwhile, fundraising for and construction Brad Johnson on the Kadens Family Fitness Center progresses nicely. The facility is the cornerstone of the Kadens Family Health & Wellness Capital Campaign, the Foundation’s first-ever Mike McCullough ‘93 capital campaign. Phillip Mintun Jeremy Nixon Thank you for making this a wonderful place to teach, learn, and live. Judd Silverman ‘74 Mark Wagoner ‘90 Andrew Westmeyer ‘87

The mission of the Ottawa George Lathrop Erica (Gatchel) Silk ‘89 Hills Schools Foundation is President Director of Development to permanently enhance and Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation and Alumni Relations extend the unique experience of excellence that defines Ottawa Hills Local Schools. WELCOME! The Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Board members: SUPPORTING THE OHS FOUNDATION IS EASY!

Visit the Foundation’s website at Austin Irving ’02 Michael McCullough ’93 ohschoolsfoundation.org Associate with Shumaker, Senior Vice President, to contribute online or use Loop & Kendrick UBS the attached giving envelope. 2 givingnews Gifts AT WORK Through your generosity, the Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation is able to enhance and extend the learning experiences of students. Here are two recent examples:

Giving Thanks » A gift of $5,000 is making it Foundation event celebrates supporters possible for Elementary School students (grades K-6) to have richer art and music experiences. The The Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation had students are now using iPads and much to be thankful for last year, and it Logitech Crayon Digital Art Pencils shared that gratitude with supporters at a in their classrooms. Teachers are special reception Sept. 19. using the devices in educational units such as Dr. Seuss (K-1), uring its remarkable year, it embarked on its first-ever Science of Sound (5-6), Composing Dcapital campaign and received the largest gift in its history. with the Dot and Dash robots that play xylophones (K-6), Recorder About 100 friends attended the event at The Inverness Club. (4), Digital Drawing (K-6), digital art The program included performances and presentations by museum visits and scavenger hunts, students: a piano recital by Reyan Shariff (9); a duet from “Beauty and the Beast and architecture applications. The JR.” by Sam Smithberger (9) and Ella Douglas (8); an overview of her research $15,000 cost of the devices was by Priya Bhatt (12); and songs by The Choraliers. The evening included remarks shared equally among the district, from George Lathrop, Foundation president; Erica Silk, Foundation executive The Foundation, and the Ottawa director; and Dr. Adam Fineske, district superintendent. Hills Schools Parent Association.

“It truly does take a Village to make our children successful and Ottawa Hills » A $10,000 donation is bringing is the perfect example of such a Village,” said Dr. Fineske. “We have parents the 2019-2020 Symphonic Band who make education the No. 1 priority at home; students who are active (freshmen through seniors) one and engaged in their learning; outstanding educators; and a community step closer to their goal of traveling that centers itself around the school district.” together to Toronto, Ontario. The three-day trip is over the Martin (While the Foundation has a July-June fiscal year, it hosts its Donor Appreciation Luther King Jr. holiday in January Event in the fall to coincide with its Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony.) 2020. Many stops are planned, including attending a clinic with music faculty at the University of Toronto; hearing a performance of The Toronto Symphony; and attending a performance of “Dear Evan Hansen,” which won “Best Musical” at the 2017 . The band will perform at several historic spots, including Casa Loma and the Ontario Science Center. 3

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ive notable alumni, from artists and business owners to Fphilanthropists, received the Distinguished Alumni Award OHS Foundation Honors Sept. 20. This year’s inductees were: Betsy (Carson) Brady ‘64, DISTINGUISHED Pete Kadens ‘96, Rustin “Polly” (Steele) Levenson ‘65, Robert “Bob” Shopneck ‘68, and Dr. Catherine Webb ‘66. The induction ceremony took place at the John Lindsay Court 5ALUMNI at the Junior/Senior High School; inductees also were introduced on the field at halftime of the boys’ varsity football game that evening.

BETSY (CARSON) PETE RUSTIN “POLLY” ROBERT “BOB” DR. CATHERINE BRADY ’64 KADENS ’96 (STEELE) LEVENSON ’65 SHOPNECK ’68 WEBB ’66

Mrs. Brady is a well- Mr. Kadens is a dedicated Mrs. Levenson is an Mr. Shopneck is general Dr. Webb graduated from known business leader, philanthropist and internationally known partner of Denver-based the Medical College of community advocate, organizational leader painting conservator and Pinetree Financial Ohio in 1980. After philanthropist, and who seeks to transform author. After positions at Partners. After moving hearing a lecture in fundraiser in northwest lives and strengthen the Canadian to Denver, he earned medical school by a Ohio. In 1985, she and communities. He is Conservation Institute master’s and law degrees pediatric cardiologist, husband Tom founded chairman of The Kadens and the National Gallery and realized that real she became fascinated Plastic Technologies, Inc. Family Foundation, which of Canada, she moved estate and not law was by congenital heart PTI has become globally is dedicated to closing the to to join the his chosen path. He disease. She spent nine recognized within its pervasive U.S. wealth and Painting Conservation began by investing years in clinical training industry for sustainable education gaps. He Department of the in houses near the at the University of packaging innovation retired in August 2018 as Metropolitan Museum University of Denver. Michigan. In 1989, with more than 1,000 chief executive officer of of Art. With referrals from He parlayed those she joined Children’s clients across the globe. Green Thumb Industries, Met colleagues, she investments into building Memorial Hospital at She is currently chairman one of the nation’s largest founded ArtCare new homes; converting Northwestern University, of the PTI board. Mrs. publicly traded, legal Conservation renovated apartment retiring as professor Brady is actively engaged cannabis operators. (artcareconservation.com) buildings into emeritus in 2010. She in the community, Over his 16-year career and began working with condominiums; and returned to the University including serving as as a chief executive, museum, corporate, and making other real estate of Michigan Congenital chairman of the Toledo Mr. Kadens employed private clients throughout investments. As business Heart Center and Area Chamber of more than 4,000 people New York, , grew, he moved into currently works as an Commerce in 1990 and created over and . She commercial lending. outreach pediatric (the first woman to lead $5 billion in shareholder later opened studios in Today, his private bank cardiologist in Northern the group); past (and first value. He is a 2019 Henry Miami and Los Angeles. is the largest of its kind Michigan. She is woman) board chair of Crown Fellow of The In addition to conserving in Colorado. He joined internationally known the Toledo Museum of Aspen Institute, a paintings and supervising the board of the Boys with more than 50 Art; and a board member prestigious fellowship conservation studios, she & Girls Clubs of Metro published peer-reviewed of ProMedica, the for individuals who have and art historian Andrea Denver and later made papers and 30 years of University of Toledo, the capacity to create Kirsh co-authored “Seeing the lead gift and service on many American Toledo Community ventures that solve Through Paintings: spearheaded fundraising Heart Association Foundation, and Junior one of society’s Physical Examination to build the region’s first councils and committees. League of Toledo. intractable problems. in Art Historical Studies,” new club since 1964. She is a governing an award-winning book member of the Chicago used in art history courses Symphony Orchestra. and graduate schools.

NOMINATION PROCESS: If you would like to nominate yourself or an individual for the Ottawa Hills alumni, faculty, and school district 2020 Ottawa Hills Distinguished Alumni Award or the Athletic officials. Nominations may also be emailed to Erica Silk Hall of Fame Award, please complete the application found at [email protected] or mailed to Erica Silk, at: ohschoolsfoundation.org/distinguishedalumni.php. The Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation, 3600 Indian Road, deadline for submission for the 2020 awards is February 1, 2020. Ottawa Hills, OH 43606. Nominations will be considered by a committee comprised of 4 OHS Foundation Launches ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

o celebrate the achievements of athletes, the Ottawa Hills director. “The Hall TSchools Foundation created a High School Athletic Hall of Fame of Fame serves as and inducted its inaugural class Sept. 20. a symbol of our H “Athletic competition and success is a big part of the high school appreciation of the experience at Ottawa Hills, and we felt it was time to honor the excellence, honor, and devotion displayed by these greatest of the great,” said Erica Silk, the Foundation’s executive celebrated individuals and teams.”

THE INAUGURAL INDUCTEES ARE: ABOUT THE HALL OF FAME: JIM TENNEY ’58 AND JOHN M. HILL ’56 Mr. Tenney (left) and Mr. Hill won the state doubles title in 1956, The Ottawa Hills High School Athletic beating a team from Mansfield (6-4, 6-3). They were coached Hall of Fame was created to honor the by Donald Drake. (During this era, all schools competed against outstanding athletes, teams, coaches, and each other regardless of enrollment.) In his junior year, Mr. supporters of the district’s athletic Tenney was runner-up in state singles. As a senior in 1958, he programs. It recognizes individuals who was team captain and won the state singles title. have made exceptional and extraordinary contributions to the OH athletic program; had outstanding statistical achievement in LAURIE IMES ’81 AND KELLY COLEMAN ’82 Ms. Imes (left) and Ms Coleman won the Ohio Class A-AA an individual sport or sports; and/or doubles title in October 1980, defeating a team from Kenton conducted themselves in such a way as (6-2, 6-1). They were coached by Ronald Ricketts. In October to reflect honor on the school and must 1981, Ms. Coleman defended the doubles title against a team have exhibited those qualities of from Bexley, but this time with partner Torrey Lott (5-7, 6-1, 6-4). character and standards of conduct consistent with their status as a role model to the community.

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT ON THE ARROWHEAD ARE: JIM TENNEY, BOB SHOPNECK, RUSTY LEVENSON, CATHY WEBB, PETE KADENS, BETSY BRADY, LAURIE IMES, JOHN HILL, AND KELLY COLEMAN

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A SPECIAL Summa Cum Founder’s Society Friends Of The Laude (Cont.) Foundation (Cont.) THANK YOU $50,000 and above Brent Thomas Riggle and Family Eddie and Julie Lee David Roadhouse – In Honor of The Ciralsky Family; Gift in Honor of John Lindsay Dr. Kevin Miller to our generous Billy and Nancy Ciralsky; The Linver Family – In Memory of The Silk Family The Friedmans: Michael Linver M.D. and Bella Spengler Nathanson, Attorneys capital campaign Kevin and Meredith (Ciralsky), Linver at Law donors as of Emma, Cooper, and Hudson; Gift in Honor of the Class of 1970 The Stone Family The Waldmans: Valle Homes: John Longthorne, October 1, 2019 Katharine T. Talbott and Family Todd and Jessica (Ciralsky), Rich Effler The Talmage Family Jacob The McCullough Family James F. White, Jr.; Kerri Gates Leadership The Levins: Ben McMurray and Noreen Hanlon White and James F. White, III $500,000 and above Jon and Schuyler (Ciralsky), The McQueen Family and Family; Carey White Gifford The Kadens Family Foundation Jack, Wyatt, Scarlett, and Henry Jason and Carin Miller and Warren C. Gifford, III ProMedica The Monoky Family and Family – In honor and in The Naddaf Family: Mark and Erika, Magna Cum Memory of Susan “Sue” S. White Samuel, Jonathan, and Emily Valedictorian Laude John and Nadine Nemunaitis $100,000 and above $25,000 and above Friends Of The Norm Niedermeier Leslie and George Chapman Jano and Bob Nolette The Hylant and Berenzweig Families Ottawa Hills Local Schools Foundation The Padhye Family Craig and Amy Findley The Village of Ottawa Hills $1,000 and above The Pixler Family Ottawa Hills Boosters The Abendroth Family The Robson Family The Swigart Family Aly Sterling Philanthropy – John and Sara Roemer Peter and Sofia Westmeyer In Honor of Dr. Kevin Miller Gabriel Allos, Christian Allos, KADENS FAMILY The Andersons: Scott and Julie, Isabella Allos Distinguished Cole, Nikolas, and Tyler The Sherman Family Fitness Center Honor Roll Todd and Christi Ansberg The Shimborske Family Lisa and Judd Silverman $10,000 and above The Assi Family UPDATE Carol and Ed Bardi The Simonds Family – In Memory Chuck and Joni Arredia R. L. ‘76, Karen, Kristen ‘15 of Phillip G. Simonds Brick by brick, the Kadens The Estes Family and Kelsi ‘16 Berry The Szyperski Family Family Fitness Center The University of Toledo Michael and Leslie Brookman Marc Thompson and Alta Richter Troy and Wendy Greeley is becoming a reality. Robin and Keith Buckey and Family – In Honor of Judy George and Kathy Lathrop and Mike Kadens Construction work is – In Honor of John Lindsay The O’Neill Family Graham and Ben Burns The Thurston Family progressing on schedule. Chase Ormond and Niko Ormond Class of 2018 The Toma Family The Kadens Family Health Bill and Laura Rudolph Class of 2019 Michael and Summer Vanni The Rudolph Libbe Group & Wellness Capital Campaign Cal and Laura Coy Mark and Merideth Wagoner Signature Bank, N.A. Amy Sue Culler and Family The Philip and Marina Yang Family received great news in The Dale Family The Zakeri Family September when the Village Founder’s Society The Douglas Family – In Honor of of Ottawa Hills voted to $5,000 and above Ella, Trace, Jay and Finny Additional Gifts give the Board of Education Richard, Denise, Claire & Caroline Jonathan Downing all other amounts and Megan Meinerding $100,000 over two years Arnos – In Memory of Richard Ann and Alan Albert and Family and Joan Arnos Rod and Joan Durgin and Family to help with renovations to Sue and Aaron Eidenier Deb and Steve Baehren Hal, Ben, and Jack Burke Geoffrey Beans the Multipurpose Room and The Cooper Family Maara Fink, Chris Hamilton and Family Eliot Browarsky boys’ and girls’ locker rooms. The Denner Family: Devin, Michelle, Sandy and Jim Brown Nicole (‘12), and Michael (‘16) Ann Fleck The district also is preparing Bob and Barabara Gatchel Phil Beans a survey to find out how Effler Schmitt Co.: Kelly (Effler) J.J. Buckey Longthorne; Dan Effler Brian and Jasa George the community wants to use The Gnepper Family The Figy Family Fifth Third Bank Mark and Karen Fine the facility. Dr. Adam Fineske and Family The Goik and Barrett Family Chris and Jeanie Hardman Tom and Chris Frazier Jim, Kristi, Brett and Drew Hoffman The Greg Kadens Family Corey and Sandy Hupp The Heldreth Family SAVE THE DATE: The Hickey Family Tammy Mallue Brad and Allison Johnson Nancy and Larry Metzger Ottawa Hills Local Schools Ed and Sally Lee The Hopkins Family The James and Mary Geiger Family Matthew Moore plans to officially open the The Levine Family: Gordon The Moreau Family and Marla Levine, Terry and Larry Lucas Janowicz Kadens Family Fitness Center Michael and Kristen Janowicz Jennifer Nagy Robbins, Arleen and Jon Levine, Jeremy Nixon with a dedication ceremony Marci and Andy Klumb Michael and Judith Kadens Paul (Coach K) Komisarek Jack and Sarah Puffenberger on Saturday, Jan. 11, following Molly and Geoffrey Meyers Ben Silverman Kevin and Carla Miller and Family Mary and Peter Koury and Family the boys’ varsity basketball The Ledgard Family – In Memory John and Val Wiley The Mitchell Family Dick Wolff home game that evening. Owens Corning of Albert Berg

6 2018-19 Annual Campaign The Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the individuals and organizations who contributed to the 2018 – 2019 Annual Campaign, which ran from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

Valedictorian Veni, Vidi, Vici Green Bear (Cont.) Additional Gifts $100,000 and above Giving Society Timothy Bosserman (‘10) all other amounts The Kadens Family Foundation John (’70) and Amy Buckey (Cont.) Byron Bardis (’85) Robin (’76) and Keith (’77) Buckey – In Art Brecher – In Memory David Kelley and Julie McArthur Memory of Betsy Keiser Roarty (’77) of Laura Brecher Arrowhead Bryan and Erica Kelm Pam (’89) and Aaron Byrne Lorraine S. Coe – In Memory $25,000 and above Chuck and Susan (‘63) Michod Steve (’67) and Debbie Dolgin of Betsy Keiser Roarty (‘77) – In Memory of Walter W. The Ciralsky Family; John and Barbara Dongas – In Richard Cohen (’61) “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. Billy and Nancy Ciralsky; Memory of Dr. Lynne Stover Ron Cooperman (’61) Norman Niedermeier The Friedmans: McCullough Elizabeth Emmert (’77) – In Memory Scott Peeler (’89) Kevin and Meredith (Ciralsky), Mr. and Mrs. Howard H. Driggs of Betsy Keiser Roarty (’77) John (’99) and Sara Roemer Emma, Cooper, and Hudson; – In Memory of Walter W. Ann Fleck Dennis and Jenifer (’78) Tucker The Waldmans: “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. Bob and Barbara Gatchel OHLS Faculty and Staff: Todd and Jessica (Ciralsky), Andrew Effler (’06) – In Memory of John Wiley Gerry Davis, Noreen Hanlon, Jacob Larry and Penny Geresey Joan Haigh (‘49) – In Memory Melissa Jankowski, The Levins: Dr. and Mrs. David E. Glow (‘55) – In of Walter W. “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. Tammy Mallue, Ben McMurray, Jon and Schuyler (Ciralsky), Memory of Thomas N. Glow (’57) Zac and Dee Isaac – In Memory Lisa Marinelli, Karen Mayfield, Jack, Wyatt, Scarlett, and Henry Troy and Wendy Greeley – In Memory of Dr. Lynne Stover McCullough Jill Michaelson, Bill Miller, of Walter W. “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. Ginny Istnick (’53) – In Honor Kevin Miller, Jennifer Nagy, Joel (’74) and Daryn Hutton of Barbara Schlatter (‘53) Cupola Jeremy Nixon, Erica Silk (‘89), Jagadish Jhunjhunwala Viviano and Darlene Jaimez $10,000 and above Tammy Talmage (‘82), Brad and Allison Johnson – In Memory of Dr. Lynne Stover Annette Boice (’49) Amy Wolff (‘83) Carol Bower Johnson (’59) McCullough John (‘54) and Helen (‘53) Williams Neil’s Men’s Shop – In Honor of Class of 1959 Ellen Jamra (‘67) Fran Keiser (‘49) – In Memory Robert Kieser (‘44) Mesasa Victory Bell of Betsy Keiser Roarty (‘77) Dan Kunos James (’62) and Heide Klein – $5,000 and above $500 and above Dr. Philip and Shirley Levy In Honor of Larry Mindel (‘55) Karen Mayfield – In Memory Stephen (‘66) and Mickey Swigart Melvin and Mary Bridges – In Honor Thomas (’53) and Linda Klein – of Walter W. “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. Shopneck Family Foundation of Donovan and Olivia Bridges In Honor of Larry Mindel (‘55) Joan Hartman Moore (‘62) (Bob Shopneck (’68)) Carol and Ed Bardi – In Honor Lucy Lambert (’66) – In Memory of Dr. Lynne of The Choraliers Stanley Linver (‘70) Mr. and Mrs. Paul V. Daverio Stover McCullough Fellowship of Roa Lynn (’55) David G. Morrison (’55) J. Kennerly Davis Jr. (‘63) Dr. Allen and Mrs. Hindea David J. Effler, Sr. – In Memory Beverly Newcomer the Crest Markowicz – In Memory of Susan Joan L. O’Connell –In Memory $2,500 and above of Nanci K. Effler “Sue” S. White Bob and Barbara Gatchel of Maurice D. O’Connell Aly Sterling Philanthropy – Diane McComber (‘56) Ben McMurray and Noreen Hanlon Joan L. O’Connell – In Memory In Honor of Dr. Kevin Miller, Judy McCracken The Ponder Family of Dr. Lynne Stover McCullough 2019 Ohio Superintendent Michael (’83) and Kelly McCullough Court (’55) and Donna Slayton Tim Oser of the Year Jay (’58) and Gloria McGiveran Spencer and Christy Stone Sarah Puffenberger Praveen and Kamala Tamirisa Stephen Northcraft (’70) Spencer (’55) and Prudy Stone Robert and Donna Repp Tomahawk Development – Joan O’Connell Dan and Catherine (’88) Sullivan Frances Riddle (‘53) In Memory of Walter W. Charles (‘55) and Joyce Racine Dr. John and Val Wiley Tim and Amy Spieth “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. – In Honor of Larry Stephen (‘63) and Penny (‘64) Mohammed Maaieh and Debbie Mindel Staelin – In Memory of Walter and Rania Jaouni Green Bear Seamus Ragan (‘90) W. “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. Polly P. Carter (‘59) – In Honor $100 and above Marv Rotondo Byrne and Lauren (’90) Stapleton Tom Seiple (’63) of Class of 1959 Steven Albert (’64) – In Memory – In Memory of Dr. Lynne Bill Thomas of Dan McKisson (’64) Stover McCullough Patricia Wesolowski – In Memory Nancy Ankney – In Memory Byrne and Lauren (’90) Stapleton Veni, Vidi, Vici of Ross Wesolowski (’04) of Kay Edmunds (‘65) – In Memory of Walter W. Lee and Bebe Wesselmann James (‘51) and Diane Bailey “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. Giving Society Susan White (‘77) – In Memory Karen Baither – In Memory Philip Stichter (‘56) $1,000 and above of Betsy Keiser Roarty (’77) of Tom Baither (’60) Dr. Lance and Dee Talmage Val Wiley – In Memory of Walter Betsy (’64) and Tom Brady Roger Bell (‘65) – In Memory of Walter W. “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. Sam Carson (68) Annette Boice (’49) – In Memory W. “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. Richard Wolff (’73) Bill Heywood (’62) – In Honor of Walter W. “Bill” Lathrop, Jr. Garry Woodbury (’58) – In Memory of Bill McCready, Bob Mehring, Annette Boice (’49) – In Memory of Susan “Sue” S. White and Bush Bailey of Betsy Keiser Roarty (’77) Corey and Sandy Hupp

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TOLEDO, OH PERMIT #311 3600 Indian Road Ottawa Hills, OH 43606

To join the mailing list, OH friends and alumni should contact Erica (Gatchel) Silk (‘89).

P.S. We are also looking forward to hearing about and seeing pictures of your upcoming Like Us On Facebook reunions. We will run coverage Ottawa Hills Local Schools of those events in our next issue. Alumni Association

OH Earns STRAIGHT A’S for Fifth Consecutive Year

he Ohio Department of Education in September awarded TOttawa Hills Local Schools all A’s on the state School Report Card. The grades are for the 2018-2019 school year; the district now has earned all A’s for five consecutive years. Not only did the district receive an overall “A” grade, but so did Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School and Ottawa Hills Elementary School. “We are extremely proud of our Report Card. It validates the team approach we take toward education, an approach that requires the participation of the community, parents, teachers, and students,” said Superintendent Dr. Adam Fineske. “As important as the Report Card is, it is only one way we measure our success as a district. There are countless other ways we celebrate our success as well.” To begin the grading process, districts and individual schools around the state self-report information on specific marks of performance (called measures) and within broad categories (called components). They receive letter grades (A-F) for six components: graduation rate, achievement, progress, improving at-risk K-3 readers, gap closing, and prepared for success. Open for MORE NEWS from AROUND THESE HILLS!