School News February 2013

School News February 2013 by Steve Poe

On Saturday, January 19th, four high school Academic Challenge team members participated in the “Winter War Quiz Bowl” in Columbus. Karina Kowalski, Anna Rence, Zoly Urge, and Elliot Kowalski rebounded from tough losses in the morning. Still, she won six out of ten matches on the day, defeating teams from Minford, Fisher Catholic, Monroeville, Van Wert, and Bexley (twice).

“We learned a lot about ourselves that day,” said advisor Linda Rence. “Our kids could have packed it in after losing those early matches, but they faced adversity with maturity and stayed mentally tough.” In addition to a successful day of academic competition, these students experienced what it is like to be a student at one of the largest universities in the country, The Ohio State University. Congratulations on staying focused and finishing strong!

On Wednesday, February 6th, our K-3 students celebrate the 100th day of school. Mrs. Troiano, Mrs. Genzman, and Mrs. Bianchi have fun learning activities planned for this day the students are sure to enjoy. Also, on Wednesday, February 6th are parent/teacher conferences. Parents should call the school to set an appointment.

The annual Ottawa County Spelling Bee is scheduled for Thursday, February 7th. Winners from the January 24th Put-in-Bay School Spelling Bee qualify for the Ottawa County event. We will announce the winners in next month’s Gazette school news section.

In the School News February 2013 sports department Basketball Coach Craig Schuffenecker and the Put-in-Bay Panthers are enjoying one of the most successful seasons in school history. Read next month’s Gazette school news for a complete summary of the Panther Basketball season. We have our final home game with Oak Harbor on Saturday, February 2nd, and play at Cardinal Stritch on Tuesday, February 5th. Students enjoyed a day of friendly competition at the annual Put-in-Bay School Science Olympiad on February 1st. Results from this event will also be announced in next month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette.

Everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy pasta, salad, and desserts at the annual Jeffrey Verhoff Scholarship Dinner on Thursday, February 21st at the Town Hall from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Proceeds from this event benefit the Verhoff Scholarship Fund.

January was “School Board Recognition Month.” Our school and community are fortunate to have a Board dedicated to academic achievement, opportunities for children, open relations with the community, and fiscal responsibility. Under this Board’s leadership, Put-in-Bay School will continue to be a source of pride in our community. THANK YOU to Board Members: Mike Byrnes, Bill Market, Scott Pugh, Joy Cooper, and John Domer

Student of the Month-Put-in-Bay School’s January “Student of the Month” was Karina Kowalski, a senior nominated by a teacher who wrote: “This student is a great candidate for Student of the Month. Since the school year began, she has worked diligently to achieve her academic goals. She has maintained her high grades even with her extensive involvement in the Arts Council’s performance of Alice in Wonderland and other service activities.

Furthermore, this student takes the time and responsibility each day to make the school’s daily announcements. During some of her lunch hours, she stays to practice with her Academic Challenge teammates and has helped lead the team to a very successful season. In a nutshell, this student strives to make the Put-in-Bay School community a better place and will be a great asset wherever she decides to pursue higher education.”