(PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
SPELLING BEE SUCCESS … Seventh grader McKayla Hite (left) earned the top award as the Fulton County Spelling Bee Champion, while sixth grader Tobin Nafziger (right) received third place honors in his grade level.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
At its meeting on Monday, April 21, the Archbold School Board heard a proposal to introduce an archery club to the district starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Jason Valentine of Archbold shared plans to bring a “National Archery in the Schools” (NASP) program to the district, highlighting the sport’s inclusive nature and appeal to students who may not participate in traditional sports.
Valentine, who became involved with archery after his children expressed interest, noted that 22-25 Archbold students participate in the Black Swamp Archery Club, which includes roughly 1,000 students from surrounding schools.
The archery program will begin as a self-funded club, with the potential to expand into a school-sponsored team in the future depending on participation and sustainability.
Startup costs are estimated at $10,000, with three possible $2,500 grants available. Valentine has already secured $3,200 in pledges to help with funding. Later in the meeting, the board approved his request to establish the club.
Following the archery presentation, several students were recognized for their achievements in the Fulton County Spelling Bee. Kensley Culler, a fourth grader, placed fourth in the county, while fifth grader Dru Gansmiller, sixth grader Tobin Nafziger, and eighth grader Jovie Nofziger each earned third place in their grade levels. The top award went to seventh grader McKayla Hite, who was named the Fulton County Champion.
In the elementary report, Principal Andrea Thiel announced an upcoming Family Literacy Night on May 6, hosted in collaboration with the Archbold Community Library.
The event will include a visit from local author Jeffrey A. Mazurowski, writer of “Utter Chaos,” and the book’s illustrator, Delta student Keegan Clapp. Families can look forward to themed literacy activities, snacks, and a reading area – all centered around a dairy farm theme.
Kindergarten screening was held on March 17-18, 2025, with 72 students participating.
Thiel also recognized Students of the Month for March, who were honored for demonstrating a “100% Accountable” mindset and the character trait of responsibility.
Kindergarten students recognized were Lillian Hancock, Ryker Valdez, Raegan Beck, Dawson Cover, Danny Schrock, and Keegan Stevens.
First grade included Casen Wyse, Karlie Gruenhagen, Sawyer Stuckey, and Dan Stevens. In second grade, Ella Danielak, Zaylee Ogden, Eden Smith, and Emmett Lauber were selected.
Third grade students recognized were Riley Rupp, Creighton Dominique, Layton Stuckey, and JT Rufenacht, while fourth grade included Oakley DeGroff, Audrey Britsch, Willa Smith, and Ty Wyse.
Students recognized in Specials were Charlie Coons, Emmett Buehrer, Lainey Holdgreve, Cayson Wyse, and Dempsey Meyer.
Other upcoming events in the elementary school include the Daddy/Daughter Dance on April 25, the Third Grade Musical on May 8, the Fourth Grade Wax Museum on May 22, and several field trips as the school year wraps up.
Middle School Principal Matt Shields was not present at the meeting, however Dr. Selgo shared a few AMS highlights on his behalf.
In the AMS written report, Mindset Leaders for the month were recognized for exemplifying the “Live to Give” mindset, demonstrating qualities such as stretching themselves, making a difference, receiving gracefully, and leaving a legacy.
Fifth grade students included Maci Bunce, Emersyn Nafziger, Penny Johnson, and Cynthia Wanless. In sixth grade, Carson Stuckey, Declan Dominique, Dawsyn Martinez, Oliver Lauber, and Tessa Rufenacht were recognized.
Seventh grade students included Adelle Bentley, Alex Baden, Brynlee Bowerman, Jason DeVries, and Kit Ames. Eighth graders included Ayden Rodriguez, Eliana Nafziger, Javery Valentine, and Kenzie Wanemacher.
AMS fifth and sixth grade students took part in a Mini Manufacturing Day at Northwest State Community College. Eighth grade students will soon travel to Washington DC.
AMS had three students participate in the Solo and Ensemble competition in Defiance on April 5, where vocalist Addyson Barker earned a Superior (I) rating, and the flute duet of Laelah Rodriguez and Allison Gaona received a rating of Excellent (II). Band and Choir students are preparing for Spring concerts, set for May 5 and 15.
High School Principal Royal Short reported that activities are planned for May 9 to help current seventh and eighth grade students become more familiar with the high school.
Incoming freshmen will take part in a tour and orientation, while seventh grade students will visit the high school for a STEM-focused day.
Earlier in the month, Seniors took part in “Senior Day” where they completed the “Real World, Real Money” simulation, attended an Archbold Rotary Luncheon and received commencement caps and gowns in preparation for graduation day.
The Senior Scholarship and Awards Night will be held on May 19 at Founders Hall, with graduation set for May 25.
Upcoming events in the high school include the Senior Citizen Luncheon on April 25, Prom on April 26 and the Art Show on May 18.
Curriculum Director Michele Bagrowski shared updates on state testing noting ELA tests have been completed while math, science and social studies testing is underway.
To meet state guidelines, the district has chosen the Open Court Reading program from McGraw Hill as the new English Language Arts curriculum for grades K-5.
In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Jayson Selgo welcomed new staff who will be joining the district next school year and provided an update on the recently passed House Budget Bill (HB 96.)
The Board approved the amended agenda, minutes from the March 17 regular meeting and special financial work session, as well as the financial reports for March 2025.
In addition to various appropriation modifications and estimated resource changes, the board approved donations from multiple organizations, businesses and individuals in the amount of $10,303.66.
Distribution of proceeds from the high school concessions account to student activity accounts and organizations was authorized.
Looking to the next school year, the board approved an overnight trip for the eighth graders to travel to Washington D.C. from April 30 through May 2, 2026.
Several new faces will join the teaching staff for the 2025-2026 school year. The board approved one-year contracts for Camryn Hagans, Jennifer King, Kelsi Ross, Leslie Beemer, Riley Bloir, Madison Perry, and Alysa Short, all pending successful completion of required certifications and qualifications.
Addressing personnel recommendations, the board approved numerous contracts renewals. Certified employees approved for 2-year contract renewals included Allison Bentley, Derrick Baksa, Jacob Elting, Jamie Zagarella, Jeff Brunswick, John Culler, Krystina Bowerman, Mary Gingerich, Megan Martz, Megan Wiemken, Mindy Gruenhagen, and Sarah Dominique.
Those approved for 1-year certified contract renewals were Bradley Hurst, Claire Conrad, Dina Gladieux, Kayla Horning, Morgan Vickery, and Samantha Black. Approved for continuing contract renewals were Ryan Throne, Jennifer Cobb, and Amy Baden.
Classified contract renewals were also approved. Employees receiving 2-year contract renewals included Mary Alvarez (aide), Rosie Barrera (aide), Victoria Burkhart (aide), Hans Burkholder (maintenance), Susan Crawford (custodian), Tracy Dohm (assistant to the treasurer), Danielle Dominique (aide), Emily Pollitz (aide), Caroline Hancock (aide), Howard Hoge (custodian), Jennifer Marihugh (cafeteria), Linda Riegsecker (middle school cashier), Regina Rodriguez (aide), Kelly Short (school nurse), Heather Stoner (aide), Peggy Wendt (cafeteria), and Emily Williams (EMIS/district registration).
Melanie Gingrich (bus driver) was approved for a 1-year contract renewal, while Valerie Nafziger (administrative assistant) was approved for a continuing contract renewal.
Hailie Hahn, Jaden Osterland, Trevor Osterland, Mylee Dominique, and Ashton Stuckey were approved to serve as student workers effective May 1, 2025 through the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Josh Voll will serve as a Technology Assistant for up to 160 hours for the summer of 2025 while James Kidder was approved as a certified van driver and classified substitute for the 2024–2025 school year effective April 17, 2025.
The board approved a request for reassignment for Jill Nafziger to move from her post as Elementary Media Center Specialist to Assistant to the Treasurer, effective June 3, 2025.
A one-year contract was approved for Annette Williams to serve as custodian for both the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 school years, while Valerie Hausch was approved as a junior high track volunteer.
In routine matters, the board approved substitute teacher and substitute paraprofessional lists provided by the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for the current school year.
Resignations from Annette Huber and Garrett Grime were accepted as were amended retirement resignations for Lori Coressel and Kelly Boulton effective May 31, 2025.
The superintendent’s recommendation to approve extended days to the High School Guidance, Middle School Guidance, Elementary School Guidance, Vo-Ag/FFA, Vocal Music and Band departments for the 2025–2026 school year was approved.
Archbold Board of Education will hold a public financial work session on May 7 at 7:00 p.m. and its next regular meeting on May 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the high school media center.