(PHOTO BY BREANA RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
ALL EARS … Board members hear the variety of activities students K-12 are taking part in.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Millcreek-West Unity Board of Education (Hilltop) held their monthly meeting on November 11, 2024, starting promptly at 6:00 p.m. with the following members present: Brian Wieland, Dawn Layman, Heather Jones, Randy Mahlman, and David Chester.
The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll call then took place. Superintendent Steven Riley gave his report, sharing a few updates.
He first thanked voters for the renewal of the tax levy to fund the school. Next, he discussed the 2025-2026 school calendar, opening the floor for board members to address concerns with the dates.
Following this, he also discussed board meeting dates for 2025, which are likely to take place on the second Monday of each month, continuing the routine the board currently follows.
He also shared the renovations and progress being made to the track, before the spring season starts. The stones kicked up on the track are being repurposed, adding new sand to the long jump area, and moving the shot put area.
Several FFA members attended the FFA National Convention. Students Ingrid Hoffman, Joscelyn Layman, and Addi Smith all placed in their division.
There were also graduated students who earned their National Degrees, the highest honor an FFA member can receive.
Emily Suydam, a freshman cross country runner, ran at the OHSAA Division 3 Regional Cross Country meet this October, and was congratulated as well. The Hilltop volleyball team was also recognized for their impressive season. Many students were also listed on the 1st Quarter Honor Roll.
Six students from the Safe Promise Club attended Youth Summit Leadership this year, hosted in Wauseon.
Juniors and seniors also got to attend a career fair held at Bryan High School, featuring 36 local businesses. The school received positive feedback from many businesses and guidance counselors about the student’s interview skills and professionalism.
Hilltop also held their K-12 Veterans Day Program, inviting community members to attend and honor the veterans of the community. Grades 3-6 and the High School Band also performed at the assembly.
The Limo Ride Fundraiser took place again this year on October 31, where students who met their selling goals were picked up by a limo (although students this year got a luxury bus), rode around town, and made a stop at Wyse Guys for pizza.
Third grade students took their ELA testing on October 22 and 23 as part of their Third Grade Reading Guarantee.
The Kindergarten and Kindercadets also took a trip to the Toledo Zoo as part of their annual field trip.
Although it usually takes place in the spring, due to the busy schedule around the end of the year teachers favored a fall trip this year instead, hoping for a lesser crowd.
However, students were greeted by other schools and Halloween festivities as they had arrived on a Trick or Treating Day. Overall, they had a great time and, for some, had a great first experience at the zoo.
Parent-Teacher Conferences were held on October 30 and November 4, with a large turnout of families. With 343 total interactions, most teachers didn’t get a break the whole night, and Mr. Mansfield, Elementary Principal, thanked them for their hard work and effort.
On November 1, Hilltop held their costume parade, allowing students and staff to dress up and walk around the community, with Mr. Cooper and the Cadet Marching Band providing a musical piece.
After hearing all the wonderful things students are doing, the board made a motion to adjourn around 6:20 p.m. The next meeting will take place on December 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the school library.