Wauseon students heard from a wounded veteran at the school assembly Nov. 11.
Guest speaker Rick Yarosh and his service dog appeared together.
Yarosh was a member of the U.S. Army. In 2005, he was deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom
to Baghdad, Iraq. In 2006 his Bradley was hit with an improvised explosive device and the vehicle
was engulfed in flames.
Much of his body was severely burned. Yarosh now travels the country sharing his story. He shares his story with a powerful message about dealing with adversity and being able to get through anything with a positive attitude. His story and message was very well received by our students, high school Principal Keith Leatherman said.
Yarosh also spoke to the elementary and middle school students and shared about his experiences before and after his injury. He also brought his service dog and showed the audience several commands. His overall message was: HOPE = Hold On, Possibilities Exist.
In other news:
• All third graders completed their fall Reading / ELA test as mandated by the Third-Grade Reading Guarantee. Once results are received, staff will contact parents with results and continue modifying the various reading interventions accordingly.
• Lions Club Chairman Jerry Smith presented dictionaries to third graders. His presentation included
information about the service organization as well as using the dictionary as a tool for research.
• Fulton County Health Department representative Rachel Kinsman is presenting a nutrition series to third
graders. The program includes games and activities related to national health guidelines.
All students received a plate portioned with the various food groups, a book, and a $10 Chief voucher for fresh fruits and vegetables.
• The “Crunch Out Obesity” grant is in force, with fourth graders completing a unit on exercise and nutrition in PE class. Each student received an exercise ball and must complete an essay on what they have learned to compete for a grand prize.
• Students attended a Kindness Adventure Assembly. The presenter compared schools in Kenya to schools in the United States via video footage and discussion of her trip to Kenya. Topics included: food, resources,
culture, daily life, poverty, etc.
• Deputy Trejo and Deputy Galbraith from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, along with their service dog, spoke to our fifth-grade class earlier this month. The officers discussed law enforcement, the potential career opportunities in this field, the role of service dogs, along with goal setting.
• Third-grade students participated in a mini musical, Welcome to the Jungle, a musical story based upon an Aesop fable. Attendance was terrific on both evenings, and Mrs. Schmidt (formerly Miss Lay) did an excellent job coordinating the event.
Wauseon Middle School
The Veterans Day Assembly had many veterans from the community in attendance. The veterans were greeted and entertained by the Student Council until the program began.
The Middle School teamed with the other buildings to make a contribution to “Operation Comfort.”
The school has received recognition by the Ohio State Board of Education as a “School of Momentum.”
Several students qualified for the All-County Honors Band and Choir.
Eighth-grade students were visited recently by a representative of the Four County Career Center for an introduction to the programming offered at the facility.
The students will make a visit to the school in December to tour the building and to gain exposure to some of the programs. Those interested in the building trades will get to see the house the 4CCC students are building.
Wauseon High School
• FALL PLAY – The Crucible
The play was Nov.10, 12, and 13. Under the direction of Jason Robinson and performances by a very talented cast and crew all three productions were a success.
Oct. 18, eight students along with Mr. O’Dell and Mrs. Rupp attended a student leadership conference at Defiance College. There was a keynote speaker along with breakout sessions that students had the opportunity to take part in. They worked with students from seven counties in northwest Ohio. The purposes of this annual conference are to:
• educate and motivate high school students of Northwestern Ohio to be better leaders,
• encourage the northwest Ohio high schools to work more closely together on activities,
• promote leadership skills and the responsibilities associated with leadership positions, and
• add valuable educational experiences for our students.
Wauseon Primary School
Students participated in the annual gradebook cover election. Students learned more about the voting process and the importance of voting.
The Wauseon Board of Education accepted the resignation of fourth-grade teacher Michelle Schaffner effective June 1, 2017.
Hired Jennifer Croninger as varsity softball coach pending a clear background check.
The board authorized a credit card for the board/David Fleming with a limit of $13,000 for district expenses when applicable.
Accepted the following donations:
$4,005 from the Wauseon Midget Football to the Athletic Department for junior high uniforms.
$300 from Paul and Margaret Schloneger to the WES Food Pantry.
$35.62 from Christ United Methodist Church to the WMS after school snack program.
The next Board of Education meeting is 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at the board office.
James Pruitt may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com