Mrs. Chrysochoos’ 4th grade Language Arts students have been working hard in their iReady books. Mrs. Chrysochoos stated, “We have now started our 43 Old Cemetery Road novel.” This year, Mrs. Chrysochoos recorded herself reading the book and uploaded her videos to YouTube so that students can listen to parts of the book within their Schoology course. Mrs. Chrysochoos further explained that this book teaches the Common Core standards of writing a business letter and writing a friendly letter as well as giving the students the opportunity to review summarization, theme, main idea, and character traits, while also reading this comical haunted house story!
“The students love this book every year when we read it,” said Mrs. Chrysochoos. This book is actually the first in a series of eight books. Since students only read the first book together, the rest of the books tend to fly off the library shelf!
Lastly, Mrs. Chrysochoos wanted to acknowledge the great job the 4th grade students are doing with wearing their masks each day. Way to go, Rangers!
Sun Federal Credit Union “Teacher of the Year”
Last year, Sun Federal Credit Union announced that our very own Mr. Myers had received the “Teacher of the Year” award. A representative from Sun Federal Credit Union, recently visited to recognize Mr. Myers and all of his hard work with our Rangers. Congratulations again to Mr. Myers on this fantastic accomplishment!
Sun Federal Credit Union’s “Teacher of the Year,” Mr. Myers!
Fog Driving Tips
It’s the time of year where we often encounter fog during our travels. See the tips below from the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. Remember, drive safely, Rangers!
Playoff Football Tomorrow! (Oct. 17)
Don’t forget! Our Mighty Ranger Football team will be taking on the Van Buren Black Nights tomorrow, at home – 7pm! Stay tuned to our social media pages for links to the live stream! Let’s go, Rangers!
You can order online, pay online, and have them shipped directly to your home or you can order in person through any band or choir student grades 7-12. Payment is due at the time of the order via cash or checks made out to Northwood Music Boosters.
Music Boosters Shoe Drive
Fri. Oct. 16: End of 1st Quarter
Mon. Oct 19: Beginning of 2nd Quarter: Welcome Back ALL Group A & B Students!
Angelo is working on finding the main idea and details of a passage. This was a task card activity around the room.
Miss DiTommaso’s 6th grade English Language Arts students have recently been focusing on main ideas and details, summarizing, inferences, anecdotes, and analogies. Miss DiTommaso explained that the goal of this unit is for students to be able to “understand what they are reading and be able to comprehend what the text is about.” She further explained that students will be able to read a story or look at a photo and infer what is happening. This helps with real life scenarios! Additionally, students are working on analogies and relationships between words, which is very helpful with vocabulary.
When asked what students have enjoyed most about these lessons, Miss DiTommaso stated, “Students have enjoyed creating their own anecdotes about situations. They have also enjoyed looking at different pictures around the room and inferring what is happening. It is fun to see the different answers that they come up with because certain students infer differently than others!”
Jay Moten Wins BCSN “Player of the Week”
Congratulations to our very own Jay Moten, who is the winner of BCSN’s “Player of the Week” award for Week 5. Thank you to everyone who voted for this well-deserving Ranger!
BCSN Player of the Week, Jay Moten!All of our Rangers have worked incredibly hard this season. Thank you for cheering them on near and far!
You can order online, pay online, and have them shipped directly to your home or you can order in person through any band or choir student grades 7-12. Payment is due at the time of the order via cash or checks made out to Northwood Music Boosters.
Last Friday, September 11th, we held our annual Homecoming celebration. Congratulations to all of our senior candidates and our newly crowned King and Queen, Davonte Sauer and U-sa Vayavong!
Welden Hannum
Welden Hannum
Welden is the son of Josh and Jen Hannum. During Welden’s years at Northwood High School, he has been a member of the football team for one year as well as the soccer and track team for all four years. Welden works for Service Master when he isn’t at school. In his spare time, he enjoys watching Netflix, playing xbox, and occasionally customizing shoes.
Demond “Mookie” Marks
Demond “Mookie” Marks
Demond is the son of Shawndreaka Moten and Demond Marks. Demond has been a part of the Northwood Football team, Basketball team, and Track Team during his high school career. In his spare time, Demond volunteers helping younger football players. After his graduation in the spring, Demond would like to continue studying education and playing football at the collegiate level.
Quindarion “Jay” Moten
Quindarion “Jay” Moten
Jay is the son of Shawndreaka Moten and Paul Williams. During his four years at Northwood High School, Jay has been a part of the Football Team and Basketball team, He has also been a part of the track team for a year. In his spare time, Jay enjoys playing sports, chilling, watching Netflix, listening to music, and having fun. Jay also volunteers helping younger football players. After his graduation in the spring, Jay would like to continue his education and major in Sports Management.
Anthony “AJ” John Rable III
Anthony “AJ” Rable III
AJ is the son of Deanna Bullimore and Tony Rable. AJ has been active with football and baseball these past four years. AJ enjoys hanging out with friends and family, lifting weights, and playing video games. AJ is planning to attend Owens Community College then the University of Toledo majoring in Education.
Davonte Sauer
Davonte Sauer
Davonte is the son of Crystal Sauer. During his years at Northwood, Davonte has dedicated his time to Marching and Pep Band for four years, Soccer, Honor Society, Jazz Band, and Student Council for three years, Key Club for two years, and Choir for one year. In his spare time, Davonte enjoys playing multiple instruments, painting, drawing, and taking pictures while currently working at Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders.
Emily Bowen
Emily Bowen
Emily is the daughter of Sarah and TJ Miller. Throughout her years at Northwood, Emily has participated in Varsity Soccer, Varsity Basketball, and Varsity Track.. In her free time, she enjoys going to Holcomb Woods and Waffle House, drinking Coke slushies, playing soccer, and FaceTiming with her brother Josh in the UK to talk to British people. She currently works at McDonald’s. After high school, Emily plans on going to school to work in the medical field as an anesthesiologist.
Lydia Long
Lydia Long
Lydia is the daughter of Chuck and Emily Long. While attending Northwood High School, Lydia participated in National Honors Society, Key Club, Pep Band, and Varsity Soccer for four years as well as Track and Jazz band for two years, and All District Honor Band, BGSU Honor Band, and solo and ensemble for one year. In her spare time, Lydia enjoys Playing Sims, practicing her flute, and binging Netflix. Lydia is currently employed at Mancino’s. She also volunteers her time in Key Club with Tent City and blood drives as well as preparing and serving meals to the elderly during the COVID pandemic and serving food at the Ronald McDonald House. Upon her graduation, Lydia plans to attend Bowling Green State University to study Music Education.
Angelina “Gina” Nagel
Angelina “Gina” Nagel
Gina is the daughter of Christina Quezada and Alan Nagel. During her time at Northwood High School, Gina has been a member of the Varsity Soccer Team and Varsity Basketball Team for four years. Her dedication to soccer earned her a captain spot for junior and senior year. She has also participated in one year of varsity track. Gina likes spending her free time hanging out with friends, family, and her boyfriend, as well as watching Netflix. She plans on attending Owens Community College or the University of Toledo in order to pursue a career in the medical field.
Ashlyn Rable
Ashlyn Rable
Ashlyn is the daughter of Deanna Bullimore and Tony Rable. Ashlyn has participated in Student Council, Volleyball, and Varsity Basketball for four years, Varsity Track for three years, Teen Institute, Key Club and Quiz Bowl for two years, and National Honor Society for one year. Ashlyn is currently a cashier at Rite Aid. Ashlyn enjoys photography, reading, hanging out with friends, and visiting her nephews Mason and Wyatt. She also volunteers to work the blood drives with Key Club, volunteering at the weightlifting meets, and painting sets for the musicals. Ashlyn is undecided on where she will go but would like to pursue a career in the medical field.
Natnicha “U-sa” Vayavong
Natnicha “U-sa” Vayavong
U-sa is the daughter of Terry Vayavong and Toi Suwannathada. During her years here at Northwood High School, U-sa has participated in four years of Band, Pep Band, Teen Institute, Musicals, Business Professionals of America, and Student Council, three years of National Honors Society and Key Club, two years of Track and one year of Cross Country and Teen Pep. In her spare time, U-sa likes watching cute animal videos, drawing, painting, reading true crimes or horror stories (minus watching the horror films) as well as cooking and baking mediocrely. She is currently employed at her parents’ restaurant, Bangkok Cafe, as well as R&B Bubble Tea as a Bobarista. She spends her free time volunteering for YIPPEE, Ronald McDonald House, a car wash, Personal Ask fundraising, HOBY Ohio West, University Health Aid, and Key Club events like blood drives, leaf raking, and Tent City. After she graduates in the spring, U-sa plans on attending college to study International Business and Accounting.
This year brings us a familiar face and name in a new role. Mr. Nate James, who is surely no stranger to Northwood Schools, has taken on the position of Intervention Specialist here at Northwood High School. Mr. James will be working alongside Mr. Warring in meeting the needs of our special education students in grades 9-12.
Mr. James received his undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies from Bowling Green State University in 2014 and his master’s degree in Education (also at BGSU) in 2018. While this is Mr. James’ first official teaching position, he has been working in the special education department as a teacher’s aide for the past few years.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to see the kids,” Mr. James stated when asked what he was most looking forward to this school year. He continued, “I’m just excited and grateful to be able to work with all of them again.”
Mr. James explained, “As an Intervention Specialist, I will be reacting to the new content that the general education teachers are putting together. The hybrid model gives us smaller class sizes, so I’m excited to have more opportunities to work one-on-one with my students in the learning lab.”
Looking for some fun facts about Mr. James? Did you know that between completing his undergraduate degree and getting back into education in 2017, Mr. James worked as a freelance graphic designer in Detroit, Michigan? He’s also the person we can thank for our updated school logo and the awesome graphic designs created for our Mighty Ranger football team!
When asked if there was anything that he would like to share with students and parents at Northwood, Mr. James concluded, “It’s obviously a very uncertain time, in school and in the world in general. I love the community that we’ve built here, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it, and whatever the year throws at us, I’m confident that we’ll get through it together!”
Welcome to NES, Mrs. Hemming
NES has gained a new face with Mrs. Mandy Hemming. Mrs. Hemming is in her 20th year of teaching special education students in grades K-12 through the Wood County ESC Life Skills program. Interestingly enough, Mrs. Hemming was housed at Northwood from 2009-2012, and is very excited to return to Ranger Nation!
Mrs. Hemming
Mrs. Hemming has been working at the middle and high school level for the past 15 years and is most looking forward to teaching at the elementary level. She explained that her students will spend the first few weeks of school “getting to know ourselves and each other through learning about the characters from the movie Inside Out. Later in the year, we will (hopefully) be able to take a trip around the world!”
A fun fact about Mrs. Hemming is that she can speak German, though she admits, “I’m a little rusty at times.”
She ended her interview by saying, “I am super excited to join the staff here at Northwood and am looking forward to getting to know everyone!”
New Phys. Ed. Teacher at NES
Mr. Heidebrink
This year, NES welcomes Mr. Josh Heidebrink as the new Physical Education teacher for our elementary Rangers. Mr. Heidebrink comes to Northwood as a seasoned teacher, having taught three years at St. Mary’s City Schools followed by eight years at Bowling Green City Schools.
He is most looking forward to meeting everyone and being part of the Northwood Community during this school year. He stated, “All the K-6 kids can look forward to a different P.E. experience that I hope they’ll enjoy!”
When asked to provide some fun facts about himself, Mr. Heidebrink shared that he has three kids, two of which will be attending NES this school year (and a baby, who will eventually also be a Ranger!). He loves sports, movies, and roller coasters! He concluded by saying, “My family and I are excited to be here and we look forward to many years at Northwood!”
Miss Shelby Strayer Joins NLS as Speech Language Pathologist
Miss Shelby Strayer has joined NLS as our new Speech Language Pathologist. Miss Strayer is originally from Grand Rapids, Ohio and attended Anthony Wayne High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2014 and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toledo in May 2018.
Miss Strayer
Miss Strayer completed her first internship (a four month stint) in a nursing home in Perrysburg targeting dysphagia and cognitive-linguistic deficits followed by a second internship in the Washington Local School district, working with K-6, as well as pediatric outpatient speech therapy ranging in age from 3-years-old to 18-years-old. She explained, “I have worked with a variety of diagnoses and disabilities including: Fluency Disorder or Stuttering, Apraxia, Mixed Expressive-Receptive Language Disorder, Articulation and Phonological Disorder, Treacher Collins Syndrome, Down Syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I also participated in a week-long intensive stuttering clinic working 1-on-1 with individuals with a mild to severe fluency disorder.” A fun fact about Miss Strayer is that two years ago she rode a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with her family, stayed overnight in a cabin, and rode all the way back up the next day! She said that the experience was, “beautiful and so much fun!”
When asked what types of activities she plans on utilizing while working with our Rangers, Miss Strayer stated, “I plan to play games, use classroom curriculum and work, worksheets, books, and so much more. I want to integrate the students’ goals into activities that make it fun for them and have Speech be something they look forward to on the days they come to see me. I will be doing a combination of push-in and pull-out within the classroom and my speech room, dependent on which works best for each child.” She added that something that students can look forward to this year is her fun bulletin board that says, “Speech therapy helps you TACO bout it.” Students will see laminated hot sauce packets that they can write their name on and hang on the board. She also has a treasure bin filled with Ranger Dollars and fun items (erasers, stickers, pencils, temporary tattoos, etc.) to choose from when they’ve had a really good session!
MIss Strayer is looking forward to getting to know her students and having a great time during speech therapy while helping them work to meet their goals. “I am excited to see all these new faces and form relationships with the new students, teachers, and parents,” said Miss Strayer. She concluded, “I am so happy Northwood is where I get to start my career!”
Congratulations to our Fall 2020 Homecoming Court
NLS Homecoming Spirit Week: Sept. 8-11
Mon. Sept. 7: Labor Day – No School
Fri. Sept. 11: Homecoming Ceremony at 6:30pm / Kick-Off at 7pm
District Takes Advantage of Low Interest Rates to Refinance Outstanding Bonds
Northwood Local Schools has taken advantage of historically low interest rates in the bond market and embarked on an aggressive bond refunding campaign. The District has refunded a portion of its eligible debt through two refunding bond issues.
The refunding process, like refinancing a home loan to take advantage of lower interest rates, will save Northwood’s taxpayers a total of $3,276,147 over the remaining life of the bonds. The savings will come to taxpayers in the form of reduced property taxes resulting from shortening the life of the voted bonds by four years, as well as savings to the District’s General Fund. Originally, voters authorized the bonds for a term of 37 years. Because of the lower interest rates, the bonds will now be paid off in 33 years from the original borrowing date.
The District’s most recent effort was completed this week when they issued $13,365,000 of Refunding Bonds to refinance its two 2014 bond issues which financed the various new school facilities improvements approved by voters in May of 2014.
The two refunding bond issues refinanced bonds that were originally issued in 2014. Those bonds had interest rates of 4.05% and 3.50%. The new bonds have interest rates of 2.65% and 2.25%, respectively. A combination of low interest rates, an excellent credit rating (score), and good market timing allowed the District to save more than $3,275,000 in interest cost. Treasurer and CFO, Ms. Angel Adamski says, “The Board felt that refinancing the bonds to save taxpayer dollars was an easy decision”.
The overall savings was well beyond the District’s initial expectations. Many school districts target a savings of at least 3 percent of the amount to be refinanced. Combined, the transactions saved three times the benchmark.
Superintendent Jason Kozina said, “There are so few ways to reduce taxes in our community that refinancing bonds when possible is a major benefit to our residents.” He continued, “The school board and administration are very aware that we must continue to control costs and we are always looking at opportunities to save and be good stewards of our taxpayer’s money.” The District is now looking ahead to possibly refinancing additional financing as interests continue to improve.
For additional information please contact Treasurer, Angel Adamski at (419) 691-3888.
With the information released yesterday from Governor DeWine and the OHSAA, we are happy to share specifics on our upcoming fall athletic season.
The Focus
We are incredibly excited that our student-athletes will be able to participate in their fall sports. While we know you share that excitement, we also have to understand our obligations to make these competitions happen in a safe manner. Please understand that our focus is, and always will be, on the student-athlete. These changes are required to allow them a season. Limitations on spectators will be difficult, but we can all agree that having the season is the best part of this announcement. Please see the following specifics:
Schedules
Many of our athletic schedules have been adjusted to accommodate cancellations and OHSAA updates to season length. We will be sharing these schedules as they are finalized. Please understand that there will very likely be some changes to these as we finalize the contests with other schools.
Spectators
There will be NO general public tickets available for any events this fall.
With the exception of Friday night football games, each student-athlete will receive four (4) tickets to each contest. For Friday night football games each football player, cheerleader and band member will receive two (2) tickets per contest. These numbers are established to meet the 15% of fixed seating capacity requirement set forth by the Ohio Dept of Health. This will allow the athlete to have immediate family or guests attend games. Each high school ticket will be $5, payable at the gate. Middle school contests will be $3, payable at the gate. Please have exact change. Each person must have a physical ticket when entering the event. We realize that limitations on the numbers of tickets will create some scheduling issues for families. Unfortunately, there will be no exceptions to this requirement. Visitor tickets will be even more limited due to space requirements.
Masks and other safety precautions for spectators
Spectators are required to wear masks following all the Ohio guidelines for masks. Social distance of 6ft is required for all spectators to maintain throughout the contest. Family groups should sit together. Spectators must conduct daily symptom assessments. Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home. Family groups must sit together, socially distanced from other family groups. No congregating before or after games is permitted. We will NOT be able to make exceptions in these areas for the safety of our staff and student-athletes
Tickets
Tickets for home events will be distributed to each individual athlete/band member before each contest. Instructions will be provided on how the money will be collected. The plan is to limit cash transactions as you enter an event. More information coming soon. No passes will be available for home or away events. Opposing schools will be setting their own ticketing procedures, and those will be communicated through individual sport coaches.
Seating
Each venue will be clearly marked showing seating and spacing locations. Families should sit together in groups. Students should remain with their family group during events. Social distancing and safety expectations will also be clearly marked and communicated.
Streaming
The space limitations on Friday nights severely limit our typical attendance. Due to these limitations, we are looking into streaming options for home Friday night football games. The typical platforms that allow this service are expensive and require payment to watch the event. There is no guarantee that this will be available. At minimum we hope recorded football games will be available within a few days of the event. The music department also hopes to make performances available in this manner.
Concessions
Our athletic boosters will be doing their best to be open, all items will be pre-packaged. Social distancing must be maintained while waiting in line.
Finally
In order to make an athletic season possible for our student-athletes, we need to meet the parameters for athletic events established by the Ohio Department of Health. We need our community and parents to adhere to these expectations as well. The health order shared that compliance officers will be attending games this fall and if the regulations are not met venues will be shut down.
As we have talked to parents and student-athletes about the fall season and the hope for competitions to occur, one theme has been consistent, it is about the students. One parent summed it up well, stating, “If I have to stay at home so my daughter can play her games, so be it. I want her to have the chance to play.”
Thank you for your continued support of our school, our athletic department, and our student-athletes.
We are missing all of our Rangers so much. We decided to surprise you with a special edition of the Ranger Roundup! Take a look back at some of the events and lessons that took place before our stay-at-home order.
Remember to check Schoology every day and to reach out to your teachers with any questions, concerns, or simply, just to say “Hi!” We’d love to hear from you! #TheRangerWay #OneRangerNation #NorthwoodProud
Celebrating Mrs. Phillips’ Final “Jump Rope for Heart”
NES Hosts Annual “Jump Rope for Heart”
On February 14, 2020, Northwood Elementary held their 25th annual “Jump Rope for Heart,” now called “The Kids Heart Challenge.” All 2nd– 6th graders were combined on mixed teams and challenged to keep their team jumping for 60 minutes. The main goals for this event were to learn about personal heart health and to exercise one’s own heart to keep it strong and healthy. The Honor Wall, which adorned an area of the gym, represented students collectively coming together by filling out a heart to honor people in their lives who are suffering from heart disease. Teamwork and having fun together as a school body were also intentions of the event. Students were also challenged to acquire donations for The American Heart Association so that others whose hearts are not healthy can benefit. This year students collected an amazing $5,138.25! Way to go, Rangers!
The class that raised the most donations was Mrs. Besgrove’s 4th graders. They enjoyed a toilet paper party where they were able to cover their teacher, Mr. Odenweller, and Mrs. Phillips with the white stuff. Mrs. Phillips proudly expressed, “Way to Go Northwood Elementary…your donations will go a long way in helping others!”
Talk about helping others! Mrs. Phillips deserves some recognition of her own! But first, you may not be aware of how “Jump Rope for Heart” began at Northwood.
The History of NES’s “Jump Rope for Heart”
Mrs. Phillips started the “Jump Rope for Heart” event at Elmwood where she taught for 15 years prior to coming to Northwood. When her son, Chad Phillips, was a Northwood elementary student, he asked Ms. Hider (our previous PE teacher) if she would start holding this event at Northwood like his Mom was doing. So, Ms. Hider contacted Mrs. Phillips requesting her assistance in starting this endeavor for us. The next 20 years of her teaching career, we witnessed firsthand Mrs. Phillips’ passion for this tradition that she actually inspired and helped create for our students.
During the awards portion of the event, Mrs. Phillips was surprised by a special visit from Superintendent Kozina who eloquently expressed his appreciation for Mrs. Phillips’ hard work and commitment to organize this important event for so many years. Mrs. Krontz gave her flowers as a special touch of gratitude and Tracy Ulrich Shepard, from the American Heart Association, presented her with the “Volunteer of the Year Award” in recognition of her over 20 years of support and teaching students about heart health.
Mr. Kozina collaborated with Ms. Shepard to research Mrs. Phillips impact on donations collected over the years. Seizing an educational opportunity for students to actively do the math on the spot at the assembly, Mr. Kozina helped them estimate that Mrs. Phillips has inspired Northwood students to raise approximately $70,000.00 during her 20 years of teaching at Northwood. If you then add the 15 prior years she hosted “Jump Rope for Heart” at Elmwood, Ms. Shepard estimated that Mrs. Phillips has helped students raise well over $100,000.00 in the 35 years she has so passionately organized this event.
They say every $50 helps save a life; that is an incredible amount of people Mrs. Phillips has helped with her leadership in educating students about heart health and providing such a fun event to participate in. Kudos to Mrs. Phillips and all her former students for this outstanding support of such a worthwhile cause!
It was extra special that the event, which is especially near and dear to Mrs. Phillips’ heart, fell on Valentine’s Day this year. She once again poured her heart into this event, but it is bittersweet for us as she is retiring from NES at the end of this school year. We commend Mrs. Phillips for her creativity, organizational skills and hard work on all of the outstanding school-wide traditions she has so expertly continued over the years for our students such as the Pumpkin Walk Jog Runs, Hoop Shoots, Field Days, Olympics, and President’s Fitness Challenges. Mrs. Phillips, you are so greatly appreciated and we will miss you very much … with all our hearts!
Podcasting in Speech and Debate
Mrs. Moses’ Speech and Debate students created their very own podcasts prior to our departure from the building! The series consisted of three consecutive 10 minute episodes on various topics. Mrs. Moses explained that students have enjoyed interviewing students and staff on topics such as morning routines, strange food concoctions, COVID-19, and war. She concluded, “Students have really taken to this assignment!”
Badminton Tournaments in P.E.
Mrs. Wheeler’s 8th grade Physical Education students participated in a badminton Doubles Tournament before our stay-at-home order. Mrs. Wheeler explained that this unit is important because it allows students to focus on hand and eye coordination while playing a striking game. Students are also able to show teamwork and good sportsmanship during game play. Mrs.Wheeler concluded, “The students enjoy the game of badminton because they are able to learn a game that is not something they see often. They know baseball, softball, golf, and tennis to be striking games, but do not think about badminton because they do not see it everyday.”
Mrs. Besgrove’s 4th grade math students are currently working on adding and subtracting fractions using number lines and drawing pictures of area models. Students are discovering that fractions are important because they can tell us what portion of a whole we have. Mrs. Besgrove explained, “Fractions are a part of our everyday life in many ways such as baking, using a ruler, and telling time.”
During this unit, students have really enjoyed using the iReady math interactive videos to reinforce their learning of fractions. Along with the interactive videos, students have used other technology, such as the Clevertouch Board and their iPads to help reinforce their learning!
Our “Guys and Dolls” Rocked the Stage
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the NLS Spring Musical, “Guys and Dolls.” Our Rangers earned themselves three consecutive nights of standing ovations with their fantastic performances. Check out some of the highlights below!
Penta Expo
Tuesday, March 10th, our 8th grade Rangers attended the Penta Expo. This allowed students to participate in fun activities along with learning more about the programs available at Penta Career Center. Check out some of the highlights below!
Alumnus of the Year Nominations
NLS Brick Orders
Make your name part of Northwood History! Orders are being accepted now! https://buff.ly/33STml4
Our “Guys and Dolls” are Ready to Light Up the Stage!
**Please note new start times for this year’s show!**
Big Jule (Dalton Dempsey) shooting crap with Nathan Detroit (River Emmert) and the other gamblers.
Opening night for our spring production of Guys and Dolls is one week from today! Our high school Rangers have been hard at work preparing for this classic musical set in the 1940’s. Gambler Nathan Detroit (River Emmert) needs $1,000 to hold his crap game at the Biltmore Garage. So, he bets gambler Sky Masterson (Cayden Schober) that he cannot convince the Save-A-Soul Mission’s very own Sarah Brown (Kennedy Brossia) to go on a date with him. Meanwhile, Hot Box star Adelaide (Sierra Braddock), wants Nathan to finally marry her after a 14-year engagement!
Logan Urbanyi working on laying carpet for this year’s set.
Our Rangers had several different reasons as to why they decided to participate in this year’s musical. Junior Isaac Hoffer, who will portray the role of Nicely-Nicely Johnson made a simple choice, stating, “I’ve done it [musical] the past three years and it was very enjoyable.” Sophomore Faith Jones who is part of our paint and moving crew also based her decision on her past experience stating, “I did it last year and made great memories, so I decided to participate again!” This is junior Breanna Herrera’s first year on stage, as she portrays the role of a Hot Box girl. She explained, “I thought stepping out of my comfort zone would be a fun experience.”
Our Hot Box girls practicing their choreography.
When asked what they found most surprising about their musical experience this year, sophomore Cameron Brice, our co-crew chief this year, said, “I was surprised with the amount of time I’ve spent working on a project out of school and even on the weekends.” Freshman Ashley Jones who is also part of our paint crew stated, “Everyone is friendly and there is always work to be done.” Sophomore Sapphire Smith, who will be working up in the booth during the show on our lighting, added that she was surprised at how well everyone gets along. Senior Tori Flahiff, who is back on stage as a Hot Box girl this year stated, “Loving the whole process, practices, rehearsals, and spending quality time with Slater, Toflinski, and James along with my friends!”
The crapshooters dance is not one to be missed!
Our actors and actresses are very excited for the audience to see this show. They are particularly excited for the audience to see the Hot Box girls in their featured songs, “A Bushel and a Peck” and “Take Back Your Mink.” Other exciting scenes will feature well known numbers “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” and “Luck be a Lady.” Finally, the crapshooter’s tunnel scene is one that definitely should not be missed!
Our Havana dancers practicing their couples choreography.
It seems that every year, we have Rangers that are unsure about whether or not they would like to be involved in the musical production, only to wish they had participated once the show has reached completion. When asked to give advice they would give to their fellow students regarding participating in the musical, senior Cayden Schober said, “Do it. Like seriously do it. If you think you might like it, just give it a shot.” Senior Anya Rau, who is a member of our Mission Band, added, “Definitely do it! It’s always a great way to make friends and feel like you’re a part of a family made up of community members.” Our Adelaide, played by senior Sierra Braddock, concluded, “Do it; you don’t realize how much fun it is backstage and behind the scenes until you do it. The bonds you build with everyone are great, and the atmosphere is just welcoming and fun.”
Reserve your tickets today! Call the office at 419-691-3888 or order you tickets online via the following links:
On Saturday, February 8th, Alexa Urbanyi (seventh grade) and Lainee Partin (eighth grade) participated in the annual Wood County Spelling Bee in Bowling Green. Sixth grader Kynsey Montague also competed. To qualify, the girls had to study hundreds of spelling words and beat their classmates in the local spelling bee, which is no easy feat!
Valentine’s for Soldiers
Elementary art students made valentines and thank you cards for the troops that deployed to Iraq. In coordination with Operation Gratitude, students created amazing art and kind messages for our troops, which will be mailed out with care packages in coordination with Way Public Library and NES art teacher Gwen Diamond.
Figurative Language Lessons
Ms. DiTommaso’s 6th grade language arts students are currently learning about figurative language, mood, and tone, poetry structure, story structure, and point-of-view. Ms. DiTommaso explained that this unit is important because the students are able to understand who the speaker of a text is, who the targeted audience is, how the speaker feels about the topic, the mood the reader feels while reading it, and why the poets and authors use figurative language to further the meaning of their words.
“Students have enjoyed the many different types of figurative language we have talked about and being able to create their own examples,” said Ms. DiTommaso. She added that students have enjoyed getting to use their creative side and write their own poetry about whatever topic they are interested in!
3 Classes, 3 Projects, 1 Common Space!
Have you ever wondered how we use the pod areas in our building? Check out the photo below of the junior high pod. The removable wall, allows a more open area, while three different classes were able to work on their various projects all at the same time! Thank you to Mr. Lewin for sharing this peek into the school day!
NLS Brick Orders
Make your name part of Northwood History! Orders are being accepted now! https://buff.ly/33STml4
Tickets are now available for this year’s production of “Guys and Dolls!” Call the office at 419-691-3888 or order you tickets online via the following links:
Congratulations to our Coming Home Court and our newly crowned King and Queen River Emmert and Ploy Vayavong!
Students Create History Board Games
Students in Mr. Donegan’s 9th grade Modern World History Class recently learned about the Great Depression. Mr. Donegan explained that learning about the Depression Era helps students to understand how difficult life was during that time. He stated, “Ultimately, the students learn how people became desperate and lost faith in democracy, which led to a rise in dictatorships across Europe and eventually World War II.”
During this unit, students created a board game about their knowledge of the Great Depression for their peers to play during class. “They seemed to enjoy being creative during the construction of the game, but they also enjoyed playing their peers’ games,” said Mr. Donegan. He concluded that the students did a very good job being creative and making their games unique!
Using Microscopes in 6th Grade Science
Students in Mrs. Welker’s 6th grade Science class are currently learning about cell theory and cell organelles. Mrs. Welker explained, “Students are learning about cell cycle and how illnesses can be transmitted from place to place. Students will soon be using microscopes again for a lab to practice identifying plant and animal cells.”
Students started out learning about microscopes and the different power of lenses. After learning the parts of the microscope, they practiced using different lens powers by locating a single letter of print that was mounted on a slide. Students were able to use their iPads to take pictures showing what they saw at each lens power. Then, students dove into all the parts of the cell, looking at the differences between animal and plant cells. Students even learned the “cell rap” as a fun way to learn the organelles. Mrs. Welker stated, “We have also discussed the scientific strides made in cell regeneration and its application in medicine today. Next, we compared healthy versus unhealthy cell growth and how cancers can grow in the body, also looking at what can cause these cancers to grow.”
Mrs. Welker concluded, “Students love working with the microscopes! They also like the cell rap as a way to remember the organelles and how they function!”
CBI Cooking Challenge
Several of our Rangers recently participated in a cooking challenge as part of their program at CBI. Our very own Emily Bires played an integral role in helping these students learn their way around the kitchen. Check out some of the highlights below.
Working Hard in Spanish Class
Check out these photos of our Rangers hard at work in Profe Genson’s class!
NLS Brick Orders
Make your name part of Northwood History! Orders are being accepted now! https://buff.ly/33STml4
Ranger Roundup 