By Mike Minnig, High School principal
This is from the winter school newsletter
It hardly seems possible that we have reached the halfway mark of the 2020-2021 school year, especially due to all the changes this pandemic has caused.
Even through all this, I am constantly amazed by the talented work ethic that our students, teachers, and staff possess. Throughout the year, our students have been excelling in a variety of ways including academics, music, athletics, and leadership skills.
I would like to thank our students for showing their resilience in adapting to wearing masks, wiping down desks every period, keeping socially distanced as much as possible, and staying focused during online education.
Our parents have been terrific with their understanding of adjusted schedules, changes in policy, and unwanted quarantines.
Also, thanks go to our teachers for making adjustments to best serve our student in-person and online learning, especially when changes in class lists and procedures seemed to occur on a weekly basis.
Dealing with all these educational changes, plus the many other ways this pandemic has affected our lives, has not been easy, and I truly appreciate the cooperation each of you has shown to make the best of this situation.
Our students continue to focus on planning for the future by being active in a number of programs. Ohio Means Jobs of Allen County provides a job coach for a few hours each week to work with our students on a variety of topics to further prepare them for life after high school.
Bluffton Outstanding Student Services
A volunteer program, B.O.S.S – Bluffton Outstanding Student Services – also gives our students a chance to be recognized for giving back to the community.
Naviance is a program used to address career planning, character development, addiction, bullying, safe driving, health and fitness, and self-improvement. Our juniors have been introduced to a job shadow experience for a career planning project that goes into their senior year.
Our students continue to excel academically, and our Renaissance Program has continued to maintain high numbers. Through the students’ talents and work ethic, 213 students made either the A/B or All-A honor roll during the first grading period.
During the fall sports season, 110 student-athletes earned Northwest Conference Silver and Gold Scholar-Athlete certificates for maintaining a 3.0 or higher grade point average while earning a varsity letter.
Our students also continue to shine in our musical-arts programs. The band and choir students did an excellent job with their virtual concerts as did the Drama Club with its production of Monolog Mania. These students are currently preparing for future performances, including a spring musical this April.
Athletically, our students have perfected numerous characteristics to help them be successful now and in the future. Many of our teams and individuals achieved successes and accolades in the fall, as evidenced when our boys and girls soccer teams earned Northwest Conference championships.
Currently, our boys and girls basketball teams and the wrestling squad are working hard to excel during the winter season.
Ball Metal Aluminum Can Challenge
Mrs. Diller and our math department continue to be involved with the Ball Metal Aluminum Can Challenge, which is an aluminum can drive that can earn money for school programs.
This, along with the recycling efforts of our students in the classroom and the help of our Environmental Biology class, has helped Bluffton High School to receive Root Class recognition in Ohio EPA’s Encouraging Environmental Excellence in Education Program.
With February and March approaching, students will be asked for course requests for the upcoming school year. Parents are encouraged to talk with their son/daughter on their course selections and contact the office with any questions. Students interested in taking College Credit Plus courses need to turn in the application for acceptance into the program by May 1.
ACT on Feb. 23
The junior class will be taking the ACT test on Feb. 23 to meet the college and career readiness requirement. This test will be given at Bluffton High School one time, free of charge. Students may take the ACT as many times as they wish, using their top score for their college entrance exam. To register for a test date outside of February 23, go to actstudent.org.
As the school year continues, please visit our website to find upcoming events and activities at our school and to access the Progressbook link to monitor your son’s/daughter’s grades. The support our students receive from parents, peers, and our community plays an important role in their development and success.
