My first school year as superintendent for Perkins Local Schools is nearly over, and I’m overjoyed to report what a successful school year it was. Thank-you to our Board of Education, students, staff, and parents/guardians for allowing me to serve as your superintendent. It is a tremendous honor and privilege to work with all of Perkins Local Schools’ stakeholders.
Our students, from preschool to grade 12, achieved great success and many honors in classrooms and labs, on stages and auditoriums, it art spaces, and athletic venues over the past year.
At Furry Elementary, we had students’ whose artwork was displayed in the statehouse in Columbus. Our elementary students were able to spend a day with renowned children’s author Eric Litwin.
Over at Meadowlawn Intermediate School, new principal Jeremy Hiser took the leadership reins and fostered a warm, hospitable atmosphere. There, our students participated in quarterly Launch sessions, where they dabbled in science and technology, and travel and tourism.
At Briar Middle School, students showed off their entrepreneurial senses when they competed in the annual land use debate. Briar students won first- and second-place with their thoughtful proposals for redeveloping the ConAgra property in Huron. Our Briar students also reached the state finals for the Power of the Pen competition and stepped onto a global stage when they presented at Junior Model United Nations.
And, of course, we had outstanding Perkins High School students – band and choir students received high honors at state competitions, art students who won state and national acclaim, and even a student who proved to be a master stock-picker and won a statewide investing competition.
Our students at EHOVE have mastered cosmetology, construction tech, and other skilled trades.
Across the district, the students’ success can be tied to the respect, support, and friendship they show each other. Our students, with the help of counselors and staff, this year launched the Move2Stand program that empowers students with a “Choose Kind” message.
When senior Donielle Shumate was diagnosed with cancer, our students rallied around him. Furry Elementary students colored get well cards for him and Perkins High students dedicated their Black, White & Red Dance to him. Out in the community, local businesses shared the #DonielleStrong message on marquees – a powerful show of support!
We finished the school year with a beautiful commencement ceremony that featured our keynote speaker Tyson Gentry, a 2004 PHS who challenged our graduates to find opportunity in adversity.
We have a busy summer ahead. Our maintenance crews have a long list of tasks to complete in a couple short months: Roofs will be fixed, parking lots patched, classrooms walls painted, and floors waxed.
Classes begin for most students on Aug. 28, and we will be ready for another outstanding school year. It will be my second year at the helm of Perkins Schools. I expect it will be even better than my first. If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to call at (419) 625-0484.
Have a safe summer!
Todd Boggs
Superintendent