"Till Next Time”, also known as T.N.T., is a mentoring program serving the needs of students in grades 4-12 in the Benton-Carroll-Salem School District. The program was featured as the district highlight at the April B-C-S Board of Education meeting. The program is financially supported through the Ottawa County Juvenile Court, and is the vision of The Honorable Kathleen L. Giesler, Juvenile/Probate Court Judge. In featuring the program, Judy Peters explained that the mentoring program T.N.T. strives to empower students to make positive choices and to help them realize their personal potential. Mentors let kids know that there is another person out there who cares, and this leads to positive academic and social outcomes for students. The T.N.T. program is always looking for mentors and looking to grow to serve more students. If you are interested, contact Mrs. Peters at 898-3280.

The Board then commended the efforts of the Oak Harbor High School Cheerleaders who earned a 12th place finish in state completion. Members of the competition team include Taylor Blatt, Kaylie Hallett-Syzmanski, Lindsey Dials, Ashley Roose, Samantha Wilkins, Chelsey Koester, Brenna Franck, Haley Smith, Lauren Dials and Miranda Mays. The Oak Harbor Cheerleaders are under the direction of Coach Trisha Bauer and volunteer Coach Lisa Franck.

In addition, the Board and Transportation Director Ginger Stayancho offered commendations to B-C-S bus drivers who volunteered their time during Kindergarten screening, an event for children who are entering Kindergarten in August. The B-C-S bus drivers showed the soon-to-be Kindergarteners what the bus looks like to lessen their anxiety, and talked to them about how to be safe on the bus. The bus drivers who volunteered their time include: Jeannie Behnken, Lori Kruse, Jackie Horvath, Pat Lemon, Veronica Shanteau, Becky Weidner, Jackie Kohlman, Sharon Krieger, and Michelle Jividen. Furthermore, Mrs. Stayancho recognized B-C-S Transportation Mechanic Paul Greener for earning “Honorable Mention” from a state organization as “Bus Mechanic of the Year.” The Board applauded the efforts of the bus drivers, and thanked Mr. Greener for his commitment to excellence.

Next, the Board received a curriculum update from Mrs. Sherri Parent. Mrs. Parent explained the new local report card accountability system that will be implemented over the next few years. Once the system is implemented, each school district in Ohio will be assigned a letter grade from A through F. There are more details left to be worked out about how exactly the state will determine a final letter grade for school districts.

In Treasurer’s business, the Board accepted the lowest bids for the purchase of two school busses, which are paid for by “Permanent Improvement” (PI) levy dollars. The Board typically purchases two school busses each year, while trading in two, to keep the district’s fleet of busses safe and efficient. The Board also approved a number of personnel contracts and approved resolutions recognizing National Nurses Day, National Teacher Appreciation Week, and National Volunteer Appreciation Week.

In other business, the Board approved the Oak Harbor High School Class of 2013 graduates, pending the completion of all requirements. Also, the Board accepted with gratitude the following donations: $5,000 from the Athletic Boosters toward the purchase of a new stadium scoreboard, $1,000 from the Athletic Boosters to purchase rakes and field equipment, and playground equipment for R.C. Waters Elementary School from Harry Mylander of Unilliance.

The next B-C-S Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m.at the High School Media Center. A reception to honor retirees will be held at 5:30.

Oak Harbor FFA students and Ottawa SWCD Staff packed tree seedlings for the Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District at Moore Orchards. The annual tree sale program has been offered to landowners for over 40 years. Offered are varieties of small seedlings, shrubs and larger hardwoods. Native plant seed packets were also available.

On Wednesday, April 24, young minds got a jolt of energy when COSI (Center of Science and Industry) brought its traveling science program, Investigating Energy, to Immaculate Conception School in Port Clinton for a day of learning. 

Investigating Energy is one of six traveling science demonstrations from COSI.

Redskin Golfer Jason Mueller announced today he will continue his education and golf career as a Timberwolf at Northwood College in Midland, Michigan. Mueller was a four-year letter winner at Port Clinton, team captain, SBC Honorable Mention 2010 and 2011,SBC Second Team 2012, Coach’s Award 2012,SBC All Academic Team 2012, Member of Back to Back SBC Championship Teams 2011 & 2012, Member of Sectional Championship Team 2012,Member of Ottawa County Championship Team 2012, Ottawa County First Team 2012,Lake Erie Junior Golf Association Participant. 

Mueller was also a two year letter winner in basketball, SBC All Academic Team 2012, Ohio High School Coaches Association Scholarship Society Award 2013 and Captain Award