The gingerbread men bake together in Mrs. Genter's oven.
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Dear Santa See page ? to read about what teachers are asking for!
Kindergarteners Orley Vajen and Maddie Hensley discover the gingerbread man in the STEAM lab.
The man made out of cookie has been a tradition every year in the Pettisville Kindergarten, yet every year, the gingerbread man jumps out of the oven and runs away! This year was no different. On an early December day, the kindergarten students read about the gingerbread man in class. Afterwards, kindergarten teachers Mrs. Hoffmire and Mrs. Aeschliman helped the kids make their gingerbread man. “[We baked him] with Mrs. Genter’s oven,” said kindergartner Clayton Planson. The kindergarten students were excited to eat their delicious gingerbread man until he went missing while baking! Both classes began making posters and hunting for their gingerbread man. “[We asked] ‘Did you see the gingerbread man?’” said kindergarten student Ian Partidge. “We told people to find him,” Clayton added. Mr. Waidelich’s STEAM classes also jumped in and began making gingerbread man traps to help the kindergarteners. The gingerbread man surely had to be found! After a long week of searching, Mr. Waidelich stormed the kindergarten classrooms with exciting news. He led them to the STEAM Lab and showed them that he found the gingerbread man making 3-D printed pictures of the kindergarten classrooms. The kindergarten classes took the gingerbread man back to their room and happily ate their delicious Christmas treat.
Singing Out Check page ? to see how Noteworthy is keeping busy!
Edition #94 | Issue 4 | December 2024
Pettisville High School's
Taking the Oath Visit page 2 to read about the latest NHS inductees.
Traditions Visit page 4 to learn about celebrations of Christmas around the world!
Run, Run! by Keren Maldonado
Year in Passes Go to page ? to see a new take on SmartPass!
PET ECHOES
The Pettisville Chapter of the National Honor Society welcomed many new members at the annual ceremony on November 25, 2024. After a welcome from NHS Co-President Madelyn Westrick, the jazz band started the ceremony with two songs. This year’s inductees included senior Landon Graffice; juniors Creighton Aeschliman, Olivia Beck, Genevieve Galvin, Ava Genter, Grace Hastings, Luke Horning, Macy Hoylman, Jackson Leppelmeier, Ella Myers, Kathryn Moore, Naomi Richer, Gavin Sifuentes, Caroline Sterken and Rebecca Strauss. To be eligible for NHS, juniors and seniors need to maintain a 3.7 GPA and complete an application that includes academic accomplishments, leadership experience, and any extracurricular activities they’ve participated in. Applicants wrote an essay on why they think that they are a good candidate for NHS and needed to obtain a letter of recommendation. After lighting their candles and signing a book that holds all of the names of past Pettisville NHS members, new members were tapped in by senior members of NHS: Shiloh Adkins, Caden Bishop, Tobin King, Olivia Miller, Grace Remington, Madison Remington, Kendall Sears, Emily VanDenBerghe, and Madelyn Westrick. Following the ceremony and photos, cake and punch were provided.
Creativity Contests by Jack Leppelmeier
Pet Echoes Friday, December 20, 2024
Incoming Inductees by Sam Hastings
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Pettisville held multiple festive contests, like decorating gingerbread houses and classroom doors. The winners of the gingerbread house contest were Lydia Hastings, Kynzie Rice, Grace Hockenberry, Landon Clark, Eli Mansfield, Gerritt Sterken, Dalton Zimmerman, and Brantley Wagner. Their theme was "Christmas in July." "We wanted to do a beach house with sour stripes as a side, but that didn't go well," said seventh grader Lydia Hastings."It turned into a lot of arguing. We finished with bricks instead." The door decorating contest ended on Friday, Decemeber 20 when the contest was judged by several school board members. Winning classes included Mrs. Meller's, Mrs. Wixom's and Mrs. Borton's classes. "[Our theme was] Dinosaur Christmas," said junior Quinn Ripke. "We touched it up with Mr. Meyer's face as the star, and we feel like we deserved to win the competition."
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Senior member Caden Bishop lights a candle representing service, one of the pillars of NHS.
Before being officially tapped in to the society, junior Genevieve Galvin lights the candle signifying her induction.
Note-able Travels by Ella Myers
Following an exciting story time with Santa, Elise Jimenez (3) smiles joyfully with her gift: an orange and m&ms. For many years, Pettisville Elementary has honored the tradition of inviting Santa to read to the students, provided they perform a Christams carol for him prior to the story. “My favorite part of meeting Santa was the book. [He read] ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to us,” said Jimenez.
During the month of December, the PHS Noteworthy members were busy traveling across the community for Christmas caroling and journeying to the bright city of Indy for a weekend of amusements. The talented Noteworthy members caroled at Fairlawn, Fulton Manor, Special Grounds, the hospital and community centers, spreading cheer and uplifting spirits. “It definitely shows how kids are willing to just go out and help make a difference, and make people in the community happy,” two year member Sebastian May said. The songs they sang varied from “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” to “Psallite,” a song of celebration for the birth of Christ. “I love singing ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel!’ It’s one of my favorite songs. That was really fun,” senior and three year member Shiloh Adkins said. “[It] is my favorite Christmas song because it is my dad’s favorite.” These singers caroled not only to the community, but on December 14 they traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, on their annual pre-Christmas excursion as well. “[The Indy trip] gave me more time to sing with a group, in different settings,” sophomore Railey Boyers said. “It gave me [an] opportunity to sing in different places where sound travels differently.” In Saint John’s Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in the U.S., these singers had to navigate the tricky multi-second delays due to the acoustics of this building, while maintaining a strong sound for the audience. “I think they connected with their audience really well. I also think they worked hard at the technical aspects of singing,” Mr. Beck commented. “They grew [and] they got better every time they sang.” These Noteworthy members are a joy to the community and offer Pettisville Schools a merry transition into Christmas break.
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Noteworthy sings a beautiful choral arrangement in St. John's Cathedral during their trip to Indianapolis.
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Santa! I know him! by Caroline Sterken
Second grade and chemistry students work together to create a string of Chromatography Christmas lights.
Standing along the road, junior FFA member Katie Moore directs traffic.
Christmas Cheer by Sophia Loar
With five days left until Christmas, FCCLA and FFA members have concluded Christmas Cheer. They helped fill boxes with goods, set up shelves, give out food and toys, and plenty more. “[Christmas Cheer] is basically to give families who don’t have a lot of money the ability to have food and stuff around Christmas time, but also to give kids Christmas presents to people who can’t afford them,” said Railey Boyers, a sophomore on the FCCLA advisory board. The members have agreed upon the fact that they love Christmas Cheer because they can contribute to their community. They also reported that they felt like a better person for giving back. Not only that, but they had fun while doing it. “... [S]omeone brought in a bunch of bags of stuffed monkeys and they wouldn't fit in the grocery cart, so we had to carry them all in. It was so fun!” said Bailey Booth, another FCCLA advisory board member. After they wrapped up their work, the teams returned with a more sensible mindset. They were more aware of the poverty issue in the area and were glad they could help address it.
The Science of Toys by Macy Hoylman
Second graders Cherish Hicks and Kenzie Small make observations when learning how temperatrue affects the brightness of a glow stick.
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On Wednesday, December 18, Pettisville High School Chemistry students welcomed second graders into the lab to teach them basic science concepts behind common toys. Students rotated between stations of demonstations, and on their way out the door, they were given a bag of supplies with everything they would need to recreate those experiments at home with their families.
FFA members who participated in Christmas Cheer pose together.
Senior Caden Bishop explains the science behind slingshot toys.
Sopranos Sammy Minchella, Caroline Sterken, and Haiden Beck sing carols during the Noteworthy portion of the concert.
Seventh graders Jarid Jenkins, Lendrix Miller, and Jacob Grim perform their pieces at the JH concert.
Guess the Teacher Can you guess which teacher uses this mug? Click the picture below to reveal the correct answer!
In mid-December, melodies of Christmas classics filled the theater as the junior high and high school choirs and bands performed for the community. The junior high concert took place on December 10 as the junior high band played three songs: "Tango Bells," "Do You Hear What I Hear," and "A Holly Jolly Christmas." The junior high spiced up the performance by wearing fun Christmas hats and decorating their instruments with lights. “Overall, they’re starting to work more as a team rather than individuals. I think before that they were focused on their own playing and now… they’re learning to work as sections, playing together,” said Mrs. Reidling. Next came the junior high choir with three songs which included "Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella!", "The First Noel," and "Down, Down the Chimney." These beautiful choral arrangements directed by Mr. Beck had parents smiling and feeling the Christmas spirit. On December 16 the high school concert took place. First came the jazz band which performed "Winter Wonderland," "No L in Swing," and "Good King Wenceslas" in which all four wind instruments improvised solos, with Alissa VanDenBerghe performing her first jazz solo. Next, the high school band performed under the direction of Mrs. Reidling. From the first fanfare to the final resolution, the band captivated listeners with four songs; "Jingle Bell Rhapsody," "For Unto Us," "O Holy Night," and "Caribbean Holiday." Following the band, Noteworthy performed fun arrangements of "Psallite," "Coventry Carol," "Lo How a Rose Ere Blooming," "Angel’s We Have Heard on High," and "Light of the Stable." The select group of singers wowed the audience with these beautiful arrangements directed by Mr. Beck. Next the freshmen quartet performed two songs, "Ukrainian Bell Carol" and "Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)." These musically talented freshmen sang in four part harmony, creating a beautiful sound that made the audience wish for more. Finally, the choir sang four pieces, "Break Forth O Beauteous Light," "Deck the Halls" in ⅞ time, "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," and, finally the "Hallelujah Chorus," for which community members came onto the stage to perform with the choir. Overall, community members and family of the high school and junior high musicians were impressed by their hard work and dedication to learning these songs. The winter concerts continue to be a fun and festive way to support students and get into the holiday spirit.
If you guess Mrs. Pennington, you’re correct! Stop by her room for your daily dose of Christmas cheer and homework help.
Ringing in Christmas by Emily VanDenBerghe
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Sophomores Caleb Lako and Ryan Bishop play their saxophones with Christmas spirit.
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Hadley Keckley
Christmas Around the World PRESENTED BY PETTISVILLE SECOND GRADERS by Caden Bishop
“I like Mexico’s flag the best!” Quinn Semer
Quinn Semer
Cara Wells
“I would try out Australia’s Christmas for a few days because of the food. I want to try lobster.” -Hayes Rufenacht
“Christmas in Australia is my favorite because Santa wears a cool outfit!” -Paizley Gorgun
“I like Christmas in Australia because it’s summer during Christmas!” -Hunter Winans
Kye Sierra
For the Grand Finale, all five grade levels climbed back onto the risers for one last song: “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” While elbow room was limited, they all performed all the motions, even managing to leap and lay. “My favorite part was the Twelve Days of Christmas,” said kindergartener Landon Rodriguez. “My brothers were both on stage with me.”
Second and third grade students sang their trademark songs, “I’m Gettin’ Nuttin’ for Christmas” and “Silent Night/Stille Nacht.” The fourth graders, accompanied by Pettisville junior Leah Roth on piano, finished off the grade level performances. “Singing ‘Stille Nacht’ was my favorite,” said third grader Evelyn Dymarkowski. “Before I only knew part of it in German, but I got to learn it for the program.”
Twinkling Lights by Kyle Galvin
It's Christmas time at Pettisville, and that means it's time to start decorating the school for the holidays. This year, the administration decided to do something new and decorate the outside of the school with Christmas lights to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Superintendent Mr. Clark decided that the school needed a little more decorating this year, asking which of the staff members would be willing to dress the school with lights. Mr. Jaramillo, district Technology Assistant, gladly took on the feat of decking the greenery around the school. “I like putting up Christmas lights. If you've been to my house at night, you’ll know I like setting up Christmas lights,” said Mr. Jaramillo. “I just find that something as simple as Christmas lights puts a smile on people’s faces.” Mr. Jaramillo and his student aides gladly put up the Christmas lights throughout the school's greenery, hoping to put up even more next year. Mr. Waidelich and his STEAM class also made Christmas characters for the atrium doors for the basketball games. “The kindergarteners needed help painting their characters, so we helped them,” junior Brock Stump said. “I ended up painting two of the characters and sanding four other characters. It's also something to increase the Christmas spirit in the school.” The school has already gotten a lot of compliments from other schools and will definitely be setting up more.
On Monday, December 2, elementary students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade rang in the Christmas season with their annual Holiday Program. Kicking off the performance was the kindergarten class, who ended their portion of the concert with the fan favorite, “The Penguin Polka.” The first grade students followed, featuring a solo on the djembe by first-grader Julian Hernandez during “Feliz Navidad.” They showcased their Spanish skills once again in "Cascabeles".
Let it Snow by Macy Hoylman
The true finale, however, was the fluffy snowflakes that fell from above the stage, covering the performers and surprising students and audience members alike. Students’ excitement was evident, as squeals of joy flowed from the stage. The flurries blew in the Christmas spirit and left attendees excited for the season.
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“The best part of my cheer season has been learning to do more activities that involve flexibility, and being loud and proud of it. [My favorite cheers] are the rebound cheers.” -Lillian Borer, 8th grade
SmartPass Wrapped by Kendall Sears
“My favorite part about Kindergarten is learning… and doing the 'Penguin Polka'!” -Traver Boulton, Kindergarten
Quotes out of Context “It's like a baptism into servanthood.” “I’m so glad my stomach is more acidic than my eyes.” “Kneel before the cross, stand before Webster’s Dictionary." “We’re not stealing a child. We’re stealing his hand.” “You’re high on diabetes sugar.” “It smells like a medical emergency in here.” “Hey- don’t touch my beef jerky.” “This is a one rose shoulder."
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In preparation for the Thanksgiving parade, Kindergarten students create posters listing things they're thankful for.
Will Ringler and Hayden Thornton (8) focus on playing their songs at the junior high Christmas concert.
Dalton Zimmerman and Brantley Wagner (7) work with their group to construct a gingerbread creation.
Seventh grader Jalen Thompson practices his Amazing Shake skills with a business volunteer.
Maggie Ripke, Addison Thompson, and Hayden Thornton (8) show off their certificates for placing in the top three spellers in their class.
Blackbird Snapshots
The boys basketball team stands at attention as the National Anthem is played by the pep band before the start of the game.
With sugary Crumbl cookies in hand, Keren Maldonado and Caroline Sterken enjoy their time in Indy with Noteworthy.
Natalie Moden (9) decorates her teacher's door for the Academic Assist Christmas door decorating contest.
Name: Wyatt Borer Date of Birth: December 27, 2006 Parents: Adam and Mindy Borer Extracurricular activities: Soccer, Track, Noteworthy Plans after high school: Go to college for respiratory therapy What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Have good hygiene and respect seniority What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? I had a middle part my freshman year What was your biggest childhood fear? The dark What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Bulls in the Bronx” by Pierce The Veil
Name: Landon Graffice Date of Birth: October 13, 2006 Parents: Trish and Zac Graffice Siblings: Mason Extracurricular activities: Track, Soccer, FCCLA Plans after high school: I plan to go to college and get married and start a family. What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Ball up What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I completely forgot; I didn't use dumb excuses usually. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Ohio sigma rizz What was your biggest childhood fear? The dark What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Magic in the Hamptons” by Social House
Name: Carlos Bowers Date of Birth: September 8, 2006 Parents: Courtney Bowers Extracurricular activities: soccer, track, cross country, noteworthy, FCCLA Plans after high school: attend college for exercise science What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? everything counts What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? just not show up What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? dabbing What was your biggest childhood fear? getting hurt What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Forever Now” by Michael Buble
Name: Shiloh Adkins Date of Birth: March 24, 2007 Parents: Seth and Angela Adkins Siblings: Sydnie, Sean, Arianna, Asher, and Annabelle Extracurricular activities: NHS, FCA, FCCLA, Noteworthy, youth group, worship team Plans after high school: To take a gap year and go to the Philippines for 6 months What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Don’t let fear stop you from doing what you really want to do. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I forgot it What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Scrunchies What was your biggest childhood fear? Being brought to the adoption center What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Victory” by Tye Tribbett
Name: Kelsey Bennett Date of Birth: September 28, 2006 Parents: Jon and Susan Bennett Siblings: Jake and Carson Bennett Extracurricular activities: Softball, Basketball, Band, Choir, 4-H, PMC Youth group worship team, student government Plans after high school: Attend University of Toledo with a major in marketing What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Your friends will change, and its ok to be alone sometimes. Just get in, have some fun, be a respectful human, and get out. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I took a trip for a Bible quiz tournament to Pennsylvania right before Covid hit. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Scrunchies and the dab What was your biggest childhood fear? The dark What song are you secretly obsessed with? “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack
Name: Connor Elliott Date of Birth: February 10, 2007 Parents: Jolene Mundhenk, Bruce Mundhenk Extracurricular activities: Golf Plans after high school: Attend Defiance for a business degree What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Try your hardest no matter what you are doing after high school What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I just didn’t do it What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Frosted tips What was your biggest childhood fear? The dark What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Hide Away” by Daya
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Second Grade Letters to Santa
Dear Santa, What do I want for Christmas? - A full night’s sleep - To stay in bed and read all day - A maid Sincerely, a very tired new mom Dear Santa, I have tried to be nice this year. Can you please send my washing/curing station for the resin printer? We are all excited to use it! Fly safe! -Mr. Waidelich Dear Santa, This year, I’m asking for extra patience, a bottomless coffee mug, and for my students to remember to check their emails. Oh, and maybe a vacation in a warm, quiet place! Thanks, Mrs. Wagenhauser Dear Santa- All I want for Christmas is a Detroit Lions Super Bowl win! -Mr. Wagner Dear Santa, My wish is simple: extra sparkles of magic for all my students - exciting presents, cozy moments, and big reminders they’re loved - and maybe a coffee I.V. for me? :) Thanks for being a symbol of joy and kindness! Mrs. Saffell Dear Santa, I would like some Heelys shoes this year. That way I could get down the hallway faster. Also, please send more EXPO markers. The 6th graders use them up quickly. -Mr. Hastings Dear Santa, The kindergarten kids baked a gingerbread man and he ran away. Would you please have your team of reindeer find him for us? We will even share a bite or two. Thanks. Mrs. Hoffmire and the StarBurst Bunch Dearest Santa, Please bring me a pair of noise canceling headphones for Christmas. You know the reason why. Love, Mrs. Wise, the preschool teacher Dear Santa, I know this request is out of the ordinary but if you could do everything in your power to eliminate the word "Skibidi" that would be wonderful! -Mr. Mendoza Deer Santuh, Plez give me sumthing to mak my hare dark agen! PS Due u have mute buttens for kidz? Asking four Mizzes Miller. Mary Chrismas! Mr. Hoops Dear Santa, Where does Mrs. Claus get groceries? Do the reindeer wear shoes like horses? Do you provide housing for the elves? Do you ever order things from Amazon? Sincerely, Mrs. Borton Dear Santa, I hope that this year you will bring me patience for those days when my students' enthusiasm rivals a classroom of sugared-up elves, curiosity for my students, and no lost calculators! Most of all, inspire my class to believe in themselves - and in the power of math! Sincerely, Mr. Rufenacht Dear Santa, Can you send more coffee? Love, Mrs. Pennington Dear Santa, If the Cleveland Guardians could sign several higher end free agents--preferably a solidified starting pitcher with a sub 4 ERA, and also a proven right fielder who does not require platoon splits versus righty/lefty matchups--I would be merrier than Gerritt Sterken after last season's Fall Classic. Sincerely, Andy
Blackbird Sports Broadcast
@ Stryker @ Edgerton vs. Hilltop @ Ayersville @ North Central @Delta vs. Evergreen @ Archbold
Blackbird Box Scores
Varsity Boys Basketball
After several outstanding basketball performances, junior Jack Leppelmeier has been named the December Pet Echoes Athlete of the Month. Jack averaged 19.5 points and 8 rebounds per game in the Blackbirds’ first four games this season. On Saturday, December 7, Jack dropped 26 points in Pettisville’s game at Paulding. In a tough game where the Birds and Panthers battled all night, the Blackbirds eventually came out with a win. After the game, WKSD, a radio station from Paulding, awarded Jack with Player of the Game for his ability to score, rebound the ball, play lockdown defense, and find open teammates for assists. Jack’s skill does not come from pure ability. He spends lots of time practicing: working very hard in the gym, getting up shots, and dedicating his weekends to playing on an AAU basketball team during the off-season. While playing AAU, or club, basketball, Jack is able to improve his skills and grow as an individual and team player. The Blackbirds have started out hot, going 7-0 so far this season. They have defeated Fayette, Delta, Stryker, Paulding, Toledo Christian, Hicksville and Bryan in their first seven games. “I’ve been pleased by the way we've played so far this season,” Jack said. “It has been a total team effort. We’ve played really well defensively, which has helped improve our offensive.” “Jack has a great work ethic and is an impeccable teammate,” said senior basketball player Caden Bishop. Congratulations to Jack Leppelmeier for being Pet Echoes Athlete of the Month.
@ Fayette vs. Delta vs. Stryker @ Paulding vs. Toledo Christian @ Hicksville @ Bryan
Athlete of the Month by Kobe Hoylman
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Varsity Girls Basketball
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