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Library Remake Watch a video of the updates in the library on page 5!
The golf team poses with the large group of dedicated fans that followed them all the way to Columbus for the state match.
PBIS Progress
Jack Leppelmeier sat in the clubhouse dejectedly as the district scores were posted. He had missed making it to state by one stroke, and the team’s dream of going to the 2023 state match had been crushed by five. But the young team was determined to persevere. The 2024 varsity golf team, comprised of senior Connor Elliott; juniors Jack Leppelmeier and Creighton Aeschliman; and sophomores Gavin Knierim, Rylee Bevard, and Kaleb Wyse, started their season hungry for victory, and their hard work propelled them to success. “I made the [golf] course my second home. I was really there more than my actual home, and I got a lot better; I went from barely making the team to being the second best,” Connor Elliott said, commenting on his improvement from last season. After winning the BBC, the team moved on to the sectional match, claiming victory with a score of 299, which broke the previous school record of 312, set in 2020. The team faced off at districts on October 3, pulling off a win by two strokes, with a score of 321. continued on page 12 Thanks to the district title, the team was able to participate in the OHSAA Division III State Golf Tournament for the second time in school history. The competition took place October 11 and 12 at North Star Golf Club in Danbury, Ohio. “Going down and playing a course we can’t usually play was really cool and exciting, and it started the week off good. After just missing it last year, it was really meaningful to get to go, especially because it was the same group of guys from last year,” Jack Leppelmeier said. “It was really just fun to spend time with the team down there.” While the team enjoyed a season full of exciting wins, records, and success, at the end of the day, Connor said the thing that meant the most was each other. “Having these guys as teammates…that’s really the best part about all of it.”
Shake Things Up Visit page 2 to read about the new program for JH students!
Edition #94 | Issue 2 | October 31, 2024
This year, a new system is being added to Pettisville Schools to supply students with the means to be successful physically, mentally, behaviorally, socially, and academically. This system is a national requirement known as the “Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports” system, or PBIS. The idea of the PBIS system is for school districts to individually create a personalized structure, represented by a phrase, that provides students with the means to be exceptional. Since coming to Pettisville, high school principal Mr. Wagner, high school counselor Mrs.... Wagenhauser, and other staff members have been initiating this new system into Pettisville’s routine in hopes that all students will catch on quickly. “The biggest thing is teaching and reinforcing behaviors versus relying on punishment, then constantly reinforcing [those] behaviors and behavior expectations,” Mrs. Wagenhauser said. “We need to make sure that we’re using positive language, and building relationships with students, to give them that environment to learn well and to heal and grow and flourish.” Early last spring, the Student Leadership and the Building Leadership teams spent time discussing what phrase would best represent the high school community and be able to present expected behaviors to the students. “We highlighted things that were really important to start seeing more of in Pettisville, and that kind of helped us get the acronym of RISE,” Mrs. Wagenhauser recalled from the meeting. “It was a lot of collaboration between students and staff.” RISE, which stands for being Respectful, showing Integrity, staying Safe, and exceeding Expectations, is what was created as Pettiville’s designated middle school and high school matrix system. The elementary has a PBIS system as well, but theirs is known as PAX and has been in place since 2020. “We wanted to individualize on the needs of the middle school and high school, since they are different than the elementary,” Mrs. Wagenhauser explained. “But the language of PAX is the same as PBIS, as what RISE would be.” As a motivation to the high school students to continue to show good character, a rewards system is being developed. Possible rewards could include a privileged student of the month parking spot, a class lunch party, a raffle for gift cards, or even free admission to a sporting event. “I mean hopefully it’s encouraging and also serves as a model of what people should be following, or at least things to keep in the back of [their] mind,” Macy Hoylman, junior member of the Student Leadership Team commented about this system. RISE is still very much in the development stage and will continue to be revised and initiated into the student body over the next year.
Pettisville High School's
by Ella Myers
Pumpkin Showdown Go to page 4 to check out an infographic about Pumpkinfest!
by Caroline Sterken
PET ECHOES
Comeback of the Clubs
continued on page 4
The jazz band played three songs: “Tangerine,” “Last Dance” and “Chameleon.” The high school band played four songs: “Jayance,” “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “Solstice Dance” and “Rough Riders.”
In its autumn debut on October 11, the junior high choir sang four songs: “Sing dem Herrn” by Michael Pretorius, “Kyrie” by Franz Schubert, “River, Sing your Song" by Eugene Butler, and “Stdola Pumpa” by Mark Weston.
First impressions can make all the difference, and Pettisville Junior High students are being taught the importance of these first impressions. The Amazing Shake program was introduced at the start of this school year, and its goal is to teach students skills they will need throughout their lives. Junior high students will participate in the Amazing Shake in two ways: skill lessons in their academic assist classes and through competitions. During AA, students’ teachers guide them through the program by playing videos that go over a certain topic. After watching the videos, the students will then practice what they just learned. Topics include things like how to shake hands properly and how to introduce yourself. After their skill lessons, junior highers participate in competitions called skill practices. Community members and business owners come in, and students take turns with each adult, practicing what they have been learning in AA. The seventh and eighth graders get a few seconds to do things like introduce themselves and give a proper handshake. The community members then score each student based on posture, their conversation, eye contact, and, obviously, their amazing handshakes. The reward for the top scorers is getting to leave school, see a movie, and get food. “I just enjoy learning how to actually shake hands because I didn’t really know how to before,” Theo Jimenez, a seventh grader, said. From learning to shake hands to creating small talk with adults, the junior high students are learning practical skills that will prepare them for their future skills.
Music in Action by Sam Hastings
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Shakin' It Up by Caden Bishop
The junior high band showed up with three songs: “Ashton Overture,” “As Seasons Change,” and “Pinnacle.” “My favorite song was ‘As Seasons Change’,” eighth grader Dawson Knierim said, “It was calming and fun to play."
On Friday, October 18, high school music students held their first concert. The high school choir presented six songs: “The School Hymn,” “Elijah Rock,” “Requiem,” “Pie Jesu,” “Sisi Ni Moja” and “True Light.” Noteworthy sang three songs: “A Million Dreams,” “Let the River Run” and “The Boy from New York City.”
Pet Echoes Thursday, October 31, 2024
Lydia Hastings practices her new skills with a business representative.
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Pumpkins are displayed at the Pumpkinfest and sold in a community auction.
PUMPKIN FEST
Evolution of a Pumpkin
Elementary and High School art students paint and decorate their pumpkins.
Students select a pumpkin, which has been harvested and donated by Rupp Seeds.
Hunter Winans, 2nd grade, poses with his pumpkin-in-progress. Elementary students spend a lot of time designing and decorating their pumpkins for the contest.
FFA Alumni Mackenzie Nofziger and preschooler Emma Waidelich smile after enjoying ice cream at the Pumpkinfest.
Contest Winners: Dodgeball High School: Mason Wyse, Caden Bishop, Rylan Warner, Brady Wilburn, Olivia Miller, Becca Strauss JH: Jazlene Hernandez, Landon Clark, Grant Boyers, Owen Baus, Theo Jimenez, Lucy Mendoza Elementary: Alec Genter, Ames Genter, Lucas Maldonado, Grace Ripke, Landri Rufenacht, Carter Rychener Basketball Girls: Keira Waldvogel, Kynzie Rice, Lucy Mendoza Boys: Theo Jimenez, Landon Clark, Grant Boyers
Mr. Bishop and Mr. Rufenacht launch an attack during a dodgeball game.
"I have been waiting to beat the boys since fourth grade and was so excited it finally happened." -Keira Waldvogel, 7th "They thought they could beat us, and we proved them wrong." -Kynzie Rice, 7th
"Winning with my friends in my senior year was great." -Mason Wyse, senior
Newslinks Hurricane Milton is making its way toward Tampa Bay. Honda is recalling nearly 1.7 million vehicles due to a manufacturing issue that caused drivers to have steering problems. Social media platform “X” returned to Brazil after suspension. Ethel Kennedy, widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, passed away at 96. Disney’s new “Lightning Pass” may cost more than the park ticket. Coca-Cola recalled thousands of mislabeled “Zero Sugar Minute Maid Lemonade” cases. Former One Direction band member Liam Payne passed away after falling off a hotel balcony.
PBIS... continued from page 1
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Library Revamp by Kendall Sears
Guess the Teacher Can you guess which teacher uses this waterbottle? Click the picture below to reveal the correct asnwer!
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Clubs Update by Kyle Galvin
The elementary students had their annual Costume Parade on Thursday, October 31. Preschoolers through third grade students participated in the parade. The students walked through the classrooms showing off their costumes to elementary and high school students. Mrs. Leppelmeier’s first grade class, as well as other classes, had their annual fall party celebration this month before the costume parade commenced. The students played games, did crafts, and ate plenty of sweet treats. The Varsity Quiz team had their first match of the Toledo Area League season this month, winning their match against Swanton on October 7 with a final score of 275-115. The JV Quiz team also won their match, 360-115. Junior Caroline Sterken had a final score of 70 points in the first quiz match against Swanton. “I was a little nervous about it, because we have not competed for a long time, and we have not had many practices because of our busy schedules,” Caroline said. “But I was also very excited because I love quiz, and there's always an adrenaline rush going into a match against a good team.” The quiz team also faced off against Hicksville and Paulding, which added both a win and lose to their record. “Hicksville is generally a difficult opponent, but it is hard to tell how teams will perform this early in the season. But really, our main focus is the Hicksville tournament in mid-November, because we really hope to qualify for nationals there,” Caroline stated. The quiz team also faced off against Hicksville and Paulding, which added both a win and lose to their record. On October 9, Student Council had their annual blood drive. The students had a successful year running the blood drive smoothly with lots of volunteers and snacks at the ready for donors. There were 32 total donors with 7 of them being students. Thirty-five units were collected, and for 28 percent of donors it was their first time donating. The next blood drive will be held on March 26, 2025.
If you guessed Mrs. Wagenhauser, you're correct! Stop by our guidance counselor's office any time for some great life advice, or just to talk
Students gather for snacks after donating blood.
"I have been doing cross country... I went to Pumpkinfest and participated in the dodgeball tournament. We lost but it was so fun. And I've been doing FCA every Wednesday." -Grace Davis 9th grade
Ag in Action by Jack Leppelmeier
In the aftermath of Pumpkinfest, the Ag classroom has stayed busy. From soil judging to National Convention, and from CDEs to Salsa Fest, Pettisville Ag students are constantly in action. FFA has worked to create Career Development Events (CDEs) that demonstrate the meaningful connections between classroom instruction and real-life scenarios. Running all year long, there are ten to fifteen opportunities for the chapter, ranging from food science contests and public speaking to soil and dairy judging. The soil judging team represented Pettisville at districts about a month ago and placed eighth out of 25 teams. More recently, the dairy judging contest was held, and the team placed tenth out of 20 teams. “[My favorite part was] going over and practicing the dairy cattle with Ms. Drake. It was a lot of fun to debrief in all the classes,” said Pettisville senior Olivia Miller. Last week, Pettisville FFA members traveled to Indianapolis for the National Convention. The handful of Pettisville students who attended were a few out of the 60,000 others also going to the National Convention. “[My favorite part] of National Convention was being with all my friends and being able to create memories with them,” said junior, Genevieve Galvin. It’s been a busy fall for Pettisville FFA, but there is sure to be plenty on the agenda for the coming months.
"My favorite part of running club was being able to hang out with my friends. I'm sad it's over and I'm really going to miss it." -Olivia VanDenBerghe 6th grade
Quotes out of Context “This whole year has felt like a Friday.” “We are going to get tornadoed on.” “It’s not extreme. It’s like a lil’streme.” “I think I just cut into my subcutaneous layer.” “What’s 1 2 buckle my shoe?” -Mr. Bishop “My tortilla was soppin'.” “I am a troll under a bridge, and I love a good riddle.” “Yes, we didn’t.” “Books don’t take hotspots, Jack.” “It's where the bulls are stored.” “That could pop your tricep open!”
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Noelle Fox, Sophie Wilke, and Courtney Wiemken sit atop the fence at a rodeo.
Ag students toured Fair Oak Farms, where they viewed the dairy cattle facility and a live calf birth.
The kindergarteners take a quick pause from lunch to smile.
Landon Clark and Brantley Wagner offer refreshments to a donor at the Blood Drive.
Abby Yoder, Brooke Porter, Eli Wonderly, and Avery Huner celebrate pajama day during Harvesting Healthy Habits week.
Kyle Galvin assembles an arch for Pumpkinfest in ag class.
Becca Strauss and Sophie Beltz prepare scones in Global Foods.
Blackbird Snapshots
The student section, decked out in camo gear, celebrates a win for the varisty volleyball team.
Carson Fenicle and Naomi Richer play a game of giant checkers in the cafeteria at lunch.
Tenley Wagner and Lynley Clark enjoy each other's company while spending time outside.
Name: Madison Remington Date of Birth: September 27, 2006 Parents: Stephanie and Tim Remington Siblings: Grace and Owen Remington Extracurricular activities: FCCLA, Spanish Club, Student Council, NHS, Basketball, Cross Country, Track Plans after high school: Attend Indiana Institute of Technology studying Biomedical Engineering and run track/cross country. What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Respect your upperclassmen, and focus on your grades. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? "My sister has mine." What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? The 2020 VSCO girl era What was your biggest childhood fear? Frogs What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Name: Gavin Dahlke Date of Birth: April 11, 2007 Parents: Sam Dahlke, Jenny Roytek Siblings: Gregory, John Extracurricular activities: FFA, FCCLA Plans after high school: Joining the United States Marine Corps. What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? High school flies by. Enjoy it while you can. Don't be afraid of Mr. Bishop; just get to know him. His class is where all the fun memories are made. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? Had to get ready for a Demo Derby. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Doing the “What's up, brother?” What was your biggest childhood fear? The dark What song are you secretly obsessed with? “I Want My Mullet Back” by Billy Ray Cyrus
Name: Madelyn Westrick Date of Birth: January 23, 2007 Parents: Heather and Jason Westrick Siblings: Collin and Reagan Extracurricular activities: NHS, Cheer, Track, FCCLA Plans after high school: Go to college in Florida for social work What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Be quiet and don’t stand in the middle of the hallway. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I would turn it in not finished. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? VSCO What was your biggest childhood fear? Spiders What song are you secretly obsessed with? “That Should Be Me” Justin Beiber
Name: Caitie Girdham Date of Birth: February 13, 2007 Parents: Roy and Angel Girdham Siblings: Tom, Deven, Justin, Zach, and Brady Extracurricular activities: FFA Plans after high school: Welding What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Just be yourself and don't worry about what others have to say. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I fell asleep while doing it. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Wearing pjs to school What was your biggest childhood fear? Spiders What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
Name: Kendall Sears Date of Birth: June 8, 2006 Parents: Austin and Melissa Sears Extracurricular activities: Cross Country, Track, Journalism, Student Leadership Team, Student Council, NHS, Spanish Club Plans after high school: Attend college and get a degree in dietetics, as well as run XC & Track What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Pick what classes interest you the most and you’ll find friends who share your interests. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I had a cross-country meet. (They only happen on Saturdays.) What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Skinny jeans What was your biggest childhood fear? Mascots What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Vienna” by Billy Joel
Name: Grace Remington Date of Birth: September 27, 2006 Parents: Stephanie and Timothy Remington Siblings: Madison and Owen Remington Extracurricular activities: Cross Country, Basketball, Track and Field, NHS, Spanish Club, FCCLA, Student Council Plans after high school: I will be attending Indiana Institute of Technology, majoring in Biology and running XC/Track. What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Take getting good grades seriously because they matter when applying to colleges. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I did it but left it at home. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? VSCO era of 2020 when I would wear puka shell necklaces and like 20 scrunchies on my wrists. What was your biggest childhood fear? Being buried alive What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Creep” (Acoustic) by Radiohead
vs. Miller City vs. Continental @ Bryan vs. Northwood**
4th 2nd 2nd 14th
W W W W W W L
Blackbird Records
Volleyball
XC-
Athlete of the Month by Keren Maldonado
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Sports Recap Check out the video to get updates on all high school sports at Pettisville from Creighton and Shiloh!
Golf
1st 11th
Hudson Invite BBC Championship Districts** Regionals**
*League Match **Tournament Match
6th 1st 6th 13th
Pettisville junior Grace Hastings has excelled on the volleyball court this month. With an average of 11 assists per set over six games, Grace has been essential to Pettisville’s success. This week Grace was voted Max Preps’ Ohio Athlete of the Week, an honor given to Ohio’s best individual athletes from different sports all over the State. Grace's most notable achievement this season has been reaching the milestone of 1,000 assists during the game against Delta. “[Reaching 1,000 assists] felt really good. I have hitters who can put the ball down like crazy, and passers who can get it right to me, so that makes my job ten times easier,” Grace recalled. “It was really fun to get to that milestone and get to celebrate with my teammates.” Reaching this mark was a result of hard work, in addition to talent. “I have pretty good hands to be a setter, so I can have control of the ball, which definitely helps. I also have a love for the game that motivates me to keep working at it and keep trying to get better.” A good relationship with the team is also important in having a successful game. “We listen to music as a team in the locker room. We talk about the game and what we expect. It puts us in the right headspace to play.” With a good pregame routine and a love for the game, Grace will continue to lead the volleyball team next year as a senior. Grace’s advice to underclassmen is, “Learn as much as you can about the game. Be constantly watching older players, and watch different levels of volleyball. Always be coachable and listen for things that you can improve on.” The Pettisville volleyball team wrapped up the year as the BBC and Sectional champions. Grace will continue to set up the Blackbirds for success on the volleyball court next year as a senior.
@ Stryker* vs. Hilltop* vs. Delta @ Holgate* @ North Central* vs. Stryker** vs. Ayersville**
L L L L
Soccer
Districts** (Stone Ridge) State** (North Star)
Boys Girls
Junior High athletes have been working hard this fall. Junior high golf won the BBC tournament on October 1 with an impressive score of 155. Grant Boyers and Graycen Osterday were co-medalists, posting a 36. Dalton Zimmerman shot a 41, and Dawson Knierim shot a 42 to round out the team's score. The team finished 11-0, first in the BBC, capping off the year with an impressive finish. “A person that I look up to is my coach [Kevin Boyers],” Grant Boyers said. “He pushed us to be better and to work hard.” The soccer team worked tirelessly throughout the season, and the hard work paid off. The team did very well, finishing their season undefeated with a close 3-2 win over NOCA. The seventh and eighth-grade volleyball teams have been working diligently this year. The seventh grade finished 11-2 and was BBC runner-up. They lost in the semi-finals vs. North Central during the BBC tournament. The eighth grade finished 15-1, only dropping a game to Archbold, and were BBC champions. They went 3-0 during the BBC Tournament to clinch the league. “I was nervous and excited for the championship,” Brynnley Schwartz said. “I was happy that we were able to win.” The junior high boys finished fourth out of six teams at the Defiance Early Bird meet, second out of six at the Archbold Invitational, ninth out of 26 at the Liberty Central Invitational, second out of four at the Edgerton Invitational, seventh out of 28 at the Hudson Invitational, and won the BBC tournament. “When we won, I felt ecstatic,” eighth-grader Logen Dominique said. “All our hard work paid off.” Junior high girls, who ran with only 3 participants, finished as the BBC runner-up.
Mini Athletes Watch an exclusive interview with some of Pettisville Elementary's top athletes!
JH Sports Review by Sam Hastings
Comeback... continued from page 1
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Miriam Richer receives her medal after winning the tournament.
TO OUR 2024-2025 PET ECHOES SPONSORS
THANK YOU
Aschliman & Co. Auto Images Barber, Kaper, Stamm, McWatters, Whitlock & Maloney Beck Insurance Black Swamp Equipment Concept Printing Creighton Electric Crossgrove Construction D&W Collision Delle's Transmission & Auto Repair E&H Auto Clinic Frey & Sons G5 Architecture Gearig Floors Gig Above Technologies Hit Trophy Jodi Herman Insurance Kim Baker Edward Jones Investments King Lumber Lange's Bakery Mary Kay Cosmetics Nafziger Family Chiropractic Nofziger Seeds Paul Martin & Sons Pettisville Garage, Inc. Pettisville Grain Co. Pondview Vet Clinic R&R Tours Roth, Britsch, Dickman, Inc. Investment Planning Rupp Seeds Sauder Village Samuel Mancino's Short Funeral Home Short's Workwear Outfitters Tomahawk Printing Tri-Flo, Inc. Wauseon Eye Care Wauseon Lawnmower