By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
On Teacher Appreciation Week, parents and students in the Bowling Green City School District wanted to remind school staff about the positive difference they make in children’s lives.
So Jennifer DeVries, a parent volunteer at Conneaut Elementary for Teacher Appreciation Week, decided to give parents and kids an opportunity to drown out the negativity over school levy issues.
“In the midst of community controversy over funding for a new school etc., I think it is more important than ever to let our community teachers know how much we appreciate them for all the hard work they do for our kids,” DeVries said.
“There are so many negative comments. All of it kind of transfers to our teachers,” she said.
DeVries’ hope was that not only will this expression of gratitude be a great gift to teachers, but perhaps unite the community in an effort to focus on the positive impact the schools and teachers have on the community and children.
“My children have flourished in BG city schools and I believe a public display of affection and appreciation would go a long way in uniting our community to support our schools,” she said.
As for her own experience with Bowling Green schools, DeVries said she recalled watching the transformation of her daughter in kindergarten.
“She came out reading and writing,” she said.
DeVries said she grew up attending a private school, and has been pleasantly surprised about her family’s public school experience.
“I’ve been amazed at how Bowling Green schools work. I’ve been impressed with the kids’ growing and learning.”
Teachers juggle far more than reading, writing and arithmetic, DeVries said. They handle issues of children with no winter coats or no lunch money.
“They have to teach them and meet all the standards. They have to be social workers, teachers and counselors all in one,” she said.
And despite disagreements in the community about the school building issue, DeVries said there is one area where citizens can be united.
“We can agree we’ve got some great teachers,” she said.
Following are the letters submitted to BG Independent News:
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It takes a village to raise a child and our BG teachers are a big part of that village. My family is so grateful to the teachers of Conneaut Elementary for the impact, encouragement, challenges, education, and love they have given our daughter, Grace.
Special thanks to Ms. Carrisquillo, Mrs. Frank, Miss Simonis, Mrs. Donnely, Miss Miller, Mr. Hetrick, Ms. Zweibel, and Miss Frysinger who have directly impacted our Grace’s love of learning. However, let’s not forget the life lessons of kindness and Bobcat pride that Mr. Denny and Miss Denise, our bus drivers, give our students along with the care and help Mr. Box and Miss Molnar give our students at lunch and on the playgrounds.
The grass is greener in BG because of great teachers, staff, administrators, board, and superintendent of BGCS. #Bobcatproud
Brian and Tracy Hovest
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Dear Bowling Green Faculty, Teachers, and Staff,
I’m typing through tears because I can’t seem to type any other way.
This fall was full of firsts. My firstborn entered middle school. He kicked off the first set of braces in the family, the first angsty locker combination struggles, the first middle school lunchroom fears.
In the middle of all the middle school firsts he started to battle a fever, he drastically lost weight, and he had stomach pain that became constant and debilitating.
I then had my first experience with Principal Radabaugh and this is why I type in tears. He was nothing but empathetic, kind, and intellectually flexible. He kept all kinds of options open as we missed school and navigated a diagnosis. No parent plans to be outside of the norm. When you find yourself there you have to figure it out as you go. But we didn’t have to go it alone.
Shortly after we discovered my son has Crohn’s Disease, the entire Team Pioneer huddled up with us. It was a very professional meeting, but that doesn’t discount the very real and raw rally moment. They were very much our team. For us. With us. Listening. Seeking to understand. And making new paths for my son.
These tears are my gratitude streaming down my face. This is thankfulness for all the communication. For all the emails. For all the help. For all the dietary accommodations. For all the listening ears. For all the energy that went above and beyond anything I could have hoped or imagined.
I can’t type without tears, and I don’t want to. My blurry vision reminds me they helped us when we couldn’t see, when we couldn’t find our way. They are much more than staff; they are dynamic human beings who care about the well being of other humans.
Thank you, dearest faculty, teachers, and staff. You have gone above and beyond in every way.
Amy Seiffert
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I would like to thank Mr.Hakel for being an excellent teacher. Without him, we wouldn’t have a quiz bowl team. Or we would have a boring quiz bowl coach (In my opinion, there’s no point in doing quiz bowl if your coach is boring). All of the time and effort he has devoted to his students has not gone unnoticed. I feel so grateful to have had him as a quiz bowl coach.
I would like to thank Mrs.Hoskinson for being an awesome math teacher! Until this year, I didn’t enjoy math very much. Thanks to her, math has been exciting and fun! I feel so grateful to have her as a math teacher.
Lucy Nomaguchi-Long
6th grader at Bowling Green Middle School
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I would like to nominate Dennis Bowers, a Bowling Green City Schools bus driver. He goes above and beyond with his students every day. He is kind and compassionate and friendly to each of his passengers. He even provides donut days where he distributes donuts to the students. And each day he provides a special treat for my dog Scooby while we are waiting at the bus stop for my daughter to get picked up.
I appreciate Mr. Bowers and his exemplary job serving students in our district and would love to see him honored for his efforts!
Amber Hines
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The list of reasons why I appreciate our Bowling Green City School educators is endless. As I reflect over this past year, I think about all of the times my three daughters have been encouraged, empowered, supported and praised by their teachers both during and outside of school hours. I think about all the opportunities they were provided, because teachers went beyond the school day to extend their learning beyond the curriculum.
To all the teachers that have supported my daughters by cheering for them at a sporting event or musical concert, thank you. To the teachers that spent countless hours outside of the school day by providing extra opportunities and creating lessons to meet their needs, thank you.
Thank you for making those connections with them that created a family atmosphere in your classroom. Thank you for communicating with me when you had questions, or wanted celebrate their accomplishments. It fills my heart to know they are so cared about when in your care. You are appreciated, not only this week, but always! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from my Kenwood Kinder and 4th grader, and BGMS 8th grader!
Elise Buchhop
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For Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to write about my 5th grade teacher at Conneaut, Mr. Marzola (the best teacher ever!). First of all, he is very caring, nice, kind, funny, goofy, loving, loyal, awesome, creative, cool, amazing and finally…very, very, special. He is always willing to help me with my homework, or, when I don’t understand something in class, he helps me get through it. Mr. Marzola is ALWAYS bright and happy; this makes me look forward to school everyday! I think he is smiling every second of his life. Back in the Fall, he was so much fun teaching us camp songs while singing and dancing all around. Finally, I love Mr. Marzola because no matter what, he is ALWAYS funny. For example, earlier this year our class was reading a book together and he used a goofy impression and silly dance for each character in the story. We all laughed so hard! He makes any kind of learning fun, and this is why he’s the BEST.
Molly Boblitt
5th grade, Conneaut Elementary, BG
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Dear Kenwood,
I was hoping to take a minute to try to say thank you for all that you do. I’m sure at times it can seem that your dedication is overlooked or undervalued. Please, never pay that foolishness any mind.
In a world filled with opinions and voices there are Teachers who teach into the hearts of children and speak more loudly than the negativity of the world. Kenwood has no shortage of these Teachers who go the extra mile to build up a stronger and brighter foundation that at times can seem shaky and scary.
So, I’m finding a minute of my time to say thank you for every moment you see our children in front of you and you insist on being there for them. You preserve their childhood joy and curiosity. You champion their accomplishments and pride. You comfort their fears and worries. You teach them concepts and facts to open unlimited access to knowledge.
The world around them seems to be increasingly geared away from childhood play and discovery. But inside Kenwood Elementary the blessing and gift of childhood is still imprinted on the halls and hearts.
I love hearing the stories of an art teacher who shows her students how to find the creative beauty inside of them. Stories of a gym teacher who not only their strengthens bodies but also hearts. Stories of aides who stay with children who are having a harder day. Stories of cafeteria attendants who help make sure tummies are filled and everyone has what they needed. Stories of special lunches, prizes, notes, and high fives from teachers who see the best in them. Stories of a principal who meets them smiling at the door or holds a child’s hand when everyone else wants to keep away.
You, Kenwood Staff, are truly amazing and beautiful. Not every moment is a happy one. Not every accomplishment comes easily. I must say that I am truly grateful that for those moments and so many more I’m glad that you are the ones there when I cannot be.
Our children need you. They need their teachers for more than a lesson plan…and you have risen to their call. I’m sure that it’s very rewarding to see the successful grades earned.. The process of helping their minds grow is magical. How cool for a teacher that this lasts a lifetime. To see the seeds planted bloom during a child’s entire life and be replanted in their children. Very cool.
So, once again Thank You. You’re are loved by so many… A hundred times a day…a million times in a lifetime!
Sherrie Sparks
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As parents of two children in the BG school district, we have been immensely blessed with wonderful teachers. It’s not just “what” they teach our children, but more of “how” they do it. Being truly present to understand what makes each child feel valued and adapting to meet their needs is a distinguisher for us!
A few standouts from our experiences so far:
– What makes a student unique is valued. Then helping them to channel what’s unique in a successful, meaningful and positive way.
– What makes a student feel worried is empathized with and genuinely understood.
– When a student is more reserved/shy, they are invited to speak up and feel confident in themselves.
– When a student is struggling, they show a huge amount of patience and offer extra time to help.
– When a student needs more of a challenge, they recognize the opportunity and adapt in the moment.
– When a student needs guidance and discipline, they offer teachable moments and reinforce self-responsibility.
– When a student works hard, it’s acknowledged and applauded.
A special call out to our (current and past) 5th grade teachers at Conneaut and our Middle School teachers. We have been immensely impressed with how prepared our students are when making the transition to their next school.
We are Bobcat Proud and very thankful for our BGCS teachers.
Eric & Megan Jicha
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Dear Teachers and Staff Members of Bowling Green City Schools,
We would like to take the time to recognize your tireless efforts and commitment to the students of Bowling Green City Schools. We have six children, three that have graduated early with honors, and have continued studies at The Ohio State University, NYU, and Savannah College of Art and Design.
Our other three children are currently still in the Bowling Green City School District, and we are beyond pleased with the many opportunities they have not only within the school day, but also outside of, where many of you coach, lead, or direct.
You have played an instrumental role in the preparation and education, from the time they step foot in the door in the morning, to the extra-curricular activities they are involved in after school. They have been unequivocally set for success after graduation, and we are filled with gratitude for your time, support, and commitment that you have taken with our graduates and continue to place on our three children still attending.
Please accept our sincere thanks for all that you have done, and continue to do for our children and others in the Bowling Green City Schools. Happy Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week!
Dr. Derik and Beth Utz
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Thank you!
There are not enough words to describe how thankful we are for how you have invested in our children every day!
We would like to thank you for making a million split second decisions for the benefit of your students.
For putting your own needs on hold and keeping them the focus of your day.
For planning each lesson long before the day begins.
For changing those plans because some students need a little extra help.
For thinking of new ways to reach students that may have difficult time understanding.
For your enthusiasm, kindness, and continuously reassurance of each student’s efforts.
We appreciate all you do for our children!
Thank you!
Christa Firsdon
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I am a proud and grateful Kenwood parent. My daughters are in second and third grades and have attended Kenwood since Kindergarten. In that time, I have been consistently impressed with the teachers we have encountered.
Both of my girls had Mrs. Nichols for Kindergarten. She helped my older daughter, Celia, develop her budding leadership skills in ways I still see shining through today. She helped my younger daughter, Eleanor, a reluctant reader, start to fall in love with books.
Mrs. Lentz challenged Celia to push herself academically even if it means not being perfect all the time. Mrs. Babcock enriched and encouraged Eleanor’s love of a good story. Ms. Rogers taught Celia to work hard and never back down from a challenge. Mrs. Coppeler is teaching Eleanor to be persistent and resilient even when the work is hard.
Mrs. Woods offers Celia constant opportunities to do more work and more difficult work to challenge herself. Mr. Koehler consistently shows up to his students’ extracurricular events, using his well-earned free time to make Kenwood kids feel supported and appreciated.
Mrs. Boswell’s work with Treble Rebels gives students excellent opportunities to enrich their lives through music. My daughters have learned so much about art history from Ms. Bailey that they regularly shock me with their knowledge.
As a family, we are so grateful for the care, support, and positive learning environment created by all of the Kenwood teachers and staff.
Emily Anzicek
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I want to send out this sincere thank you to all the BGCS teachers. Our family has been touched by so many of you at so many different levels.
First of all, my husband & I are BG Alumni, we have been students ourselves, and wouldn’t be where we are without the wonderful teachers in our young lives. I worked at Conneaut Elementary for 5 years. so as coworkers and being an adult in the classroom- seeing how our wonderful teachers interact and care for the whole student; not just their educational needs, but getting them through bumps in their young roads sometimes, was nothing short of amazing.
Finally, being a parent to 2 BGCS grads & one current BGHS student. There are just so many positive things I could say, that I’m sure this letter would turn into a book! We have so many things to be proud of in our district and at the top of the list are the excellent teachers our district employs.
Great big, GIANT kudos to all who have had one of the “Beeker girls” in your classroom, you know who you are and Shad & I will remain forever grateful to your commitment. Our girls are going to do great things and teachers, be proud that you are a big part of that, it couldn’t happen without your help.
Thank you again,
Shari Beeker
Bobcat Proud Alumni/Parent
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I would like to thank the BGCS teachers, staff, administration and Board of Education for all they do for the children of BG School District. Their care and compassion for the students and their education is appreciated by our family.
My husband and I have 3 children, two that graduated from BG with honors and a sophomore. Our oldest daughter is now entering her last semester at Mercy College of Ohio in nursing and our second daughter just finished her first year at OSU ATI studying Animal Sciences.
I would like to especially thank Mrs. Conway for her time, care and compassion and helping to guide the kids, push them to do their best and get involved and keep them on track. She has an outstanding program and is very respected by the students!
I would also like to thank Mr. Scruci for everything he does for BGCS! We are lucky to have you in BG and appreciate all you do for our kids! #BobcatProud
Melissa A. DeSmith
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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
I graduated from Bowling Green High School in 2014. Although there are not many teachers that I had that are still teaching at BG, there is one that is still there that really made a positive impact in my life. That is the BG Agricultural Education teacher, Mrs. Conway.
I had started my agricultural education right when I was a freshman in high school with Mr. Shertzer, Mrs.Conway’s father. He instilled great values into his students and you could tell he not only had a passion for agriculture, but also for his student’s success. This is what helped make my love for agriculture what it is today.
Mrs. Conway started teaching at BG when I was a junior in high school. She came in with a positive and caring attitude. She pushed us to be the best that we could be, not only in ag class, but whatever else we had set our minds to. Mrs Conway was there to help us every step of the way, whether that be getting to school at 6 in the morning or staying at the school with us until 9 at night to help us practice for an FFA event or leave for a few days to take us to state or national convention.
Mrs. Conway was, and still is, willing to put in the effort to make us the best that we can be, even after school hours. She instilled the leadership skills that we need to make it in the outside world. That is something that I cannot thank her enough for as I make my way into my professional career.
I have nothing but good things to say about the teachers I had at Bowling Green High School and I cannot thank them enough for giving me the foundation I needed to succeed in life.
Taylor DeSmith
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As the mother of an anxious child, starting Kindergarten was not an exciting time for my son. He worried about getting lost and not knowing what to do. He worried about eating lunch at school, going out for recess seemed scary instead of fun. My older daughter had a wonderful experience in Kindergarten at Kenwood elementary, and we reminded my son of this daily or hourly as the time to start school approached.
Luckily Kenwood allowed us to request the same teacher my daughter had … Mrs. Annette Teet. Mrs. Teet is an amazing kindergarten teacher, who is kind, welcoming, calm and experienced with all kinds of children. We thought having a teacher my son was familiar with would help him acclimate to the new environment.
Well, school started and there were lots of tears from my son. Mrs. Teet worked with my daughter to make sure Owen felt safe after drop off. The students wait in the gym in the morning before the bell rings. This was loud and overwhelming for my son. Mrs. Teet made sure that if my son was uneasy, my daughter was able to walk him down to the kindergarten class earlier than the rest of the kids.
Mrs. Teet emailed me on his progress, asking questions about how things were going from his perspective too.
As the end of the year approaches, I can’t tell you how much he’s grown. He’s in the enriched reading group, he’s proud of his school work, and has learned to love school. I can’t thank Mrs. Teet enough.
Bowling Green City schools are a wonderful place to be and we wouldn’t send our kids anywhere else.
Bridget Kozy Snyder
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To the staff at BGMS,
You are the unsung heroes of the school system! Dealing with these pre-teen/teen, emotionally challenging years is SO hard for kids and parents too. Sometimes we forget the teachers that field so much of it at school for us! So I say, thank you! Thank you for making them feel important when they could feel invisible. Thank you for raising them up instead of bringing them down. Thank you for supporting parents as we navigate this scary time with our children.
We NEED you and we APPRECIATE you!
Suzanne Swoap
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Mrs. Fults is my favorite teacher ever. She helps me and explains things and she is also funny. I learned so much this year in her class. I am thankful for teachers like her.
Elliana Brown, 4th grader at Kenwood
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As a parent of two children. I can say hands down my children received the best elementary education at Crim Elementary school. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude toward the teachers at Crim.
The teachers of Crim are very approachable with all school and non school issues. I feel that they are truly there to look out for my children’s best interests and want the absolute best for them.
I would like to spotlight a few teachers of Crim – September Killy without her and her love of children reading, my daughter wouldn’t be where she is today. She is such an all in teacher with passion that never ends!
Stacey Higgins is such an understanding teacher with a knack to deal with ornery little boys that have potential but struggle with staying on the right track. You will never find a more caring, heart on your sleeve person. She has so much passion for teaching and it shows everyday.
Amy Kenyon for her enthusiasm for life and letting the children in her class aim and shoot for the stars with so much love and support. I truly can not thank any of the teachers of Crim enough! To say that I am a Blessed parent is an understatement.
THANK YOU teachers of Crim today, tomorrow and always your hard work does not go unnoticed!
A very proud Crim Parent,
Amanda Naus
