The incredible dedication and passion of WLS teachers illuminate the path to success - infusing their classrooms with creativity, compassion & a commitment to nurturing lifelong learners. They truly believe that EVERY student matters and every moment counts! Thank you, teachers!
Thank you Toledo Country Club, for hosting our highest-achieving Panthers, Olivia and Stephen, who represented Panther Nation well and brought their most influential teacher with them. Congrats to Ms. Wetzel and Mr. Albright for being asked to join!
STAFF SHOUT:
"Just want to take a moment to say thank you to Superintendent Kadee Anstadt. Thank you for putting students first, making sure their voices are heard, offering staff seats at tables full of opportunities to make our district better, for listening, for being present and active, and for giving up so much of your time for all of us in this community. You are inspiring and you are so appreciated."
We aren't sure where her energy comes from with all that she does, but WLS is certainly better for it! Thank you Dr. A!
STAFF SHOUT:
"Emily Schifko (McGregor) is one of the hardest working teachers I have ever met. She is passionate about her job and works very hard to meet the needs of her students. She's funny, organized, and loves to make learning FUN for her kiddos. Emily is also a Rock-Star Building Rep! If you have a problem, she will find an answer! We love you, Em! Keep up the good work!"
Sounds like this is one Stallion Superstar! Way to go, Emily
STAFF SHOUT:
"Minya Bell (KIA Shoreland) has stepped in to lead when needed. She guides with kindness &grace, but still reminds kids of classroom expectations. Super happy to have her on her staff!"
Our KIAs are an incredible support and Minya is the perfect example!
Staff-to-Student Shoutout!
"I want to recognize a student who helped me when I fell last week. While a lot of students stopped to ask if I was ok, I wasn't ready to stand up yet as my left foot was hurt. This young man, Cam Burton just came right over and offered his hand and helped me up. That meant so much to me. He even offered to walk with me to make sure I was okay. I know a lot of adults are hard on young people, but there is so much good every day in the students at Whitmer. Thanks again Cam!"
WE COULD NOT BE PROUDER OF THIS PANTHER WHO SHOWED EMPATHY AND INTEGRITY TO OUR STAFF MEMBER!
STAFF SHOUT:
"Marisa Crespo is a strong leader, always going the extra mile to make sure student and staff needs are being met and heard. She takes time to come down to the classrooms and create a rapport with students and staff daily. She will be an awesome permanent addition to the McGregor family! We love you Ms. Crespo!"
Ms. Crespo has been an influential, caring staff member from the day she arrived in WLS and we are all better because she is here!
PARENT to STAFF SHOUTOUT:
"Last Friday, Michael forgot to bring his iPad home from school. Shortly after he arrived home, I called the school office and spoke with Kim Huey (Jefferson secretary) to explain what had happened. Kim acknowledged how much of an impact not having the iPad all weekend would have on Michael and his disability. Without any hesitation, she offered to bring it to us when she was finished with her day.
Kim’s willingness to help is an excellent display of the autism acceptance that has occurred this year at Jefferson Junior High. The staff has worked together to create an inclusive and supportive environment for Michael to learn in. We have all learned from each other and this has made us the best team to support Michael. Seeing his progress has been remarkable. I wanted to share how appreciative I am and how random acts of kindness like that of Kim make such a difference."
What a thoughtful gesture in going above and beyond for a student family!
Drop by the location on Central Avenue (near Costco) and support the Whitmer Culinary program! Use CODE TQHD4C6 online or show the flyer in the restaurant!
STAFF SHOUT:
"I want to send a Staff to Staff Shout Out to bus driver Art Winzenried. Last week he drove for us on two separate trips to Ottawa National Wildlife Sanctuary. Art was our scheduled driver for our first trip, but for the second trip he got a call at 6 am saying that our scheduled driver had to cancel because they were sick. Art agreed to pick us up at 8 am with VERY short notice and take us out again. Without his willingness to drop everything to pick us up, we would probably have had to cancel the trip.
On both trips he was a joy to have as our driver. His interactions with both staff and students were wonderful and he seemed to enjoy participating with us on our tour of Ottawa as well as the electrofishing demonstration by University of Toledo and the ODNR Division of Wildlife.
We have a lot of really great bus drivers and I just really appreciate all of their hard work and dedication getting us to the places we need to go."
WLS Bus Drivers set the tone for so many student adventures; they are truly the best!
What better way to show your Toledo Pride than investing in the future? Happy Toledo Day, WLS friends!
STAFF SHOUT:
"Deb Knight (Shoreland) is kind & leads a wonderful kitchen squad. They work like a well-oiled machine, for all of our students. We appreciate the hard work they put in behind the scenes - thank you Deb & team!"
Our nutrition services teams are the best around!
PARENT SHOUT:
"I just want to shout out Shoreland Custodian Kyle; he saw Ms. Dedo was busy with testing but didn't want Vash to miss out on a birthday song. Kyle had the whole grade help him sing happy birthday to my Vash! From what I've seen over the years, he's amazing and loves those kids, he's always so kind! ❤️"
What a kind gesture from our own Kyle, as well as from this parent, who took the time to recognize him!
STAFF SHOUT:
"Sue Hamway (McGregor) is one of the most dedicated teachers I know. She uses every available minute working with kids. Sue spends endless hours preparing unique lessons based on what her students need. She looks for the positives in all people and is also a very loyal friend. Sue is the kind of teacher I wish I would have had in fourth grade."
WLS is full of people we wish we had known as children - and SUE is the best!
Greenwood and Whitmer are up for BEST elementary and high school!
VOTE TODAY!
https://toledoblade.secondstreetapp.com/Readers-Choice-2024/gallery/?group=475008
Our own Whitmer Health Center supports National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
To report abuse or neglect please contact (419) 213-CARE.
STAFF SHOUT:
"Our custodial staff is second to none. They all work tirelessly to make sure our buildings are spic and span. I would like to shout out one in particular - Tonya in the CTC. She is dedicated and thorough in all ways! She makes sure we as a staff have everything we need to do our jobs well. Every last detail is thought of. She often goes above and beyond! She even added a scented plug-in to my room when I lamented one day of a smell. She hates taking days off and often lets us know when she has to be out, so we know when she will return. Absolutely love her - she’s a very hard worker!!! As all our custodians are !!!"
When you talk about a crew that is second to none, our custodial staff is TOPS!
STAFF SHOUT:
"The month of April is Occupational Therapy Month and we have amazing OTs and COTAs (assistants) in our district. From helping with fine motor, sensory needs and behaviors (And lots of other needs) they have their work cut out for them and they are always willing to help. We are grateful for them to be in our WLS family!"
This exceptional group of people help our students so much. We are so grateful!
STAFF SHOUT:
"Lisa Peters has been a bus driver at WLS transportation for 41 years. She started off at the age of 18 driving, moved into being one of our drivers trainers, does the preschool run, has also driven a late run AND she is our field trip scheduler! Her mom was also a bus driver and bus trainer, and retired from WLS. Lisa has raised her children in our district and now she has her grandkids in the district! That is a WLS family. I think that she deserves a shout out for all the years of work that she’s done for Washington Local Schools. She's the best!"
Multi-generational love for WLS is so special - just like Lisa is to us!
LAST CALL FOR PROM TICKETS:
Last Days April 9th and 10th!
