News from Bowling Green City Schools

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Members of the Bowling Green City Schools Community,

We are thrilled to introduce the very first edition of our Bowling Green City Schools e-newsletter! This marks the beginning of a new chapter in how we communicate and connect with our students, families, community, and staff of Bowling Green City Schools. Our goal is to keep you informed and engaged with the latest news, updates, and events happening across our district.

In each edition, you can expect to find important announcements and reminders, highlights of student and staff achievements, updates on school projects and initiatives, information on upcoming events and activities, stories showcasing the vibrant life of our school community.

As the district continues to grow in our means of communication, we encourage you to share your thoughts and feedback. Your input is invaluable as we strive to make our communication a useful and enjoyable resource for everyone. We look forward to sharing our stories and successes with you!

I am honored to serve the students, families, community, and staff of Bowling Green City Schools. I promise that our District will work hard to improve each day to provide a high-quality education for our students, a financially sound organization for our stakeholders, and be a point of pride for the entire community.

Go Bobcats,

Dr. Ted Haselman

Superintendent

Back to School Made Easy!

Parents/Guardians, we’ve got you covered! We've created a comprehensive back to school document designed to make your life easier!

This handy guide has all the essential info you need to get your students ready for the new school year.

Just click the links in the document and it will take you right to the information you need!

Board of Education Awards Contract to Rudolph Libbe Inc. for New High School Construction

At the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, the Board voted to award a contract to Rudolph Libbe Inc. to serve as the Construction Manager-At-Risk for the construction of the new high school, as well as related facilities, renovations, and improvements. From concept through construction, Rudolph Libbe Inc., a Wood County company based out of Walbridge, has become one of the largest providers of construction services in the country and is consistently ranked as an Engineering News-Record “Top 400 Contractor." Several of the Rudolph Libbe staff leading the project are Bowling Green City School District residents!

Building a Sustainable Future

for Our New High School

Last week, we had an exciting series of workshops and activities to plan the new high school! Representatives from Bowling Green City Schools, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, DLR Group, Emerson Design, CMTA, The Kleingers Group, Reitano Design Group, BCL, ZHCx, and Lawhon & Associates came together for this event.

The design team led brainstorming sessions, collaborative exercises, and site walks to look closely at the current conditions of both the high school and middle school. These activities are part of our ongoing efforts to develop the Educational Facility Master Plan.

We held an Eco-Charette to explore sustainable design principles and set ambitious goals for achieving LEED certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a rating system by the U.S. Green Building Council. It helps evaluate the environmental and health performance of buildings. LEED-certified buildings are healthy, efficient, and cost-saving, providing many benefits to the community.

We had the VALUES workshop, focusing on viewing architecture through user experience and sustainability, followed by an academic workshop that discussed collaboration, flexibility, efficiency, and student-centered design to enhance learning environments for years to come.

Earlier this week, representatives from The Kleingers Group were on-site conducting survey work.

We're excited about the progress and look forward to sharing more updates!

Eco-Charette workshop

Discussing sustainability goals

Bowling Green Schools Propose

0.75% Income Tax Levy

for November Ballot

On July 23, 2024, the Bowling Green City School District Board of Education voted to propose a 0.75% income tax levy to meet the district's operating expenses. This levy aims to support essential educational programs, hire and retain qualified staff, and maintain necessary resources like technology, infrastructure, textbooks, and transportation.

Recent Levy Context:

The bond issue passed in November was for building a new high school and is restricted to capital funds, which by law, cannot be used for daily operations.
Bowling Green City School District voters haven't approved new operating money since 2010.

Budget Management:

Despite significant cost-saving measures (e.g., energy efficiency projects, renegotiating vendor contracts, participating in multiple purchasing consortiums to reduce costs, updating bus routes to reduce mileage for gas costs and maintenance, streamlining administrative processes, and obtaining over $1.9 million in grants during the 2024 fiscal year), rising educational costs and stagnant revenue growth necessitate additional funds.
Further cuts would likely impact the quality of education.

Income Tax Details:

The 0.75% income tax will apply to taxable income of individuals and estates in the district. It won’t apply to benefits such as social security, welfare, child support, disability, workers compensation, railroad retirement benefits, gifts, and inheritances.
Voters will decide on this levy in the November 5, 2024, election.

There will be more information provided from the district as November nears.

Exciting Developments

with the Outdoor Classroom

at Bowling Green Middle School

Community Collaboration

Many of you are aware that BGMS received a generous $45,000 grant from the Lubrizol Foundation to develop an innovative outdoor classroom adjacent to the prairie at BGMS. The project commenced on Monday, July 15, with the invaluable help of 18 dedicated volunteers from the Lubrizol Corporation in Bowling Green, led by Andy Wagner and Hanna Stickel.

The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration. Paula Williams, the BGMS Science teacher who applied for the grant, spearheaded the efforts alongside Lubrizol’s team of volunteers, working together to build picnic tables, construct raised beds, prepare and landscape areas, move pavers, remove sod, and they also maintained trails in the prairie. BGMS staff including buildings and grounds crew, teachers and student volunteers also played a pivotal role.

Continued Efforts and Teamwork

The following day, BGMS teachers Patrick Carney, Marshall Headley, and their families, along with over 10 Cross Country runners, teamed up with Kristi Krupp and Paula Williams to clear and mulch the prairie trails, remove invasive species, fill raised beds with soil, prepare additional landscaping areas, and clean up and backfill around the classroom base in preparation for seeding.

Future Plans and Developments

The project is far from over. Here is what we have planned next:

Completing the classroom framing
Installing informative signage
Pouring concrete and modifying curbs for accessibility
Building a weather and air quality monitoring station
Extending electrical services from athletic areas to the classroom
Seeding the disturbed area around the base
Constructing work and presentation tables
Installing storage boxes, umbrellas, and bases

This fall, we aim to implement even more improvements, such as:

Finding a permanent shade solution
Building a shed for safe storage of materials and equipment
Integrating real-world science and research opportunities for all students in grades 7-12

We are excited to bring this project to life and enrich the learning experience for our students. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop this outdoor classroom, fostering a unique and engaging environment for our BGMS and BGHS community!

Photo: Volunteers from the Lubrizol Corporation assisted with constructing the outdoor classroom.

Bobcat Athletic Boosters:

Supporting Our Student Athletes

The Bobcat Athletic Boosters support our student-athletes and enhance our school’s athletic programs. We appreciate their dedication and encourage the community to get involved. Bowling Green City Schools are grateful for the generous donations from the Bobcat Athletic Boosters.

This year, the Boosters have contributed significantly to various school programs and facilities:

$22,090 for BGHS Track Pole Vault and High Jump Pits
$4,000 for Football Scoreboard Installation
$5,750 for Laser Grading of Baseball and Softball Fields
$1,750 for BGHS Softball Field Maintenance
$1,900.58 for SAB for New Mascot
$6,000 for 3-Man Tek Sled for MS/HS Football
$550 for BGHS Faculty Book Scholarship Fund

The Boosters donate to all sports fundraisers, provide photography services for varsity sports, and support events like Hockey Night at the Races and Reverse Raffles.

Each year, the Bobcat Athletic Boosters also provide four $500 scholarships to BGHS seniors, pay for all senior banners, contribute to Pillar Fitness training, offer $20 discretionary funds per athlete per sport, and have funded the purchase of a golf cart for the Athletic Trainer. Additionally, they fulfill team and sport-specific needs upon request.

Fan Fair

The Bobcat Athletic Boosters plan and run Fan Fair, a free family fun event at the Bobcat Stadium at Bowling Green High School on Thursday, August 15, from 6-8 p.m. Come out to meet our Fall athletes, watch the marching band perform, purchase dinner from our concessions or food trucks, and have your kids earn a FREE T-shirt!

Fundraising Activities and Volunteer Opportunities

The Boosters run concessions for nearly all home sporting events and post-season tournaments held at BGHS, requiring 2-10 volunteers per event. New this year is the launch of an online store for a variety of BG apparel. They also organize community nights at local restaurants once a quarter and plan to hold a Purse Bingo event in Spring 2025 as a significant fundraiser.

The Bobcat Athletic Boosters are seeking volunteers to help with 50/50 raffle ticket sales, program sales, concession stand work, and restocking and cleaning the concession stands throughout the sports seasons.

Booster Meetings

Booster meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the BGHS Library. Everyone is welcome to join and contribute to the Booster community!

To Join and Learn More

The Boosters will kick off their Membership Drive at the Fall Sports Meeting on July 29 at 7 p.m. in the PAC and at Fan Fair on August 15 from 6-8 p.m. in the Bobcat Stadium at Bowling Green High School. For more details, follow the Bowling Green Bobcat Athletic Boosters on Facebook at Bowling Green Bobcat Athletic Boosters. For questions, message the Boosters on their Facebook page.

BGHS Marching Band

Strikes a High Note at Band Camp

The BGHS Marching Band was in full swing at Band Camp this week as they prepared for an incredible season ahead. Each morning, our talented musicians, led by our amazing band directors Mrs. Preisner and Mr. Gee, gathered outside to rehearse their music and perfect the intricate marching formations that will be showcased during this season's performances.

After their morning sessions, the band members recharged with a delicious lunch provided by our wonderful BG Bobcat Bands Boosters. In the afternoons, the focus shifted indoors as the band broke up into sectionals—smaller groups based on instrument type such as brass, woodwinds, and percussion. These sessions allowed the musicians to concentrate on their instruments and refine specific parts of the music.

Later in the day, the entire band reconvened for a full rehearsals, where they brought together all of the elements they'd been working on throughout the day. After a well-deserved dinner break, the band headed back outside for evening rehearsals, focusing on both marching and music.

Throughout the week, our BGHS Marching Band showed exceptional dedication, teamwork, and passion for music. Great job, Bobcats! We are looking forward to an amazing season ahead!

You can catch them performing this Sunday at the Wood County Fair Parade!

Photo: BGHS Marching Band during indoor rehearsals.

Photo: BGHS Marching Band practicing on the field.

Celebrating

the Class of 2024

We are incredibly proud of the BGHS Class of 2024 and wish them all the best as they embark on their next adventures in higher education, the military, apprenticeships, or the workforce!

Academic Excellence:

High Achievers: 67% of our students achieved a GPA over 3.0!
Top Scholars: 49 students maintained a GPA over 4.0!
Honor Society Inductees: 77 of our graduating seniors were inducted into the National Honor Society!
Honors Diplomas: 66 students earned an Honors Diploma from the State of Ohio.
21 students earned a 30 or higher on their ACT test
National Recognition: Two students were recognized as National Merit Finalists, with one earning a National Merit Scholarship!

The Class of 2024 has truly excelled, showcasing their dedication, hard work, and passion for learning. Their list of accomplishments is extensive, reflecting the exceptional talent and determination within our student body.

Congratulations once again to our outstanding students! We look forward to seeing all the amazing things you will achieve in the future.

A special thank you to Todd from Main Street Photo for capturing these memorable moments so beautifully.

High-Five Signs

Delivered to Students with an AP Exam Score of 5

BGHS AP teachers and administration took to the streets with a special mission in mind. After the AP test scores were released on Monday, July 8th, they wanted to do something extraordinary to celebrate their students' success.

Armed with 'High Five' signs and a whole lot of pride, our dedicated teachers drove around the district, stopping at the homes of BGHS students who achieved a perfect score of 5 on their AP tests. Imagine the surprise and joy when these hardworking students found their yards decorated with signs celebrating their top scores!

This heartfelt gesture is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our teachers, and it highlights the incredible achievements of our students.

Congratulations to our amazing students and teachers at BGHS. Keep up the great work!

Mark Your Calendars

Click here for High School Athletics Schedules and Middle School Athletics Schedules

July 28: BGHS Marching Band: Wood County Fair Parade Performance

July 29: Fall Coaches & Athlete/Parent Meeting in PAC, 7 p.m.

August 8: Drama Club Improv Benefit

August 9: Theater Camp

August 12: Bobcat Vocal Music Boosters Mtg. 6:30 p.m.

August 12 - 13: New Teacher Orientation

August 12: High School Registration days at BGHS: SENIORS

August 13: High School Registration day at BGHS: JUNIORS

August 13: Middle School Orientation for returning 7th and 8th graders

August 14: Middle School Orientation for 6th grade and NEW 7th/8th graders

August 14: High School Registration day at BGHS: SOPHOMORES

August 15: High School Registration day at BGHS: FRESHMEN

August 15: First Day of School for NEW Penta Students: Sophomore Exploratory/new Juniors

August 15: Bobcat Fan Fair at Bobcat Stadium

August 16: First Day of School for Returning Penta Students: Returning Juniors & Seniors

August 16: Staff Professional Development Day

August 19: Deadline to nominate for the BGSF Excellence in Education and Community Member of the Year Award

August 19: Staff Work Day

August 19: Open Houses for All School Buildings

Grades 1-5: 4:30 - 6 p.m./ MS and HS 6 - 7:30 p.m.

August 20: First Day of School for Grades 1-9

August 20 & 21: Individual Preschool and Kindergarten student meetings.

Date/Time to be communicated with parents/guardians.

August 21: First Day of School for Grades 10-12 (All students grades 1-12 in school).

August 22 & 23: Kindergarten Slow Start: Schedule provided at individual Kindergarten student meetings.

August 24: Beginner Orchestra instrument pick up (PAC Lobby)

August 26: First Day of School for Preschool

August 31: MS/HS Jazz Students to Detroit Jazz Festival

September 2: Labor Day - Schools Closed

Happy 70th Birthday Conneaut Elementary!

Conneaut Elementary School's 70th birthday celebration was a blast! Students and staff wore matching t-shirts and took a group photo in the shape of a "70." They watched a wonderful presentation featuring Conneaut photos from each decade and historical events from those times, put together by second grade teacher Danielle Carrasquillo. Music teacher Mr. Baumgartner led the students in songs about Conneaut, including a song he discovered from the late 1970s listed as Conneaut’s Official Alma Mater. The day was filled with fun, including cupcakes and ice cream and obstacle courses by grade!

BGHS Class of 1954

70th High School Class Reunion

The BGHS Class of 1954's recently celebrated their 70th reunion at Bowling Green Country Club! Thirteen wonderful members reunited and shared cherished memories over a delightful luncheon.

The event was filled with nostalgia as they enjoyed a table full of memorabilia, including photos from previous reunions, the class yearbook, and even a graduation announcement! The reminiscing was heartwarming and brought back so many special moments from their high school years. Here's to 70 years of friendship, laughter, and shared experiences! Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!

Members of the BGHS Class of 1954 in attendance at the 70th Reunion.

Congratulations to Our Retirees!

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our staff who retired at the end of the 23-24 school year! Your years of dedicated service to the Bowling Green City Schools community are appreciated. Your hard work, commitment, and passion have touched the lives of countless students, staff, and families. You have helped shape Bowling Green City Schools and your legacy will be felt for many years to come. We wish you all the best in your retirement. May it be filled with joy, relaxation, and new adventures! Thank you for everything you have done! You will be missed!

Bobcat Gold Card for BGCS Residents Age 60 and Older

Apply for a FREE Bobcat Gold Card and enjoy FREE admission to regular season HOME athletic events as well as BG Choral, Band, and Drama Play Performances!

Must be 60 years or older and reside in the Bowling Green City School District. Get your Bobcat Gold Card at the BGCS Central Administration Office, 137 Clough Street. Bowling Green. Please bring your ID.