Superintendent Community Email

7.8.26

We are officially into the second half of summer, and there is a great deal of activity across the district as we prepare for another outstanding school year.

Inside our buildings, classrooms are nearing completion and staff members are hard at work getting everything ready to welcome students back. Our facilities continue to look better every day thanks to the tremendous efforts of our maintenance and custodial teams.

Summer activities are also in full swing. Our gyms have been busy hosting wrestling camp and volleyball workouts, the weight room is filled each day with student-athletes putting in the work, and our fall athletic teams are preparing for another exciting season. It has been great to see so many of our students staying active, developing their skills, and representing the dedication and pride that make Eastwood special. 

As always, I will continue to provide updates throughout the remainder of the summer as news and events arise.

District Updates

Eastwood Athletic Boosters Need Volunteers

The Eastwood Athletic Boosters are looking for volunteers to help work the gates during the Wood County Fair. This is the Boosters' second-largest fundraiser of the year, generating more than $15,000 in support of Eastwood student-athletes.

We are in need of volunteers.  Adults, high school & middle school students are able to volunteer. High school students will receive community service hours toward graduation and will receive free admission to the fair on the day they volunteer.

If you are able to help or have questions, please contact Nikki Sabo at nsabo@eastwoodschools.org or eastwoodfairgates@gmail.com.

Thank you for supporting Eastwood Athletics!

Eastwood Football Car Wash

Our Eastwood High School Football Team will be holding a Car Wash Fundraiser:

Saturday, July 11
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Pemberville Fire Station

The team will be accepting donations, and all proceeds will help support the football program. Stop by to get your vehicle cleaned and help support the Eagles as they prepare for the upcoming season. We appreciate your continued support!

Luckey Park Naming Update

I also wanted to share an update regarding the naming of the park located on the former Luckey Elementary School property.

During the process, it was recently discovered that, unbeknownst to the current Village Council and Mayor, the property was never officially reclassified as a park when it was gifted by Eastwood Local Schools to the Village of Luckey. Everyone involved believed this step had been completed years ago.

Before the park can officially be named, the Village must first complete the ordinance process to formally designate the property as a public park. Once that process is complete, we can move forward with the naming process.

At this time, they anticipate that the naming process will resume in late August or early September.

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6.26.26

While we are right in the middle of summer break, the district is hard at work preparing for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. I'm pleased to report that all classroom moves at both the elementary and middle school buildings have been completed, and ahead of schedule. A huge thank you goes out to our summer maintenance and custodial crews for their hard work and commitment to getting this important work done efficiently.

At our June Board of Education meeting yesterday, the Board approved the first round of resolutions necessary to place a facilities project on the November ballot. The proposal would include the construction of a new grades 5-12 building and renovations to portions of the current high school. The Board is expected to make a decision on the second round of resolutions at its July 20th meeting.

As a reminder, the most up-to-date information regarding our facilities planning process can always be found on the Facilities Page of the Eastwood Local Schools website. https://www.eastwoodschools.org/facilities-updates

I will continue to provide updates throughout the summer as news and events arise.

District Updates

New Elementary Principal – Emily Mennitt

Congratulations to Mrs. Emily Mennitt on her appointment as the next Principal of Eastwood Elementary School.

Mrs. Mennitt brings nearly two decades of experience in education. For the past two years, she has served as Assistant Principal at Eastwood Elementary, working closely with students, staff, and families to support student achievement and school improvement efforts. Prior to joining Eastwood, she served as a Special Education Coordinator and School Psychologist with Bowling Green City Schools.

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Mennitt into this new leadership role. She brings a student-centered approach, a strong commitment to academic excellence, and a genuine desire to support both students and staff. Her leadership philosophy aligns closely with our district values, and we are confident she will continue to build upon the outstanding work taking place at Eastwood Elementary.

Eastwood Elementary Assistant Principal Opening

With Mrs. Mennitt's appointment as Elementary Principal, Eastwood Local Schools is now seeking an outstanding leader to serve as the next Elementary Assistant Principal for the 2026-2027 school year.

We are looking for an educator who is passionate about supporting students, building strong relationships, and helping create a positive school culture where every child feels safe, supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow.

This position plays an important role in supporting students, staff, and families while helping foster a positive learning environment where all students can thrive. The Assistant Principal will work alongside the Principal to provide instructional leadership, support daily operations, and help continue the tradition of excellence at Eastwood Elementary.

Interested applicants should complete the Certified Application available on the district website and submit their application and résumé electronically to Gary Gardner, Director of Human Resources, no later than Thursday, July 2 at 5:00 p.m.

 

Pool Party & Movie Night

Don't forget to join us for our Pool Party and Movie Night! This is a great opportunity for Eastwood families to come together to enjoy some summer fun.

 

Luckey Park Naming Project

Due to the overwhelming response from community members, the Village of Luckey Council has decided to allow additional time before selecting a name for the new park located on the site of the former Luckey Elementary School.

They received many outstanding submissions and want to ensure they take the appropriate time to review each suggestion carefully. The council plans to select the official park name during its July 15 meeting.

The individual(s) who submitted the selected name will be invited to attend the Village Council meeting on August 5 for recognition. Additionally, WTOL has expressed interest in featuring this project and may interview the individual(s) responsible for the chosen name as part of a future news story.

Thank you to everyone who submitted ideas and helped preserve an important piece of our community's history.

Thank you for your continued support of Eastwood Local Schools. We hope you are enjoying a safe, relaxing, and memorable summer with family and friends.

Go Eagles!

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6.19.26

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Facilities Community Meeting on June 17. We appreciate the time, interest, questions, and thoughtful feedback shared as we continue planning for the future of Eastwood Local Schools.

For those who were unable to attend—or for anyone who would like to review the information again—the meeting recording and presentation are now available on the Facilities page of our website: eastwoodschools.org/facilities-updates

Please note that the meeting recording has been divided into three separate video segments to make viewing and uploading more manageable.

If you have questions about the information presented or would like to discuss the facilities planning process further, please feel free to reach out to me at 419-833-6411 or bhughes@eastwoodschools.org.

Thank you for your continued interest in Eastwood Local Schools and for your ongoing engagement in this important work.

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6.15.26

While summer break is underway, our staff continues to work hard preparing for another great school year. The grade-level transitions and summer projects are progressing well, and we remain on track for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. I hope you and your family are enjoying a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer. 

A Message of Appreciation for Mr. Wank!

I would like to share that Elementary Principal Joe Wank has accepted a new opportunity and will be leaving Eastwood Local Schools. 

For the past 11 years, Mr. Wank has been a dedicated leader who helped make Eastwood Elementary more than a school—it became a family. We are grateful for Mr. Wank's service and the lasting impact he has made on our district. While we will miss his leadership, we wish him all the best in this next chapter.

Thank you, Mr. Wank, for 11 years of dedication to Eastwood Local Schools. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.

 

District Updates:

Eastwood Elementary Principal Position

Eastwood Local Schools is searching for an outstanding leader to serve as our next elementary school principal for the 2026–27 school year!

We are looking for an educator who is passionate about supporting students, building strong relationships, and creating a positive school culture where every child feels safe, supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow.

 

The Elementary Principal serves as both the instructional and operational leader of the building, helping guide a learning environment rooted in high expectations, belonging, accountability, and student success.

 

Interested applicants should complete the Certified application on the district website:
https://www.eastwoodschools.org/about-our-district/employment

Please submit the application and resume electronically to Gary Gardner, Director of Human Resources, by Sunday, June 21, at 4:00 p.m.

ggardner@eastwoodschools.org

 

Open Enrollment Reminder

• Families will be notified of their application status by June 20, 2026.

• Approved families must submit proof of residency through FinalForms by July 15, 2026.

• Questions about the open enrollment process or general questions may be directed to Heather Hall at hhall@eastwoodschools.org.

Facilities Community Meeting

We invite you to join us for an upcoming community meeting to receive an update on our facilities planning and to share your feedback.

Meeting Details:
June 17
6:00 PM
High School Auditorium

During this meeting, we will:

• Provide updates on the progress of the facilities

• Review key priorities under consideration

 

Eastwood Softball Golf Scramble

Sunday, June 28, 2026
Sycamore Hills Golf Club – Fremont

• $80 per person

• Check-In: 7:30–8:30 a.m.

• Shotgun Start: 9:00 a.m.

• Lunch following golf

Please see the attached flyer for registration information.

 

Eastwood Youth Soccer Camp:

Pre-K through 8th graders in the 2026-2027 school year

July 21st-23rd

Pre-K-2nd 5:15-6:15pm

3rd-8th 6:30-8:00pm

Sign-up by June 26 to ensure a tshirt!

This is a great opportunity for young soccer players to develop skills, participate in games, and enjoy a fun, competitive environment. Please see the attached flyer for additional details. Registration is available through the QR code on the flyer or by using the provided links. 

Girls Registration Link

Boys Registration Link

 

Little Eagles Football Camp

The Little Eagles Football Camp will be held July 6-8, with the registration deadline set for June 19.

Participants will receive instruction from Eastwood coaches, current players, and alumni on proper football fundamentals, offensive and defensive techniques, and skill development through a variety of drills and activities. Each camper will also receive a camp t-shirt.

Please see the attached flyer for additional information and registration details.

Have a wonderful summer break!

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6.2.26

Eastwood Families and Community,

As the school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on a year of growth at Eastwood.

Our students and staff had an outstanding year academically, in competition, performances, volunteer service, and in supporting one another in ways that reflect pride in our district. The challenges we faced this year were certainly not typical challenges, but I believe we are coming out on the other side with a positive outlook and a stronger foundation for the future.

I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the support of our families, staff, students, and community. I hope you take time this summer to recharge, spend time with family and friends, and celebrate all that was accomplished this year.

Have a wonderful summer break!

 

2026-2027 Calendar Highlights

 

 

Elementary Building Water Testing Results

I recently received the latest water sampling results for lead and copper from the elementary building. I am pleased to report that all results came back within acceptable standards. As required by the EPA, we are sharing the attached consumer notices with our community. Please see the attached report.

 

Facilities Community Meeting

We invite you to join us for an upcoming community meeting to receive an update on our facilities planning and to share your feedback.

Meeting Details:
June 17
6:00 PM
High School Auditorium

 

 

3rd Annual Back-to-School Trunk or Treat

Planning is already underway for our 3rd Annual Back-to-School Trunk or Treat! Last August, they were able to serve nearly 300 Wood County students, and they are hoping to reach even more families this year.

More information and registration details are included in the attached flyer.

 

 

Eastwood Youth Soccer Camp:

Pre-K through 8th graders in the 2026-2027 school year

July 21st-23rd

Pre-K-2nd 5:15-6:15pm

3rd-8th 6:30-8:00pm

Sign-up by June 26 to ensure a tshirt!

This is a great opportunity for young soccer players to develop skills, participate in games, and enjoy a fun, competitive environment. Please see the attached flyer for additional details. Registration is available through the QR code on the flyer or by using the provided links. 

Girls Registration Link

Boys Registration Link

 

Little Eagles Football Camp

The Little Eagles Football Camp will be held July 6-8, with the registration deadline set for June 19.

Participants will receive instruction from Eastwood coaches, current players, and alumni on proper football fundamentals, offensive and defensive techniques, and skill development through a variety of drills and activities. Each camper will also receive a camp t-shirt.

Please see the attached flyer for additional information and registration details.

 

Pemberville Swim Team Opportunities

The Pemberville Swim Team is offering two great opportunities for community involvement this summer.

Volunteer Opportunity

The swim team is seeking community volunteers to serve as lane timers during home swim meets. Volunteers will use stopwatches and record swimmer times. This is a simple and fun way to support local youth athletics, earn volunteer hours, and give back to the community.

Home Meet Dates:

• June 16, 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• July 7, 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

Pool Season Sponsorship Banners

Families and businesses can also support the pool through the Pool Season Sponsorship Banner program. For $200, sponsors will receive a custom 3' x 5' outdoor mesh banner featuring their family name, business name, or logo displayed at the pool throughout the season. Future sponsorship renewals will be available for $100 per year.

For information regarding either opportunity, please contact:

Christina Yaniga
yanigachristina@gmail.com
419-309-9604

 

Help Name the New Luckey Park
A couple of years ago, the Village of Luckey established a new park on the site of the former Luckey Elementary School. Up to this point, the park has remained unnamed, and the Village of Luckey Council and Parks Committee would like the community’s help in choosing a name.

Please submit park name suggestions to:
Donald.withrow@luckeyohio.org by June 10.

The Village Council and/or Parks Committee will review the entries and select a final name. The chosen submitter will be invited to the June 17 Council meeting to receive recognition and thanks from the Village Council.

 

Have a wonderful summer break!

Go Eagles!

5.27.26

We are down to single digits in the school year, and summer is right around the corner! As we wrap up another incredible year at Eastwood, we want to thank our students, staff, families, and community for their continued support throughout the school year.

Please keep the following important dates on your calendar:

May 29 – Last day for kindergarten students and seniors
May 31 – Graduation Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. in the Eastwood High School Gymnasium
June 3 – Last day for students in grades 1–11

June 3 will also be an early release day:
• Grades 6–12 dismiss at 1:15 p.m.
• Grades 1–5 dismiss at 2:30 p.m.

Thank you for another wonderful school year, Eagles!

NBC & District Champions – Girls Track
Congratulations to the Eastwood Girls Track Team on capturing both the NBC Championship and District Championship! We are extremely proud of the hard work, dedication, and success of our student-athletes and coaches. Good Luck this week at the Regional Championships! Great job representing Eastwood!

 

Welcome New High School Assistant Principal – Craig Corrigan
We are excited to announce Craig Corrigan as the new Assistant Principal at Eastwood High School.

Mr. Corrigan brings valuable experience in educational leadership, student support, and school operations. He currently serves as Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel at Waite High School in Toledo Public Schools, where he oversees attendance, discipline, school safety, and student wellness.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Corrigan served as an intervention specialist at both the elementary and high school levels and also held acting principal and acting assistant principal positions at East Broadway Elementary. He brings a strong combination of leadership experience and passion for student success, and we believe he will be a great addition to Eastwood High School and an important resource for our students, staff, and families.

Welcome New Library Director
The Friends of the Library are hosting a meet-and-greet to welcome the new Library Director for the Pemberville, Luckey, and Stony Ridge branches serving the Eastwood community.

Community members are invited to stop by the Pemberville Library on Tuesday, June 2, anytime between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. to welcome Rachel Eyermann to our community.

Rachel previously served as Director of the Churubusco Public Library near Fort Wayne, Indiana, and brings extensive experience, leadership, and enthusiasm to our library system. She is passionate about strengthening community connections through the library, and we look forward to the energy and expertise she will bring to our area.

 

 

Help Name the New Luckey Park
A couple of years ago, the Village of Luckey established a new park on the site of the former Luckey Elementary School. Up to this point, the park has remained unnamed, and the Village of Luckey Council and Parks Committee would like the community’s help in choosing a name.

Please submit park name suggestions to:
Donald.withrow@luckeyohio.org by June 10.

The Village Council and/or Parks Committee will review the entries and select a final name. The chosen submitter will be invited to the June 17 Council meeting to receive recognition and thanks from the Village Council.

Have a great rest of the school year and enjoy the upcoming summer!

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5.15.26

The end of the school year is quickly approaching, and it is hard to believe we are already nearing summer break! As we wrap up another successful year, students and families can begin looking forward to everything summer brings — time with family and friends, vacations, camps, ball games, pool days, cookouts, and a well-earned opportunity to relax and recharge before another exciting school year begins. We are proud of all the hard work our students and staff have put in throughout the year and hope everyone enjoys a fun, safe, and memorable summer.

Please note an update to the school calendar regarding the last day of school. This is a change from the message that was previously sent following our last calamity day.

• The last day for Kindergarten and Senior students will be Friday, May 29.
• The last day for students in grades 1–11 will be Wednesday, June 3.

June 3 will also be an early release day:

• Grades 6–12 will dismiss at 1:15 p.m.
• Grades 1–5 will dismiss at 2:30 p.m.

Please make note of these dates and times on your calendar as we finish another great school year!

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5.8.26

We are inching closer and closer to the end of another school year. Over the past several weeks, we have had the opportunity to celebrate many of the individuals who make Eastwood such a special place: our teachers, food service staff, bus drivers, school nurse, paraprofessionals, school counselors & psychologists, administrative assistants, related service staff, principals, and custodial staff.

One thing has become very clear: we have the best staff around. Every day, our staff members show up for students, support one another, and work tirelessly to provide the best possible experience for our kids. As a district and community, we are incredibly fortunate to have such outstanding people serving our students each and every day. If you have the opportunity, please take a moment to thank a staff member for all they do.

Eastwood Band Earns Top Rating at OMEA State Large Group Band

Congratulations to the Eastwood High School Concert Band on earning a Superior (I) rating at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) State Large Group Band Adjudicated Event held May 1–2 at Findlay High School.

Eastwood was one of just 11 Class B bands in Northwest Ohio, from a field of 18, to earn the top rating at the state event. This marks the third time in the past eight years that Eastwood has earned a Superior rating at the state level and the first time accomplishing this distinction in Class B since 1993.

The band received Superior ratings from all three judges on its prepared performances as well as a Superior rating in sight-reading, earning the highest possible overall rating.

This accomplishment is a reflection of the tremendous talent, hard work, and dedication of our student musicians and directors Brian Myers and Jonathan Roode. Congratulations to everyone involved on this outstanding achievement.

 

 

NBC CHAMPS

Congratulations to both the boys and girls middle school teams for winning the NBC Championships last night!

 

Personnel Updates

Mr. Dwight Fertig has been hired as our new Director of Curriculum and Personnel.

Mr. Fertig brings more than 30 years of experience in education, including leadership roles in curriculum, student services, and district administration. We are confident he will provide strong continuity and support in this position, and we look forward to working with him in this new capacity. 

We are excited to have Mr. Fertig serve in this new role!

I am also pleased to share that Matt Stanley has been hired as our new 7–12 Athletic Director.

Matt is an experienced and dedicated athletic administrator with four years of experience in assistant roles, including the past two years as Associate Athletic Director at Gahanna Lincoln High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Industry: Education and Leadership, as well as a master’s degree in Sports Administration. In addition, he has earned his RAA (Registered Athletic Administrator) certification.

We are excited to welcome Matt to Eastwood and look forward to the leadership, energy, and vision he will bring to our athletic programs. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Stanley to the Eastwood family.

St. John’s Stony Ridge Build-A-Bed Event

We want to help spread the word about a wonderful mission opportunity taking place in our community. St. John’s Stony Ridge will be hosting a Build-A-Bed event where volunteers will help build more than 70 beds for children in need. This is a tremendous opportunity to give back and make a direct impact on the lives of local families. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

 

REMINDER – TOMORROW: Mattress Fundraiser – May 9

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 9, (10am-4pm) our high school gym will once again be transformed into a mattress showroom to support our track and field teams. This event has been very popular in our community, and we are excited to bring it back again this year.

If you or someone you know is in the market for a new mattress, pillows, adjustable bases, sheets, or bean bag chairs, this is a great opportunity to support our students while purchasing quality, brand-name products at discounted prices. Financing options, free delivery, and multiple payment methods will be available.Grand Rapids 250th Lecture Series

The Grand Rapids Historical Society has organized a historical lecture series in celebration of the community’s 250th anniversary. The series is free to the public and features professors from the University of Toledo, Lourdes College, Defiance College, and Princeton. The presentations are designed to be appropriate for all educational levels.

 

Board of Education Meeting

The next scheduled Board of Education meeting will be held at Eastwood Elementary School in the cafeteria on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

After Prom Fundraiser

The After Prom Committee will host a Chipotle Fundraiser on March 3.

Please see the attached letter regarding donation opportunities. Thank you in advance for your support in helping provide a safe and memorable evening for our students. Janet Metzger Knape

• Jan Oberhouse McLaughlin

• Dennis Mock

Location: Eastwood High School
4900 Sugar Ridge Road, Pemberville, Ohio
Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.
Induction Ceremony: 6:30 p.m.
Light refreshments will be provided.