The Blade is offering you the chance to submit photos of your student (K-12th) who are a part of any game day experience for football.
"Lights On, Game On" will celebrate football players, cheerleaders, band members, dance team members, flag corp, majorettes and more! This is online submission will stay on the site for a year but will also be published in the print and eBlade version on Thursday, October 30!
Submit your pics here:
https://toledoblade.secondstreetapp.com/Lights-On-Game-On
"I want to shout out Sydney Centola (6th grade math at Silver Creek) for being so welcoming to all her new students and to new staff. She has the enthusiasm of a new teacher and the skills of a veteran teacher."
Making people feel welcome is such an important skill and we are so lucky to have Ms. Centola!
Want to anonymously shout out a staff member?
Send a picture and explanation to https://forms.gle/GLSYAW7j1YTmKnNG6
"Mr. MacKenzie, Whitmer Science teacher, is/will always be a favorite. He is the sweetest, most kind teacher you could ask for. He’s beyond understanding and accepts all for who they are. His class is fun yet informative every day. Truly a gem."
Our alums talk about our staff years after they leave us, and Mr. Mac is definitely a fan favorite!
Want to anonymously shout out a staff member?
Send a picture and explanation to https://forms.gle/GLSYAW7j1YTmKnNG6
WHITMER for Best High School (under 'community' category) &
WHITMER CTC for Best Career Tech High School (under 'community' category)!
TEACHER (under 'people' category)
https://toledocitypaper.com/best-of/best-of-toledo-2025/#//
You can vote 1x per day until 9/15!
"Screaming a BIG staff-to-staff shout to our intervention specialist at Meadowvale, Katie Sandy!!! Katie’s natural laid-back personality and hard work ethic is exemplary. Katie continues to advocate for her students while supporting them and staff members. If you are lucky, you will catch one of her genuine facial expressions and hear her contagious giggle."
Ms. Sandy brings light and laughter to every space she enters and we are so happy to see the difference she is making in "The Meadows!"
Want to anonymously shout out a staff member?
Send a picture and explanation to https://forms.gle/GLSYAW7j1YTmKnNG6
"This staff rocks! Shoutout to Lori Berryman (Director of Human Resources) and Melanie Karcsak (Student Services Dept), who won the grand prize in the Central Office cornhole tournament this summer, and immediately donated all of the prize money to the Whitmer Clothing closet - a resource that serves all WLS kids and families. What generous examples of Empathy and Integrity - two of our Portrait of a Team Member competencies!"
This sweet act is only the tip of the iceberg in what these two do for WLS.
So many students will benefit from their kindness!
Want to anonymously shout out a staff member?
Send a picture and explanation to https://forms.gle/GLSYAW7j1YTmKnNG6
"I need to shout out Mr. Sean Peters (Whitmer). He’s always there for everyone and he’s always ready to help anyone that is in need. He tells us he cares about us in class and he deserves an award for what he does for all students."
Caring for kids like Mr. Peters does is the WLS standard but student appreciation of it just hits differently! Way to go!
We would like to celebrate ALL of our junior high and high school students who attended the varsity football game on Friday. Their patience getting into the game, being prepared with their smart ids, the respect they had for adults and their spirit was remarkable. All of the administrators were impressed and appreciative of their fantastic behavior and cooperation. Keep being amazing!
WE ARE SO PROUD YOU ARE OUR STUDENTS!
Go Panthers!
STUDENT SHOUT TO STAFF:
"Mr. Hodnicki (Whitmer Social Studies) is one of the best teachers I've ever had; he always listens to what I have to say. He truly has changed my high school years. If you ever get the chance to get him as a teacher, GET HIM!! I always look forward to seeing him everyday."
Sometimes, they say it best. 💙
Want to anonymously shout out a staff member?
Send a picture and explanation to https://forms.gle/GLSYAW7j1YTmKnNG6
Want your student to experience an exciting, international travel opportunity?
Whitmer HS is planning a trip to France and Spain in the summer of 2027 and would love to help your child see the world!
The first, information-only meeting will be held in the Whitmer auditorium on Tuesday, September 16th at 7:00 p.m. All questions can be answered at that time!
Let's get your Panther perusing Paris!
Want to provide them some support for FREE?
Check out this community resource!
WHITMER for Best High School (under 'community' category) &
WHITMER CTC for Best Career Tech High School (under 'community' category)!
TEACHER (under 'people' category)
https://toledocitypaper.com/best-of/best-of-toledo-2025/#//
You can vote once per day until 9/15!
"I would like to recognize Jefferson teacher Mr. Brett Herr, whose consistent kindness and dedication have provided my son with both comfort and confidence throughout the roller coaster ride that is junior high. He has gone above and beyond to offer support and encouragement and exemplifies the very best of teaching. He has truly made a meaningful difference in my son’s educational journey and I am deeply grateful."
Guiding students during sometimes-tumultuous times of growth can be difficult, but teachers like Mr. Herr continue to believe that EVERY STUDENT MATTERS so he makes every moment count!
Want to anonymously shout out a staff member?
Send a picture and explanation to https://forms.gle/GLSYAW7j1YTmKnNG6
STAFF SHOUT:
"I would like to shout out Whitmer teacher, Avion Franklin. Avion has a good relationship with every single student he comes in contact with, and he works tirelessly. I consistently see Avion stay after work to help kids and support all of our various sports programs."
Once a student at Whitmer, Avion now selflessly serves the students who have come after him. He is a steady force of support for all of our kids and we are so grateful for him!
Want to anonymously shout out a staff member?
Send a picture and explanation to https://forms.gle/GLSYAW7j1YTmKnNG6
STAFF SHOUTOUT:
"Melissa Begin's organization and dedication to students is amazing! She organizes Chromebooks for the entire Whitmer building and makes personal connections with students and staff while doing it. Her commitment that "every student matters" is seen daily in her interactions with our students."
Ms. Begin is one of the kindest, most helpful people ever and WHS is so lucky to have her!
Want to anonymously shout out a staff member?
Send a picture and explanation to https://forms.gle/GLSYAW7j1YTmKnNG6
Welcome back Washington Local Schools! Meet your 2025-2026 Whitmer Health Center team! Our care is easy to use and right on your campus! We accept walk-ins or appointments, all insurances, no insurance, or underinsured, no one will be turned away for not being able to pay. We are available Monday-Friday 7:30-4 during the school year. Give us a call at 567-389-4796.
"Rodger Marciniak (Jefferson JH) is always willing to do what he can to help students as a teacher, and colleagues as a department head. He is phenomenal at what he does and Washington Local Schools is lucky to have him."
Mr. M is engaging in class and encouraging as a colleague.
We ARE lucky to have him!
***Want to anonymously shout out a staff member?
Send a picture and explanation to https://forms.gle/GLSYAW7j1YTmKnNG6
