EMS Notes from "The Nest"

5/22/26

1. "Summer’s not about the time spent, it’s about the moments that make you feel alive."- Unknown

Hello Middle School Families,

We are wrapping up the school year as we are sliding into the month of June. There have been many modifications, alternate routes, and complete plan upheavals throughout this school year. That being said, this has been one of the best years of my 33 year careeer. As a school community, we have completed an abundant of community service tasks, held an incredible multi-disciplinary "Winter Olympics" unit, had awesome team and indivdiual athletic performances, celebrated multiple weeks promoting kindness and the Eagle Way, transitioning new staff to the building, all the while performing at our highest academic achievement in the 8 years that I have been principal at Eastwood Middle School. I am proud of the students and staff for all of these tremendous adventures and achievments. It is truly a great place to be an Eagle.

I am greatful for all of the support and kindness that our families provide for our students, staff, and the building in general. Without all of you, our culture of a place where kids can be successful would not be possible. I have no doubt that this will continue in the coming years.

As we enter the last couple of weeks of school, I hope everyone enjoys the end of the year activities and ceremonies that are taking place. I encourage you to email your student's teachers with any questions that you may have about any of the events or activities listed below. We want to put a bow on a truly great school year. I look forward to the excitement and things to come for this building and this district. Fresh ideas and fresh endeavors to continue to provide the type of educational experience that is 100% appropriate for the wonderful community that we live in.

I am sure we will send 1 more final newsletter, but I want to again thank everyone for 8 of the best years of my career. I could not be more proud to be an Eastwood Eagle and Eastwood Community member. I wish everyone the serenity for great summer to refresh, rejuvenate, and recharge for the 26-27 school year.

***Reminder: There is a 5th grade parent meeting tomorrow (Thurs) at 6:00pm in the EMS cafe***

-Congratulations to Mrs. Frank

*She has been hired as EMS Assistant principal for the 2026-2027 School year

- Nurse Sutton in the House

*6th grade Vaccinations for 7th grade

-Counselor Corner

*Transition to Summer: A small conversation can make a big difference

-Student Opportunities

-Things We Like to Brag About

*Student Awards

-Athletics Summer Camps

*EMS Track and Field Summary

*Update Schedule and Link

-Upcoming Athletic Activiites and Events Calendar -

-Eastwood's Beliefs, Behaviors & Outcomes

Thank You

Peace,

Dwight Fertig

Principal

dfertig@eastwoodschools.net

Twitter: Emsdfertig (@DwightFertig)

419-833-6011 Ext. 301

Congratualtions to Mrs. Sarah Frank for being hired by the Board of Education to remain as the fulltime Assistant Principal at Eastwood Middle School. She has done a great job working with students and families while she has served in her interim role. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to watching her positively impact the students of EMS.

Attention, Parents of 6th grade students: All students must have a Tdap and a meningitis vaccine prior to the first day of 7th grade. I would encourage you to get an appointment scheduled with your pediatrician or most pharmacies have walk-in clinics that are able to give these vaccines.

Transitioning to Summer:

As the school year ends and summer begins, parents still have meaningful opportunities to check in with their children. A simple conversation in the car, a reminder before they leave the house, or a calm moment at the kitchen table can help children think through their choices before they are in a difficult situation.

Small Conversations Can Make a Big Difference

Summer does not have to be perfectly scheduled, but young people still need guidance. The goal is not to control every moment. The goal is to stay connected enough that your child knows you are paying attention.

Try asking simple questions like:

• Who will you be with?

• What is the plan if something changes?

• What time should we check in?

• What would you do if someone offered you alcohol, marijuana, or another drug?

SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign offers prevention resources to help parents, caregivers, educators, and community members talk with young people about underage drinking and other substance use.

What this means for families:

Spring Sports Season Wrap-up:

The Eastwood Middle School Track & Field teams completed an outstanding season marked by hard work, dedication, and impressive accomplishments. Both the girls and boys teams finished the regular season undefeated in dual meets against league opponents with perfect 5-0 records and captured championships at the NBC League Meet.This year’s program included 44 girls and 42 boys who demonstrated commitment and determination throughout the season. Athletes worked hard each day to improve, achieving personal records across events and continuing to push themselves in competition.

The teams also excelled at several highly competitive invitational meets throughout the spring. The girls team earned a 1st-place finish at Eastwood Relays, placed 2nd at the Fostoria Dee Clay Invitational, 4th at the Clay Eagle Invitational, and 7th at the Perkins JH Invitational. The boys team placed 2nd at the Eastwood Relays, 2nd at the Fostoria Dee Clay Invitational, 3rd at the Perkins JH Invitational, and 5th at the Clay Eagle Invitational.

In addition to the team success, several school records were broken throughout the season, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication of this year’s athletes. On the girls side, the 4x800 record was broken several times this spring, but the current school record of 10:31.20 is now held by Sydney Sabo, Lorelei Dulaney, Maddie Calmes, and Kinsley Henline. At the Eastwood Relays, the girls team of Kinsley Henline, Lorelei Dulaney and Braylin Sheets broke the Pole Vault relay record setting a new height of 24'7". The boys 4x800 team also broke the school record this year with a time of 9:28.94 set by Colton Miller, Carson Henline, Matthew Ward, and Nick Agee. Vincent Opfer broke 2 school individual event records this season in the 100m dash with a time of 11.68, as well as the 200m dash with a time of 23.98. Opfer also broke the NBC conference record in the 100 and tied the 200 record on the night of their NBC Championship!

At the League Meet, the boys won big with 164 points and the second place team (Otsego) scored 87.5. The girls had a tight battle, but scored in 15 of the 16 events to come out on top with 142 points, edging Oak Harbor with 125. League Championship performances include Kinsley Henline in pole vault, Vincent Opfer in the 100m dash and the 200m dash, Nick Agee in the 1600m run, Sydney Sabo in the 400m dash, & Maddie Calmes in the 800m run. The winning relay teams were the boys 4x800 team of Matthew Ward, Carson Henline, Josh Finfera, and Nick Agee, & the boys 4x100 team of Jackson Boninsegna, Brayden Daman, Jaxsen Deanda, and Vincent Opfer. Placing 2nd in the league was Avett Rollins-Morlock in high jump, Ava Miller in 100m hurdles, Landon Slates in 110m hurdles, Jackson Boninsegna in 100m dash and the 200m dash, Lorelei Dulaney in the 1600m run, Colton Miller in the 400m dash and in the 800m run, & Kinsley Henline in the 800m run. Placing 2nd in relays were the girls 4x800 team of Sydney Sabo, A'ryah Houtz, Maddie Calmes, and Kinsley Henline, the girls 4x200 team of Emma Oberdick, Juliet Brown, Braylin Sheets, and Bailee Pirrwitz, the girls 4x100 team of Emma Oberdick, Ava Miller, Adie Taylor and Bailee Pirrwitz, and the girls 4x400 team of Lorelei Dulaney, Braylin Sheets, Olivia Witker, and Maddie Calmes. Placing 3rd in events was Godrik Williams in shot put, Juliet Brown in high jump, Lorelei Dulaney in pole vault, Braydon Schulte in pole vault, Ava Miller in 200m hurdles, Landon Slates in 200m hurdles, Carson Henline in the 800m run, & Sydney Sabo in 200m dash. The boys 4x400 team of Jaxsen Deanda, Jace Harpel, Matthew Ward, and Nick Agee also placed 3rd.

We had multiple individuals qualify for the O.H.S.A.A. State Middle School Track and Field Championships. OHSAA 7/8 State Placers: Kinsley Henline Pole Vault(5th Place), Vincent Opfer 100/200 (7th place 200), Kinsley Henline, Lorelei Dulaney, Sydney Sabo, and Maddie Calmes in the 4 x 800 (5th place).

The coaching staff is incredibly proud of the effort, sportsmanship, and perseverance shown by every athlete this season. Thank you to the families, staff, and community members who supported our teams and volunteered to work meets throughout the spring. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes on an unforgettable season!

Upcoming Important Athletic Dates:

June 19 Eastwood Athletics Free Sports Physicals 8:00 am - 3:00 pm at Eastwood Elementary

• May 20 - 6:00 pm Middle School Track Awards
• May 22 - 6th Grade Day of Service, CBI famishnic, Eagle Way Store
• May 25 - Memorial Day - No School
• May 27 - 6th Grade to Mudhens
• May 28 - EMS Band @ Elem. 9:00 am
• May 29 - 7:15 am FCA Huddle, EMS Band @ Elem. 9:00 am (Tent. Sr. Walkthrough)
• Jun 1 - 7th Bowling Trip and Quarterly Awards
• Jun 2 - 8:00 am 8th Pancake Breakfast / Awards, 12:15 pm 7th grade Year End
• Jun 3 - Last Day of School, 8:45 6th Grade Year End, 12:30 7th grade ice cream
• Jun 19 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Eastwood Sports Physicals at Eastwood Elementary School

Community updates & announcements are sent out via email by Superintendent Brian Hughes and can be found on the district website under the About Our District tab.

Email: dfertig@eastwoodschools.org
Website: http://www.eastwoodschools.org/
Location: 4800 Sugar Ridge Road, Pemberville, OH, USA
Phone: 419-833-6011
Twitter: @emsdfertig