The Eagle Eye
Oak Hill United School Corporation - December 2025
Hardman's Happenings
Hello Oak Hill Families,
Can you believe we are already nearing the end of the first semester? It always seems to go by so fast! The first semester will end on Friday, December 19, 2025. Students will begin Christmas break on Monday, December 22, 2025 and return on Monday, January 5th, 2026 for the start of the second semester. I hope you are able to enjoy this time with friends and family. If you are traveling, please do so safely, and if you’re heading somewhere warm, enjoy the sunshine for the rest of us!
We have already had several weather-related delays and eLearning days this semester. As we move deeper into winter, please make sure your contact information in Skyward is up to date. You can verify this by logging into your Skyward Family Access account, selecting the Student tab on the lower left side of the screen, and opening Student Profile. The phone numbers and email addresses listed there are what the school uses to send alerts. If any information needs updated, simply click the Family Access Information Update tile at the bottom of the profile.
After our first delay this year, we received several calls from families who did not receive the notification. In every instance, the contact information had not been updated, and in one case, the family member wasn’t listed at all. Please take a few minutes to check your information before our next weather event so no one in your household misses important messages.
I know that sometimes it may seem like our weather-related calls are unexpected or even unnecessary. Please know there is a great deal of thought, communication, and collaboration involved in every decision. Whenever possible, I try to make weather calls the night before, ideally by 8:00 p.m., to help your family plan. When weather is expected overnight, my goal is to make a decision by 6:00 a.m. I am consistently in contact with staff across our district as well as neighboring superintendents to gather accurate information about road conditions and safety and use that information to make the best decision with the education of our children in mind as well as the safety of all students and staff.
If your Skyward contact information is current, you will receive an email, text message, and phone call immediately after any weather decision is made. I also report delays and cancellations to WRTV 6, WISH 8, WTHR 13, FOX 59, WANE 15, and 21Alive, and we post updates on the school corporation website and Facebook page.
Thank you for the tremendous support you have shown to our students and staff throughout this first semester. Your partnership is deeply appreciated and plays a vital role in helping our children succeed and in making our schools places where students can thrive.
I hope you have a safe, joyful, and restful Christmas break, and that you are able to spend meaningful time together as a family reflecting on the blessings in your lives.
Yours in Education,
Sheri Hardman
OHUSC Superintendent
Food Drive
A HUGE thank you to our families for supporting our food drive so well! Tiny people have GIANT HEARTS!!! EVERY year, we say there is no way our students and families can top the previous year’s food drive. Here we are again, BLOWN AWAY by your kindness and generosity! This year we had 2300 items donated and an additional $1383!!! This surpassed last year by a landslide! THANK YOU for digging deep and donating! I think one of my favorite parts is watching how proud the students are to bring their items to the food drive area! They are so excited to share from their hearts! What a fun way to learn about giving in this season! We are so THANKFUL for our Converse Families!
STEM AT CONVERSE
Students at Converse are so excited about their STEM class each week with Mrs. Bricker! They love doing hands-on activities each week that challenge them to be thinkers, creators, and engineers! They are learning so much during this time about productive struggle, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration! Check out some of their creations!
Converse Students and Staff Member of the Month
Huxley Wyrick - Preschool Student of the Month
Huxley Wyrick is in Mrs. Brown's preschool class. Huxley is a friend to everyone and super helpful to anyone who needs it. Huxley volunteers to help others out without being asked. Huxley is a hard worker! He has grown so much this year! We are so thankful he is in our preschool class and our Converse Family!
Liyla Romans - Kindergarten Student of the Month
Liyla Romans is in Kindergarten with Mrs. O'Blenis. Liyla is a very positive student. I often hear her helping others while sharing compliments and encouragement! She is a hard worker and a good friend to many of the students in our room. She has a bright smile that brings a smile to others! We are so happy to have Liyla in our Converse Family!
Lincoln Hodson - 1st Grade Student of the Month
Lincoln Hodson is in Mrs. Grinslade's 1st grade class. Lincoln is always on task, friendly, and willing to participate in class. He is a great friend and a good role model! He has such a great attitude and works so hard in school! We are so happy to have Lincoln in our Converse Family!
Lizzie Morrical - 2nd Grade Student of the Month
Lizzie Morrical is a 2nd grader in Mrs. Hovermale's class. Lizzie is a kind friend to all of her classmates. She works hard on all her assignments and is willing to help whenever she is needed. She comes to school with a great attitude and is always happy to be here! We are so thankful to have Lizzie in our Converse Family!
Heather Bricker - Converse Staff Member of the Month
Heather Bricker is our new Librarian AND STEM teacher! She has made a seamless transition from an Instructional Assistant to running her own specials classrooms. She is such a positive person who brings great excitement to her classroom! She is always willing to do what is needed at Converse. We are so thankful to have Mrs. Bricker in our Converse Family!
Sweetser Snapshot
Christmas in Converse with Mr. Zach
Thank you, Mr. Zach!
A huge thank you to Mr. Zach for helping coordinate with Amanda Cruea and inviting our third graders to perform Christmas songs at the Converse Christmas Tree Lighting tonight. Our students did an amazing job sharing holiday cheer with the community! (Thank you to Ms. Pendleton & Mrs. Hunt for helping during practices and/or chaperoning tonight).
To our wonderful parents—thank you for bringing your children out this evening and allowing them to be a part of such a special event. Your support means so much!
And to top it all off… even Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance!
What a magical night for our Sweetser family!
⭐ 1. Principal’s 100 Club
This fun school-wide incentive celebrates students who earn Second Step Superstars for showing positive social-emotional skills and strong character traits.
Here’s how it works:
Our social worker, Ms. Tignor, tracks every Superstar earned.
When a student earns 10 Superstars, they:
✓ Take a picture with the Principal
✓ Earn a spot in the Principal’s 100 Club
✓ Get their photo placed on our 100-square bulletin board (created by Mrs. Mosier)
💛 2. Student-Led “Brag Tags” Program
This program empowers students to celebrate each other!
It’s all about recognizing acts of kindness, helpfulness, and positive choices within their classroom community.
How it works:
Students fill out a Brag Tag card for a peer (with teacher help if needed).
Teachers ensure each card highlights a sincere and meaningful act.
Brag Tags are collected every Thursday.
On Friday mornings, students are recognized during announcements, their photo is taken, and they receive a “Bragged On!” sticker to proudly wear throughout the day.
Sweetser Students and Staff Member of the Month
Braxton Tinkel - 3rd Grade Student of the Month
Sweetser’s Third Grade Student of the Month is Braxton Tinkel! His teacher, Mrs. Lehman, shares, “Braxton is a hard worker, always positive and polite. He is always willing to help other students. He is a blessing to have in class!” Braxton consistently displays wonderful qualities—kindness, positivity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to lend a helping hand. His character shines every day, and he is truly a great friend to others. Thank you, Braxton, for being such an outstanding student. We are so happy to have you at Sweetser! Congratulations! 🎉
Rylie Sheedy - 4th Grade Student of the Month
Sweetser’s Fourth Grade Student of the Month is Rylie Sheedy! Mrs. Johnson shares, “Rylie is a hard worker and does her best work every time. She is kind and cares for others. She is willing to help if someone needs it. She is a great girl!” Rylie demonstrates outstanding character each and every day. Her strong work ethic, kindness, and willingness to help others make her a wonderful role model for her peers. She possesses so many qualities that will carry her far in the future, and we are incredibly proud of the student—and person—she is becoming. We are so glad to have you represent fourth grade as our Student of the Month, Rylie! Congratulations! 🎉
Morgan Cox - Sweetser Staff Member of the Month
We are so proud to celebrate Morgan Cox, as she is a true asset to Sweetser Elementary. She builds strong rapport and meaningful relationships with her students, consistently challenges them to be their best academically, and brings joy and engagement into her classroom each day.
Morgan is also an invaluable member of her grade-level team. Her collaboration, positivity, and willingness to support others shine through in all she does. In addition to her work in the classroom, she serves as a key member of our Emergency Response Team—always ready to support students’ health needs and continuously completing additional trainings to stay current and prepared.
Morgan brings a wonderful sense of humor and an uplifting energy to our building. We are incredibly grateful to have her as part of the Sweetser family. Congratulations, Morgan! 🎉
Swayzee Students and Staff Member of the Month
Grainger Phipps - 5th Grade Student of the Month
We are proud to recognize Grainger Phipps as our 5th Grade Student of the Month! Grainger is an exceptional example of what it means to be a Swayzee Eagle. He is hard-working, consistently giving his best effort in everything he does. Whether tackling a challenging assignment or supporting his classmates, Grainger shows perseverance and a positive mindset.
Grainger is also remarkably polite and an outstanding citizen in our school community. He treats others with kindness, respect, and maturity well beyond his years. His teachers can count on him to make responsible choices and to set a strong example for his peers.
Perhaps Grainger’s most defining characteristic is his smile—it’s always there, and it brightens the classroom every single day. His positive attitude is contagious and makes Swayzee Elementary a better place for everyone.
Ryan Pyle - 6th Grade Student of the Month
We are excited to recognize Ryan Pyle as our 6th Grade Student of the Month! Ryan brings a one-of-a-kind energy to Swayzee Elementary—just the right mix of serious and ornery, which keeps his classmates smiling and his teachers on their toes in the best possible way.
Ryan cares deeply about his people. Whether it’s cheering up a friend, checking in on a classmate, or lending a hand without being asked, he shows loyalty, compassion, and a heart that shines through everything he does.
Even with all the noise of life, Ryan continues to work hard and stay focused on being the best student he can be. His determination, his sense of humor, and his steady drive make him stand out as a leader and role model among his peers.
U.S. News & World Report Recognition
Recently, US News and World Report came out with their most recent school rankings for the State of Indiana. Oak Hill Junior High remains one of the top junior high/middle schools in the state. The JH scored in the top 7% of all 1393 schools. Oak Hill Junior High is also the #1 ranked junior high/middle school in the area. This includes all junior high/middle schools from Blackford, Grant, Huntington, Howard, Miami, Tipton, and Wabash counties. This continues to be a great honor for the junior high! If you see a JH staff member or student, let them know what a great job they are doing! Keep up the great work Oak Hill Junior High!
Tutoring for OHJH students
The National Honor Society will be offering after-school tutoring on Tuesdays from 3:15-4:15 p.m. at the high school beginning January 13th. Parents and guardians are responsible for picking up their child at the front of the high school promptly at 4:15 pm when tutoring is over. Parents can reach out to Mrs. Lorona at jenniferlo@ohusc.k12.in with any questions or concerns.
FCA Students Spread Holiday Joy Through Angel Tree Shopping
Written by Selah Schible
Oak Hill Junior High students proved that kindness is alive and well this holiday season. Through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Angel Tree project, students dressed up throughout the past several weeks to raise money. The fundraising didn’t stop there. Youth for Christ, led by Stan Myers, continued the spirit of giving during its “Egg and Beg” event. The activity inspired even more generosity from students and local families, resulting in a significant donation that helped make this year’s Angel Tree shopping trip one of the most successful yet, collecting an impressive $2,106.85 to support local children in need.
On November 30th, eleven junior high students (Ari Fields, Kenzie Bowland, Makenna Sloan, Brylee Bokinsky, Selah Schible, Josie Michaels, Griffin Boswell, Chase Dailey, Gia Berry, and Brianna Henderson), joined by three high school students (RJ Shugart, Lexi Nuber, and Callie Nuber), traveled to Walmart with one mission: to make Christmas brighter for children across Grant County. With their combined donations, the group selected gifts for 13 Angel Tree children, choosing items such as warm clothing, bottles, diapers, toys, and other holiday surprises.
Students carefully worked from wish lists, making sure each child would feel remembered and cared for this Christmas. FCA sponsors expressed pride in the students’ teamwork, generosity, and commitment to serving others.
“It was awesome to see our students take ownership of giving back,” Mrs. Johnson shared. “They truly made a difference in our community.”
As the holiday season approaches, the FCA students’ efforts stand as a shining reminder of what can happen when a school comes together with compassion and purpose. Their kindness will undoubtedly bring smiles to children throughout Grant County on Christmas morning!
Angel Tree Dress Up Days
12/17 - Favorite Christmas Movie Day
12/18 - Crazy Christmas Color Day
12/19 - Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
Below are a few pictures from the “Thankful Dinner” hosted by the Student Council.
The Oak Hill Junior High School staff wishes the entire Oak Hill Community a wonderful and happy holiday season. Christmas Break starts with the dismissal bell on December 19th! The second semester begins on Monday, January 5th. The Oak Hill Junior High School staff hopes the students have a great break and are ready to continue their amazing success stories starting again at the beginning of the spring semester.
Shawn Means
Principal
Oak Hill Junior High School
OHJH Students and Staff Member of the Month
Ryan Munoz Morales - 7th Grade Student of the Month
The Student of the Month for December is Ryan Munoz Morales. Ryan comes to class with an energy and excitement that his teachers wish every student exhibited. Ryan is an encouragement to everyone in class and is quick with a smile and a loud laugh. Students enjoy being around Ryan because of his positivity and energy. Ryan’s father is Demetrio Munoz. Ryan participates in soccer and his favorite class is social studies. Congratulations, Ryan, for being selected as the student of the month by your 7th grade teachers. Great job, Ryan! Your efforts have not gone unnoticed!
Brianna Henderson - 8th Grade Student of the Month
The Student of the Month for December is Brianna Henderson. Brianna has gone above and beyond helping her fellow classmates. She is always polite and works hard in the classroom. She has a great attitude and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Brianna is encouraging and her teachers enjoy having her positivity in class. Brianna’s parents are Courtney and Jeff Henderson. She also has a brother (Brayden) and a sister (Alyssa). Brianna participates in dance, student council, News Crew, the River Church, C3 Youth Group, and FCA. Her favorite class is PCC (Preparing for College and Careers). Congratulations, Brianna, for being selected as the student of the month by your 8th grade teachers! Keep up the good work! Your efforts have not gone unnoticed!
Darby Scalf - OHJH Staff Member of the Month
Mr. Scalf is the 7th and 8th grade art teacher at the junior high and is in his third year of teaching at Oak Hill. Prior to Oak Hill, he spent many years teaching art at Lewis Cass. Mr. Scalf has been working tirelessly providing top notch art instruction to our junior high students. Not only are his students being challenged academically, but he also brings real world experiences to his classroom. Mr. Scalf’s efforts have not gone unnoticed and Oak Hill Junior High is a better school with Mr. Scalf as a teacher. Mr. Scalf is also the JH and HS Art Club supervisor and has his students participate in the Purdue University Bug Bowl, which is one of the largest insect festivals in the USA. Mr. Means appreciates the effort Mr. Scalf puts in for his students during and after school. It is a privilege to recognize Mr. Scalf as the Oak Hill Junior High School employee of the month for December. Keep up the great work Mr. Scalf! We all appreciate your selfless attitude and how you help the school.
OHHS Students and Staff Member of the Month
Araya Larch - Freshman Student of the Month
Araya is such a joy. She always brings a smile to my face. She works extra hard in class and tries to encourage others. She is smart, creative, and is friendly to everyone. She always goes the extra mile when working on her assignments. She is an absolute leader in her groups, and I can always depend on her to do her best. She is very supportive of her classmates, and tries to also keep them on task. I have enjoyed having her in class.
Ava Middlesworth - Sophomore Student of the Month
Ava Middlesworth is our Sophomore Student of the Month. She has been on top of getting her work completed. She emails teachers, comes into school to complete work when she isn't required to do it. She goes above and beyond to get her work done and stay on top of her grades. She is always pleasant and encouraging. She should be rewarded for her hard work though it all!
Kyle Brower - Junior Student of the Month
I would like to nominate Kyle Brower for student of the month. Kyle is a shining star in my dual credit U.S. history class. He is not afraid to share his thoughts and opinions during class discussions. He has a sincere passion for history and how it has affected our nation as a whole. He exemplifies great leadership both inside and outside of the classroom. He is a member of the National Honor Society where he contributes his ideas and his own time for various community events. I appreciate his strong work ethic and commitment to his academics. He has a bright future ahead of him.
Channing Riley - Senior Student of the Month
I would like to nominate Channing Riley for the senior student of the month. Channing has been very helpful to me in class. There was a time that I was called away for a meeting, Channing stepped in and made sure the class continued reading the story we were studying. When I returned, they were right where they needed to be in the material. Channing has since asked me to "teach" at least two more times, which I have let him do, and he does a great job. Channing has already grown a lot in a very short period of time, and in my class, he has found a nice balance between being the "class clown" and a respectful young man.
Matt McDivitt - OHHS Staff Member of the Month
I would like to nominate Mr. Matt McDivitt. He is easy to work with and consistently understanding with all students, while still holding them accountable. I appreciate that Mr. McDivitt makes it clear students can come to him for help with their work or simply to talk. Mr. McDivitt maintains excellent control of his classroom, and his students respect him. Mr. McDivitt also does a great job incorporating real-life situations into his teaching to help prepare his seniors for life after graduation.
Upcoming Events
NO SCHOOL Christmas Break: December 22 - January 2
School Board Meeting: Monday, January 12
NO SCHOOL MLK Day: Monday, January 19
eLearning Day: Friday, February 13
NO SCHOOL President's Day: Monday, February 16
JOIN US AT OHUSC!
We are currently Hiring for the following positions:
Custodians (Full-time and Part-time)
Substitute Cafeteria Workers
Substitute Teachers
Bus Drivers
Substitute Bus Drivers
Substitute Bus Aides