The class of 2025 went out on a high note at the graduation ceremony on May 24. Our three student speakers offered inspiring and reflective remarks, individual and group achievements were recognized, but most importantly each of the 213 students received their diploma. They are now Redskin Alumni and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve!
Wapakoneta City Schools
We had another excellent commencement ceremony!
We are excited about the newest group of kids joining the district as kindergartners. If you have not yet registered your child for fall, please contact Charlotte Schnippel at schnch@wapak.org or call 419-739-2905.
School Calendar: 2025-2026
The back-to-school celebration is August 14 and school officially starts on August 19.
You can find the calendar online at https://www.wapak.org/page/calendars
Baseball at State
Our Redskin baseball team traveled to Akron to play in the state semi-finals and made our community proud once again. This is the third time the team has competed at state and we want to congratulate the players and coaches on an excellent season!
Players: Jarret Mullen, Grant Jolly, Zach Fisher, Griffin Mericle, Joel Moore, Caleb Miller, Drew Bailey, Preston Hinkle, Avram Long, Blake Rogers, Jacob Boyer, Daron Houser, Mason Ludwig, and Ethan Brandt, Brayden Wireman, Trent Lisi, Hunter Roode, Brady Burden, and Cohl Springer.
State Champion in Trap Shooting!
This is the first year that the school district has had a trap shooting team and Lucas Schnippel has already won the State Championship! Lucas not only won the state for the boys, but also the overall champion. At the competition he had his personal best score of 99 out of 100 targets and went on a run of 79 straight broken targets. It was a three way tie for 1st and Lucas won 1st on the tie breaker criteria.
Congratulations, Lucas!
Updates to Facilities:
This summer the district is installing new lockers in portions of WHS, parking lots will be crackfilled and sealed, painting is taking place in all buildings, carpeting is being replaced, and lots of cleaning! The maintenance and custodial staff will be busy making sure our schools continue to be in top shape for our young people when they return.
State track meet!
Grace Burnfield competed at the state track meet this June. She placed 2nd at regionals and represented our school well all season long!
Honoring our Retirees:
At our May School Board meeting we were able to recognize our staff members retiring this school year. Thank you to Michelle Law, Mark Koch, Scott Wilson, Michelle Roediger, and Jan Yinger for all that they have done for our students and the school system.
School Alerts:
Our school uses Apptegy for our phone calls, texts, and emails home. Each year this list updates automatically from our student information system. If you do not get the calls starting in July, or would like to be removed from the list, please email Mike Watt at wattmi@wapak.org
Wapakoneta High School
Our band with another outstanding performance at their spring concert.
Mental Health: We would like to highlight some of the things that we have done this school year to promote mental health for WHS students:
QPR: Suicide Prevention Program for all 8th graders
Free mental health Teen Screens by Family Resource Center staff
Health class curriculum that focuses on relationship building, decision-making, self esteem, and mental health
Redskin Rewards Program
School Resource Navigator services through Family Resource Center
HOPELINE posters throughout the building
Gatekeepers student group
Fellowship of Christian Athletes student group
Collaboration with Momentum Counseling to provide in-school therapy services
Student birthday recognition
Student referrals to mental health agencies for services
Weekend Meal Program
Wapakoneta Noon Optimist Student of the Month
Information/encouragement to be a part of school and community groups, organizations, and activities
The end-of-year "reward day" was a huge success. Kickball was a big hit on the baseball field.
Cell Phone Policy
This past school year we introduced a no cell phone policy at Wapakoneta High School. Here are some of the benefits that we had after one year of implementation:
6 of the 8 State End-of-Course exams saw an increase in student achievement.
We had a 22% (463 Total) decrease of discipline referrals from the 23/24 school year to the 24/25 school year.
Out of all our types of offenses, 80% of those categories decreased in the number of instances from the 23/24 school year to the 24/25 school year.
We had a 40% decrease in Harassment/Bullying types of offenses between the 23/24 school year and the 24/25 school year.
Reminders
Physicals are required prior to the official first day of fall practice. All physical paperwork can be accessed through Final Forms.
Information on sports training through the summer should be coming from each individual coach. If you haven't received any information or have questions, please contact the athletic department at 419-739-5204.
Social Media: If you would like to stay up to date on what is going on in the high school, follow us on our webpage (www.wapak.org), Facebook (@Wapakoneta City Schools, @Wapakoneta High School Guidance Office), and Twitter (@WapakHS, @WHSRedskins, @Redskin_Sports).
Scholarships:
While scholarships are offered all year long, the majority are awarded in the spring of a student's senior year. Generally, those who award scholarships contact the Guidance Office in January with their application form. All awards are made known to students in Senior Announcements that are provided to each student at WHS in paper copy form as well as posted on the wapak.org webpage. In early May, most awards have been decided, and letters are sent to each winner. The recipients of the awards are announced during the graduation ceremony. Our community generously donated over $370,000 of scholarship money to our senior class.
The WIN Program
We are really proud of the W.I.N. program at Wapakoneta High School and the opportunities that are provided for our senior students. Sixty-nine students participated in the program this year by interning at local businesses. These internships help our students make educated decisions on their future careers. We would like to thank all the businesses that open their doors to allow our Seniors to complete meaningful internships.
In May our students had the opportunity to interview for jobs at our spring job fair.
Attendance Policy
This past school year we introduced a new attendance policy at Wapakoneta High School. Because of this, we saw a drastic increase in student attendance throughout the school year.
56 students finished the school year with perfect attendance
43% decrease in the number of tardies
26% decrease in students that are considered excessively absent by the state
11% decrease in students that exceeded the truancy mark
Football Alumni Weekend:
The fourth annual football alumni weekend will be August 21. This weekend is designed to reconnect with your alma mater and reunite with teammates. It’s open to all football alumni from all class years.
Each May, our Ag students travel to the middle school to teach our younger students about different pieces of heavy equipment and how to use them properly on "Safety Day."
Wapakoneta Middle School
Respectful, Responsible, and Safe!
Kids show up for their classmate:
WMS celebrated fellow classmate Ethan Jeanneret’s return home following his extended hospital stay with a heartwarming display of support—students lined up outside as his mom drove him past the school, cheering, applauding, and holding up signs filled with well wishes.
Under the direction of choral instructors, Mrs. Mary Dildine and Mrs. Marissa Lewis, the WMS Choir gave a memorable performance at their spring concert, much to the enjoyment of the audience.
Ryan Belford proudly displays the fish he caught during a fishing trip hosted by the Wapakoneta Breakfast Optimist Club, who provided transportation, joined the students for fishing, and treated them to a cookout.
Fifth Grade Students Graduate from Dare:
It’s hard to believe the school year has come to a close, and we’ve just celebrated another successful DARE graduation at Wapakoneta Middle School. Our students put in a great deal of effort to complete their DARE workbooks and essays. The DARE program focuses on building a strong foundation of decision-making skills and reminding students that support is always available when they need it.
Fifth grade is often a pivotal time when students begin forming their identities and start thinking about future interests and possible career paths. It’s important they recognize the four pillars of support they can rely on—law enforcement, parents, schools, and the community.
It’s also essential for both students and parents to understand that DARE doesn’t end in 5th grade. Instead, it marks the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with choices—some challenging, some rewarding.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Wapakoneta Lions Club for their continued support. For more than 30 years, they’ve helped sponsor the purchase of DARE shirts, making a meaningful impact on our students' experience.
Wapakoneta Middle School students traveled to Sandusky to perform at Cedar Point, under the direction of Mr. Steve Wimmers and Mr. Quinn Schneider, then spent the day enjoying the amusement park.
Next Year is Now
On May 19, we hosted our annual Next Year is Now event at both Wapakoneta Middle School and Wapakoneta High School. Fourth grade students from Wapakoneta Elementary and Cridersville Elementary visited WMS, where they took part in an orientation and toured the building. During their visit, they had the chance to meet several teachers and experience a typical 5th grade schedule.
Meanwhile, our 7th grade students visited Wapakoneta High School, where they were able to tour the facility and get a preview of what to expect in the coming year.
We were proud to offer this valuable experience to help our students feel more comfortable and confident as they prepare to transition to WMS and WHS.
Back the Blue: Students at WMS show their appreciation for SRO Jared Clark, whose strong connections with students and dedication to keeping the school safe make him a valued part of the community.
As part of the annual Safety Day, WMS FFA students highlighted the importance of reading labels and demonstrated how certain hazardous items, when removed from their original containers, can dangerously resemble safe, consumable products.
During Safety Day, the Wapakoneta Fire Department gave a powerful demonstration showing how even a small amount of water poured on a grease fire can cause it to flare up rapidly into a very large blaze.
Sponsored by Wapakoneta McDonald’s, the April McDonald’s Helping Hands Award winners were Kamdyn Toler, Ella Steinbrunner, Lincoln Gross, Reed Yonyon, and Colby Phillips (seated), along with Stacy Vorhees of McDonald’s, Aiden Kingston, Layla Schimpf, Kiersten Contris, Lilith Bendele, Steele Carter, and Rachel Shick of McDonald’s (standing). This award honors students who consistently demonstrate exemplary behavior and positive character.
Sponsored by the WMS PTO, the quarterly PBIS Prize Containers, filled with a water bottle, a bracelet, candy, and fun trinkets, were awarded to Ayla Webb, Kennedy Martin, Andre Varno, Kennidy Williams, and Amelia Miner (standing). Olivia Shobe was also a winner but was absent for the photo.
Wapakoneta Elementary School
Redskin Ready to be better today!
WES Walkers
All year long, students walked or ran laps as part of our WES Walkers program. Students joined milestone clubs—including 30, 50, 70, and even 100 miles! Ten lucky students won brand-new bikes, generously donated by our local YMCA and McDonald's. Special thanks to Mrs. Puthoff, our staff, and sponsors for making this program a success.
Kindergarten Spring Sing
In April, our Kindergarten students put on a wonderful Spring Sing performance for their families. We were so proud of their efforts and talent! A big thank you to Mrs. Roeth and our Kindergarten team for helping our students shine on stage.
Students recognized by Noon Optimists
Student Recognition
Throughout the school year, we’ve had numerous opportunities to celebrate students who exemplify what it means to be Redskin Ready. Students were recognized as Students of the Month through our Redskin Way program, by the Noon Optimists, and by our Board of Education. We are incredibly proud of the positive choices and achievements of our students!
Right to Read Week:
In May, students celebrated reading during our "Redskin Readers" themed week! Activities included buddy reading, outdoor reading, and a strong focus on the joy of books. Thank you to our 3rd grade team for organizing such a fun and engaging week for our school community!
Preschool Graduation
We wrapped up the year by celebrating our preschool graduates. Families joined us to watch their little ones walk across the stage in caps and gowns, proudly sharing what they want to be when they grow up. We can’t wait to welcome them as Kindergartners next year!
Important Upcoming Dates
Teacher Name Pick-Up
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Families may visit WES to learn their child’s teacher for the upcoming school year.
Please ensure Final Forms are completed beforehand.
Note: Classrooms will be locked—school supplies cannot be dropped off at this event.
Back-to-School Celebration
Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Join us to meet teachers and tour classrooms. We look forward to seeing you!
First Day of School for Grades 1–4
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Kindergarten Phase-In Schedule
Tuesday, August 19: Boys attend
Wednesday, August 20: Girls attend
Thursday, August 21: Boys attend
Friday, August 22: Girls attend
Monday, August 25: All Kindergarten students attend
We wish you all a safe, fun, and restful summer. Thank you for your continued partnership in making Wapakoneta Elementary School a place where every student can grow, learn, and lead.
Mother-Son Activity Night
Thank you to our amazing PTO for sponsoring both of these special events. We had an outstanding turnout, and it was clear how meaningful these evenings were to our students and their families. We appreciate the time and effort of our PTO officers, volunteers, and staff for making these memorable nights possible!
Ronald's Walk
Our annual Ronald’s Walk in May was a huge success! Students participated in laps, relay races, and tug-of-war—all while raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities. We’re proud to share that over $20,000 was raised this year! Thank you to our RMH Committee, families, staff, community members, and local businesses for supporting this meaningful service project.
New Administrators:
Near the end of last school year, our Assistant Principal Mrs. Brooke Seger was promoted to building Principal, and Mrs. Kaitlynn Gerlach was hired as our new assistant principal. We are excited about their leadership and look forward to seeing their continued work with your kids!
Cridersville Elementary School
Respectful, Responsible, and Kind
Field Day:
CES Field Day centered around a racing theme this year. Students enjoyed time on bouncy houses, made snow cones, raced Hot Wheels cars, and got to meet an actual race car driver, Stratton Briggs. A special thanks goes out to Mrs. Stubbs for organizing a great day of fun!
Wacky Walk: CES students and staff dressed up in bright colors to participate in Wacky Walk. Students walked laps around the school while listening to fun music. This yearly tradition promotes the value of physical activity while having fun!
Please see the links below for school supply lists for 2025-26 at Cridersville Elementary
Preschool / Kindergarten - https://5il.co/3h8hq
1st - 4th Grade - https://5il.co/3h8hr
Thank you!
The CES staff would like to thank everyone for making the 2024-25 school year a success! We truly believe that every student deserves the opportunity to be a part of something great. There were so many great learning opportunities and experiences that would not have been possible without the support from so many organizations, families, and volunteers. Thank you for all you do for our students. We look forward to all the ways we can #bebetter in 2025-26!
Kindergarten Screening:
The incoming Kindergarten class of 2038 received their golden tickets. We wanted to thank the staff members from CES and WES for all they did to help make this process go smoothly. We can’t wait to see these smiling faces this fall!
4th Grade Recognition & Next Year is Now: On Tuesday, May 20, we held our 4th Grade Recognition Ceremony. We honored and celebrated our current 4th grade students once more before they move onto WMS. We would also like to thank Mrs. Schneider and Mr. Golden at WMS for coordinating Next Year is Now Day for our current 4th graders. Giving them the opportunity to tour the building and meet WMS staff members greatly helps ease the transition for these students.
Contact us or follow us: https://www.wapak.org/o/ces
Mr. Cutnaw: cutnky@wapak.org
Ms. Barga: 419-645-3000/bargkr@wapak.org