The week of May 7^th – May 11^th was National Teacher Appreciation Week. We are thankful for the teachers and staff of Perry Township Schools and for their hard work and dedication to our students.  These educators play a vital role in making sure each and every student receives a quality education. Our students, families and PTA organizations celebrated them during this week in many creative, thoughtful ways.  The following is a sampling of the activities of appreciation in our schools last week: 

• Homemade and hand-written thank you cards/notes from students to a special staff member – The notes described how the staff member helped them learn this school year.  A simple note of thanks can go a long way to making someone feel special and valued.
• Homemade and hand-written thank you cards/notes from parents to a special staff member(s).  School “mail carriers” delivered the notes to the teacher’s mailboxes.
• “We are Bananas for our Staff” - A 5 foot purple gorilla created from balloons delighted staff members.  He was surrounded by bananas for them.
• “Healthy Fresh Fruit Baskets and Veggies” – Baskets of apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, melon, fruit trays, berries, celery, carrots, etc. were enjoyed throughout the day.
• “Salty Snacks” – Bags of chips, nuts, pretzels, Chex mix, popcorn, crackers, etc. were appreciated by all.
• “Chill Out Day” - A courtyard was decorated with tropical decor and staff members were served ice cream treats.
• “Sweet Treats” – Chocolates and other candy brought smiles to teachers and staff
• Dessert Day–cupcakes, cookies, dried fruit, pies, desserts, etc. were available in the staff lounge.
• “Ice Cream Sundaes”— An ice cream sundae buffet, complete with sprinkles, syrups, nuts, cherries, whipped cream and more, was set out during staff lunch breaks.
• “Wear your Teacher’s Favorite Color Day”
• Car washes – Students rolled up their sleeves and washed staff members’ vehicles.
• “Relax, it’s Friday” A massage pad and chair was placed in the lounge for staff members use. 
• “Bring a flower to your Teacher Day”
• Staff breakfasts
• Staff luncheons
• “Bring in Classroom Supplies to your Teacher Day”
• Other personal gifts of appreciation  Continue reading »

We are fortunate to live in a community that represents 59 languages ranging from Portuguese to Punjabi.  In Perry Township, our EL (English Learner) student population continues to grow. As you can imagine, children enter our schools with a wide range of skills. We are committed to helping our students and their families master the reading, writing, and speaking skills necessary to be successful in school.   

I would like to share one of the EL student success stories that exist in Perry Township.  Her name is Biak Chin Par, a senior at Southport High School.  She came here with her family from Burma and began her academic career in Perry Township in April of 2009.  Her knowledge of English was very limited. She attended a half day EL summer school program. Biak continued to work hard, improving her English skills with visual learning aids such as graphs, tables, diagrams, charts, and a physical response to phrases such as “turn off the lights” and “stand up”.  Three years later, she now is enrolled in AP (Advanced Placement-college level) classes!  Biak tells us her favorite class is AP Chemistry with Mr. Mark Duncan. She attributes her academic success to the support and encouragement of her teachers at Southport High School, especially Mrs. Amy Peddie.  She says our libraries, the “learning system” in our schools, along with our technology, contributes to a better education than she would have ever have dreamed of receiving in Burma. Continue reading »

The primary focus in Perry Township Schools is to graduate students who can read and comprehend material at their appropriate grade level, compose documents that are grammatically correct and clearly stated, and grasp a working knowledge of complex mathematics concepts.

In addition, your school district is fortunate to have an outstanding art department in each and every Perry Township school.  In art classes, students explore not only the fundamentals of art technique using their own imagination, but are also introduced to art history.  The curriculum exposes our children to basic color theory, construction techniques, and the elements of art (shape, line, color, texture).  Students apply the elements and principles of art through a variety of media and techniques.  Continue reading »

The transition for some students from an elementary school program to a middle school program is a real challenge.  The students move from a very isolated, one teacher format to meeting on a daily basis with seven different teachers, each focused on a specific content area. In the fall of 2004, the Perry Meridian Sixth Grade Academy and the Southport Sixth Grade Academy opened their doors.  These schools were designed to specifically meet the unique needs of sixth grade students.  They serve students have the opportunity to grow and thrive.  Sixth graders are entering a critical time in their academic and social development.   

The Perry Meridian Academy Principal, John Ralston, shared this, “Our mission is to prepare students for the increased responsibility, academic rigor, and social changes that come along with adolescence and the transition from the elementary level to the secondary level.  At the Perry Meridian Sixth Grade Academy, we recognize the unique gifts and talents of each student and strive to provide them with the opportunities and guidance needed to develop and expand their knowledge base and world view.”  Continue reading »

The Perry Township food service staff is fully committed to providing nutritious, quality meals at breakfast and lunch that meet the USDA’s school meal regulations and comply with the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The district has also established a wellness policy that specifies district nutritional standards for foods sold to students during the school day with the objectives of promoting student health.

Chyrie Thompson, Perry Township Director of Food Services, leads a team of over 160 professionals who prepare, deliver and serve over 15,800 meals every day to students and staff at 18 cafeteria locations in the district. Food Services staff write our own menus.  A variety of menu choices are offered with fresh fruits and vegetables as an option daily. Careful planning has been taken to offer items that are lower in fat and sugar with serving sizes that exceed standards established by state law for food sold à la carte. Continue reading »