BOTKINS – Botkins Local Schools continues its academic excellence in 2017-18. The school district ranked 30th in the entire state of Ohio in performance index, the state’s measure of academic performance. On top of that, the Dayton Business Journal ranked Botkins third in “The Best Dayton Area School Districts” for 2017. The hard work of Botkins staff, students and the support of the parents and community is what makes our school special.
“Our ‘little’ school continues to do ‘big’ things,” said Superintendent Jeff McPheron.
His report continues:
Botkins is proud of its academic excellence but we are focused on well-rounded experiences for our students and creating positive influential citizen for our community and county. Botkins Local Schools started its “LEAD the Trojan Way” program this school year. Focusing on Learn, Excel, Achieve and Do this program helps students see the bigger picture of acting respectfully, being responsible, being kind, and other attributes good citizens and people have. Part of the program also focuses on school spirit and community pride. We have something very special here at Botkins and we want our students to appreciate that and carry it forward for the next generation of Trojans.
Athletics this past calendar year was marked with several accomplishments. Botkins track program saw three state qualifiers; all in throwing events and cross-country had a pair of state qualifiers as well. Botkins boys’ soccer team won its third consecutive WOSL championship, the girls’ soccer team posted its best season in school history, and Coach Kendra Berryman won DIII coach of the year in SW Ohio. Rounding out fall sports the golf team produced the SCAL player of the year and regional qualifier Nick Fischio. Finally, in swimming the 500M freestyle school record was broken this year by RJ Poeppelman.
Our FFA had an outstanding 2017 with the highlight of the year being finishing 1st in the national competition “Big E” in equine judging and 2nd in the nation in general judging. The Botkins name is known for excellence throughout the state and now the country in FFA. The FFA program also allotted Botkins Students a rare opportunity this past year to have “lunch with leaders”. State Representative Jim Jordan, State Sen. Matt Huffman and State School Board President Tess Elshoff were just a few of the leaders to meet with faculty and speak with students. The program was a huge success for our district giving our students an opportunity to see government officials and ask questions of them.
Our arts programs had a tremendous year in 2017 as well. Band and choir had multiple superior ratings for their groups this past year in whole group and solo and ensembles. The “Evening with the Arts” held each April was once again a huge success; featuring Botkins students and their many talents in the areas of art, band, vocal music, STEM, family consumer sciences, woods, metals, business projects, etc… The school musical “The Little Mermaid” dazzled audiences and featured the cast ranging from seniors to elementary students. Art students took home several art show awards this year from the Piqua art show.
The Botkins community has blessed us with fantastic updated facilities and we continue to be good stewards of those facilities. In the upcoming year, we will look to add a new bus and continue to stay updated on technology. College Credit Plus continues to be a big part of our school day as we offer several opportunities for students to gain college credit while in HS. A new storage building is on the horizon for Botkins and other small project for 2018.
Botkins Local School where community and parents care, staff and students excel!
