Principal's Message

Welcome Back to School!
Dear Spencerville Middle School Families,

I hope you’ve had a restful and enjoyable summer. As we gear up for another exciting school year at Spencerville Middle School, I’m filled with enthusiasm for the opportunities and growth this year will bring. Our building looks great thanks to Mr. Stemen’s summer crew, and our dedicated teachers have been hard at work preparing their classrooms for your students.

Important Dates

·        Back to School Fair – Monday, August 25th | 12:00–2:00 PM & 4:00–6:30 PM
(Reminder: School pictures will be taken during the fair. Dress appropriately.)

·        First Day of School – Wednesday, August 27th

 

Bearcat PRIDE – Our PBIS Commitment to a Positive School Culture

At Spencerville Middle School, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment for all students. That’s why we’ve adopted the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) framework, anchored in our core values represented by Bearcat PRIDE:

·        P – Personal Responsibility
We encourage students to take ownership of their actions, choices, and learning. Being responsible means coming to school prepared, staying organized, and holding yourself accountable.

·        R – Respect
Respect is at the heart of everything we do — treating classmates, teachers, staff, and school property with kindness and consideration.

·        I – Involved
We want every student to be an active participant in their education and school community. Whether it's in class, clubs, or activities, being involved builds confidence, connection, and school spirit.

·        D – Determined
We value persistence and a strong work ethic. Being determined means staying focused, pushing through challenges, and always giving your best effort.

·        E – Excellence
We aim high in everything we do. Excellence is not about perfection — it's about striving for growth, learning from mistakes, and showing pride in your work and behavior.

Through Bearcat PRIDE, we recognize and reinforce positive behavior, set clear expectations, and help our students develop the character and habits that lead to lifelong success. Together, we’re building a school culture where every student can thrive — personally, socially, and academically.

 

School Information & Reminders

·        Website & Handbook
Visit www.spencervillebearcats.com for our full student handbook and additional information.

·        Homeroom

This year, all students will report to homeroom at the start of the school day instead of going directly to 1st period. Homeroom will serve as a time for attendance, morning announcements, and important school updates. It’s a great way to start the day together and ensure everyone is informed and ready for success!

·        Lockers
Lockers will be assigned as usual. Locks are optional, but if used, we ask that you use a school-issued lock (available upon request).

·        Backpacks
Students may bring backpacks to school but must store them in their lockers during the day. Backpacks will not be carried between classes due to safety concerns.

·        Electronic Devices
Personal devices should not be brought to school unless needed after school. If brought, they must remain turned off and stored in lockers.

·        Arrival Time
Doors open at 7:20 AM. Upon entering, students should proceed to breakfast or their homeroom.

·        Water Bottles
Only plain water is allowed throughout the school day.

·        Dress Code Highlights
Please ensure students dress appropriately. Key reminders include:

o   No pajama pants, slippers, or sleepwear (except on designated days)

o   No hats or hoodies worn inside the building

o   No inappropriate images/language on clothing

o   Shorts, dresses, and holes in pants must meet the fingertip rule

o   Leggings must be worn with a top that provides proper coverage

If you question whether something is school-appropriate, it likely isn’t.

·        Personal Care Products
Spray products (body sprays, perfumes, colognes, etc.) are not permitted on school property. Only roll-on or stick applicators are allowed.

·        Vape Detection System
Restrooms are monitored by vape detectors. Any activation will prompt staff response, and students may be subject to a search.

·        Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Use the front entrance for vehicle drop-offs and pick-ups. Please pull forward to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Do not park in the lane between the school and weight room.

·        Football Games
We encourage all fans to enjoy the game respectfully. For safety, footballs may not be brought to the stadium. Student seating is provided in the north-end bleachers; students should either sit there or with their parents. Updates at Memorial Field include accessible seating on the south end.

·        Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is vital. Even 1–2 missed days a week can quickly lead to learning gaps.
Please report absences or early dismissals to Billie Wood at 419-647-4112 ext. 3103 or woodb@svbearcats.org.
If your child needs to leave during school hours, a written or verbal request from a parent must be submitted before dismissal.
Social media or student messages will not be accepted.

Per HB 166: Students are limited to 65 hours of unexcused absences. After that, a doctor’s note is required.

 

Welcome to Spencerville Middle School, Ms. Brianna Lugibihl!

We are excited to welcome Brianna Lugibihl as our new 8^th grade English Language Arts teacher. Ms. Lugibihl joins us from Lima City Schools and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for education to our team.

Ms. Lugibihl earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Childhood Education from Bluffton University, with concentrations in English Language Arts and Social Studies, as well as minors in Theatre and Communication. She also holds a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Trauma and Resilience in Educational Environments, along with a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice in Education.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Lugibihl is a lifelong learner and adventurer. She enjoys traveling, hiking, writing, reading, acting, photography, spending time with friends, and trying new things.

In 2022, Ms. Lugibihl was honored as one of only 35 educators nationwide—and one of just two in Ohio—to be named to the Curriculum Associates Extraordinary Educator Class. This recognition celebrates her success in driving student growth and achievement through formal assessments such as i-Ready, along with her commitment to classroom innovation and student engagement. She is thrilled to become part of Spencerville and looks forward to collaborating with and learning from her colleagues.

Please join us in giving Ms. Lugibihl a warm Spencerville welcome!

I’m confident that by working together, we can make this a successful and memorable year for every student. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.

I’m available at 419-647-4112 ext. 3102 or by email at zerbejohn@svbearcats.org.

Welcome back, and here’s to a great school year!

Sincerely,

John Zerbe
Principal, Spencerville Middle School

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