We have used five calamity days for the 2025-26 school year, meaning we will make up for any additional calamity days. As we have in the past, if we reach a sixth calamity day or beyond this school year, we will first refer to the board-approved 2025-26 school calendar to see if there are any scheduled days remaining that are designated to make up for in-person instruction. There is still one pre-scheduled make-up day for in-person instruction on this year’s calendar, March 20th (Third Quarter Break).  

The 13th annual Putnam County Arts Festival took place at Columbus Grove Schools last Sunday. This festival celebrated the visual and performing arts from students throughout Putnam County. Columbus Grove students in grades 1-12 had artwork on display at the festival. The All-County Choir and Band also performed an excellent show to a large crowd in the high school gym. 

CGHS students performing in the All-County Choir were Laney Auchmuty, Addy Butcher, Liv Mayberry, Caidynce Schnipke, Elsie Schumacher, Katie Schumacher, Autumn Stechschulte, Ellie Stechschulte, Mia Verhoff, Payton Bechtol, Addi Kohli, Lilly Montgomery, Grace Verhoff, Jacob Ricker, Collin Sprague, Joel Schumacher, Evan Verhoff, Landon Drummelsmith, Holden Hartzog, Caleb Ricker, and Noah Strahm.

Representing Columbus Grove in the All-County Band were Onna Hovest, Simon Zimmerly, Kellan McCluer, Nick Johnson, Will Horstman, and Arianna Ream.

Special congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievements in the arts: Laney Auchmuty, Addy Butcher, Katie Schumacher, Payton Bechtol, Grace Verhoff, Jacob Ricker, Evan Verhoff, and Holden Hartzog, who were honored as four-year members of the All-County Choir. Kellan McCluer and Nick Johnson were recognized as four-year members of the All-County Band. In addition, Camryn Lammers earned a Best of Show award. We are proud of these students for representing CG Schools with excellence in the arts.

A special thank you goes out to our art and music teachers, Sarah Hoehne, Sarah Ricker, Kristen Verhoff, and Jason Lozer for all your efforts in organizing this event for our students! 

Next Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, Columbus Grove High School will present its 59th annual High School Musical. This year’s production will be On the Town. The cast will feature Addy Butcher, Katie Schumacher, Holden Hartzog, Evan Verhoff, Laney Auchmuty, Autumn Stechschulte, Noah Strahm, and Joel Schumacher. Additional cast members include:

Seniors:

Payton Bechtol

Aubrey Belcher

Linzi Schroeder

Grace Verhoff

Jacob Ricker-Lights

Juniors:

Simon Zimmerly

Caidynce Schnipke

Ari Ream

Ana Gratz

Raye McCluer

Abby Greve

Onna Hovest

Will Hortstman-Sound

Sophomores

Landon Drummelsmith

AJ Doseck

Liv Rader

Freshmen:

Elsie Schumacher

Mia Verhoff

Ellie Stechschulte

Ariel Stechschulte

Mayley Smith

Jaxson Hites

Collin Sprague

Lilly Stechschulte

Liv Mayberry

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased in the Columbus Grove High School Office. Tickets are $12.00 for reserved seating and $8.00 for general seating. Tickets will also be available at the door. The performances will be held in the Columbus Grove Auditorium with the curtain opening at 7:00 p.m. both nights. Please come out and support the talented students of Columbus Grove! 

Columbus Grove High School is proud to announce the launch of Sources of Strength, an evidence-based, strengths-focused, upstream suicide prevention program designed to build hope, connection, and resilience among students. This nationally recognized program harnesses the power of Peer Leaders and Trusted Adults to spread messages of Hope, Help, and Strength, while creating a school culture rooted in belonging and support.

SOS focuses on eight protective factors—referred to as “Strengths”—that help students recognize their own strengths and the strengths of others. Rather than waiting for crises to occur, the program works upstream, strengthening protective factors that equip students to better navigate life’s natural ups and downs.

Research shows the impact of this approach is real and measurable. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that SOS reduced suicide attempts among high school students by 29%—one of the most significant findings in youth mental health prevention. That impact gained national recognition when Sources of Strength CEO Scott LoMurray was named to the TIME100 Most Influential People in Health in 2025.

The Peer Leaders and Adult Advisors have designed an 8-week schoolwide campaign to introduce the Strengths, build awareness, and embed messages of hope, help, and connection throughout the school community. As part of this launch, Columbus Grove High School will introduce its first official campaign, “Getting the Word Out,” which will bring the eight Strengths to students and staff and spark a schoolwide movement centered on connection, resilience, and hope.

The kick-off began on March 2nd with a “Strength in Color” Wellness Fair for students in grades 8–12, creating an interactive, student-centered experience focused on wellness, connection, and resilience. In addition, SOS presentations will be delivered for students in grades 6–8, ensuring younger students are also introduced to the program’s strengths-based message of hope, help, and belonging.

For more information about the Sources of Strength program, please contact one of the Adult Advisors - Ms. Mindy Losh, Ms. Elisa Clevenger, or Mr. Scott Palte. 

Congratulations to our Sources of Strength Scavenger Hunt Winners:

Adrian Birnesser

Kailyn Brinkman

Kylie Siefker

Scarlett Kozlowski

Bella Nartker

Claire Koch

Olivia Hardwick

Liv Rader

Becca Hoover

Scarlett Gray

Cheyenne Sumney

Carly Hovest

Brynn Halker

Graci Metzger

Callie Pingle

Ana Gratz

Onna Hovest

Ari Ream

Maura Winterstellar

Rose Stechschulte

Ava Mason

Lylah Wilson

Dalton Hyman

Coby Perry

Lydia Schumacher

Saige Benroth

Ava Schroeder

Autumn Stechschulte

Terra Kohli

Connor Weaver

Ian Smith

Mitchell Schroeder

Carter Flores

Zack Bryan

Brody McCluer

Brady Basinger

Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year is still open. If your child will turn 5 years old on or before August 19, 2026, they are eligible for kindergarten. You can register at http://cgbulldogs.org/enrollment or you may contact the school at 419-695-2631 and we will walk you through the registration process. At the beginning of March, a letter was sent home informing you of your date and time for screening. The dates for screening will be April 16th and 17th. Documents needed are a birth certificate, immunization records and/or Kindergarten boosters, parent ID, proof of residency (if new to the district and no other siblings attend CG schools) and custody papers if applicable. 

Columbus Grove Local Schools is accepting applications for substitute bus drivers. This position has the potential of becoming a full-time bus driver in the future, if applicants are interested. Substitute bus drivers are contacted to drive extracurricular field trips and occasionally drive a regular morning or afternoon route. Certification requires the completion of attending a pre-service class, a written and driving test, CDL license, a medical physical exam, drug test, BMV check of driving record, and a background check. Cost for training will be reimbursed by the district for any individuals who serve as a substitute bus driver for Columbus Grove Local Schools. If you are interested in becoming a bus driver for Columbus Grove School, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 659-2639 for further information.

JV Softball vs. Liberty Benton – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Softball @ McComb – 5:00 p.m.

JV Softball vs. Wayne Trace – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Softball @ Lima Senior – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball @ Ottawa Glandorf – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball @ Cory-Rawson – 11:00 a.m.

JV Baseball @ Findlay – 1:00 p.m.

JH Baseball vs. Spencerville – 5:00 p.m.

JH Softball vs. Spencerville – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball vs. Arlington – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Softball vs. Arlington – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Track – Grove Quad – 4:30 p.m.

Varsity Baseball vs. Ottoville – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Softball vs. Ottoville – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball @ Elida – 5:00 p.m.

JH Track @ Ottawa-Glandorf – 4:30 p.m.

Varsity Track @ Liberty Benton – 4:30 p.m.

JH Baseball vs. Wapakoneta (7th grade) 5:00 p.m.

JH Softball @ Van Wert (7th grade) – 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball vs. Findlay – 5:00 p.m.

No School – Easter Break

JH Softball @ Delphos Jefferson – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball vs. Lima Senior – 5:00 p.m.

No School – Easter Break

JH Baseball vs. Allen East (8th grade) – 5:00 p.m.

JH Softball vs. Elida (7th grade) – 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball vs. Lima Senior – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Softball @ North Baltimore – 5:00 p.m.