Put-in-Bay School Shares April Update: D.C. Trip Returns, Science Fair Success, Renovation Plans

2 April 2026

Put-in-Bay School has released its April 2026 update, highlighting student travel, academic achievements, and upcoming facility improvements.

Washington, D.C. Trip Returns

High school students in grades 9–12 traveled to Washington, D.C. from March 29 through April 1.

The trip marked the first time since COVID that the school has been able to offer the experience. Students visited historic landmarks, museums, and memorials throughout the nation’s capital.

School officials thanked Mr. Schuffenecker and Ms. Pugh for organizing and leading the trip.

Third Quarter Wraps Up

The third nine-week grading period ended March 27. Students and staff now enter the final stretch of the 2025–2026 school year, with approximately nine weeks remaining.

Students Recognized at Science Fairs

Put-in-Bay students earned multiple awards across regional competitions.

NWOSEF (Northwest Ohio Science and Engineering Fair) Results

Olivia Christensen – Excellent (3rd Place, Animal Science; Keifer Family Creativity Award)
Emma Michael – Superior (3rd Place, Environmental Science; Geoscience Excellence Award; Yale STEM Award)
Juliana Scarpelli – Superior (1st Place, Physics; Governor’s Thomas Edison Award; Air Force Award)
Kate Hubner – Superior (2nd Place, Biomedical/Health)
Melody O’Donnell – Superior (Super Judging Selection; 1st Place JH Animal Science; Top 4 Junior High Project; Innovation Prize)

Regional Science Fair – University of Toledo

Olivia Christensen – Superior
Emma Michael – Superior
Juliana Scarpelli – Excellent
Caleb Kowalski – Superior
Melody O’Donnell – Excellent

School officials said the results reflect the students’ hard work and dedication across multiple disciplines.

1919 Building Renovation Project Moves Forward

The district also shared updates on the upcoming renovation of the historic 1919 school building, with a focus on infrastructure improvements.

Planned upgrades include:

Replacing outdated heating and cooling systems with a centralized HVAC system
Improving energy efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs
Upgrading network infrastructure, including a new cooled network hub and updated cabling
Modernizing electrical systems to support current and future technology needs
Adding noise-reducing materials between floors
Updating furnishings in a later phase

The current system includes aging equipment such as a gym furnace dating back to 1991, along with multiple HVAC units requiring frequent repairs.

Officials say the project is designed to improve comfort, reliability, and long-term sustainability for students and staff.

Spring marks a busy period for Put-in-Bay School, with a mix of academic achievements, travel opportunities, and long-term facility planning underway.