Springfield Local High School
Encyclopedia
Springfield Local High School is located in Holland, Ohio
. It has an enrollment of 1200 students in grades 9-12. Locally it is known as Springfield High School. The students it serves come from Holland, Toledo
, and most of Springfield Township
.
By 1921 Holland had a centralized school system with nine teachers and 300 students. The library consisted of 261 volumes and a school bus fleet of two! The school budget for 1921 was $15000.
In 1925 a grassroots effort took place to fund a gymnasium. With the help of the Manual Training Boys and several generous citizens, the gymnasium was built for entertainment and sport events. Then, seating capacity was 1,350. It was the largest auditorium in Lucas County. Through the years, this auditorium has served the community well. It housed the music department in the 1950's-1970's. From the 1970's through 1980 this building housed the district’s Administration offices.
Springfield Township again worked together to build a new high school. On January 21, 1938, the community held a dedication ceremony for the most modern high school in Lucas County. The estimated cost of the project was $150,000. Touted as "the most modern building in Lucas County, the high school was complete with clocks in all classrooms, the latest in visual education and sound equipment, a cafeteria and cafeteria kitchen, a modern stage, the latest improved typewriters, the most modern and up-to-date heating and ventilating system, a separate library room, individual steel lockers, a girls' rest room, and chair storage. The graduating class for that year numbered 26. This remained the high school until 1968. Since 1968 this building has housed Springfield Middle School. Many additions have also been made to this building, which is now connected to the newly renovated (2005-06) Holland Elementary School.
Voter approval of a “no new tax” bond levy in November of 2007 also allowed the district to add classrooms and updated fitness facilities to Springfield High School, a off-street loop for bus transportation at the high school and middle school, and additional parking for Springfield Middle School and Holland Elementary School guests.
They joined the Northern Lakes League
in 1962.
In 1974, the building was expanded and welcomed the ninth grade. The building has been expanded two more times, once in 1988 and again in 1993. The 1993 expansion included a new media center, 12 classrooms, a section where the school can be expanded to a second floor, and a new gym called the field house.
In 1984 Springfield High School established Army JROTC. It is the only one in the area and one of only six in the State of Ohio
. It is most noted for its outstanding drill team, which has received numerous awards, and attended several national competitions over the past several years.
In 1988, SJHS was expanded and connected to Holland Elementary. In the early 1990s with enrollment increasing and nowhere to expand current buildings, it was decided to split
Holland Elementary into two schools and make SJHS a middle school. Since Holland was losing
half of its enrollment and one whole grade, SJHS took over a portion of the school. The 1994-1995 school year was the first year the junior high included grade 6 and officially became
Springfield Middle School.
Like SHS, the middle school's colors are blue and white and the mascot is the Blue Devil.
While a junior high, it ran like a high school until 1991. In 1991 the school slowly started to run more like a middle school with teachers teaching in teams.
Crissey, Dorr and Holland all housed grades K-8 until 1967 and grades K-6 until 1994. They now house grade K-5. Holloway was built to split Holland (which had an enrollment of 1000+ in 1992, while Crissey and Dorr had about 500) in 1993. Due to levy issues, it did not open until the 1994-1995 school year. It was built to house grades K-5.
In 1942, Crissey Elementary School was a three-classroom schoolhouse. Additions and renovations to Crissey through the years have increased classroom space to accommodate the growing number of students in attendance. Currently, Mr. Steve Lee serves as Principal and oversees a staff of 44 and 450 students.
In 1900, Dorr Street School was opened and they nicknamed it “rabbit center” because of the rural location and its propensity to wildlife. In 1942, Dorr Street had four teachers and a teaching principal. Through the years Dorr Street has also seen lots of changes. Currently, Dorr Elementary School has 470 students, 31 classrooms and a staff of 44. The Principal at Dorr Elementary School is Dr. Ken Newbury.
Holland Elementary was originally built in the 1920's. As with all of the other elementary schools, Holland too needed to grow. So through the years, additional classroom space has been added. Following the previously mentioned renovations between 2005-2007, Holland now has 33 classrooms, 550 students and a staff of 48. Beginning in the fall of 2008, Holland welcomed new principal Mr. Gary Devol.
In 1992, Springfield Township again supported its school system and voted a bond issue to fund a new elementary school. In 1994, Holloway Elementary School opened for the 1994-95 school year. Holloway is located on Pilliod Road and currently educates 461 students in 28 classrooms. The Principal at Holloway Elementary School is Mr. Bill Renwand, who supervises a staff of 46.
, a highly competitive league of schools in northwest Ohio. Their basketball team is now being coached by Stan Joplin
, also their new assistant principal. Stan is a former player of the University of Toledo
.
(1970): played wide receiver for Denver Broncos (1975-1983) In 2000, named one of 300 best NFL players of all time.
Holland, Ohio
Holland is a village in Lucas County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,306 at the 2000 census.-History:The first name of the village was Drakes, which possibly came from the name of a family or was in reference to the large number of geese that did and still fly over the area...
. It has an enrollment of 1200 students in grades 9-12. Locally it is known as Springfield High School. The students it serves come from Holland, Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
Toledo is the fourth most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Lucas County. Toledo is in northwest Ohio, on the western end of Lake Erie, and borders the State of Michigan...
, and most of Springfield Township
Springfield Township
Springfield Township may refer to the following townships in the United States:-Indiana:* Springfield Township, Allen County, Indiana* Springfield Township, Franklin County, Indiana* Springfield Township, LaGrange County, Indiana...
.
Early history
The first school house in Springfield Township was a log cabin on the south side of Angola Road between McCord and Clark Street. Land for more schools was deeded to the Township. The Eight Square School on Garden Road in 1846; the Red School on Holloway Road in 1847; the Green School on Holland-Sylvania in 1847; Starr School at Crissey in 1848 and Clark Street School in 1847. In 1893 the community rose to the challenge and completed the three winged school house for grades 1-12. It was located where our current Holland Elementary now stands on Kittle Road and Madison Street. Mr. Leo Jacobs was the first Principal.By 1921 Holland had a centralized school system with nine teachers and 300 students. The library consisted of 261 volumes and a school bus fleet of two! The school budget for 1921 was $15000.
In 1925 a grassroots effort took place to fund a gymnasium. With the help of the Manual Training Boys and several generous citizens, the gymnasium was built for entertainment and sport events. Then, seating capacity was 1,350. It was the largest auditorium in Lucas County. Through the years, this auditorium has served the community well. It housed the music department in the 1950's-1970's. From the 1970's through 1980 this building housed the district’s Administration offices.
Springfield Township again worked together to build a new high school. On January 21, 1938, the community held a dedication ceremony for the most modern high school in Lucas County. The estimated cost of the project was $150,000. Touted as "the most modern building in Lucas County, the high school was complete with clocks in all classrooms, the latest in visual education and sound equipment, a cafeteria and cafeteria kitchen, a modern stage, the latest improved typewriters, the most modern and up-to-date heating and ventilating system, a separate library room, individual steel lockers, a girls' rest room, and chair storage. The graduating class for that year numbered 26. This remained the high school until 1968. Since 1968 this building has housed Springfield Middle School. Many additions have also been made to this building, which is now connected to the newly renovated (2005-06) Holland Elementary School.
Springfield High School
In 1960 Holland Schools became Springfield Schools and changed its high school mascot from the Holland Blue Zippers to the Springfield Blue Devils. Why Blue Devils? During World War I, a regiment of soldiers, composed of the youth of France, was known as the Blue Devils. Only the strongest, both mentally and physically, could pass the rigid examination to become a Blue Devil. They wore royal blue uniforms trimmed in white. When an attack was imminent, it was the mighty Blue Devil regiment that hurled themselves to check any attack by their enemies. A true Blue Devil stands for everything that is high and noble with a world-wide reputation as the hardest fighters and the cleanest soldiers. They were courageous on the battlefield, chivalrous when back of the lines, Blue Devils were always respectful of one another, women, the aged, those in authority, and the rights of other citizens and their property. When offered the opportunity to select their new mascot, Springfield High School students conducted research, learned of the honor associated with the regiment, and Duke University's Blue Devils, and recommended in the early 1950s that the mascot be changed from the Blue Zippers to the Blue Devils. That was also the year that the school colors changed from blue and gold to blue and white. Students started attending the “new” high school in 1968. This building still houses the current high school, but has also enjoyed many renovations and additions since 1968. Springfield High School now has a field house, gymnasium, the Tombaugh Auditorium/theater that seats 800, a beautiful media center that holds 13,000 volumes, and 68 classrooms (many with SmartBoard and desktop technology.) Two computer labs are available for student use each day. SHS Principal Steve Gwin supervises 101 faculty members and support staff with support from Assistant Principals Ms. Elizabeth McIlwain and Ms. Rhonda Jemison. In fall 2010, 1,200 students are expected to attend the school! While the class of 1968 graduated 152 students the most recent “Class of 2010” expects to graduate 288 students.Voter approval of a “no new tax” bond levy in November of 2007 also allowed the district to add classrooms and updated fitness facilities to Springfield High School, a off-street loop for bus transportation at the high school and middle school, and additional parking for Springfield Middle School and Holland Elementary School guests.
They joined the Northern Lakes League
Northern Lakes League
The Northern Lakes League , is an OHSAA high school athletic conference that was formed in 1956 and comprises eight high schools in Northwest Ohio.-Current members:-Former members:-1950s:...
in 1962.
Blue Devil Band
The Springfield Blue Devil Band and Color Guard is the name of the marching band of Springfield High School (SHS). It is currently conducted by Ms. Kathleen McGrady and Mr. Travis Pennell, with the Color Guard directed by Ms. Jackie Sartor. The Blue Devil Band goes to many different parades and events as ambassadors of Springfield High School. The band has marched in several major parades, including the Indianapolis 500 Parade, the Electric Parade in Downtown Disney (Florida), and several others. Many students participate in local and national honor bands including the OMEA District I Honor Band, the BGSU Honor Band, and the Ohio State Honor Band.Current building
In 1967, SHS moved again to its current location at 1470 S. McCord in Holland. This location sits behind the old building. When the new building first opened it housed only grades 10-12.In 1974, the building was expanded and welcomed the ninth grade. The building has been expanded two more times, once in 1988 and again in 1993. The 1993 expansion included a new media center, 12 classrooms, a section where the school can be expanded to a second floor, and a new gym called the field house.
In 1984 Springfield High School established Army JROTC. It is the only one in the area and one of only six in the State of Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. It is most noted for its outstanding drill team, which has received numerous awards, and attended several national competitions over the past several years.
Middle school
Adjacent to Holland Elementary School are the 58 classrooms, gymnasium, and “café-nasium” that comprise Springfield Middle School. Once a “junior high school”, Springfield Middle School is now configured with teacher teams called "Houses" that provide students in grade 6-8 with an organizational structure anchored by an interdisciplinary team approach to instruction. Core subject matter in taught within a smaller-sized per group of approximately 100 students per House. The Principal at Springfield Middle School is Mr. Matt Geha, who supervises a staff of 98 with support from Assistant Principals Mr. Jeff Pendry and Ms. Dana Damman.In 1988, SJHS was expanded and connected to Holland Elementary. In the early 1990s with enrollment increasing and nowhere to expand current buildings, it was decided to split
Holland Elementary into two schools and make SJHS a middle school. Since Holland was losing
half of its enrollment and one whole grade, SJHS took over a portion of the school. The 1994-1995 school year was the first year the junior high included grade 6 and officially became
Springfield Middle School.
Like SHS, the middle school's colors are blue and white and the mascot is the Blue Devil.
While a junior high, it ran like a high school until 1991. In 1991 the school slowly started to run more like a middle school with teachers teaching in teams.
Elementary schools
SLS currently operates four elementary schools: Crissey, Dorr, Holland and Holloway.Crissey, Dorr and Holland all housed grades K-8 until 1967 and grades K-6 until 1994. They now house grade K-5. Holloway was built to split Holland (which had an enrollment of 1000+ in 1992, while Crissey and Dorr had about 500) in 1993. Due to levy issues, it did not open until the 1994-1995 school year. It was built to house grades K-5.
In 1942, Crissey Elementary School was a three-classroom schoolhouse. Additions and renovations to Crissey through the years have increased classroom space to accommodate the growing number of students in attendance. Currently, Mr. Steve Lee serves as Principal and oversees a staff of 44 and 450 students.
In 1900, Dorr Street School was opened and they nicknamed it “rabbit center” because of the rural location and its propensity to wildlife. In 1942, Dorr Street had four teachers and a teaching principal. Through the years Dorr Street has also seen lots of changes. Currently, Dorr Elementary School has 470 students, 31 classrooms and a staff of 44. The Principal at Dorr Elementary School is Dr. Ken Newbury.
Holland Elementary was originally built in the 1920's. As with all of the other elementary schools, Holland too needed to grow. So through the years, additional classroom space has been added. Following the previously mentioned renovations between 2005-2007, Holland now has 33 classrooms, 550 students and a staff of 48. Beginning in the fall of 2008, Holland welcomed new principal Mr. Gary Devol.
In 1992, Springfield Township again supported its school system and voted a bond issue to fund a new elementary school. In 1994, Holloway Elementary School opened for the 1994-95 school year. Holloway is located on Pilliod Road and currently educates 461 students in 28 classrooms. The Principal at Holloway Elementary School is Mr. Bill Renwand, who supervises a staff of 46.
Athletics
Springfield Local Schools are in the Northern Lakes LeagueNorthern Lakes League
The Northern Lakes League , is an OHSAA high school athletic conference that was formed in 1956 and comprises eight high schools in Northwest Ohio.-Current members:-Former members:-1950s:...
, a highly competitive league of schools in northwest Ohio. Their basketball team is now being coached by Stan Joplin
Stan Joplin
Stan Joplin is a former head men's basketball coach at the University of Toledo from 1996 to 2008.-Playing career:Joplin played guard at the University of Toledo from 1975–79. He was named to the second-team All-MAC for the 1977–78 and 1978–79 seasons...
, also their new assistant principal. Stan is a former player of the University of Toledo
University of Toledo
The University of Toledo is a public university in Toledo, Ohio, United States. The Carnegie Foundation classified the university as "Doctoral/Research Extensive."-National recognition:...
.
Notable Alumni
Rick UpchurchRick Upchurch
Richard “Rick” Upchurch is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the NFL. Before his NFL career, he played for Centerville Community College in Centerville, Iowa and the University of Minnesota and went to high school at Springfield...
(1970): played wide receiver for Denver Broncos (1975-1983) In 2000, named one of 300 best NFL players of all time.