It's 'the Pirate Way'

PERKINS TWP. — For the first time in its history, Perkins Schools' entire student population gathered at the same time and place last week. This momentous milestone was necessary to deliver an important message. District officials on Friday morning introduced the Pirate Way — a new cultural standard — to kindergarten through high school students at Firelands Health Stadium on Campbell Street. The initiative was included in Perkins Schools' strategic plan for daily operations, which was approved by board members more than two years ago. Since then, district administrators and staff have been introduced to this philosophy. "The Pirate Way is based on Focus 3, a mindset that encourages individuals to have positive attitudes and measured responses when confronted with adversity and difficult situations," according to the district's website. "The Pirate Way was introduced to Perkins Schools' administration, teachers and staff during the past two school years. "At the heart of the Pirate Way is the R Factor that guides individuals toward positive behavior, how they make decisions, and the action they take. The R Factor is based on a simple equation: E+R=O. Spelled out, it means when you're confronted with an Event, your Reaction determines the Outcome. The Pirate Way helps prepare people and set them up for success when they must react to an event, good or bad." Three core beliefs of the Pirate Way are trust, own and connect. "With each of the beliefs, there are associated behaviors and outcomes that are expected," the website states. "The culture playbook also links Perkins Schools' culture and strategy." Students will learn more about the Pirate Way during the 2022-23 school year through "grade-appropriate lessons" from their teachers and be introduced to Perkins graduates who excelled in various fields. "There will also be banners and posters, as well as other promotional materials, to help remind students — and everyone at Perkins Schools — of this positive frame of mind," the website states. Alumnus 'embodies' the Pirate Way Friday's assembly — kicked off by performances by Perkins High School cheerleaders and band members — included guest speaker and Bowling Green State University head baseball coach Kyle Hallock, a 2007 Perkins graduate. Hallock, a four-sport athlete at Perkins who garnered numerous athletic accolades, was promoted to his current job in 2020. He played collegiate baseball at Kent State from 2008 to 2011, having been on four consecutive MAC championship teams and in three NCAA regionals. Hallock had a successful minor league pitching career before transitioning to coaching. He spent four years as the pitching coach at Malone University before coming to BGSU in 2018. "He embodies what the Pirate Way is," said Perkins High School teacher Tim Obergefell while introducing Hallock. While speaking, Hallock encouraged students to learn about Perkins alumni who did well after high school in subjects that interest them. "Find out who the best were to ever wear the pirate logo and go compete with that standard," Hallock said. Taking ownership of one's actions "is one of the most important things you'll learn at your age," he said, speaking specifically to Furry Elementary and Meadowlawn Intermediate students. But, speaking to all students, "once you control yourself, the people around you will get a lot better, and Perkins will have a lot of success," Hallock said. He reminded older students to be role models to Perkins Schools' younger students. "Eventually, with enough success, you'll go from role models into heroes," Hallock said. Before ending his talk, Hallock spoke about his mother Jennifer — a longtime district teacher — and her favorite game he played in, where he pitched a 1-0 shutout with 10 strikeouts against St. Mary Central Catholic during the SBC championship game as a high school freshman. Some of Hallock's opponents played with him during his childhood in their neighborhood. "If you persevere, you'll have your day in the sun," Hallock told students. "You're always going to be a pirate, and you need to make sure you represent it accordingly with your attitude, actions and efforts. "As Perkins Pirates, we're bonded by our colors, the pirate logo and Perkins Township — that's never going to change. When we put our best up against anyone else's best, we will come out victorious." [Album Placeholder (use source code to remove)]