Amid ongoing social distancing concerns and regulations, the Perrysburg Schools Foundation plans to connect community members through a digital streaming platform.
Foundation officials announced Wednesday a partnership with Councilman Barry VanHoozen, also a local insurance agent, to create PSF TV, which will stream various programs and live events throughout the school year, including performing arts performances and ceremonies.
The platform will also be used to spotlight students' and faculty members’ achievements.
Jeff Abke, director of development for both the Perrysburg schools and the foundation, credited Mr. VanHoozen for the idea.
“Barry reached out to us over the summer with this idea as it was becoming more clear that we wouldn’t be able to have audiences for performances,” he said. “So we began having conversations about the feasibility and here we are,” he said.
Mr. Abke said the streaming service allows community members to stay engaged with the district’s extracurricular activities without disruption from social distancing concerns and regulations.
“With or without COVID, this would be a good thing to have because it allows us to bring the great things that happen in our buildings to the community and beyond,” he said. “We knew this year would be much different, as we’re lucky to have a community that wants to support performances and games, and they can’t do that this year. Now we’re able to keep our community connected.”
Mr. VanHoozen said in the school district’s prepared statement he is proud to be able to partner with the school district to bring its vision of connectivity to fruition.
“When we say that we want to give back, we mean it,” he said. “That is the main reason for doing this. Perrysburg has been good to me and my family with great relationships and educational opportunities. This might be a way I can help our community reconnect in this most difficult time.”
PSF TV may be viewed at www.perrysburgschoolsfoundation.org, by texting PSFTV to 51555 or on Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV by downloading the Boxcast App and searching for Perrysburg Schools Foundation.
First Published October 4, 2020, 6:31 p.m.