- Need this newsletter in Spanish? Open this webpage and copy the link at the top of the webpage, and then open Google Translate and paste in the link. Select "Spanish" and click the translated link.
- ¿Necesita este boletín en español? Abra esta página web y copie el enlace desde la parte superior de su navegador. Luego, vaya a Google Translate, pegue el enlace, seleccione "español" y haga clic en el enlace traducido.
Leadership Message
- from the Superintendent
As we move into the heart of the holiday season, we want to take a moment to celebrate the many wonderful events and accomplishments taking place across our district. Over the past few months, our students, staff, and community partners have come together in creative and meaningful ways, creating memorable moments at Otselic Valley. One highlight was the Veterans Day Assembly, thoughtfully organized by our FFA students. Their leadership and respect in honoring local veterans made this event especially meaningful, and we are grateful to everyone who joined us in recognizing their service. We were also excited to share the return of our Friday Morning Program at the elementary level. This weekly gathering continues to be a bright spot, giving us the opportunity to recognize student successes, talents, and positive character traits. It has been wonderful to see our young Vikings take pride in their accomplishments and support one another during the “OV Has Talent” portion. In the spirit of giving, our Holiday Basket collaboration—made possible through the efforts of district staff and several local organizations—was extremely successful and deeply appreciated by the families it supported. The generosity and togetherness shown through this effort truly reflect the heart and pride of the Otselic Valley community and our shared commitment to helping one another. Our students also delivered an outstanding fall drama production of The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. Their energy, humor, and creativity brought the performance to life, and we are grateful to the students, advisors, and volunteers who helped make it a success. As we look ahead, we are excited for this year’s WinterFest activities, a celebration that captures everything joyful about the holiday season and brings our school community together. Thank you for your continued support of our students and district—your engagement is what makes all these moments so special. We look forward to the many upcoming events and opportunities that allow us to highlight and celebrate the successes of all members of our district community.
- Brian Collier
Principal Message (Pre-K through 5)
December School News and Updates
As we approach the Christmas season, our school community is enjoying a busy and festive time filled with learning, creativity, and celebration. Classrooms are engaged in winter-themed lessons, seasonal reading and writing activities, and opportunities to reflect on kindness, gratitude and giving. There have been many school-wide events this month including our PK-3 sing-a-long and our winter concert. Students worked really hard to prepare for those events and did a fantastic job. Teachers have continued to focus on learning while also celebrating all that this season has to offer. They are working diligently to ensure instructional routines remain consistent and supportive for all students during this exciting time of the year, where there are often changes to the schedules and special events planned. We kindly remind families that winter break begins on December 24th with students returning to school on January 5th. Please ensure your child arrives dressed appropriately for colder weather, as outdoor recess will continue whenever possible. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We wish all our families a joyful, safe, and restful Christmas season and look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year. Warm holiday wishes!
- from Shelly Richards (Pre-K through 5 Principal and CSE Director)
News Recap from the Elementary School
Principal Message (6-12)
– from Deb Kurtz (Interim 6-12 Principal and MTSS Coordinator)
Warm Winter greetings!
It seems like we were just doing our Fall newsletter and here we are into Winter and the middle of the second quarter already! Your grades 6-12 OV Vikings have been involved in all sorts of activities and events the last couple of months! In early November, Mrs. Brown’s 8th grade students had a mock trial based on the story of Poe’s Tell Tale Heart involving many in our school community taking on the role of jurors, judge, etc. What a great learning experience. Our Veterans were honored at the annual schoolwide Veteran’s Day Program, facilitated by the OV FFA. They were served a delicious breakfast and then honored during a program in the MPR. Thank you to all Veterans who attended and thank you for your service and sacrifices! On November 14th, I had the pleasure of attending the OV Drama Club presentation of The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. Congratulations to Wyatt Eaton who was the student director of this year’s performance and to the other 4 seniors who participated in their last drama club performance. The arts play an important role in so many of our students’ lives, and it’s exciting to see them come to life in characters they portray. What an outstanding job for all involved. OV has been involved in a partnership with Colgate University as part of our LPP program. Colgate mentors come to meet with 5 of our students after school and provide mentorship and share experiences. It’s a win win for all involved. 9th and 12th graders each enjoyed career exploration field trips, seniors to the College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital and 9th graders to SUNY Morrisville for Law Enforcement Day. Each experience provided students with valuable insights into potential career paths. Students in Ms. Cantrell’s Spanish classes and Mrs. Leahman’s Food Science class are learning a variety of culinary skills. Many of us have had the opportunity to sample the students’ culinary delights. If you have a child in either of these classes, encourage them to share their cooking expertise with you at home! You won’t be disappointed! On November 20th, I had the pleasure of witnessing two of our seniors being inducted into the BOCES Career and Technical Education National Honor Society. Congratulations to Miranda Hackett, Culinary Arts and Jacob DePew, Auto Tech on being inducted. We are proud of your accomplishments! In early December, Mrs. Charles, our Librarian, provided students with an introduction into FUSE studios which allows students to solve a variety of challenges on an interactive STEAM platform. This opportunity allowed students to strengthen their problem solving and technical skills while having fun! Thank you to Mrs. Charles. Winter sports are in full swing with boys' and girls' basketball. The boys' modified team had a successful season ending with a 9-1 record! Congratulations, gentlemen! There's still lots of boys' and girls' basketball to watch with games continuing after the new year. While getting into the holiday spirit, our seniors helped our littlest Vikings in writing letters to Santa. We hope Santa is able to make a wish or two come true. On December 23rd, all Viking students will celebrate the beginning of winter break with Winterfest! An afternoon of fun, games, and entertainment! Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my last few months back in the Valley. Your students, the staff, and the school community made it an easy “yes” when I got the call to return as Interim MS/HS Principal. It’s an honor to be invited back, and I always take a piece of the Valley with me when I leave. One of the most fulfilling moments this time back, was seeing the school and greater OV community come together to provide food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. What an example for our kids to see “it takes a village.” Wishing you all a warm Christmas season and a happy and healthy new year! Until next time....fondly, Mrs. Kurtz
News Recap from the Middle/High School
Otselic Valley Central School District • P.O. Box 161, 125 County Road 13A • South Otselic, NY 13155
Phone: (315) 653-7218 • Fax: (315) 653-7500