- 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
I hope you’ve been enjoying the beautiful summer days and finding time to rest, recharge, and make lasting memories with loved ones. As we prepare for the start of another exciting school year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support and involvement. Whether it’s attending school events, encouraging your child’s learning at home, or participating in community conversations, your partnership is vital to our shared success. We are very fortunate to be part of such a close-knit and supportive community that consistently comes together in support of our students.
This past year has brought many positive developments across the district. Together, we developed new initiatives and innovative practices that are making a meaningful difference for our students and the broader school community. One of the most significant milestones was the successful update of our Strategic Plan, which now includes a newly refined mission and vision that more clearly reflect the values, goals, and aspirations we share. This important work was shaped by the voices of students, parents, staff, and community members, and it has provided us with a strong foundation and a clear direction for the future. In addition to the updated mission and vision, we established focused goals and measurable progress metrics to ensure our work remains aligned with the needs of all students and the priorities of our community. These updates are already guiding our decision-making and reinforcing our unwavering commitment to student growth, well-being, and success.
As we look ahead, we are excited to welcome you to our Open House on September 2nd from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This event offers a great opportunity for students and families to meet teachers, explore classrooms, and start the school year with confidence and connection. We hope you’ll join us! If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to the district office and we will be happy to assist in any way we can.
I’m looking forward to the year ahead and all that we will accomplish by working together. Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of the Otselic Valley community. Enjoy the final days of summer – we look forward to seeing you soon!
- Brian Collier
Principal Message (Pre-K through 5)
- from Shelly Richards (Pre-K through 5 Principal and CSE Director)
I am excited to welcome everyone back to the 25/26 school year at OV. As I begin my seventh year here, I am confident in saying that your children are in good hands. Our teachers are committed to setting high expectations for the students here at OV, and they will help your children exceed those expectations. The staff at our elementary school has continuously created a nurturing and safe environment for all students to learn. I am confident that your child will be given all the tools they need to succeed.
Our core values at OV include respect, integrity, and innovation. Through these values we hope to create a passion for learning that will pave the way to a brighter future for all.
We will provide SEL support through Character Strong, a curriculum where students will learn about self-concept, self-image, self-regulation and more to help build their confidence and work ethic and more. Our students also follow the Viking Code of Conduct expectations, which includes doing your best, doing what is right, and treating others the way you would like to be treated.
To support the academic needs of our students our staff is well-versed in our curriculums for ELA, math, science, and social studies. We currently use HMH (and Heggerty) for ELA and Math, Mystery Science and TCI for social studies. Teachers are also able to add their own spices to the curriculum to maintain high levels of student engagement and understanding. For those that struggle in ELA, math or with behaviors, we continue to have RTI (Response to Intervention) blocks of time available, however, the new name for this is MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). This will include extra supports by classroom teachers, interventionists and LTAs for academics and behaviors. MTSS integrates data and instruction within a multi-level prevention system, offering various levels of supports based on individual student needs.
We are also beginning to focus on Portrait of a Graduate which includes teaching students to think critically, to be innovative problem solvers, to effectively communicate, to be a global citizen and to include cultural competencies as well as ensuring they are literate across content areas. This will help us prepare our children for the future, where jobs we do not even know about yet will exist.
Of course, all these things cannot be accomplished without your support. We will need and welcome your input and support as well as the community’s support. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at srichard@ovcs.org or 315-653-7218.
Please also pay close attention to our new Apptegy Rooms section on our school website, our district webpage and the OV Facebook page for any messages and updates pertaining to this upcoming school year. Keep in mind that the Facebook page is not staffed by administration, so please do not send any messages to it. Also, watch for details about Pre-K and Kindergarten screenings and our upcoming Open House for all grades on September 2nd, where you can meet and greet your child’s teacher(s), get their schedules and more! We hope to see you then!
News Recap from the Elementary School
Principal Message (6-12)
– from Elizabeth Barber-Breese (6-12 Principal and MTSS Coordinator)
Welcome to August! We have been steadily preparing for the start of a new school year and eagerly awaiting the return of students.
The middle school and high school years are marked by significant educational milestones, so now is a good time to take a look at what is in store this year.
We welcome the new 6th graders upstairs to join middle school! The first months of middle school can be an adjustment–moving more frequently between classes, organizing supplies, and staying on top of homework. 6th grade can be overwhelming, but our 7th and 8th graders made it through and can offer advice. We will hold a special orientation just for upcoming 6th graders during Open House to help with the transition, so stay tuned.
9th grade is also a pivotal year for students. The start of high school means keeping track of credits needed for graduation. This chart at https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/graduation-requirements lists what students need to earn a high school diploma. People will start asking in earnest, “what do you want to do after graduation?” Not to worry, 9th graders still have plenty of time to explore options, and the seminar class will help with that exploration.
10th graders who are interested in taking a CTE program in their junior year should keep track of their graduation credits. As the year progresses, students should make sure that they are passing all classes and Regents exams. Students will participate in the BOCES road show and visitation to find the best fit for their interests and goals. Interested students must complete an application to be admitted to a CTE program. More information will be shared later in the year.
And 12th graders—-the year will be full of events and moments to remember. Students who are college bound, should begin or continue their school search in the fall. Once a choice is made, it is important to stay on top of deadlines for applications, financial aid, and scholarships. Students who are going right to work, should start the year off by finding internships or work experiences, creating or revising resumes, and filling out job applications. Whatever path a student chooses, the seminar class will be especially helpful in preparing them for next steps.
These are only some highlights of what is on the horizon for this year. No matter what grade students are going into, they will grow and change with each passing month. They will need the help and support of adults in their lives to help them navigate each milestone. Working together, we can help our students reach their goals. Please reach out if you have questions along the journey.
Best wishes for 2025-2026,
- Elizabeth Barber-Breese, MS/HS Principal
- ebarberbreese@ovcs.org
- 315-653-7218
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