|| Spring Fest Fun at Otselic Valley!
Students and staff at Otselic Valley kicked off Spring Fest on Thursday, April 2, with an afternoon full of laughter, friendly competition, and school spirit.
The day featured a variety of games and activities, including mattress races, balloon-popping challenges, plastic egg tosses, balloon tosses in the stands, human bowling, trivia, freeze dance, and plenty of dancing. One of the day’s highlights was seeing older and younger students team up to build creative Peep habitats together.
Staff members even joined the fun with a hilarious inflatable race that had the crowd laughing and cheering.
Thank you to our staff for organizing such a great day and to our students for bringing the energy and school spirit that made Spring Fest so much fun! It was the perfect way to shake off winter and head into spring break with smiles all around.
Students and staff at Otselic Valley kicked off Spring Fest on Thursday, April 2, with an afternoon full of laughter, friendly competition, and school spirit.
The day featured a variety of games and activities, including mattress races, balloon-popping challenges, plastic egg tosses, balloon tosses in the stands, human bowling, trivia, freeze dance, and plenty of dancing. One of the day’s highlights was seeing older and younger students team up to build creative Peep habitats together.
Staff members even joined the fun with a hilarious inflatable race that had the crowd laughing and cheering.
Thank you to our staff for organizing such a great day and to our students for bringing the energy and school spirit that made Spring Fest so much fun! It was the perfect way to shake off winter and head into spring break with smiles all around.
|| Calling Local Artists! Community Artwork Welcome
The Otselic Valley Student Art Show will be on display during Fishing and Heritage Day on May 16 from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Otselic Valley Central School.
This special exhibit will feature artwork from Otselic Valley students in Pre-K through 12th grade, showcasing the creativity and talent across our school community.
We are also inviting community members to participate by submitting their own artwork to be displayed alongside student pieces. If you are interested in contributing a piece, please email Miriah Lawrence at mlawrenc@ovcs.org for more information.
We hope you’ll stop by to celebrate the arts with us!
The Otselic Valley Student Art Show will be on display during Fishing and Heritage Day on May 16 from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Otselic Valley Central School.
This special exhibit will feature artwork from Otselic Valley students in Pre-K through 12th grade, showcasing the creativity and talent across our school community.
We are also inviting community members to participate by submitting their own artwork to be displayed alongside student pieces. If you are interested in contributing a piece, please email Miriah Lawrence at mlawrenc@ovcs.org for more information.
We hope you’ll stop by to celebrate the arts with us!
|| Otselic Valley Receives CPR in Schools with First Aid Training Kit
Otselic Valley Central School District recently received a new CPR in Schools® training kit thanks to the generosity of the American Heart Association - Central New York State and Visions Federal Credit Union.
Representatives Jami Wood, Vice President of Development, and Heather Evans, Executive Director, both with the American Heart Association of Central New York, joined Jocelyn Zayac, Community Impact Coordinator from Visions Federal Credit Union, to present the new kit to OV School Nurse Stacie Morse.
The CPR in Schools training kit includes inflatable training manikins and instructional materials that allow students to learn CPR, how to use an AED, and basic first aid in a single class period. The kit can be used to train 10-20 students at a time, helping ensure more students graduate with lifesaving skills.
For many years, Nurse Morse has taught CPR to Otselic Valley seniors to help them meet graduation requirements. This new equipment will replace the kits that have been used for more than 16 years, ensuring students continue to receive hands-on training with updated materials.
According to the American Heart Association, CPR performed quickly and correctly can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest. Programs like CPR in Schools help prepare students to respond in an emergency and support the goal of creating a “Nation of Lifesavers.”
We are grateful to the American Heart Association and Visions Federal Credit Union for this generous gift and for helping equip our students with skills that can truly save lives.
|| Revolutionary War Lesson Comes to Life at OV!
Seventh-grade Social Studies students recently brought their study of the American Revolution outdoors with an interactive tug-of-war activity designed to demonstrate the advantages and challenges faced by both sides during the war.
Students representing the British and the Continental Army put their knowledge into action as they competed in a modified tug-of-war game, with rules adjusted to reflect the realities of the Revolutionary War. While the teams followed a tug-of-war format, several twists were added to represent the different circumstances each side faced during the conflict.
A major turning point came when OV seniors joined the activity, representing the French allies, helping the blue team, the Patriots, secure the victory.
The activity gave students a fun and memorable way to connect what they’ve been learning in class with real historical events.
Thank you to Ms. Koornstra for creating such an engaging, hands-on lesson that helped bring this important moment in history to life for students. We also appreciate the OV seniors who participated as the French allies and helped make the activity even more memorable, and thank you to Ms. Yaddow for capturing the photos from the day!
Seventh-grade Social Studies students recently brought their study of the American Revolution outdoors with an interactive tug-of-war activity designed to demonstrate the advantages and challenges faced by both sides during the war.
Students representing the British and the Continental Army put their knowledge into action as they competed in a modified tug-of-war game, with rules adjusted to reflect the realities of the Revolutionary War. While the teams followed a tug-of-war format, several twists were added to represent the different circumstances each side faced during the conflict.
A major turning point came when OV seniors joined the activity, representing the French allies, helping the blue team, the Patriots, secure the victory.
The activity gave students a fun and memorable way to connect what they’ve been learning in class with real historical events.
Thank you to Ms. Koornstra for creating such an engaging, hands-on lesson that helped bring this important moment in history to life for students. We also appreciate the OV seniors who participated as the French allies and helped make the activity even more memorable, and thank you to Ms. Yaddow for capturing the photos from the day!
|| Throwback Thursday: 1994 OV Yearbook
This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to the 1994 New Horizons Yearbook.
These pages highlight several student groups from that year, including Yearbook, Drama, Junior Honor Society, and Honor Society -- activities OV students participated in then and continue to participate in today!
This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to the 1994 New Horizons Yearbook.
These pages highlight several student groups from that year, including Yearbook, Drama, Junior Honor Society, and Honor Society -- activities OV students participated in then and continue to participate in today!
|| Community Opportunity: College Fair at the Ballpark!
Local high school students and families are invited to attend the College Fair at the Ballpark hosted by the Binghamton Rumble Ponies on April 8 and April 9.
Students can meet representatives from a variety of colleges and universities, including several SUNY schools and regional colleges, to learn more about programs, financial aid, and campus life.
Event Details:
Wednesday, April 8
First Pitch: 6:07 PM
Gates Open: 4:00 PM
Thursday, April 9
First Pitch: 1:00 PM
Gates Open: 11:00 AM
Special Student Ticket Offer
All high school students can receive a $5 grandstand ticket by showing their student ID at the box office.
For more information, contact Matt Gomes at mattg@bingrp.com or 607-722-3866.
Local high school students and families are invited to attend the College Fair at the Ballpark hosted by the Binghamton Rumble Ponies on April 8 and April 9.
Students can meet representatives from a variety of colleges and universities, including several SUNY schools and regional colleges, to learn more about programs, financial aid, and campus life.
Event Details:
Wednesday, April 8
First Pitch: 6:07 PM
Gates Open: 4:00 PM
Thursday, April 9
First Pitch: 1:00 PM
Gates Open: 11:00 AM
Special Student Ticket Offer
All high school students can receive a $5 grandstand ticket by showing their student ID at the box office.
For more information, contact Matt Gomes at mattg@bingrp.com or 607-722-3866.
|| OV Students Perform in All-County Band
Congratulations to Bruce Shoemaker and Saria Orlando, who represented Otselic Valley in the All-County Band Festival held at Norwich High School.
All-County is an honors ensemble festival that brings together talented student musicians from across the county. Students are selected by invitation, with only a limited number chosen for each section, making it a significant honor and recognition of their musical ability.
Bruce and Saria, both 7th grade students and first-year eligible members of the Junior Ensemble, prepared their music in advance and then joined students from other schools for an intensive rehearsal schedule of nearly eight hours to polish the performance.
This year’s ensemble was directed by guest conductor Jackie Kovacs, High School Band Teacher at Maine-Endwell High School. Events like this provide students the opportunity to perform advanced repertoire alongside peers who share the same dedication and passion for music.
Thank you to OV Band Teacher Mr. Taylor for preparing and supporting our students for this exciting opportunity.
Great job representing OV and our music program!
Congratulations to Bruce Shoemaker and Saria Orlando, who represented Otselic Valley in the All-County Band Festival held at Norwich High School.
All-County is an honors ensemble festival that brings together talented student musicians from across the county. Students are selected by invitation, with only a limited number chosen for each section, making it a significant honor and recognition of their musical ability.
Bruce and Saria, both 7th grade students and first-year eligible members of the Junior Ensemble, prepared their music in advance and then joined students from other schools for an intensive rehearsal schedule of nearly eight hours to polish the performance.
This year’s ensemble was directed by guest conductor Jackie Kovacs, High School Band Teacher at Maine-Endwell High School. Events like this provide students the opportunity to perform advanced repertoire alongside peers who share the same dedication and passion for music.
Thank you to OV Band Teacher Mr. Taylor for preparing and supporting our students for this exciting opportunity.
Great job representing OV and our music program!
|| Community Resource: Free Spring Break STEM Workshops
Families looking for a spring break activity may be interested in the “Powered Up for STEM!” workshop series at the New York Energy Zone in Utica.
The free workshops run April 6-10 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and feature hands-on STEM activities for students of various ages. Reservations are required and space is limited.
Register here:
https://rebrand.ly/wp81hbp
You can also call (315) 792-8725 to reserve a spot.
Children who participate will also receive one free admission to the Utica Zoo for themselves and a guardian during spring break week.
Families looking for a spring break activity may be interested in the “Powered Up for STEM!” workshop series at the New York Energy Zone in Utica.
The free workshops run April 6-10 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and feature hands-on STEM activities for students of various ages. Reservations are required and space is limited.
Register here:
https://rebrand.ly/wp81hbp
You can also call (315) 792-8725 to reserve a spot.
Children who participate will also receive one free admission to the Utica Zoo for themselves and a guardian during spring break week.
|| Need Attire for Prom?
The CVFree Prom Closet is helping students find the perfect outfit for prom and other formal events. Dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry, and accessories are available in a variety of sizes and styles so every student can feel confident and ready for their special event.
Items are available with a $20 refundable deposit, making this a great option for students and families looking for affordable formalwear.
2026 Open House Dates:
• Tuesday, April 7 | 6–8 PM
• Saturday, April 11 | 2–4 PM
• Thursday, April 16 | 6–8 PM
• Saturday, April 18 | 2–4 PM
• Tuesday, April 21 | 6–8 PM
• Thursday, April 30 | 6–8 PM
CVFree Church
4299 NY-23, Norwich
For more information, contact CVFree Prom Closet at 607-371-3326 or visit @cvfreepromcloset.
The CVFree Prom Closet is helping students find the perfect outfit for prom and other formal events. Dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry, and accessories are available in a variety of sizes and styles so every student can feel confident and ready for their special event.
Items are available with a $20 refundable deposit, making this a great option for students and families looking for affordable formalwear.
2026 Open House Dates:
• Tuesday, April 7 | 6–8 PM
• Saturday, April 11 | 2–4 PM
• Thursday, April 16 | 6–8 PM
• Saturday, April 18 | 2–4 PM
• Tuesday, April 21 | 6–8 PM
• Thursday, April 30 | 6–8 PM
CVFree Church
4299 NY-23, Norwich
For more information, contact CVFree Prom Closet at 607-371-3326 or visit @cvfreepromcloset.
|| March OV Star Awards – Celebrating Honesty!
We’re proud to recognize our March OV Star Award recipients for grades 6-12!
Each month, Otselic Valley honors students who demonstrate important character traits, and March’s theme was Honesty.
Congratulations to:
⭐ Leighann Depew
⭐ Wyatt Eaton
⭐ Caelin Remillard
⭐ Jacob Wilbur
⭐ Madison Hicks
⭐ Clarah Beeching
⭐ Kadyn Bishop
⭐ Landon Burpee
⭐ Makenzy Clemens
⭐ Kaytlynn Cookingham
⭐ Danica Davis
⭐ Logan Doyle
⭐ Allayna Harvey
⭐ Carter Loomis
⭐ Emma Miller
⭐ Kimmy Miron-Blanco
⭐ Izzy Neal
⭐ Rylie Peabody
⭐ Bella Sayles
⭐ Orion Schieferstein
⭐ Nelson Shoemaker
⭐ Lydia Vroman
⭐ Jayden Waltz
⭐ Owen Davis
⭐ Lukas Schieferstein
⭐ Shay Dutcher
⭐ Paisley Pendell
⭐ Emma Ramsey
⭐ TJ Fuller
Thank you for demonstrating integrity and setting a positive example for others. You help make Otselic Valley a strong and supportive school community!
We’re proud to recognize our March OV Star Award recipients for grades 6-12!
Each month, Otselic Valley honors students who demonstrate important character traits, and March’s theme was Honesty.
Congratulations to:
⭐ Leighann Depew
⭐ Wyatt Eaton
⭐ Caelin Remillard
⭐ Jacob Wilbur
⭐ Madison Hicks
⭐ Clarah Beeching
⭐ Kadyn Bishop
⭐ Landon Burpee
⭐ Makenzy Clemens
⭐ Kaytlynn Cookingham
⭐ Danica Davis
⭐ Logan Doyle
⭐ Allayna Harvey
⭐ Carter Loomis
⭐ Emma Miller
⭐ Kimmy Miron-Blanco
⭐ Izzy Neal
⭐ Rylie Peabody
⭐ Bella Sayles
⭐ Orion Schieferstein
⭐ Nelson Shoemaker
⭐ Lydia Vroman
⭐ Jayden Waltz
⭐ Owen Davis
⭐ Lukas Schieferstein
⭐ Shay Dutcher
⭐ Paisley Pendell
⭐ Emma Ramsey
⭐ TJ Fuller
Thank you for demonstrating integrity and setting a positive example for others. You help make Otselic Valley a strong and supportive school community!
|| Welcome, Michelle Kennedy!
Hello Otselic Valley Central School District Parents,
My name is Michelle Kennedy, and I am substituting for Ms. Beck’s science classes. I will be teaching here at OVCS through the end of the school year.
I am certified in Biology 7-12. I taught in Palm Beach County, Florida for eleven years before returning to my hometown of DeRuyter. I retired from teaching in 2024 from Dryden Central School District.
I graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor of Science in Biology Education. I earned a Master of Science degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida where I continued my studies and earned an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Technology and Distance Education.
I am here to help with your child’s success and will be available after school when needed. You may contact me through email: MKennedy@ovcs.org
Sincerely,
Michelle Kennedy, Ed.S
Otselic Valley Central School
Long-term Substitute 7th Grade Life Science, Regents Life Science
Hello Otselic Valley Central School District Parents,
My name is Michelle Kennedy, and I am substituting for Ms. Beck’s science classes. I will be teaching here at OVCS through the end of the school year.
I am certified in Biology 7-12. I taught in Palm Beach County, Florida for eleven years before returning to my hometown of DeRuyter. I retired from teaching in 2024 from Dryden Central School District.
I graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor of Science in Biology Education. I earned a Master of Science degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida where I continued my studies and earned an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Technology and Distance Education.
I am here to help with your child’s success and will be available after school when needed. You may contact me through email: MKennedy@ovcs.org
Sincerely,
Michelle Kennedy, Ed.S
Otselic Valley Central School
Long-term Substitute 7th Grade Life Science, Regents Life Science
|| Reminder for Families
There will be no morning programs on April 3, 10, 17, 24, and May 1.
We’ll see you again on May 8th!
There will be no morning programs on April 3, 10, 17, 24, and May 1.
We’ll see you again on May 8th!
|| Senior Families: Last Chance for Yearbook Ads!
Families of the Class of 2026 -- this is a final reminder to submit senior ads for the 2025-26 Otselic Valley Yearbook.
Senior ads must be submitted by Friday, April 3.
Create your ad online here:https://rebrand.ly/no1b1hm
School code: 5405
Select “Start Your Ad” instead of “Order a Yearbook.”
Ad options:
• Quarter-page color ad: $55
• Half-page color ad: $95
The yearbook itself can still be ordered online through May 2.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the Class of 2026!
|| REMINDER: Early Dismissal – Monday, March 30
This is a friendly reminder that Otselic Valley will have an early dismissal tomorrow, March 30th at 11:15 AM after lunch is served. Morning BOCES students will attend their class as usual.
This will allow members of our school community the opportunity to honor Mr. Thorp's significant contributions to the community and district.
Thank you again for your understanding and support during this difficult time in our district and community.
|| Musical Cast Fun!
We asked the cast of Emma: A Pop Musical an important question…
Who is most likely to drop a line on stage?
Watch our latest reel to see what the cast had to say! Watch it here.
Performance Dates:
• Friday, April 17 – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, April 18 – 2:00 PM (Matinee)
#OVPride #OVMusical
|| Morning Program at OV
We started our Friday the OV way with the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, followed by student shares from each grade, including the weather and lunch menu. During Kids with Character, everyone joined together to sing the Cooperation song from PurposeFull People.
Students also shared jokes and fun facts, bringing plenty of smiles to the room. We also celebrated some special OV birthdays today — happy birthday to Claire, Lawson, Clay, Aubree, Nolan, Addison, Natalie, Aerieanna, Bryce, Nick, Owen, Gracelynn, Jayder, and Kameron!
We also recognized our OV Shoutouts for the week. Congratulations to all of the students who were recognized!
Our OV’s Got Talent performance featured Amelia, who sang “Queens Don’t.” She did an amazing job!
Reminder for families: Our next Morning Program will be held on May 8. We’ll share another reminder next week.
What a great way to start our Friday!
We started our Friday the OV way with the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, followed by student shares from each grade, including the weather and lunch menu. During Kids with Character, everyone joined together to sing the Cooperation song from PurposeFull People.
Students also shared jokes and fun facts, bringing plenty of smiles to the room. We also celebrated some special OV birthdays today — happy birthday to Claire, Lawson, Clay, Aubree, Nolan, Addison, Natalie, Aerieanna, Bryce, Nick, Owen, Gracelynn, Jayder, and Kameron!
We also recognized our OV Shoutouts for the week. Congratulations to all of the students who were recognized!
Our OV’s Got Talent performance featured Amelia, who sang “Queens Don’t.” She did an amazing job!
Reminder for families: Our next Morning Program will be held on May 8. We’ll share another reminder next week.
What a great way to start our Friday!
|| Springfest '26 Spirit Week is coming!
Get ready to show your Viking pride with our Spirit Days next week:
• Monday – Meme Day
Dress up as your favorite meme – funny, iconic, or even weird!
• Tuesday – Flower Power
Celebrate spring with colorful hippie or 70’s-inspired outfits.
• Wednesday – Dynamic Duo
Partner with a friend or teacher as your favorite dynamic duo.
• Thursday – Game Day: Black vs Gold
Team Black (odd classes) and Team Gold (even classes) compete for the Viking Cup. Wear your black and gold and cheer on your team!
Teams will earn points based on class participation and school spirit, so let’s see which team brings the most Viking pride!
Get ready to show your Viking pride with our Spirit Days next week:
• Monday – Meme Day
Dress up as your favorite meme – funny, iconic, or even weird!
• Tuesday – Flower Power
Celebrate spring with colorful hippie or 70’s-inspired outfits.
• Wednesday – Dynamic Duo
Partner with a friend or teacher as your favorite dynamic duo.
• Thursday – Game Day: Black vs Gold
Team Black (odd classes) and Team Gold (even classes) compete for the Viking Cup. Wear your black and gold and cheer on your team!
Teams will earn points based on class participation and school spirit, so let’s see which team brings the most Viking pride!
|| Exploring the Future: OV Students Visit Local Colleges
Students in grades 9-12 who are interested in Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) and SUNY Cortland had the opportunity to visit both campuses and learn more about the academic programs, campus life, and activities each school has to offer.
It was a valuable experience that helped students to think about their future goals and college options. Students were also able to compare these campuses to schools we visited in the fall, helping them to reflect on what environments may be the best fit for them.
Visiting college campuses is an important step in the planning process, as it allows students to get a real feel for campus life and better understand what they're looking for in a college. With summer right around the corner, it's a great time for students and families to start scheduling college visits!
We are also looking forward to attending the college fair at DCMO BOCES on April 16, where students will have another opportunity to connect with college representatives. Permission slips will be sent home next week.
Students in grades 9-12 who are interested in Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) and SUNY Cortland had the opportunity to visit both campuses and learn more about the academic programs, campus life, and activities each school has to offer.
It was a valuable experience that helped students to think about their future goals and college options. Students were also able to compare these campuses to schools we visited in the fall, helping them to reflect on what environments may be the best fit for them.
Visiting college campuses is an important step in the planning process, as it allows students to get a real feel for campus life and better understand what they're looking for in a college. With summer right around the corner, it's a great time for students and families to start scheduling college visits!
We are also looking forward to attending the college fair at DCMO BOCES on April 16, where students will have another opportunity to connect with college representatives. Permission slips will be sent home next week.
|| Support Otselic Valley After Prom 2026!
The Otselic Valley After Prom Community Committee is inviting local businesses and community members to help support this year’s After Prom celebration on May 29, 2026.
After Prom provides a safe, fun, and memorable environment for our students to celebrate together following the prom. Community support helps make this special event possible.
Sponsorship Levels:
• Gold: $100 and higher
• Silver: $50-$99
• Bronze: Any amount under $50
Community members can also contribute prizes or donations to support the event.
Checks can be made payable to:
OV After Prom Community Committee
Mail to:
Otselic Valley Central School
ATTN: OV After Prom Community Committee
125 County Road 13A
South Otselic, NY 13155
Thank you for supporting our students and helping create a safe and enjoyable night celebrating their accomplishments!
The Otselic Valley After Prom Community Committee is inviting local businesses and community members to help support this year’s After Prom celebration on May 29, 2026.
After Prom provides a safe, fun, and memorable environment for our students to celebrate together following the prom. Community support helps make this special event possible.
Sponsorship Levels:
• Gold: $100 and higher
• Silver: $50-$99
• Bronze: Any amount under $50
Community members can also contribute prizes or donations to support the event.
Checks can be made payable to:
OV After Prom Community Committee
Mail to:
Otselic Valley Central School
ATTN: OV After Prom Community Committee
125 County Road 13A
South Otselic, NY 13155
Thank you for supporting our students and helping create a safe and enjoyable night celebrating their accomplishments!
|| Spring Fun for Families!
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Check out this FREE family event at the New York Energy Zone!
Join in the fun on Sunday, March 29 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM for a day full of hands-on activities and springtime excitement.
Event highlights include:
• FREE photos with the Easter Bunny
• Spring crafts
• STEM activities
• Over 40 interactive science exhibits
This is a great opportunity for families to explore, learn, and celebrate the season together!
• New York Energy Zone (next to the Utica Zoo)
• Utica, NY
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Check out this FREE family event at the New York Energy Zone!
Join in the fun on Sunday, March 29 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM for a day full of hands-on activities and springtime excitement.
Event highlights include:
• FREE photos with the Easter Bunny
• Spring crafts
• STEM activities
• Over 40 interactive science exhibits
This is a great opportunity for families to explore, learn, and celebrate the season together!
• New York Energy Zone (next to the Utica Zoo)
• Utica, NY
