|| Buddy Ornaments at Winterfest
During Winterfest, OV students took part in our Buddy Classroom ornament-making activity, pairing older students with younger classmates to create and fill holiday ornaments together.
Middle and high school students visited their assigned elementary classrooms, working side-by-side with their buddies to decorate ornaments and share conversations about Christmas, family traditions, and what makes the season special. Each child had the opportunity to create their own ornament to take home.
Thank you to our students for being such thoughtful buddies, and to our staff for helping organize and support this activity.
During Winterfest, OV students took part in our Buddy Classroom ornament-making activity, pairing older students with younger classmates to create and fill holiday ornaments together.
Middle and high school students visited their assigned elementary classrooms, working side-by-side with their buddies to decorate ornaments and share conversations about Christmas, family traditions, and what makes the season special. Each child had the opportunity to create their own ornament to take home.
Thank you to our students for being such thoughtful buddies, and to our staff for helping organize and support this activity.
|| OV Winterfest!
On December 23rd, Otselic Valley students and staff gathered in the afternoon to celebrate Winterfest with games, performances, and plenty of school spirit.
The celebration began in the gym with Reindeer Games, where students from all classes took part in a variety of activities including volleyball, basketball relay, balloon toss, snowball fights, reindeer antler challenges, and freeze dance.
Winterfest continued in the MPR with class challenges. Students in grades 6-12 each selected a holiday song and performed for the school, with songs ranging from Jingle Bells and Jingle Bell Rock to Let It Go and Santa Baby. After much deliberation by the judges, the senior class was named the winner!
One of the day’s most memorable moments happened during the Reindeer Games, when the seniors were preparing to play the juniors in volleyball and were unexpectedly interrupted by Mr. Gross -- who introduced a mystery Santa. The surprise guest turned out to be Manuel Gonzalez-Lantaron, a former Spanish exchange student who attended OV two years ago. Dressed as Santa, Manuel surprised the senior class and joined in the festivities, much to the excitement of students who were thrilled to see him back at OV!
Watch a short video of Manuel’s surprise entrance here:
https://youtu.be/I_ocIgmhvW0
We also captured a couple class challenge performances:
• 6th Grade Performance: https://youtu.be/r8PXQkbAvho
• 7th Grade Performance: https://youtu.be/0xawNM713OI
Thank you to our staff for organizing a fun Winterfest and to our students for making our last day before break a great one.
#OVPride #OVWinterfest
On December 23rd, Otselic Valley students and staff gathered in the afternoon to celebrate Winterfest with games, performances, and plenty of school spirit.
The celebration began in the gym with Reindeer Games, where students from all classes took part in a variety of activities including volleyball, basketball relay, balloon toss, snowball fights, reindeer antler challenges, and freeze dance.
Winterfest continued in the MPR with class challenges. Students in grades 6-12 each selected a holiday song and performed for the school, with songs ranging from Jingle Bells and Jingle Bell Rock to Let It Go and Santa Baby. After much deliberation by the judges, the senior class was named the winner!
One of the day’s most memorable moments happened during the Reindeer Games, when the seniors were preparing to play the juniors in volleyball and were unexpectedly interrupted by Mr. Gross -- who introduced a mystery Santa. The surprise guest turned out to be Manuel Gonzalez-Lantaron, a former Spanish exchange student who attended OV two years ago. Dressed as Santa, Manuel surprised the senior class and joined in the festivities, much to the excitement of students who were thrilled to see him back at OV!
Watch a short video of Manuel’s surprise entrance here:
https://youtu.be/I_ocIgmhvW0
We also captured a couple class challenge performances:
• 6th Grade Performance: https://youtu.be/r8PXQkbAvho
• 7th Grade Performance: https://youtu.be/0xawNM713OI
Thank you to our staff for organizing a fun Winterfest and to our students for making our last day before break a great one.
#OVPride #OVWinterfest
|| The Viking Voice -- Fourth Edition is Here!
Catch up on news, stories, and celebrations from across Otselic Valley.
This issue features classroom moments, recent events, and stories from around the district.
Read it here: https://rebrand.ly/8k0mldp
Catch up on news, stories, and celebrations from across Otselic Valley.
This issue features classroom moments, recent events, and stories from around the district.
Read it here: https://rebrand.ly/8k0mldp
|| All Aboard the Polar Express!
Our third and fourth graders were able to meet the Polar Express Conductor through ZOOM! We learned that the train weighs 384,000 pounds and that the conductor checks many things before each train ride. He checks the wheels, fuel, and even oils squeaky things!
We also learned that it takes about 30 magical minutes to get to the North Pole! The conductor showed us a video of a train ride to the North Pole with passengers wearing their PJs and dancing waiters bringing hot cocoa.
He even used his hole punch to spell the word BELIEVE on a Polar Express ticket -- everyone had a great time!
Our third and fourth graders were able to meet the Polar Express Conductor through ZOOM! We learned that the train weighs 384,000 pounds and that the conductor checks many things before each train ride. He checks the wheels, fuel, and even oils squeaky things!
We also learned that it takes about 30 magical minutes to get to the North Pole! The conductor showed us a video of a train ride to the North Pole with passengers wearing their PJs and dancing waiters bringing hot cocoa.
He even used his hole punch to spell the word BELIEVE on a Polar Express ticket -- everyone had a great time!
|| December Star Awards - Celebrating Gratitude!
We’re proud to recognize our December OV Star Award recipients for grades 6-12! Each month, Otselic Valley honors students who demonstrate important character traits, and December’s theme was Gratitude.
Congratulations to:
⭐ Lilly Donnelly
⭐ Zack Foster
⭐ Gavin Grisolini
⭐ Kassidy Kelly
⭐ Fenner Kershaw
⭐ Cohen Loomis
⭐ Savannah Olmsted
⭐ Abigail Oralls
⭐ Autumn Pendell
⭐ Wyatt Ramsey
⭐ Abby White
⭐ Bradly Chambers
⭐ Allayna Harvey
⭐ Eli Miller
⭐ Emma Ramsey
⭐ Clarah Beeching
⭐ Gabe Couch
⭐ Isabella Sayles
⭐ Lukas Schieferstein
⭐ Aurora Mason
⭐ Isabella Neal
⭐ Kadyn Bishop
⭐ Daniel Mowers
⭐ Kassidie Cruikshank
⭐ Eliana Witty
⭐ Mariela Aguilar Domingo
Thank you for showing kindness, appreciation, and gratitude in all you do at Otselic Valley. You make our school community stronger!
|| State Trooper Visits Freshman Seminar
This month, New York State Trooper Timothy Neumoth visited Mrs. Osowski’s Freshman Seminar class as part of their cybersecurity unit. He presented an engaging lesson on internet safety, teaching students how to avoid online fraud, why sensitive personal information should never be posted or shared, how easily online predators can locate individuals, and how poor digital choices can lead to serious legal consequences. Hearing this information from a law enforcement professional helped reinforce the seriousness of these issues, giving students a real-world perspective and emphasizing the importance of making responsible and safe choices online.
This month, New York State Trooper Timothy Neumoth visited Mrs. Osowski’s Freshman Seminar class as part of their cybersecurity unit. He presented an engaging lesson on internet safety, teaching students how to avoid online fraud, why sensitive personal information should never be posted or shared, how easily online predators can locate individuals, and how poor digital choices can lead to serious legal consequences. Hearing this information from a law enforcement professional helped reinforce the seriousness of these issues, giving students a real-world perspective and emphasizing the importance of making responsible and safe choices online.
|| Annual Pre-K Gingerbread House Making Event
It was our annual Pre-K Gingerbread House Making event, and our preschool was transformed into a delightful candy wonderland as families joined their children for this joyful tradition. Using ordinary milk cartons, graham crackers, and a whole lot of frosting, charming little houses were created. Children, family members, or a special OV staff member worked side by side, decorating with colorful candies and sweet treats.
This special activity was made possible thanks to the generous donations from our families, which helped spark creativity and festive fun for everyone. Laughter, teamwork, and imagination filled the room as each child proudly created a one of a kind gingerbread house to take home and enjoy. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season and make sweet memories together!
It was our annual Pre-K Gingerbread House Making event, and our preschool was transformed into a delightful candy wonderland as families joined their children for this joyful tradition. Using ordinary milk cartons, graham crackers, and a whole lot of frosting, charming little houses were created. Children, family members, or a special OV staff member worked side by side, decorating with colorful candies and sweet treats.
This special activity was made possible thanks to the generous donations from our families, which helped spark creativity and festive fun for everyone. Laughter, teamwork, and imagination filled the room as each child proudly created a one of a kind gingerbread house to take home and enjoy. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season and make sweet memories together!
|| Now Hiring at Otselic Valley!
Otselic Valley is accepting applications for several positions.
Current openings include:
• Spring Musical Directors (3 positions)
• Substitute Food Service Helper
• Long Term Substitute 7-12 Science Teacher -- starting on or about March 2, 2026
How to Apply:
Please send application materials to:
Mr. Brian Collier, Superintendent
Otselic Valley Central School
P.O. Box 161, South Otselic, NY 13155
Find all current job openings at OV: https://www.ovcs.org/page/job-vacancies
Otselic Valley is accepting applications for several positions.
Current openings include:
• Spring Musical Directors (3 positions)
• Substitute Food Service Helper
• Long Term Substitute 7-12 Science Teacher -- starting on or about March 2, 2026
How to Apply:
Please send application materials to:
Mr. Brian Collier, Superintendent
Otselic Valley Central School
P.O. Box 161, South Otselic, NY 13155
Find all current job openings at OV: https://www.ovcs.org/page/job-vacancies
|| After-School Activities Canceled
Otselic Valley Central School District has canceled all after-school activities scheduled for today, December 19th, 2025.
|| A Great Start to the Day at OV!
This morning’s OV Morning Program was full of singing and smiles. We began with the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the OV Alma Mater before hearing from students in each grade.
Our presenters shared the weather and lunch menu, and during Kids with Character we sang the Empathy Song together. Third graders entertained everyone with some funny jokes, and we learned a few fun facts along the way!
We celebrated birthdays for Braylie, Lane, Jayleigh, and Bradlee -- Happy Birthday to all! -- before ending the program with a holiday sing-along of our favorite songs. Click to watch a short clip of our sing-along: https://youtu.be/2znY3N9Cw9Q
It was a wonderful way to start the day at Otselic Valley!
This morning’s OV Morning Program was full of singing and smiles. We began with the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the OV Alma Mater before hearing from students in each grade.
Our presenters shared the weather and lunch menu, and during Kids with Character we sang the Empathy Song together. Third graders entertained everyone with some funny jokes, and we learned a few fun facts along the way!
We celebrated birthdays for Braylie, Lane, Jayleigh, and Bradlee -- Happy Birthday to all! -- before ending the program with a holiday sing-along of our favorite songs. Click to watch a short clip of our sing-along: https://youtu.be/2znY3N9Cw9Q
It was a wonderful way to start the day at Otselic Valley!
|| OV Winter Concert Highlights
Our Grades 4-12 students filled the auditorium with music this week during the OV Winter Concert. Elementary, middle, and high school chorus and band groups each took the stage, sharing festive pieces and showcasing the hard work they’ve put in this season.
A big thank-you to Mr. Scott, Mr. Taylor, and accompanist Mr. Guarneiri for guiding and supporting our student musicians.
We’re proud of all of our performers for their dedication and for bringing such joy to our school community.
Our Grades 4-12 students filled the auditorium with music this week during the OV Winter Concert. Elementary, middle, and high school chorus and band groups each took the stage, sharing festive pieces and showcasing the hard work they’ve put in this season.
A big thank-you to Mr. Scott, Mr. Taylor, and accompanist Mr. Guarneiri for guiding and supporting our student musicians.
We’re proud of all of our performers for their dedication and for bringing such joy to our school community.
|| Throwback Thursday: Winterfest 2006!
For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we’re looking back at Winterfest 2006, featured in the 2007 yearbook New Horizons: Everything You Never Expected and More.
From air band performances and volleyball tournaments to cheer routines and plenty of school spirit, it’s fun to revisit these traditions and see how they’ve grown over time.
For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we’re looking back at Winterfest 2006, featured in the 2007 yearbook New Horizons: Everything You Never Expected and More.
From air band performances and volleyball tournaments to cheer routines and plenty of school spirit, it’s fun to revisit these traditions and see how they’ve grown over time.
|| Show Your Viking Pride!
The OVCS Spirit Wear Store is still open, and it’s a great time to grab your favorite Viking gear and show your school spirit all year long!
Shop online here:
https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/ovcs
Thank you for supporting our Student Government and proudly representing OV wherever you go!
The OVCS Spirit Wear Store is still open, and it’s a great time to grab your favorite Viking gear and show your school spirit all year long!
Shop online here:
https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/ovcs
Thank you for supporting our Student Government and proudly representing OV wherever you go!
|| OV Holiday Gift Shop
This week, our PreK-5 students took part in the OV Holiday Gift Shop, where they visited tables of donated items and chose gifts for the important people in their lives.
A big thank-you to our NHS and NJHS students, who volunteered their time to help younger students select and wrap their gifts. We also want to recognize our OV staff, who helped guide students through the experience and supported the event from start to finish.
All items at the bazaar were free, made possible through generous donations from staff, community members, and older students. We’re grateful for the kindness that helps keep this tradition going.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make the holiday season a little brighter for our OV students!
This week, our PreK-5 students took part in the OV Holiday Gift Shop, where they visited tables of donated items and chose gifts for the important people in their lives.
A big thank-you to our NHS and NJHS students, who volunteered their time to help younger students select and wrap their gifts. We also want to recognize our OV staff, who helped guide students through the experience and supported the event from start to finish.
All items at the bazaar were free, made possible through generous donations from staff, community members, and older students. We’re grateful for the kindness that helps keep this tradition going.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make the holiday season a little brighter for our OV students!
|| Girls Varsity Basketball Fundraiser!
Join us on December 20th from 12-4 PM at Apple Creek Golf Course for a fun-filled fundraiser supporting our Girls Varsity Basketball team!
Enjoy $15 wings, raffles, and a bake sale sponsored by the OV Booster Club.
All proceeds go directly to the team.
Thank you for supporting our athletes!
Join us on December 20th from 12-4 PM at Apple Creek Golf Course for a fun-filled fundraiser supporting our Girls Varsity Basketball team!
Enjoy $15 wings, raffles, and a bake sale sponsored by the OV Booster Club.
All proceeds go directly to the team.
Thank you for supporting our athletes!
|| Reminder: Upcoming Otselic Valley Board of Education Meetings
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
• 6:00 PM – Transportation/Facilities Committee Meeting, Conference Room
• 7:00 PM – Board of Education Meeting, Mirrored Cafeteria
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
• 6:00 PM – Transportation/Facilities Committee Meeting, Conference Room
• 7:00 PM – Board of Education Meeting, Mirrored Cafeteria
|| Seniors & PreK: Letters to Santa
Last week, our OV seniors spent time with our PreK students helping them write their letters to Santa and coloring together. It was a fun and enjoyable activity that brought the groups together, and our youngest Vikings loved having “big kids” to work with.
Thank you to our seniors for spending time with our PreK students and helping make the experience memorable!
Last week, our OV seniors spent time with our PreK students helping them write their letters to Santa and coloring together. It was a fun and enjoyable activity that brought the groups together, and our youngest Vikings loved having “big kids” to work with.
Thank you to our seniors for spending time with our PreK students and helping make the experience memorable!
|| Community Resource
Chenango County Holiday Food Distribution
December 16th
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Chenango County Fairgrounds
Open to all Chenango County residents (while supplies last)
|| SKI NY Free for Kids Passport Program
The 2025-26 SKI NY “Kids Ski Free” Passport Program is now open for families interested in skiing this winter. The program allows 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to ski free (with a paid adult ticket) at participating ski areas across New York State, up to two times per mountain.
A few key details:
• Valid seven days a week, with some holiday blackout dates
• A $45 processing fee applies per application
• Passports are digital and can be shown on your phone or printed
• Adult lift ticket purchase is required (rentals and lessons not included)
For full program information, participating ski areas, blackout dates, and the application link, visit:
https://www.iskiny.com/.../ski-ny-ski-ride-passport-program
The 2025-26 SKI NY “Kids Ski Free” Passport Program is now open for families interested in skiing this winter. The program allows 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to ski free (with a paid adult ticket) at participating ski areas across New York State, up to two times per mountain.
A few key details:
• Valid seven days a week, with some holiday blackout dates
• A $45 processing fee applies per application
• Passports are digital and can be shown on your phone or printed
• Adult lift ticket purchase is required (rentals and lessons not included)
For full program information, participating ski areas, blackout dates, and the application link, visit:
https://www.iskiny.com/.../ski-ny-ski-ride-passport-program
|| Cozy Christmas Reading in Pre-K through Second Grade
Last week, our young Vikings enjoyed a Cozy Christmas Reading event in the classroom. Families were invited to stop in, pick a book, and read together while celebrating the season.
Hot cocoa, cookies, and plenty of festive cheer made the afternoon a warm and relaxed way to share stories and spend time together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this a special reading time for our students!
Last week, our young Vikings enjoyed a Cozy Christmas Reading event in the classroom. Families were invited to stop in, pick a book, and read together while celebrating the season.
Hot cocoa, cookies, and plenty of festive cheer made the afternoon a warm and relaxed way to share stories and spend time together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this a special reading time for our students!
