|| Community Opportunity: Explore Local History on the Liberty Has a Country Tour!
On Saturday, Oct. 4th, 2025, the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association invites you to a special historic tour of the Upper Mohawk Valley.
Stops include:
• Shako:wi Cultural Center (Oneida Indian Nation)
• Fort Herkimer Church
• General Herkimer’s Home in Little Falls
• Indian Castle Church
Depart: 8:30 am from OVCS and return: around 6:00 pm
Bring a picnic lunch (water & snacks provided)
The program is free (except the Herkimer Home fee) thanks to a Follett Foundation grant and great community sponsors!
Call (315) 653-7811 or email foorpessin@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
On Saturday, Oct. 4th, 2025, the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association invites you to a special historic tour of the Upper Mohawk Valley.
Stops include:
• Shako:wi Cultural Center (Oneida Indian Nation)
• Fort Herkimer Church
• General Herkimer’s Home in Little Falls
• Indian Castle Church
Depart: 8:30 am from OVCS and return: around 6:00 pm
Bring a picnic lunch (water & snacks provided)
The program is free (except the Herkimer Home fee) thanks to a Follett Foundation grant and great community sponsors!
Call (315) 653-7811 or email foorpessin@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
|| Otselic Valley Library: October Calendar
Here’s what’s happening this month at the library! From Chair Yoga, Kids Games, and Crafts to Plant Swap, Knitting Nights, and Movie Day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Plan a visit to the Otselic Valley Public Library this October -- open Monday-Friday, 3-7 pm -- and join the fun!
Here’s what’s happening this month at the library! From Chair Yoga, Kids Games, and Crafts to Plant Swap, Knitting Nights, and Movie Day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Plan a visit to the Otselic Valley Public Library this October -- open Monday-Friday, 3-7 pm -- and join the fun!
|| Young Journalists to Share OV Stories!
Fifth graders from Room 112 recently interviewed Mrs. Davis’s kindergartners as part of developing their interviewing skills. They’re turning these conversations into a brand-new newspaper called Tiny Humans of OV!
Be on the lookout for the very first issue -- it's coming soon!
Fifth graders from Room 112 recently interviewed Mrs. Davis’s kindergartners as part of developing their interviewing skills. They’re turning these conversations into a brand-new newspaper called Tiny Humans of OV!
Be on the lookout for the very first issue -- it's coming soon!
OV Soccer Update!
|| Modified Boys Soccer
The boys’ modified soccer team secured their second win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Stockbridge Valley!
• Blake Marshall scored off a steal in the offensive third to make it 1-0.
• Daniel Mower netted his first goal of the season, beating a defender and finishing with a strong shot to extend the lead.
• The defense -- Carter, Zack, Colt, Eli, and Orion -- along with goalkeepers Fenner and Daniel, worked hard to preserve the shutout.
|| Modified Girls Soccer
The modified girls’ team, merged with Madison this season, is showing steady progress on the field. While a win has not come yet, the team has battled through several close games -- including two exciting 4-3 matches against Stockbridge and Cincinnatus. With hard work and determination, the girls continue to build skills and grow stronger each game.
|| Varsity Boys Soccer
The DeRuyter-OV varsity boys’ team improved their record on Friday with a 2-0 win!
• Owen Davis netted his 10th goal of the season.
• Caleb Loomis earned another clean sheet in goal.
|| Varsity Girls Soccer
• The girls’ varsity team hasn’t found a win yet this season, but they’re showing strong improvement, learning new skills, and working well together as a team. There have been some close games, and with the second half of the season ahead, we’re hopeful they’ll turn that hard work into victories.
|| Morning Program Update!
Students have started practicing for Morning Program, with 5th graders already stepping up as MCs and running the slideshow. Teachers also modeled what their classes will do to get everyone ready for October 17th.
The first Morning Program for families will be on Friday, October 17th.
• Time: 8:20-8:45 am (please note the new time)
• Arrival: Parents may sign in at the office beginning at 8:15 am
We’re excited to welcome families back as we celebrate our students and start the day with OV pride!
Students have started practicing for Morning Program, with 5th graders already stepping up as MCs and running the slideshow. Teachers also modeled what their classes will do to get everyone ready for October 17th.
The first Morning Program for families will be on Friday, October 17th.
• Time: 8:20-8:45 am (please note the new time)
• Arrival: Parents may sign in at the office beginning at 8:15 am
We’re excited to welcome families back as we celebrate our students and start the day with OV pride!
|| Picture Day Reminder!
• Picture Day is this Wednesday, October 1st.
• Photos begin at 7:30 a.m.
Please send students with their completed order form to hand directly to the photographer (extra order forms are available for pick-up in the Main Office if needed). All-day BOCES students are encouraged to attend as well.
Thank you for helping us make Picture Day a success!
• Picture Day is this Wednesday, October 1st.
• Photos begin at 7:30 a.m.
Please send students with their completed order form to hand directly to the photographer (extra order forms are available for pick-up in the Main Office if needed). All-day BOCES students are encouraged to attend as well.
Thank you for helping us make Picture Day a success!
|| Learning Beyond the Classroom: Hamilton at the Landmark
Students in Mrs. Osowski’s American Government and U.S. History classes had the incredible opportunity to attend a performance of Hamilton at the Landmark Theatre on Sept. 19. The show brought to life key people, events, and actions of early American government they’ve been studying in class—and sparked powerful reflections about how art shapes our understanding of history.
One student shared, “I know Thomas Jefferson didn’t rap or dance around, but now I get that he was really passionate about what he thought was best for the people.”
As a bonus, students who are also enrolled in Mr. Wentworth’s Art History class captured photos and videos of the Landmark’s stunning art and architecture to use in future class discussions.
This night at the theatre was made possible through Arts in Education funding—thank you for supporting our students’ learning beyond the classroom!
Students in Mrs. Osowski’s American Government and U.S. History classes had the incredible opportunity to attend a performance of Hamilton at the Landmark Theatre on Sept. 19. The show brought to life key people, events, and actions of early American government they’ve been studying in class—and sparked powerful reflections about how art shapes our understanding of history.
One student shared, “I know Thomas Jefferson didn’t rap or dance around, but now I get that he was really passionate about what he thought was best for the people.”
As a bonus, students who are also enrolled in Mr. Wentworth’s Art History class captured photos and videos of the Landmark’s stunning art and architecture to use in future class discussions.
This night at the theatre was made possible through Arts in Education funding—thank you for supporting our students’ learning beyond the classroom!
|| OV Athletics Community Forum Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent Athletics Community Forum and completed the survey. Your feedback is essential as we plan for the future of OV sports.
The Superintendent’s letter with key takeaways is attached. You can also view the survey results presentation here: https://rebrand.ly/pe0qz8u
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent Athletics Community Forum and completed the survey. Your feedback is essential as we plan for the future of OV sports.
The Superintendent’s letter with key takeaways is attached. You can also view the survey results presentation here: https://rebrand.ly/pe0qz8u
|| Bringing Stories to Life in Reader’s Theater
Our middle school students in Ms. Kalin’s class, with the support of Ms. Koornstra, had a blast diving into “Loki and the Magic Hammer” through Reader’s Theater.
Students practiced fluency by reading their lines again and again, with parts written at different reading levels so everyone could feel confident in their reading and acting.
They didn’t stop at just reading -- they designed and used their own creative props to bring the story to life! From Norse gods to magical adventures, the classroom was filled with energy, laughter, and learning.
Reader’s Theater is a wonderful way for students to build reading fluency and confidence while having fun with storytelling.
Our middle school students in Ms. Kalin’s class, with the support of Ms. Koornstra, had a blast diving into “Loki and the Magic Hammer” through Reader’s Theater.
Students practiced fluency by reading their lines again and again, with parts written at different reading levels so everyone could feel confident in their reading and acting.
They didn’t stop at just reading -- they designed and used their own creative props to bring the story to life! From Norse gods to magical adventures, the classroom was filled with energy, laughter, and learning.
Reader’s Theater is a wonderful way for students to build reading fluency and confidence while having fun with storytelling.
|| Throwback Thursday to Georgetown 1970!
This week’s look back takes us to the 1970 "Reminiscing" Georgetown Central School Yearbook -- the last year before Georgetown and South Otselic combined schools.
Here are the seniors of 1970, the final graduating class of Georgetown Central School -- a class that marked the end of an era just before the merger that would eventually create Otselic Valley.
We’re proud to celebrate their place in OV’s history!
This week’s look back takes us to the 1970 "Reminiscing" Georgetown Central School Yearbook -- the last year before Georgetown and South Otselic combined schools.
Here are the seniors of 1970, the final graduating class of Georgetown Central School -- a class that marked the end of an era just before the merger that would eventually create Otselic Valley.
We’re proud to celebrate their place in OV’s history!
|| Calling All Student Poets & Artists!
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Binghamton Section invites all K-12 students in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga Counties to take part in the Annual Illustrated Poem Contest in celebration of National Chemistry Week.
This year’s theme is “The Hidden Life of Spices.” Students can submit an original illustrated poem that creatively incorporates a scientific concept related to the theme.
Local prizes will be awarded for the top two poems in each grade category, and first-place winners will advance to the national contest for a chance at cash prizes.
|| Entries are due by Sunday, October 26th at 11:59 p.m.
Submit entries here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeFVsG.../viewform
Let’s see your creativity shine through words, science, and art!
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Binghamton Section invites all K-12 students in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga Counties to take part in the Annual Illustrated Poem Contest in celebration of National Chemistry Week.
This year’s theme is “The Hidden Life of Spices.” Students can submit an original illustrated poem that creatively incorporates a scientific concept related to the theme.
Local prizes will be awarded for the top two poems in each grade category, and first-place winners will advance to the national contest for a chance at cash prizes.
|| Entries are due by Sunday, October 26th at 11:59 p.m.
Submit entries here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeFVsG.../viewform
Let’s see your creativity shine through words, science, and art!
|| 2nd Grade STEAM Fun!
Our second graders have been exploring Snap Circuits in STEAM class, and it's so exciting! Students have been building circuits that light up, make sound, and more -- and the joy on their faces when something works is priceless.
Hands-on learning like this helps students see how science and creativity come together, and they are thoroughly enjoying creating something new.
A big thank you to our staff for helping to make these STEAM experiences possible for our students!
Our second graders have been exploring Snap Circuits in STEAM class, and it's so exciting! Students have been building circuits that light up, make sound, and more -- and the joy on their faces when something works is priceless.
Hands-on learning like this helps students see how science and creativity come together, and they are thoroughly enjoying creating something new.
A big thank you to our staff for helping to make these STEAM experiences possible for our students!
|| Reading Buddies at OV!
Every Friday, our third and fourth graders come together for Reading Buddies -- a special time where students pair up and read to one another. Not only is it fun, but it’s also a powerful way to build confidence, practice expression, and sharpen reading skills.
The best part? Watching students encourage each other and bring stories to life with their voices.
Every Friday, our third and fourth graders come together for Reading Buddies -- a special time where students pair up and read to one another. Not only is it fun, but it’s also a powerful way to build confidence, practice expression, and sharpen reading skills.
The best part? Watching students encourage each other and bring stories to life with their voices.
|| Picture Day is coming up on Wednesday, October 1st!
Order forms have been sent home with students. Please be sure to fill them out and send them back on Picture Day. Students will hand their completed form directly to the photographer at the time their photo is taken.
All-day BOCES students are encouraged to attend as well. Photos will begin at 7:30 a.m.
Order forms have been sent home with students. Please be sure to fill them out and send them back on Picture Day. Students will hand their completed form directly to the photographer at the time their photo is taken.
All-day BOCES students are encouraged to attend as well. Photos will begin at 7:30 a.m.
|| Reminder: OV is now using Rooms!
Rooms is our new two-way communication platform that makes it easier to stay connected with teachers, coaches, and school staff, all in one place.
For the best experience, download the free Otselic Valley app today:
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay with OV.
Rooms is our new two-way communication platform that makes it easier to stay connected with teachers, coaches, and school staff, all in one place.
For the best experience, download the free Otselic Valley app today:
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay with OV.
|| Exploring Futures in Environmental Science
As part of our Senior Seminar series, we welcomed Samuel Doubleday from SUNY Morrisville’s Environmental Science program on September 15th. He spoke with our seniors about the program and highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in the field.
Thank you to Mr. Doubleday and SUNY Morrisville for inspiring our seniors to see how today’s learning can shape tomorrow’s possibilities.
As part of our Senior Seminar series, we welcomed Samuel Doubleday from SUNY Morrisville’s Environmental Science program on September 15th. He spoke with our seniors about the program and highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in the field.
Thank you to Mr. Doubleday and SUNY Morrisville for inspiring our seniors to see how today’s learning can shape tomorrow’s possibilities.
|| Science in Action!
Our new science curriculum has been a hit with 6th graders! This week, students completed their very first hands-on lab exploring kinetic and potential energy. Using different weights to drive a nail into a Styrofoam block, they discovered how stored energy can be transformed into motion.
Their smiles and concentration say it all -- hands-on experiments truly bring science to life!
Our new science curriculum has been a hit with 6th graders! This week, students completed their very first hands-on lab exploring kinetic and potential energy. Using different weights to drive a nail into a Styrofoam block, they discovered how stored energy can be transformed into motion.
Their smiles and concentration say it all -- hands-on experiments truly bring science to life!
|| From Game Designers to Math Teachers: Second Graders Share Their Learning!
Our second graders wrapped up their math unit in such a special way! After designing and perfecting math games to practice addition and subtraction facts, they invited kindergarten in to play. What happened next was even more amazing than we could have imagined — every student, whether they usually find math easy or challenging, became a teacher. They showed the younger students strategies like counting on with fingers, using number lines, and referencing the posters around the room. The room was full of giggles, smiles, and so much joy as everyone learned and played together!
Our second graders wrapped up their math unit in such a special way! After designing and perfecting math games to practice addition and subtraction facts, they invited kindergarten in to play. What happened next was even more amazing than we could have imagined — every student, whether they usually find math easy or challenging, became a teacher. They showed the younger students strategies like counting on with fingers, using number lines, and referencing the posters around the room. The room was full of giggles, smiles, and so much joy as everyone learned and played together!
|| Special Education 101: Virtual Parent Training
Families, caregivers, paraprofessionals, and anyone interested in learning more about the special education process are invited to a free virtual training:
• Tuesday, September 24th
• 6:00-7:30pm
• Online via Zoom
This training will cover:
• Laws and regulations
• Roles of CPSE and CSE members
• Strategies for active participation in meetings
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cb6ztxm
For questions, contact: seface@stic-cil.org or 607-724-2111 x701.
Families, caregivers, paraprofessionals, and anyone interested in learning more about the special education process are invited to a free virtual training:
• Tuesday, September 24th
• 6:00-7:30pm
• Online via Zoom
This training will cover:
• Laws and regulations
• Roles of CPSE and CSE members
• Strategies for active participation in meetings
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cb6ztxm
For questions, contact: seface@stic-cil.org or 607-724-2111 x701.
|| OV Ski & Snowboard Club is back!
Students in grades 5-12 are invited to join Ski and Snowboard Club this winter at Labrador Mountain. Lessons are included for the first four weeks, transportation is provided, and helmets are required for all student participants.
• Club meets on Thursdays starting January 5th, 2026
• Location: Labrador Mountain
• Sign-up Deadline: November 15th, 2025 (late sign-ups add 15%)
|| Parents and younger siblings in grades 3-4 may also participate through the school group program (please see information and expectation sheet).
For pricing, expectations, and the permission slip, please visit: https://www.ovcs.org/page/ski-club
For any questions, please contact Mrs. Meade at lmeade@ovcs.org
Students in grades 5-12 are invited to join Ski and Snowboard Club this winter at Labrador Mountain. Lessons are included for the first four weeks, transportation is provided, and helmets are required for all student participants.
• Club meets on Thursdays starting January 5th, 2026
• Location: Labrador Mountain
• Sign-up Deadline: November 15th, 2025 (late sign-ups add 15%)
|| Parents and younger siblings in grades 3-4 may also participate through the school group program (please see information and expectation sheet).
For pricing, expectations, and the permission slip, please visit: https://www.ovcs.org/page/ski-club
For any questions, please contact Mrs. Meade at lmeade@ovcs.org
