|| Learning Comes to Life in Third Grade!
Hudson, a third grader in Mr. Gross’ class, gave a great presentation on Willy the Woolly Bear Caterpillar! His slides taught classmates all about Willy’s life cycle and how he’ll eventually become an Isabella Tiger Moth.
Hudson even brought Willy in to show the class! Students were curious and asked plenty of great questions. His father, Mr. Eric Wentworth, who teaches at OV, was there with his high school students to listen in, along with the 4th grade class, too!
Great job, Hudson -- you made learning fun for everyone!
|| Kindergarten CVC Word Basketball!
Mrs. Davis’s kindergarteners have been working hard to blend, segment, and write CVC words -- and recently, they turned learning into a game! Students played CVC Word Basketball: after hearing a word, they tapped out the sounds and wrote it on paper. Once their word was written, they got to crumple it up and take a shot into the “basket” on the teacher’s head!
It was a fun and active way to practice early reading and writing skills.
Mrs. Davis’s kindergarteners have been working hard to blend, segment, and write CVC words -- and recently, they turned learning into a game! Students played CVC Word Basketball: after hearing a word, they tapped out the sounds and wrote it on paper. Once their word was written, they got to crumple it up and take a shot into the “basket” on the teacher’s head!
It was a fun and active way to practice early reading and writing skills.
|| Otselic Valley Fall Play: The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza
The Otselic Valley Drama Club proudly presents The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, a comedy by Don Zolidis -- brought to life by our student-led and directed cast and crew!
• Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th
• 7:00 PM
• Otselic Valley Central School MPR
Tickets:
Adults – $10
Students – $5
Children under 5 – Free
Come support our talented Vikings for an evening of creativity, laughter, and live theater as they bring Greek mythology to life on stage!
The Otselic Valley Drama Club proudly presents The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, a comedy by Don Zolidis -- brought to life by our student-led and directed cast and crew!
• Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th
• 7:00 PM
• Otselic Valley Central School MPR
Tickets:
Adults – $10
Students – $5
Children under 5 – Free
Come support our talented Vikings for an evening of creativity, laughter, and live theater as they bring Greek mythology to life on stage!
|| Helping Local Families This Holiday Season
Otselic Valley is collaborating with local community organizations to support families facing food insecurity.
Monetary donations can be mailed to the South Otselic Methodist Church (P.O. Box 47) or the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (P.O. Box 113).
Together, we can make a difference.
Otselic Valley is collaborating with local community organizations to support families facing food insecurity.
Monetary donations can be mailed to the South Otselic Methodist Church (P.O. Box 47) or the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (P.O. Box 113).
Together, we can make a difference.
|| Election Day in 3rd Grade!
Mr. Gross’s class celebrated meeting their attendance goals with a real Election Day experience! With the help of Deputy Smith, students showed their IDs, signed the voter log, and cast their ballots to choose a class reward.
On the ballot: Extra Recess, Lunch Movie, and Stuffy Day! After counting the votes and Deputy Smith certifying the results, the winner was Extra Recess!
This hands-on activity gave students a fun way to learn how elections work in real life.
Mr. Gross’s class celebrated meeting their attendance goals with a real Election Day experience! With the help of Deputy Smith, students showed their IDs, signed the voter log, and cast their ballots to choose a class reward.
On the ballot: Extra Recess, Lunch Movie, and Stuffy Day! After counting the votes and Deputy Smith certifying the results, the winner was Extra Recess!
This hands-on activity gave students a fun way to learn how elections work in real life.
|| Honoring Our Veterans at Otselic Valley
Otselic Valley proudly celebrated Veterans Day with a special breakfast and schoolwide program hosted by our FFA Chapter on Friday, November 7th. Veterans enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by FFA members and shared conversation with each other, our staff, administration, and our Board President Dave Cruikshank.
Following breakfast, FFA members led a program in the MPR to honor our veterans. Each member contributed with moments recognizing the veterans in attendance as well as the families of those who have served.
Our chorus and band, under the direction of Mr. Scott and Mr. Taylor, performed patriotic selections, and a moving performance of TAPS served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many. Our preschool students also helped make the day special by creating handmade cards and personally delivering them to veterans after the program.
A heartfelt thank-you to our FFA members, FFA Advisor Mrs. Lehman, and everyone who contributed to this meaningful event. It was a meaningful morning filled with gratitude and pride as our school community came together to honor those who have served.
Otselic Valley proudly celebrated Veterans Day with a special breakfast and schoolwide program hosted by our FFA Chapter on Friday, November 7th. Veterans enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by FFA members and shared conversation with each other, our staff, administration, and our Board President Dave Cruikshank.
Following breakfast, FFA members led a program in the MPR to honor our veterans. Each member contributed with moments recognizing the veterans in attendance as well as the families of those who have served.
Our chorus and band, under the direction of Mr. Scott and Mr. Taylor, performed patriotic selections, and a moving performance of TAPS served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many. Our preschool students also helped make the day special by creating handmade cards and personally delivering them to veterans after the program.
A heartfelt thank-you to our FFA members, FFA Advisor Mrs. Lehman, and everyone who contributed to this meaningful event. It was a meaningful morning filled with gratitude and pride as our school community came together to honor those who have served.
|| Today in South Otselic!
The Food Bank of Central New York Mobile Food Pantry will be at First Baptist Church (130 CR-13) starting at 3:00 PM.
Free food distribution open to everyone -- no income requirements. Fresh produce, dairy and more, available while supplies last.
The Food Bank of Central New York Mobile Food Pantry will be at First Baptist Church (130 CR-13) starting at 3:00 PM.
Free food distribution open to everyone -- no income requirements. Fresh produce, dairy and more, available while supplies last.
|| Order Your 2025-26 Otselic Valley Yearbook!
It’s time to reserve your copy of this year’s OV yearbook -- filled with memories and milestones!
Order online at: https://rebrand.ly/no1b1hm
• Use school code 5405 when prompted
Don’t miss your chance to look back on another amazing year at Otselic Valley!
It’s time to reserve your copy of this year’s OV yearbook -- filled with memories and milestones!
Order online at: https://rebrand.ly/no1b1hm
• Use school code 5405 when prompted
Don’t miss your chance to look back on another amazing year at Otselic Valley!
|| Creative Writing in Mr. Gross’ Class!
Our 3rd graders recently combined imagination and artistry in a fun and creative writing activity. Students were given the beginning of a story, then came up with their own alternate endings, and illustrated them!
Each drawing had to match their story’s new ending, and they did an awesome job bringing their ideas to life through words and pictures.
Our 3rd graders recently combined imagination and artistry in a fun and creative writing activity. Students were given the beginning of a story, then came up with their own alternate endings, and illustrated them!
Each drawing had to match their story’s new ending, and they did an awesome job bringing their ideas to life through words and pictures.
|| Throwback Thursday!
We’re looking back 30 years to the 1995 New Horizons “Depth Perceptions” yearbook, showcasing Drama Club, Chorus, and Band -- giving Otselic Valley students the chance to shine both on stage and behind the scenes.
|| Reminder: Veterans Day Program – Tomorrow at OV
Join us as we honor those who have served our country.
Friday, November 7th
• Breakfast for Veterans: 7:45–8:45 AM (Band Room)
• Program: 9:00 AM (Multipurpose Room)
Hosted by the Otselic Valley FFA Chapter, this special event recognizes and celebrates the service and sacrifice of our local heroes. A heartfelt thank-you to our sponsors for helping make this event possible: Stewarts Shoppes, OV PTO, Arts and Ed, Dave and Tina Cruikshank, Flyhawk Farm, Miss Linda and the LPP and the OV FFA.
|| Mobile Food Pantry Coming to South Otselic
The Food Bank of Central New York's Mobile Food Pantry will be in South Otselic this Friday, November 7th, starting at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church.
This free food distribution is open to all -- no income requirements or registration needed. Fresh produce, dairy, and other items will be available while supplies last.
For more information, visit foodbankcny.org or call (315) 437-1899.
You can also use the Food Finder Tool at fbcny.org/findfood to find other nearby food distributions.
The Food Bank of Central New York's Mobile Food Pantry will be in South Otselic this Friday, November 7th, starting at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church.
This free food distribution is open to all -- no income requirements or registration needed. Fresh produce, dairy, and other items will be available while supplies last.
For more information, visit foodbankcny.org or call (315) 437-1899.
You can also use the Food Finder Tool at fbcny.org/findfood to find other nearby food distributions.
|| Stay Connected with OV!
The Otselic Valley app now includes Rooms, our family messaging feature that makes it easier to connect with teachers, coaches, and staff -- all in one place.
Get messages, updates, and notifications right from your phone!
Download the free Otselic Valley app today:
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed.
The Otselic Valley app now includes Rooms, our family messaging feature that makes it easier to connect with teachers, coaches, and staff -- all in one place.
Get messages, updates, and notifications right from your phone!
Download the free Otselic Valley app today:
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed.
|| Creative Writing Workshops with The REV Theatre!
Kimmi and Diane from The REV Theatre Co. visited Otselic Valley to lead creative writing workshops with our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.
Students practiced using their five senses to describe a setting, created original characters, and developed interesting plots -- all in preparation for the ECHOES creative writing competition!
Our students will now be submitting their own original works for the contest, hoping their pieces are selected to be featured in a special performance later this school year.
The REV’s Echoes program is one of the largest middle school writing competitions in the country, showcasing student stories from across New York State.
Kimmi and Diane from The REV Theatre Co. visited Otselic Valley to lead creative writing workshops with our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.
Students practiced using their five senses to describe a setting, created original characters, and developed interesting plots -- all in preparation for the ECHOES creative writing competition!
Our students will now be submitting their own original works for the contest, hoping their pieces are selected to be featured in a special performance later this school year.
The REV’s Echoes program is one of the largest middle school writing competitions in the country, showcasing student stories from across New York State.
|| Mock Trial Brings Literature to Life at OV!
Our 8th grade English students in Mrs. Brown’s class recently wrapped up their Horror Unit with a mock trial based on Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart.
Students took on roles from the story to determine the fate of the narrator accused of murdering the Old Man. The classroom came alive as local lawyer and parent Mr. Wentworth served as judge.
Seniors acted as the jury, creating a full-circle moment since many remember participating in this same activity as middle schoolers.
The trial wrapped up on Halloween, and even with a few costumes in the courtroom, students stayed focused and committed to their roles.
Thank you to Mrs. Brown for organizing this amazing learning experience, to our seniors for serving as the jury, and to Mr. Wentworth and Deputy Smith for helping make it both educational and memorable. It ended in a hung jury, but the experience was still a great success!
Our 8th grade English students in Mrs. Brown’s class recently wrapped up their Horror Unit with a mock trial based on Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart.
Students took on roles from the story to determine the fate of the narrator accused of murdering the Old Man. The classroom came alive as local lawyer and parent Mr. Wentworth served as judge.
Seniors acted as the jury, creating a full-circle moment since many remember participating in this same activity as middle schoolers.
The trial wrapped up on Halloween, and even with a few costumes in the courtroom, students stayed focused and committed to their roles.
Thank you to Mrs. Brown for organizing this amazing learning experience, to our seniors for serving as the jury, and to Mr. Wentworth and Deputy Smith for helping make it both educational and memorable. It ended in a hung jury, but the experience was still a great success!
|| Support the OV Class of 2027!
The Otselic Valley juniors are kicking off their Little Caesars Pizza Kit fundraiser, running November 3rd-17th!
Proceeds will help the Class of 2027 raise money for this year’s prom and their senior year. You can order directly from a junior student or online at the link below.
Online Order Here: https://rebrand.ly/r4m8io7
Thank you for supporting our students and helping them reach their goals -- one pizza at a time!
The Otselic Valley juniors are kicking off their Little Caesars Pizza Kit fundraiser, running November 3rd-17th!
Proceeds will help the Class of 2027 raise money for this year’s prom and their senior year. You can order directly from a junior student or online at the link below.
Online Order Here: https://rebrand.ly/r4m8io7
Thank you for supporting our students and helping them reach their goals -- one pizza at a time!
|| Reminder: Personal Device Guidelines at OVCS
Phones and personal internet-enabled devices must be powered off and stored in student lockers during the school day, from the morning bell to the dismissal bell.
This includes cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and similar personal devices. These updated guidelines follow New York State Education Law Section 2803 and help support student focus, learning, and well-being.
Thank you for helping us create a positive, focused environment for all Vikings.
Phones and personal internet-enabled devices must be powered off and stored in student lockers during the school day, from the morning bell to the dismissal bell.
This includes cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and similar personal devices. These updated guidelines follow New York State Education Law Section 2803 and help support student focus, learning, and well-being.
Thank you for helping us create a positive, focused environment for all Vikings.
|| Otselic Valley Fall Play: The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza
The Otselic Valley Drama Club proudly presents The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, a comedy by Don Zolidis -- brought to life by our student-led and directed cast and crew!
• Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th
• 7:00 PM
• Otselic Valley Central School MPR
Tickets:
Adults – $10
Students – $5
Children under 5 – Free
Come support our talented Vikings for an evening of creativity, laughter, and live theater as they bring Greek mythology to life on stage!
The Otselic Valley Drama Club proudly presents The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, a comedy by Don Zolidis -- brought to life by our student-led and directed cast and crew!
• Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th
• 7:00 PM
• Otselic Valley Central School MPR
Tickets:
Adults – $10
Students – $5
Children under 5 – Free
Come support our talented Vikings for an evening of creativity, laughter, and live theater as they bring Greek mythology to life on stage!
|| REMINDER: Picture Retake Day is this Wednesday, November 5th, in the Library!
Retakes will begin at 7:30 a.m. for any students who need to head to BOCES afterward.
Retakes will begin at 7:30 a.m. for any students who need to head to BOCES afterward.
|| Thanksgiving Assistance Available
Cortland–Chenango Rural Services is offering Thanksgiving Assistance for local families -- sign up by Friday, November 7th for a turkey or Food Sense package.
Call: 607-863-3828
Serving the South Otselic area and nearby communities.
Cortland–Chenango Rural Services is offering Thanksgiving Assistance for local families -- sign up by Friday, November 7th for a turkey or Food Sense package.
Call: 607-863-3828
Serving the South Otselic area and nearby communities.
