|| Let’s Go Vikings!
OV Athletics is back in action this week. Come out and support our student-athletes!
This Week’s Games:
Thursday, April 23
• Varsity Boys Golf vs. Cincinnatus at Apple Creek Golf Course – 3:30 PM
• Varsity Baseball vs. McGraw – 4:30 PM
• Varsity Softball vs. McGraw – 4:30 PM
Friday, April 24
• Varsity Baseball vs. Brookfield – 4:30 PM
• Varsity Softball vs. Brookfield – 4:30 PM
View the full schedule:
https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
OV Athletics is back in action this week. Come out and support our student-athletes!
This Week’s Games:
Thursday, April 23
• Varsity Boys Golf vs. Cincinnatus at Apple Creek Golf Course – 3:30 PM
• Varsity Baseball vs. McGraw – 4:30 PM
• Varsity Softball vs. McGraw – 4:30 PM
Friday, April 24
• Varsity Baseball vs. Brookfield – 4:30 PM
• Varsity Softball vs. Brookfield – 4:30 PM
View the full schedule:
https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
|| Otselic Valley Earns School Safety Excellence Award
Otselic Valley Central School District has been recognized with the 2026 School Safety Excellence Award at the Titanium level from Utica National Insurance Group.
The award recognizes school districts and BOCES across New York State that demonstrate strong safety practices and a commitment to protecting students, staff, and visitors. Otselic Valley is one of 157 districts and BOCES programs statewide to receive the distinction.
The School Safety Excellence Award program evaluates areas such as bullying prevention, transportation safety, playground safety, and other initiatives that support a safe learning environment.
District officials accepted the recognition during Utica National’s 44th annual school safety seminar, where schools from across the state were honored for their dedication to school safety.
Otselic Valley is proud to continue prioritizing the safety and well-being of its school community.
Otselic Valley Central School District has been recognized with the 2026 School Safety Excellence Award at the Titanium level from Utica National Insurance Group.
The award recognizes school districts and BOCES across New York State that demonstrate strong safety practices and a commitment to protecting students, staff, and visitors. Otselic Valley is one of 157 districts and BOCES programs statewide to receive the distinction.
The School Safety Excellence Award program evaluates areas such as bullying prevention, transportation safety, playground safety, and other initiatives that support a safe learning environment.
District officials accepted the recognition during Utica National’s 44th annual school safety seminar, where schools from across the state were honored for their dedication to school safety.
Otselic Valley is proud to continue prioritizing the safety and well-being of its school community.
|| End-of-Year Schedule Changes
Otselic Valley Central School District would like to share the following calendar updates, approved by the Board of Education, due to unused snow days this school year:
• Friday, May 22 – No School
• Tuesday, June 23 – Full Day of School
• Thursday, June 25 – Half Day of School
• Friday, June 26 – No School
Please see the letter from Superintendent Brian Collier for full details.
|| Ice Cream March Madness Bracket Challenge Winners Announced
Otselic Valley students and staff recently took part in the Ice Cream March Madness Bracket Challenge, with more than 50 brackets submitted.
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
• 1st Place: Eli Miller
• 2nd Place: Caleb Loomis
• 3rd Place: Payne Wood
Thank you to everyone who participated in this fun school challenge!
Otselic Valley students and staff recently took part in the Ice Cream March Madness Bracket Challenge, with more than 50 brackets submitted.
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
• 1st Place: Eli Miller
• 2nd Place: Caleb Loomis
• 3rd Place: Payne Wood
Thank you to everyone who participated in this fun school challenge!
|| Community Resource: Earth Rocks! Event
Families are invited to attend Earth Rocks! at the New York Energy Zone on Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.
This free event features hands-on activities for kids, including crafts, building projects, and a showing of Disney’s Wall-E throughout the day.
The event will be held at the John S. Dyson New York Energy Zone in Utica (next to the Utica Zoo).
Families are invited to attend Earth Rocks! at the New York Energy Zone on Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.
This free event features hands-on activities for kids, including crafts, building projects, and a showing of Disney’s Wall-E throughout the day.
The event will be held at the John S. Dyson New York Energy Zone in Utica (next to the Utica Zoo).
|| UPDATE! We have a winner!
Congratulations to Ms. Manchester on winning the musical basket raffle. Thank you to everyone who purchased chances. All proceeds will help fund future Drama Club productions. We appreciate your support.
Congratulations to Ms. Manchester on winning the musical basket raffle. Thank you to everyone who purchased chances. All proceeds will help fund future Drama Club productions. We appreciate your support.
|| OV Drama Club Presents Emma JV The Musical
Congratulations to the Otselic Valley Drama Club on a wonderful production of Emma JV The Musical! Our students showcased their talent, creativity, and hard work through an entertaining performance filled with music, humor, and memorable moments.
From the cast on stage to the crew behind the scenes, this production reflected the dedication and teamwork that made the show a huge success.
Thank you to our directors, advisors, families, and community members for supporting our students and the arts at OV. Bravo to everyone involved on a fantastic performance!
Additional photos can be viewed here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ya5bY733E5aboUYRA
|| National Honor Society Induction Ceremony Coming Soon!
As Otselic Valley prepares for this year’s National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, we would like to share information about the membership process.
National Honor Society recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character. Students in grades 10-12 are eligible for consideration with an overall GPA of 90% or higher. Eligible students who wish to be considered must also complete the application process, which includes submitting required materials for faculty review. Selection is based on the pillars of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.
Additional details regarding the selection process can be found in the OVCSD Student & Family Handbook, available on the Parents & Guardians page of our website: https://www.ovcs.org/o/ovcsd/page/parents-and-guardians and click on Student Handbook.
We are proud of all students who work hard in the classroom and contribute positively to our school community.
As Otselic Valley prepares for this year’s National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, we would like to share information about the membership process.
National Honor Society recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character. Students in grades 10-12 are eligible for consideration with an overall GPA of 90% or higher. Eligible students who wish to be considered must also complete the application process, which includes submitting required materials for faculty review. Selection is based on the pillars of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.
Additional details regarding the selection process can be found in the OVCSD Student & Family Handbook, available on the Parents & Guardians page of our website: https://www.ovcs.org/o/ovcsd/page/parents-and-guardians and click on Student Handbook.
We are proud of all students who work hard in the classroom and contribute positively to our school community.
Thank you to all who attended Emma! A Modern Pop Musical JV this past weekend and thank you to all who purchased raffle tickets to support future Drama Club productions. We appreciate your support.
Congratulations to our winner, ticket #408498! Please present your ticket stub to Mrs Cruikshank in the main office to confirm your win and to claim your basket. *If the basket is not claimed by Wednesday, we will draw again.
Congratulations to our winner, ticket #408498! Please present your ticket stub to Mrs Cruikshank in the main office to confirm your win and to claim your basket. *If the basket is not claimed by Wednesday, we will draw again.
|| Reminder: Use of School Property
To help maintain a safe and respectful environment, the following guidelines apply when on Otselic Valley school property:
• No smoking or vaping on school grounds
• No ATVs/UTVs or other motorized recreational vehicles
• Playground use is intended for children ages 12 and under, with adult supervision
• Use of school property is at your own risk
We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep our campus safe for students and families.
To help maintain a safe and respectful environment, the following guidelines apply when on Otselic Valley school property:
• No smoking or vaping on school grounds
• No ATVs/UTVs or other motorized recreational vehicles
• Playground use is intended for children ages 12 and under, with adult supervision
• Use of school property is at your own risk
We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep our campus safe for students and families.
|| Sweet Success in 6th Grade Cooking Class!
Students in Ms. Cantrell’s 6th grade cooking class took on a fun (and fancy!) new recipe this week - Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups!
As Ms. Cantrell shared, “We have outdone ourselves with this fancy recipe!” And the results certainly lived up to that statement. Students practiced their kitchen skills while creating a treat that looked just as impressive as it tasted.
Great job to our 6th grade chefs!
Students in Ms. Cantrell’s 6th grade cooking class took on a fun (and fancy!) new recipe this week - Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups!
As Ms. Cantrell shared, “We have outdone ourselves with this fancy recipe!” And the results certainly lived up to that statement. Students practiced their kitchen skills while creating a treat that looked just as impressive as it tasted.
Great job to our 6th grade chefs!
|| 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!
#OVPride #CommunityArt #OVArtShow
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!
#OVPride #CommunityArt #OVArtShow
|| Opening Night is TONIGHT!
The curtain goes up tonight on Emma! A Modern Pop Musical (JV), presented by the Otselic Valley Drama Club!
Join us for a fun, high-energy performance filled with music, humor, and the incredible talent of our students.
Showtimes:
• Tonight (Friday) at 7:00 PM
• Saturday at 2:00 PM
Location: Otselic Valley MPR
Tickets: $10 adults / $6 students & seniors (available at the door)
Come out and support our cast and crew, you won’t want to miss it!
|| A Special Visit from Emma JV!
Elementary students had a special visit this week from the cast and crew of Emma JV! The group performed a song and then spent time in classrooms reading stories centered around bravery, a key theme of their upcoming show.
Thank you to the cast and crew for sharing your time and talents!
Be sure to catch Emma JV this weekend! Performances are tonight, April 17 at 7:00 PM and tomorrow, April 18 at 2:00 PM.
Elementary students had a special visit this week from the cast and crew of Emma JV! The group performed a song and then spent time in classrooms reading stories centered around bravery, a key theme of their upcoming show.
Thank you to the cast and crew for sharing your time and talents!
Be sure to catch Emma JV this weekend! Performances are tonight, April 17 at 7:00 PM and tomorrow, April 18 at 2:00 PM.
|| Duck Derby at Fishing & Heritage Day
One of the highlights of Fishing & Heritage Day returns again this year, the Duck Derby!
• Saturday, May 16
• 3:00 PM
• At the bridge - County Rd. 13 (subject to change)
Prizes
• 1st Place: $200
• 2nd Place: $100
• 3rd Place: $50
Ducks are $5 each.
To purchase a duck, contact the Fishing & Heritage Association at melaniesmaroney@yahoo.com, stop by the OV Main Office to see Mrs. Cruikshank, or ask an FFA member for tickets.
Proceeds benefit the OV FFA and the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association.
One of the highlights of Fishing & Heritage Day returns again this year, the Duck Derby!
• Saturday, May 16
• 3:00 PM
• At the bridge - County Rd. 13 (subject to change)
Prizes
• 1st Place: $200
• 2nd Place: $100
• 3rd Place: $50
Ducks are $5 each.
To purchase a duck, contact the Fishing & Heritage Association at melaniesmaroney@yahoo.com, stop by the OV Main Office to see Mrs. Cruikshank, or ask an FFA member for tickets.
Proceeds benefit the OV FFA and the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association.
|| OV Families: School & Sports Physicals Reminder
School and sports physicals are coming up this spring. Please review the information below to ensure your child is prepared.
Mandated School Physicals are required for students in:
Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and all new students.
Sports Physicals are available for students in grades 6-11 who plan to participate in school athletics next year.
Parent permission is required before a sports physical can be performed.
Letters with additional information and required forms were sent to families.
If you need a physical form, please email our school nurse at SMorse@ovcs.org.
#OVCSD #SchoolHealth
School and sports physicals are coming up this spring. Please review the information below to ensure your child is prepared.
Mandated School Physicals are required for students in:
Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and all new students.
Sports Physicals are available for students in grades 6-11 who plan to participate in school athletics next year.
Parent permission is required before a sports physical can be performed.
Letters with additional information and required forms were sent to families.
If you need a physical form, please email our school nurse at SMorse@ovcs.org.
#OVCSD #SchoolHealth
|| Throwback Thursday: 1981 Otselic Valley Yearbook
This page from the 1981 Otselic Valley yearbook “Not at all Average” highlights students who were already thinking about the future!
From National Honor Society members to students taking part in the Colgate Seminar, OV students had opportunities to explore new ideas and topics that went beyond the traditional classroom.
Students were exploring interests, sharing what they were learning, and preparing for what might come next ... something OV students continue to do today through the many opportunities available in our school community.
This page from the 1981 Otselic Valley yearbook “Not at all Average” highlights students who were already thinking about the future!
From National Honor Society members to students taking part in the Colgate Seminar, OV students had opportunities to explore new ideas and topics that went beyond the traditional classroom.
Students were exploring interests, sharing what they were learning, and preparing for what might come next ... something OV students continue to do today through the many opportunities available in our school community.
|| SAVE THE DATE!
The 17th Annual Fishing & Heritage Day will take place in South Otselic on Saturday, May 16.
The day will include fishing clinics at the NYS Fish Hatchery, arts and crafts vendors, live music, and food in the Otselic Town Park, along with other activities happening throughout the hamlet.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
|| Activities at the Otselic Valley Library during Fishing & Heritage Day:
Please stop down to see us at the Otselic Valley Library between 10:00 AM-2:00 PM.
The following events will be happening at the Library:
• The Class of 2030 will be hosting various crafts and showcasing Makerspace items including 3D printing and games available for use at the library.
• The Powerhouse from Cornell Cooperative Extension will be parked outside and available for tours, crafts, and presentations. The Powerhouse is a clean-energy powered tiny home used to educate and empower residents to lower their utility bills and adopt clean energy technology.
11:00 AM – How to Read (and Lower!) Your Utility Bill
A practical workshop with a local CCE Community Energy Advisor.
12:30 PM – Hands-On Science Activities: Build a Solar Oven
Throughout the event there will also be craft activities available for toddlers through Grade 8, along with free books available to take home.
|| Also happening during Fishing & Heritage Day:
The Otselic Valley Student Art Show will be on display at Otselic Valley Central School from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, featuring artwork from students in Pre-K through 12th grade. Community members are also invited to submit their own artwork to be displayed alongside student pieces. Those interested in contributing can contact Miriah Lawrence at mlawrenc@ovcs.org for more information.
We hope to see you around the community during Fishing & Heritage Day!
The 17th Annual Fishing & Heritage Day will take place in South Otselic on Saturday, May 16.
The day will include fishing clinics at the NYS Fish Hatchery, arts and crafts vendors, live music, and food in the Otselic Town Park, along with other activities happening throughout the hamlet.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
|| Activities at the Otselic Valley Library during Fishing & Heritage Day:
Please stop down to see us at the Otselic Valley Library between 10:00 AM-2:00 PM.
The following events will be happening at the Library:
• The Class of 2030 will be hosting various crafts and showcasing Makerspace items including 3D printing and games available for use at the library.
• The Powerhouse from Cornell Cooperative Extension will be parked outside and available for tours, crafts, and presentations. The Powerhouse is a clean-energy powered tiny home used to educate and empower residents to lower their utility bills and adopt clean energy technology.
11:00 AM – How to Read (and Lower!) Your Utility Bill
A practical workshop with a local CCE Community Energy Advisor.
12:30 PM – Hands-On Science Activities: Build a Solar Oven
Throughout the event there will also be craft activities available for toddlers through Grade 8, along with free books available to take home.
|| Also happening during Fishing & Heritage Day:
The Otselic Valley Student Art Show will be on display at Otselic Valley Central School from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, featuring artwork from students in Pre-K through 12th grade. Community members are also invited to submit their own artwork to be displayed alongside student pieces. Those interested in contributing can contact Miriah Lawrence at mlawrenc@ovcs.org for more information.
We hope to see you around the community during Fishing & Heritage Day!
|| 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!
|| 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:
• 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:
• 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.
