|| 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
|| Throwback Thursday
This week, we’re stepping back to the 1961 South Otselic Centralian yearbook and a glimpse of student life in action.
From the tennis courts to the baseball field, and from the Fair Association to the Athletic Council, students were actively involved both in athletics and in school events and traditions.
It’s great to see the pride, teamwork, and involvement that have long been part of our school community.
This week, we’re stepping back to the 1961 South Otselic Centralian yearbook and a glimpse of student life in action.
From the tennis courts to the baseball field, and from the Fair Association to the Athletic Council, students were actively involved both in athletics and in school events and traditions.
It’s great to see the pride, teamwork, and involvement that have long been part of our school community.
|| Morning Program Update for Tomorrow
The Morning Program will still take place tomorrow. However, the 4th Grade Showcase will not be held this week as originally planned.
Thank you for your understanding.
The Morning Program will still take place tomorrow. However, the 4th Grade Showcase will not be held this week as originally planned.
Thank you for your understanding.
|| First Grade Pirate Day Brings the /AR/ Sound to Life
Students are beginning to learn about the sound /ar/, and since it is a pirate’s favorite sound, they made a day of it!
Students started the day with our “AR Song,” then wrote as many AR words as they could recall from the song on a long strip of paper. They used those strips to create pirate hats!
Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of engaging activities:
• A treasure hunt around the downstairs to find coins with AR words
• Logging the words they found and using them to create sentences
• A sorting game with “pirate words” (with AR) and “shipwrecked words” (without AR)
• Task activities including rhyming, counting sounds and letters, and identifying AR words
• A class-wide AR word hunt using books from their book boxes
They had a blast learning this new sound pattern, and lucky for them, it will be the focus of their spelling list!
Students are beginning to learn about the sound /ar/, and since it is a pirate’s favorite sound, they made a day of it!
Students started the day with our “AR Song,” then wrote as many AR words as they could recall from the song on a long strip of paper. They used those strips to create pirate hats!
Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of engaging activities:
• A treasure hunt around the downstairs to find coins with AR words
• Logging the words they found and using them to create sentences
• A sorting game with “pirate words” (with AR) and “shipwrecked words” (without AR)
• Task activities including rhyming, counting sounds and letters, and identifying AR words
• A class-wide AR word hunt using books from their book boxes
They had a blast learning this new sound pattern, and lucky for them, it will be the focus of their spelling list!
|| Fourth Grade Students Continue Clay Work Through Arts Grant
Fourth grade students are continuing their clay project thanks to funding from the Chenango County Council of the Arts. This is the second year the grant has supported this work, and students are now in their second round of creating coil pots.
Students are already showing clear growth in their clay skills. Many are creating mugs, and the photos highlight the care and attention they brought to their work. Next week, students will begin adding handles.
Several students have shared plans to gift their finished pieces to family members, and their enthusiasm for the project has been evident throughout.
The pieces will be fired and glazed before being returned to students. We look forward to sharing photos of the finished work.
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for securing the grant and leading this engaging lesson.
Fourth grade students are continuing their clay project thanks to funding from the Chenango County Council of the Arts. This is the second year the grant has supported this work, and students are now in their second round of creating coil pots.
Students are already showing clear growth in their clay skills. Many are creating mugs, and the photos highlight the care and attention they brought to their work. Next week, students will begin adding handles.
Several students have shared plans to gift their finished pieces to family members, and their enthusiasm for the project has been evident throughout.
The pieces will be fired and glazed before being returned to students. We look forward to sharing photos of the finished work.
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for securing the grant and leading this engaging lesson.
|| Emotion Into Art Inspires Otselic Valley Students
On Wednesday, March 18, Otselic Valley students had the opportunity to experience an unforgettable presentation by Tom Varano, founder of Emotion Into Art™.
Through a powerful combination of storytelling, music, and live speed painting, Tom captivated our audience from start to finish. As he painted in real time to music, he shared personal stories and meaningful life lessons centered on resilience, courage, and the importance of staying true to yourself.
Students were not only amazed by his artistic talent, but also inspired by his message: to be authentic and follow their dreams with passion and purpose.
Thank you to Tom Varano for bringing such an energetic, creative, and impactful experience to our school. His message and artistry truly made a lasting impression on our OV community.
To learn more about Emotion Into Art and its message, visit: https://www.emotionintoart.com/
