|| OV Booster Club Spring Apparel Fundraiser is Here!
The OV Booster Club is kicking off their spring apparel fundraiser, don’t miss your chance to grab some OV gear!
Shop here: https://otselicspring.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Thank you for supporting the OV Booster Club and our students!
The OV Booster Club is kicking off their spring apparel fundraiser, don’t miss your chance to grab some OV gear!
Shop here: https://otselicspring.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Thank you for supporting the OV Booster Club and our students!
|| Honoring Thomas M. Thorp
Otselic Valley remembers Thomas M. Thorp, a 1980 graduate who also served as a dedicated bus driver and trusted confidant to everyone for more than 23 years.
Tom made a lasting impression on the students he transported each day. His hardworking demeanor and dependability were hallmarks of the OV transportation department for many years. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and backwards hat—often the first and last things students experienced in a school day.
Tom took great pride in his work and his community. Whether through his craftsmanship, his willingness to help others, or the relationships he built with students and families, he made a difference that will not be forgotten.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tom’s wife, Tina, his children and grandchildren, and all of his family, friends, and colleagues.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 29 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., with a funeral service on Monday, March 30, at 1:00 p.m. at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich.
To allow members of our school community the opportunity to honor his significant contributions to the community and district, Otselic Valley Central School will have a half day of school on Monday, March 30, with dismissal at 11:15 a.m.
To read more about Tom’s life, please visit his obituary here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/norwich-ny/thomas-thorp-12798290
Otselic Valley remembers Thomas M. Thorp, a 1980 graduate who also served as a dedicated bus driver and trusted confidant to everyone for more than 23 years.
Tom made a lasting impression on the students he transported each day. His hardworking demeanor and dependability were hallmarks of the OV transportation department for many years. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and backwards hat—often the first and last things students experienced in a school day.
Tom took great pride in his work and his community. Whether through his craftsmanship, his willingness to help others, or the relationships he built with students and families, he made a difference that will not be forgotten.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tom’s wife, Tina, his children and grandchildren, and all of his family, friends, and colleagues.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 29 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., with a funeral service on Monday, March 30, at 1:00 p.m. at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich.
To allow members of our school community the opportunity to honor his significant contributions to the community and district, Otselic Valley Central School will have a half day of school on Monday, March 30, with dismissal at 11:15 a.m.
To read more about Tom’s life, please visit his obituary here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/norwich-ny/thomas-thorp-12798290
Just a friendly reminder that Otselic Valley will be on a two hour delay on Monday, March 23, 2026 as a result of the recent events in the District. No breakfast will be served and there will be no morning BOCES.
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. We thank you for your support and understanding.
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. We thank you for your support and understanding.
Otselic Valley CSD is saddened to share the unexpected passing of Tom Thorp, a longtime bus driver and beloved member of our school community.
Please see the message from our Superintendent for important information and support.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
We understand that children may respond to grief in different ways. Some may want to talk about what has happened, while others may not. Changes in mood or behavior are normal responses.
Families can support their children by:
• Listening and allowing them to share at their own pace
• Answering questions honestly using simple, clear language
• Maintaining routines to help provide a sense of stability
If your child needs additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school or counseling team:
• Jordan Hicks – jklein@ovcs.org
• Alyssa Macrino – amacrino@ovcs.org
Helpful resources for families:
• https://www.dougy.org/
• https://nacg.org/
• https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-deal-grief/
• https://hospicecareinc.org/handouts/
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family, friends, and all those in our OV community who knew him.
Information regarding services will be shared when it becomes available.
Please see the message from our Superintendent for important information and support.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
We understand that children may respond to grief in different ways. Some may want to talk about what has happened, while others may not. Changes in mood or behavior are normal responses.
Families can support their children by:
• Listening and allowing them to share at their own pace
• Answering questions honestly using simple, clear language
• Maintaining routines to help provide a sense of stability
If your child needs additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school or counseling team:
• Jordan Hicks – jklein@ovcs.org
• Alyssa Macrino – amacrino@ovcs.org
Helpful resources for families:
• https://www.dougy.org/
• https://nacg.org/
• https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-deal-grief/
• https://hospicecareinc.org/handouts/
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family, friends, and all those in our OV community who knew him.
Information regarding services will be shared when it becomes available.
|| Emergency Closing
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Otselic Valley CSD will be closed on Friday, March 20.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Otselic Valley CSD will be closed on Friday, March 20.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
|| And the wait is over… meet our Harriet!
Congratulations to #6, Ellie, who will be playing Harriet in Emma: A Pop Musical!
Thank you to everyone who made their guesses, we loved seeing the excitement!
Watch the reel here.
Performance Dates:
• Friday, April 17 – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, April 18 – 2:00 PM (Matinee)
|| Need Your 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course? Not Just for OV Students!
Otselic Valley will be offering a 5-hour pre-licensing course on Monday, March 23 from 3:30-8:30 PM in Mr. Preston’s room.
This course is required before scheduling a road test.
Details:
• Cost: $25
• Students must bring their learner’s permit
• Open to any student with a learner’s permit (not just OV students)
• Minimum of 10 students required for the course to run
Students who plan to attend should contact the OV District Office at 315-653-7218.
Please share to help spread the word!
|| Throwback Thursday
We’re taking a step back to 1972 with this Grade 9 class photo from the Reflections yearbook at Otselic Valley!
This snapshot captures a moment in time, from the styles to the setting, preserving a piece of our school’s history.
We’re taking a step back to 1972 with this Grade 9 class photo from the Reflections yearbook at Otselic Valley!
This snapshot captures a moment in time, from the styles to the setting, preserving a piece of our school’s history.
|| Cooking Up Learning in the Classroom!
Students in Ms. Cantrell’s class recently put their skills to work by creating a delicious breakfast sandwich using a one-pan method.
Following video step-by-step directions, students cracked eggs, added bread, and carefully assembled their sandwiches right in the pan. The activity gave them a chance to practice kitchen skills while also reinforcing the importance of following directions and working safely.
From start to finish, students stayed engaged in the process, and were rewarded with a tasty result at the end!
A special thank you to Ms. Cantrell for creating this engaging, hands-on learning experience for students.
Students in Ms. Cantrell’s class recently put their skills to work by creating a delicious breakfast sandwich using a one-pan method.
Following video step-by-step directions, students cracked eggs, added bread, and carefully assembled their sandwiches right in the pan. The activity gave them a chance to practice kitchen skills while also reinforcing the importance of following directions and working safely.
From start to finish, students stayed engaged in the process, and were rewarded with a tasty result at the end!
A special thank you to Ms. Cantrell for creating this engaging, hands-on learning experience for students.
|| When Directions Matter: A Fun Lesson in Procedural Writing!
Mrs. Marston’s second grade class put their procedural writing skills to the test with a hands-on (and very funny!) lesson.
Students wrote step-by-step directions for how to brush their teeth -- but when Mr. Gross came in to follow those directions exactly as written, things didn’t always go as planned!
With missing steps and some unclear instructions, Mr. Gross found himself in some unexpected situations, helping students quickly realize how important it is to be clear and specific in their writing.
The classroom was filled with laughter, but more importantly, students walked away with a deeper understanding of how powerful clear instructions can be.
A special thank you to Mrs. Marston for creating such an engaging lesson and to Mr. Gross for being a great sport!
Mrs. Marston’s second grade class put their procedural writing skills to the test with a hands-on (and very funny!) lesson.
Students wrote step-by-step directions for how to brush their teeth -- but when Mr. Gross came in to follow those directions exactly as written, things didn’t always go as planned!
With missing steps and some unclear instructions, Mr. Gross found himself in some unexpected situations, helping students quickly realize how important it is to be clear and specific in their writing.
The classroom was filled with laughter, but more importantly, students walked away with a deeper understanding of how powerful clear instructions can be.
A special thank you to Mrs. Marston for creating such an engaging lesson and to Mr. Gross for being a great sport!
|| Morning Program Update!
There will be no Morning Program this Friday, March 20.
Morning Program will return next week on Friday, March 27.
There will be no Morning Program this Friday, March 20.
Morning Program will return next week on Friday, March 27.
|| REMINDER!
Transportation requests for non-public schools for the 2026–2027 school year must be submitted in writing by April 1, 2026.
Written requests should be sent to:
Mr. Brian Collier
Superintendent of Schools
Otselic Valley Central School
PO Box 161
South Otselic, NY 13155
Transportation requests for non-public schools for the 2026–2027 school year must be submitted in writing by April 1, 2026.
Written requests should be sent to:
Mr. Brian Collier
Superintendent of Schools
Otselic Valley Central School
PO Box 161
South Otselic, NY 13155
|| 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Come out and enjoy a delicious breakfast while supporting local FFA students.
Saturday, March 21
8:00 AM – Noon
Otselic Valley FFA students will be cooking and serving breakfast.
Sunday, March 22
8:00 AM – Noon
Breakfast will be served by Sherburne-Earlville FFA.
Location:
Whistlin’ Dixie Maple Sugarhouse
670 German Hollow Road, Smyrna
The menu includes pancakes, ham in maple syrup, sausage links, scrambled eggs, fresh 2026 maple syrup, coffee, tea, milk, and juice.
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per child, and children 5 and under are free.
All proceeds will benefit the FFA chapters at Otselic Valley and Sherburne-Earlville Central Schools.
Come out and enjoy a delicious breakfast while supporting local FFA students.
Saturday, March 21
8:00 AM – Noon
Otselic Valley FFA students will be cooking and serving breakfast.
Sunday, March 22
8:00 AM – Noon
Breakfast will be served by Sherburne-Earlville FFA.
Location:
Whistlin’ Dixie Maple Sugarhouse
670 German Hollow Road, Smyrna
The menu includes pancakes, ham in maple syrup, sausage links, scrambled eggs, fresh 2026 maple syrup, coffee, tea, milk, and juice.
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per child, and children 5 and under are free.
All proceeds will benefit the FFA chapters at Otselic Valley and Sherburne-Earlville Central Schools.
|| Don’t Forget to Order Your OV Yearbook!
The 2025-26 Otselic Valley Yearbook is still available to order online. Make sure to reserve your copy and capture the memories from another great year at OV!
Yearbook order deadline: May 2
Order here: https://rebrand.ly/no1b1hm
School code: 5405
Pricing:
• Underclassmen yearbook: $50
• Senior yearbook with nameplate: $55
Don’t miss out on this year’s memories!
#OVPride #OVYearbook #VikingMemories #ClassOf2026
The 2025-26 Otselic Valley Yearbook is still available to order online. Make sure to reserve your copy and capture the memories from another great year at OV!
Yearbook order deadline: May 2
Order here: https://rebrand.ly/no1b1hm
School code: 5405
Pricing:
• Underclassmen yearbook: $50
• Senior yearbook with nameplate: $55
Don’t miss out on this year’s memories!
#OVPride #OVYearbook #VikingMemories #ClassOf2026
|| URGENT ALERT
Due to weather conditions, Otselic Valley Central School District will operate on a two-hour delay today, Tuesday, March 17.
• No AM BOCES
• No Breakfast
Please review the revised schedule, and allow extra time when traveling.
Due to weather conditions, Otselic Valley Central School District will operate on a two-hour delay today, Tuesday, March 17.
• No AM BOCES
• No Breakfast
Please review the revised schedule, and allow extra time when traveling.
|| Need Your 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course?
Otselic Valley will be offering a 5-hour pre-licensing course on Monday, March 23 from 3:30-8:30 PM in Mr. Preston’s room.
This course is required before scheduling a road test.
Details:
• Cost: $25
• Students must bring their learner’s permit
• Open to any student with a learner’s permit (not just OV students)
• Minimum of 10 students required for the course to run
Students who plan to attend should contact the OV District Office at 315-653-7218.
Please share to help spread the word!
Otselic Valley will be offering a 5-hour pre-licensing course on Monday, March 23 from 3:30-8:30 PM in Mr. Preston’s room.
This course is required before scheduling a road test.
Details:
• Cost: $25
• Students must bring their learner’s permit
• Open to any student with a learner’s permit (not just OV students)
• Minimum of 10 students required for the course to run
Students who plan to attend should contact the OV District Office at 315-653-7218.
Please share to help spread the word!
|| OV Families: School & Sports Physicals Coming Soon!
Attention OV families: 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 will be sent to families.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Attention OV families: 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 will be sent to families.
Thank you for your cooperation!
|| OVCS Wall of Fame Nominations Now Open
The Wall of Fame Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 induction ceremony.
We are looking to recognize graduates, current or former employees, volunteers, and friends of the Otselic Valley Central School District who have made outstanding contributions in their fields.
Deadline: Please submit nominations by March 31, 2026 to allow the committee time to review submissions.
Nomination Form: Download and complete the form here: https://rebrand.ly/7e826b
Completed forms can be mailed to:
Wall of Fame Committee
Otselic Valley Central School
PO Box 161
South Otselic, NY 13155
For more information, please contact Superintendent Brian Collier at 315-653-7218.
Help us celebrate those who have made a lasting impact on our school and community!
The Wall of Fame Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 induction ceremony.
We are looking to recognize graduates, current or former employees, volunteers, and friends of the Otselic Valley Central School District who have made outstanding contributions in their fields.
Deadline: Please submit nominations by March 31, 2026 to allow the committee time to review submissions.
Nomination Form: Download and complete the form here: https://rebrand.ly/7e826b
Completed forms can be mailed to:
Wall of Fame Committee
Otselic Valley Central School
PO Box 161
South Otselic, NY 13155
For more information, please contact Superintendent Brian Collier at 315-653-7218.
Help us celebrate those who have made a lasting impact on our school and community!
|| Otselic Valley Boys' Basketball All-Stars!
Congratulations to our OV Vikings who were recognized as CCL All-Stars for the 2025–26 season! Your hard work and dedication on the court have made us proud!
First Team:
• Lukas Schieferstein
Second Team:
• Owen Davis
Honorable Mention:
• Caleb Loomis
Great job, Vikings!
Congratulations to our OV Vikings who were recognized as CCL All-Stars for the 2025–26 season! Your hard work and dedication on the court have made us proud!
First Team:
• Lukas Schieferstein
Second Team:
• Owen Davis
Honorable Mention:
• Caleb Loomis
Great job, Vikings!
|| Otselic Valley Girls’ Basketball All-Stars!
Congratulations to our OV Vikings who were recognized as CCL All-Stars for the 2025–26 season! Your hard work and dedication on the court have made us proud!
Second Team:
• Mackenzie Reandeau
Honorable Mentions:
• Emma Rooker
• Skyler Graham
Great job, Vikings!
Congratulations to our OV Vikings who were recognized as CCL All-Stars for the 2025–26 season! Your hard work and dedication on the court have made us proud!
Second Team:
• Mackenzie Reandeau
Honorable Mentions:
• Emma Rooker
• Skyler Graham
Great job, Vikings!
