|| 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.
|| OV Families: Stay Connected with Rooms
Otselic Valley continues to use Rooms in the OVCS app for families to receive messages and updates from teachers, coaches, and school staff.
If you haven’t signed in yet, you can access Rooms through the Otselic Valley CSD app.
Download the app here:
Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Once logged in, you can:
• Receive messages from teachers and staff
• Choose how you receive notifications (text, email, or app notifications)
• View announcements and updates in one place
If you need help signing in, please contact the school office.
Otselic Valley continues to use Rooms in the OVCS app for families to receive messages and updates from teachers, coaches, and school staff.
If you haven’t signed in yet, you can access Rooms through the Otselic Valley CSD app.
Download the app here:
Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Once logged in, you can:
• Receive messages from teachers and staff
• Choose how you receive notifications (text, email, or app notifications)
• View announcements and updates in one place
If you need help signing in, please contact the school office.
|| OV Booster Club Spring Apparel Fundraiser Reminder!
The OV Booster Club spring apparel fundraiser is in full swing, don’t miss your chance to grab some OV gear! The deadline to order is Sunday April 19.
Shop here: https://otselicspring.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Thank you for supporting the OV Booster Club and our students!
The OV Booster Club spring apparel fundraiser is in full swing, don’t miss your chance to grab some OV gear! The deadline to order is Sunday April 19.
Shop here: https://otselicspring.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Thank you for supporting the OV Booster Club and our students!
📚 Otselic Valley Library: April Calendar
We may be halfway through the month, but there are still plenty of great things happening at the Otselic Valley Public Library this April!
From programs and clubs to community activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at the calendar to see what’s coming up and plan a visit.
The library is open Monday–Friday, 3-7 PM. We hope to see you there!
We may be halfway through the month, but there are still plenty of great things happening at the Otselic Valley Public Library this April!
From programs and clubs to community activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at the calendar to see what’s coming up and plan a visit.
The library is open Monday–Friday, 3-7 PM. We hope to see you there!
|| Support the OV Drama Club!
Show your support for an Otselic Valley Drama Club member by placing an ad in this year’s performance program.
For a $10 donation, you can include a message of encouragement for a cast or crew member to be printed in the program.
• All ad submissions must be received by Wednesday, April 15.
ª Please make checks payable to OV Drama Club.
If you would like to include a photo with your ad, please email it to leaton@ovcs.org.
See the attached form for details on how to submit your message and support our talented students!
Show your support for an Otselic Valley Drama Club member by placing an ad in this year’s performance program.
For a $10 donation, you can include a message of encouragement for a cast or crew member to be printed in the program.
• All ad submissions must be received by Wednesday, April 15.
ª Please make checks payable to OV Drama Club.
If you would like to include a photo with your ad, please email it to leaton@ovcs.org.
See the attached form for details on how to submit your message and support our talented students!
|| Community Event!
The South Otselic Emergency Squad will host a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 25, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Enjoy a homemade breakfast while supporting the volunteers who serve our community.
The menu includes pancakes with maple syrup, sausage gravy and biscuits, eggs, hash browns, and beverages.
Freewill donation at the door.
The South Otselic Emergency Squad will host a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 25, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Enjoy a homemade breakfast while supporting the volunteers who serve our community.
The menu includes pancakes with maple syrup, sausage gravy and biscuits, eggs, hash browns, and beverages.
Freewill donation at the door.
|| LPP Families: Join Us for a Family Clean-Up Day!
LPP families are invited to take part in a Family Clean-Up Day on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will meet at the Chenango County Historical Society, where families can help with projects such as raking, gardening, trash clean-up, painting, and more. Projects can be adapted for a variety of ages and abilities, and food will be provided for volunteers.
Please register in advance using the link: https://rebrand.ly/3aslg0o
RSVP by Wednesday, April 15.
We hope to see many LPP families there!
LPP families are invited to take part in a Family Clean-Up Day on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will meet at the Chenango County Historical Society, where families can help with projects such as raking, gardening, trash clean-up, painting, and more. Projects can be adapted for a variety of ages and abilities, and food will be provided for volunteers.
Please register in advance using the link: https://rebrand.ly/3aslg0o
RSVP by Wednesday, April 15.
We hope to see many LPP families there!
|| Healthy Kids Day at the Norwich YMCA!
The Norwich YMCA is hosting Healthy Kids Day®, a free community event designed to encourage kids and families to stay active and build healthy habits.
• Saturday, April 18
• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Norwich YMCA
• Free and open to the public
Activities will include:
• Open swim (11:00-12:30)
• Bounce houses
• Face painting
• STEM activities
• Zoo mobile
• Car seat safety checks
• Nutritious snacks
No registration is required -- families can simply stop by and enjoy the activities!
The Norwich YMCA is hosting Healthy Kids Day®, a free community event designed to encourage kids and families to stay active and build healthy habits.
• Saturday, April 18
• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Norwich YMCA
• Free and open to the public
Activities will include:
• Open swim (11:00-12:30)
• Bounce houses
• Face painting
• STEM activities
• Zoo mobile
• Car seat safety checks
• Nutritious snacks
No registration is required -- families can simply stop by and enjoy the activities!
|| Let’s Go Vikings!
OV Baseball and Softball teams are in action this week, come out and support our student-athletes!
This Week’s Games:
Monday, April 13
• Varsity Softball @ Stockbridge Valley – 4:30 PM
• Varsity Baseball @ LaFayette – 4:30 PM
Thursday, April 16
• Varsity Softball @ Cincinnatus – 5:00 PM
View the full schedule:
https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
OV Baseball and Softball teams are in action this week, come out and support our student-athletes!
This Week’s Games:
Monday, April 13
• Varsity Softball @ Stockbridge Valley – 4:30 PM
• Varsity Baseball @ LaFayette – 4:30 PM
Thursday, April 16
• Varsity Softball @ Cincinnatus – 5:00 PM
View the full schedule:
https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
After a busy Springfest and their final rehearsal before break, the cast of Emma! A Pop Musical is taking a well-earned rest. They’re looking forward to returning refreshed and ready for tech week as they prepare for performances on April 17 at 7 PM and April 18 at 2 PM.
|| Learning on the Hunt in First Grade!
Last week, Otselic Valley’s first graders braved the wet weather for a special sight word and math fact Easter egg hunt in front of the school.
Students searched for eggs while practicing important reading and math skills, turning the hunt into a fun learning experience.
Even with a little rain, the smiles and excitement made it a memorable day for our first graders!
Thank you to Ms. Stoklosa for creating such a fun and engaging learning activity for her students.
Last week, Otselic Valley’s first graders braved the wet weather for a special sight word and math fact Easter egg hunt in front of the school.
Students searched for eggs while practicing important reading and math skills, turning the hunt into a fun learning experience.
Even with a little rain, the smiles and excitement made it a memorable day for our first graders!
Thank you to Ms. Stoklosa for creating such a fun and engaging learning activity for her students.
