||Second Graders Discover the Magic of The Magic Paintbrush
Last week, Otselic Valley’s second grade students enjoyed a special visit from The REV Theatre Co., who performed The Magic Paintbrush.
Before the performance, members of the cast visited classrooms to work with students and introduce them to the story and characters. The interactive experience helped bring the Chinese folktale to life as students learned about creativity, kindness, and using their talents to help others.
Thank you to The REV Theatre Company for sharing this wonderful theatre experience with our students!
Last week, Otselic Valley’s second grade students enjoyed a special visit from The REV Theatre Co., who performed The Magic Paintbrush.
Before the performance, members of the cast visited classrooms to work with students and introduce them to the story and characters. The interactive experience helped bring the Chinese folktale to life as students learned about creativity, kindness, and using their talents to help others.
Thank you to The REV Theatre Company for sharing this wonderful theatre experience with our students!
Recently, Hope Reynolds (Class of 2013), along with colleagues Meghan Feocco and Amanda Wasson, visited Mrs. Osowski’s sophomore seminar class to speak about careers in law enforcement and security. Each shared their unique journey, including their education, training, and experiences that led them to their current roles. They also gave students a glimpse into their day-to-day responsibilities—along with a few memorable stories from the field.
We are always grateful for alumni who return to share their experiences and insights. Opportunities like this allow students to explore a variety of career paths and make meaningful connections as they think about their own futures.
| Mrs. Youngs threw down the “Energy Challenge”
…and the cast of Emma! A Pop Musical absolutely delivered! After some seriously tough competition, the Energy Cup went to Josie, Kenzie, and Eleanor for their Girls Just Wanna Have Fun performance—bringing the energy, the fun, and the crowd to life! Want to see it for yourself? Don’t miss Emma! A Pop Musical! JV on April 17 at 7:00 PM and April 18 at 2:00 PM. You won’t want to miss this high-energy show!
…and the cast of Emma! A Pop Musical absolutely delivered! After some seriously tough competition, the Energy Cup went to Josie, Kenzie, and Eleanor for their Girls Just Wanna Have Fun performance—bringing the energy, the fun, and the crowd to life! Want to see it for yourself? Don’t miss Emma! A Pop Musical! JV on April 17 at 7:00 PM and April 18 at 2:00 PM. You won’t want to miss this high-energy show!
|| Mrs. O shared the following reflection after last week's final Colgate Seminar of the year:
Last week marked our final Colgate Seminar of the year and we celebrated our own "senior night."
These seminars offer students in grades 9–12 the chance to explore college-level topics not typically available in high school, while also experiencing a glimpse of life on a college campus. With four sessions each year, it’s no surprise that students are already calling dibs on car spots for next year.
This group of seniors (pictured) has been part of the program since their freshman year. Over time, they’ve explored an incredible range of subjects including art, dance, navigating our political world, networking and relationships, volunteerism, dealing with stress, poetry, languages, and so much more.
I will truly miss this group—the bickering over the perfect playlist for the drive, the whole group sing-alongs, the car games, the stories, and the insights they shared about what they were learning. And for those adventurous enough, sampling new-to-them foods in the dining hall became part of the experience too.
It has been a joy to watch them grow over the years, and I’m excited to see where they go next.
Last week marked our final Colgate Seminar of the year and we celebrated our own "senior night."
These seminars offer students in grades 9–12 the chance to explore college-level topics not typically available in high school, while also experiencing a glimpse of life on a college campus. With four sessions each year, it’s no surprise that students are already calling dibs on car spots for next year.
This group of seniors (pictured) has been part of the program since their freshman year. Over time, they’ve explored an incredible range of subjects including art, dance, navigating our political world, networking and relationships, volunteerism, dealing with stress, poetry, languages, and so much more.
I will truly miss this group—the bickering over the perfect playlist for the drive, the whole group sing-alongs, the car games, the stories, and the insights they shared about what they were learning. And for those adventurous enough, sampling new-to-them foods in the dining hall became part of the experience too.
It has been a joy to watch them grow over the years, and I’m excited to see where they go next.
|| The REV Theatre Visits OV with An Itsy Bitsy Play!
Our youngest Vikings recently enjoyed a special visit from The REV Theatre Co., who presented An Itsy Bitsy Play just for our PreK and Kindergarten students.
Before the performance, REV teaching artists visited classrooms to introduce students to the story and help them get ready for the show. Then it was time for the adventure to begin!
An Itsy Bitsy Play follows the determined spider Philo as he sets out to climb the waterspout. Through music, puppetry, and audience participation, students discovered an important lesson about perseverance and the courage to keep trying, even when things get tough.
Thank you to The REV Theatre Company for bringing this engaging theatre experience to our youngest learners!
Our youngest Vikings recently enjoyed a special visit from The REV Theatre Co., who presented An Itsy Bitsy Play just for our PreK and Kindergarten students.
Before the performance, REV teaching artists visited classrooms to introduce students to the story and help them get ready for the show. Then it was time for the adventure to begin!
An Itsy Bitsy Play follows the determined spider Philo as he sets out to climb the waterspout. Through music, puppetry, and audience participation, students discovered an important lesson about perseverance and the courage to keep trying, even when things get tough.
Thank you to The REV Theatre Company for bringing this engaging theatre experience to our youngest learners!
|| A Magical Kindergarten Surprise at OV!
Kindergarten students at Otselic Valley recently took part in a fun Easter activity that sparked their imaginations!
First, students colored their own Easter eggs and shared their predictions about what might hatch from them. Then came the important job -- keeping the eggs warm! The eggs were carefully taped to their chairs so students could sit on them and wait patiently to see what would happen.
After keeping their eggs warm, the big moment finally arrived… the eggs hatched into magical surprises for each student!
Thank you to Mrs. Davis for creating such a fun and memorable experience for our kindergarten students!
Kindergarten students at Otselic Valley recently took part in a fun Easter activity that sparked their imaginations!
First, students colored their own Easter eggs and shared their predictions about what might hatch from them. Then came the important job -- keeping the eggs warm! The eggs were carefully taped to their chairs so students could sit on them and wait patiently to see what would happen.
After keeping their eggs warm, the big moment finally arrived… the eggs hatched into magical surprises for each student!
Thank you to Mrs. Davis for creating such a fun and memorable experience for our kindergarten students!
|| Goldfish crackers + scene notes = peak rehearsal vibes!
The cast of Emma! took a quick snack break while going over scene notes with Mrs. O and Mrs. Youngs. This hardworking group has been bringing familiar pop songs to life in a fresh, fun retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, and it’s all coming together in the best way. Trust us—you don’t want to miss this show! Friday, April 17 at 7 PM and Saturday, April 18 at 2 PM in the OVCS MPR.
The cast of Emma! took a quick snack break while going over scene notes with Mrs. O and Mrs. Youngs. This hardworking group has been bringing familiar pop songs to life in a fresh, fun retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, and it’s all coming together in the best way. Trust us—you don’t want to miss this show! Friday, April 17 at 7 PM and Saturday, April 18 at 2 PM in the OVCS MPR.
|| Madison County Families – Free Bike Opportunity!
Community Bikes Hamilton is offering FREE bikes to families in need for transportation, exercise, or just for fun! If you or someone you know could use a bike, this is a great opportunity.
Distribution Days:
• Hamilton, NY: Sunday, May 3
• Oneida, NY: Saturday, May 16
Who is eligible?
Bikes are available to children and adults who do not already have a bike and who are:
• Residents of Madison County
• Eligible for Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, SSD, or other cash assistance
• Experiencing other demonstrated needs or special circumstances
How to apply:
Madison County residents can apply online at:
https://www.communitybikes.org/receive-a-bike
Each bike recipient must be pre-registered and present to receive a bike.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with families who may benefit!
Community Bikes Hamilton is offering FREE bikes to families in need for transportation, exercise, or just for fun! If you or someone you know could use a bike, this is a great opportunity.
Distribution Days:
• Hamilton, NY: Sunday, May 3
• Oneida, NY: Saturday, May 16
Who is eligible?
Bikes are available to children and adults who do not already have a bike and who are:
• Residents of Madison County
• Eligible for Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, SSD, or other cash assistance
• Experiencing other demonstrated needs or special circumstances
How to apply:
Madison County residents can apply online at:
https://www.communitybikes.org/receive-a-bike
Each bike recipient must be pre-registered and present to receive a bike.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with families who may benefit!
|| More Spring Fest Fun at Otselic Valley!
Earlier in the day during Spring Fest, students teamed up across grade levels to design and build creative Peep habitats. From colorful scenes to creative designs, students had a great time working together and bringing their ideas to life.
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for helping capture photos from this part of the day!
Earlier in the day during Spring Fest, students teamed up across grade levels to design and build creative Peep habitats. From colorful scenes to creative designs, students had a great time working together and bringing their ideas to life.
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for helping capture photos from this part of the day!
|| Spring Fest Fun at Otselic Valley!
Students and staff at Otselic Valley kicked off Spring Fest on Thursday, April 2, with an afternoon full of laughter, friendly competition, and school spirit.
The day featured a variety of games and activities, including mattress races, balloon-popping challenges, plastic egg tosses, balloon tosses in the stands, human bowling, trivia, freeze dance, and plenty of dancing. One of the day’s highlights was seeing older and younger students team up to build creative Peep habitats together.
Staff members even joined the fun with a hilarious inflatable race that had the crowd laughing and cheering.
Thank you to our staff for organizing such a great day and to our students for bringing the energy and school spirit that made Spring Fest so much fun! It was the perfect way to shake off winter and head into spring break with smiles all around.
Students and staff at Otselic Valley kicked off Spring Fest on Thursday, April 2, with an afternoon full of laughter, friendly competition, and school spirit.
The day featured a variety of games and activities, including mattress races, balloon-popping challenges, plastic egg tosses, balloon tosses in the stands, human bowling, trivia, freeze dance, and plenty of dancing. One of the day’s highlights was seeing older and younger students team up to build creative Peep habitats together.
Staff members even joined the fun with a hilarious inflatable race that had the crowd laughing and cheering.
Thank you to our staff for organizing such a great day and to our students for bringing the energy and school spirit that made Spring Fest so much fun! It was the perfect way to shake off winter and head into spring break with smiles all around.
|| 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!
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!
|| Otselic Valley Receives CPR in Schools with First Aid Training Kit
Otselic Valley Central School District recently received a new CPR in Schools® training kit thanks to the generosity of the American Heart Association - Central New York State and Visions Federal Credit Union.
Representatives Jami Wood, Vice President of Development, and Heather Evans, Executive Director, both with the American Heart Association of Central New York, joined Jocelyn Zayac, Community Impact Coordinator from Visions Federal Credit Union, to present the new kit to OV School Nurse Stacie Morse.
The CPR in Schools training kit includes inflatable training manikins and instructional materials that allow students to learn CPR, how to use an AED, and basic first aid in a single class period. The kit can be used to train 10-20 students at a time, helping ensure more students graduate with lifesaving skills.
For many years, Nurse Morse has taught CPR to Otselic Valley seniors to help them meet graduation requirements. This new equipment will replace the kits that have been used for more than 16 years, ensuring students continue to receive hands-on training with updated materials.
According to the American Heart Association, CPR performed quickly and correctly can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest. Programs like CPR in Schools help prepare students to respond in an emergency and support the goal of creating a “Nation of Lifesavers.”
We are grateful to the American Heart Association and Visions Federal Credit Union for this generous gift and for helping equip our students with skills that can truly save lives.
|| Revolutionary War Lesson Comes to Life at OV!
Seventh-grade Social Studies students recently brought their study of the American Revolution outdoors with an interactive tug-of-war activity designed to demonstrate the advantages and challenges faced by both sides during the war.
Students representing the British and the Continental Army put their knowledge into action as they competed in a modified tug-of-war game, with rules adjusted to reflect the realities of the Revolutionary War. While the teams followed a tug-of-war format, several twists were added to represent the different circumstances each side faced during the conflict.
A major turning point came when OV seniors joined the activity, representing the French allies, helping the blue team, the Patriots, secure the victory.
The activity gave students a fun and memorable way to connect what they’ve been learning in class with real historical events.
Thank you to Ms. Koornstra for creating such an engaging, hands-on lesson that helped bring this important moment in history to life for students. We also appreciate the OV seniors who participated as the French allies and helped make the activity even more memorable, and thank you to Ms. Yaddow for capturing the photos from the day!
Seventh-grade Social Studies students recently brought their study of the American Revolution outdoors with an interactive tug-of-war activity designed to demonstrate the advantages and challenges faced by both sides during the war.
Students representing the British and the Continental Army put their knowledge into action as they competed in a modified tug-of-war game, with rules adjusted to reflect the realities of the Revolutionary War. While the teams followed a tug-of-war format, several twists were added to represent the different circumstances each side faced during the conflict.
A major turning point came when OV seniors joined the activity, representing the French allies, helping the blue team, the Patriots, secure the victory.
The activity gave students a fun and memorable way to connect what they’ve been learning in class with real historical events.
Thank you to Ms. Koornstra for creating such an engaging, hands-on lesson that helped bring this important moment in history to life for students. We also appreciate the OV seniors who participated as the French allies and helped make the activity even more memorable, and thank you to Ms. Yaddow for capturing the photos from the day!
|| Throwback Thursday: 1994 OV Yearbook
This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to the 1994 New Horizons Yearbook.
These pages highlight several student groups from that year, including Yearbook, Drama, Junior Honor Society, and Honor Society -- activities OV students participated in then and continue to participate in today!
This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to the 1994 New Horizons Yearbook.
These pages highlight several student groups from that year, including Yearbook, Drama, Junior Honor Society, and Honor Society -- activities OV students participated in then and continue to participate in today!
|| 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
