|| Bringing Stories to Life in Reader’s Theater
Our middle school students in Ms. Kalin’s class, with the support of Ms. Koornstra, had a blast diving into “Loki and the Magic Hammer” through Reader’s Theater.
Students practiced fluency by reading their lines again and again, with parts written at different reading levels so everyone could feel confident in their reading and acting.
They didn’t stop at just reading -- they designed and used their own creative props to bring the story to life! From Norse gods to magical adventures, the classroom was filled with energy, laughter, and learning.
Reader’s Theater is a wonderful way for students to build reading fluency and confidence while having fun with storytelling.
Our middle school students in Ms. Kalin’s class, with the support of Ms. Koornstra, had a blast diving into “Loki and the Magic Hammer” through Reader’s Theater.
Students practiced fluency by reading their lines again and again, with parts written at different reading levels so everyone could feel confident in their reading and acting.
They didn’t stop at just reading -- they designed and used their own creative props to bring the story to life! From Norse gods to magical adventures, the classroom was filled with energy, laughter, and learning.
Reader’s Theater is a wonderful way for students to build reading fluency and confidence while having fun with storytelling.
|| Throwback Thursday to Georgetown 1970!
This week’s look back takes us to the 1970 "Reminiscing" Georgetown Central School Yearbook -- the last year before Georgetown and South Otselic combined schools.
Here are the seniors of 1970, the final graduating class of Georgetown Central School -- a class that marked the end of an era just before the merger that would eventually create Otselic Valley.
We’re proud to celebrate their place in OV’s history!
This week’s look back takes us to the 1970 "Reminiscing" Georgetown Central School Yearbook -- the last year before Georgetown and South Otselic combined schools.
Here are the seniors of 1970, the final graduating class of Georgetown Central School -- a class that marked the end of an era just before the merger that would eventually create Otselic Valley.
We’re proud to celebrate their place in OV’s history!
|| Calling All Student Poets & Artists!
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Binghamton Section invites all K-12 students in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga Counties to take part in the Annual Illustrated Poem Contest in celebration of National Chemistry Week.
This year’s theme is “The Hidden Life of Spices.” Students can submit an original illustrated poem that creatively incorporates a scientific concept related to the theme.
Local prizes will be awarded for the top two poems in each grade category, and first-place winners will advance to the national contest for a chance at cash prizes.
|| Entries are due by Sunday, October 26th at 11:59 p.m.
Submit entries here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeFVsG.../viewform
Let’s see your creativity shine through words, science, and art!
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Binghamton Section invites all K-12 students in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga Counties to take part in the Annual Illustrated Poem Contest in celebration of National Chemistry Week.
This year’s theme is “The Hidden Life of Spices.” Students can submit an original illustrated poem that creatively incorporates a scientific concept related to the theme.
Local prizes will be awarded for the top two poems in each grade category, and first-place winners will advance to the national contest for a chance at cash prizes.
|| Entries are due by Sunday, October 26th at 11:59 p.m.
Submit entries here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeFVsG.../viewform
Let’s see your creativity shine through words, science, and art!
|| 2nd Grade STEAM Fun!
Our second graders have been exploring Snap Circuits in STEAM class, and it's so exciting! Students have been building circuits that light up, make sound, and more -- and the joy on their faces when something works is priceless.
Hands-on learning like this helps students see how science and creativity come together, and they are thoroughly enjoying creating something new.
A big thank you to our staff for helping to make these STEAM experiences possible for our students!
Our second graders have been exploring Snap Circuits in STEAM class, and it's so exciting! Students have been building circuits that light up, make sound, and more -- and the joy on their faces when something works is priceless.
Hands-on learning like this helps students see how science and creativity come together, and they are thoroughly enjoying creating something new.
A big thank you to our staff for helping to make these STEAM experiences possible for our students!
|| Reading Buddies at OV!
Every Friday, our third and fourth graders come together for Reading Buddies -- a special time where students pair up and read to one another. Not only is it fun, but it’s also a powerful way to build confidence, practice expression, and sharpen reading skills.
The best part? Watching students encourage each other and bring stories to life with their voices.
Every Friday, our third and fourth graders come together for Reading Buddies -- a special time where students pair up and read to one another. Not only is it fun, but it’s also a powerful way to build confidence, practice expression, and sharpen reading skills.
The best part? Watching students encourage each other and bring stories to life with their voices.
|| Picture Day is coming up on Wednesday, October 1st!
Order forms have been sent home with students. Please be sure to fill them out and send them back on Picture Day. Students will hand their completed form directly to the photographer at the time their photo is taken.
All-day BOCES students are encouraged to attend as well. Photos will begin at 7:30 a.m.
Order forms have been sent home with students. Please be sure to fill them out and send them back on Picture Day. Students will hand their completed form directly to the photographer at the time their photo is taken.
All-day BOCES students are encouraged to attend as well. Photos will begin at 7:30 a.m.
|| Reminder: OV is now using Rooms!
Rooms is our new two-way communication platform that makes it easier to stay connected with teachers, coaches, and school staff, all in one place.
For the best experience, download the free Otselic Valley app today:
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay with OV.
Rooms is our new two-way communication platform that makes it easier to stay connected with teachers, coaches, and school staff, all in one place.
For the best experience, download the free Otselic Valley app today:
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay with OV.
|| Exploring Futures in Environmental Science
As part of our Senior Seminar series, we welcomed Samuel Doubleday from SUNY Morrisville’s Environmental Science program on September 15th. He spoke with our seniors about the program and highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in the field.
Thank you to Mr. Doubleday and SUNY Morrisville for inspiring our seniors to see how today’s learning can shape tomorrow’s possibilities.
As part of our Senior Seminar series, we welcomed Samuel Doubleday from SUNY Morrisville’s Environmental Science program on September 15th. He spoke with our seniors about the program and highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in the field.
Thank you to Mr. Doubleday and SUNY Morrisville for inspiring our seniors to see how today’s learning can shape tomorrow’s possibilities.
|| Science in Action!
Our new science curriculum has been a hit with 6th graders! This week, students completed their very first hands-on lab exploring kinetic and potential energy. Using different weights to drive a nail into a Styrofoam block, they discovered how stored energy can be transformed into motion.
Their smiles and concentration say it all -- hands-on experiments truly bring science to life!
Our new science curriculum has been a hit with 6th graders! This week, students completed their very first hands-on lab exploring kinetic and potential energy. Using different weights to drive a nail into a Styrofoam block, they discovered how stored energy can be transformed into motion.
Their smiles and concentration say it all -- hands-on experiments truly bring science to life!
|| From Game Designers to Math Teachers: Second Graders Share Their Learning!
Our second graders wrapped up their math unit in such a special way! After designing and perfecting math games to practice addition and subtraction facts, they invited kindergarten in to play. What happened next was even more amazing than we could have imagined — every student, whether they usually find math easy or challenging, became a teacher. They showed the younger students strategies like counting on with fingers, using number lines, and referencing the posters around the room. The room was full of giggles, smiles, and so much joy as everyone learned and played together!
Our second graders wrapped up their math unit in such a special way! After designing and perfecting math games to practice addition and subtraction facts, they invited kindergarten in to play. What happened next was even more amazing than we could have imagined — every student, whether they usually find math easy or challenging, became a teacher. They showed the younger students strategies like counting on with fingers, using number lines, and referencing the posters around the room. The room was full of giggles, smiles, and so much joy as everyone learned and played together!
|| Special Education 101: Virtual Parent Training
Families, caregivers, paraprofessionals, and anyone interested in learning more about the special education process are invited to a free virtual training:
• Tuesday, September 24th
• 6:00-7:30pm
• Online via Zoom
This training will cover:
• Laws and regulations
• Roles of CPSE and CSE members
• Strategies for active participation in meetings
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cb6ztxm
For questions, contact: seface@stic-cil.org or 607-724-2111 x701.
Families, caregivers, paraprofessionals, and anyone interested in learning more about the special education process are invited to a free virtual training:
• Tuesday, September 24th
• 6:00-7:30pm
• Online via Zoom
This training will cover:
• Laws and regulations
• Roles of CPSE and CSE members
• Strategies for active participation in meetings
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cb6ztxm
For questions, contact: seface@stic-cil.org or 607-724-2111 x701.
|| OV Ski & Snowboard Club is back!
Students in grades 5-12 are invited to join Ski and Snowboard Club this winter at Labrador Mountain. Lessons are included for the first four weeks, transportation is provided, and helmets are required for all student participants.
• Club meets on Thursdays starting January 5th, 2026
• Location: Labrador Mountain
• Sign-up Deadline: November 15th, 2025 (late sign-ups add 15%)
|| Parents and younger siblings in grades 3-4 may also participate through the school group program (please see information and expectation sheet).
For pricing, expectations, and the permission slip, please visit: https://www.ovcs.org/page/ski-club
For any questions, please contact Mrs. Meade at lmeade@ovcs.org
Students in grades 5-12 are invited to join Ski and Snowboard Club this winter at Labrador Mountain. Lessons are included for the first four weeks, transportation is provided, and helmets are required for all student participants.
• Club meets on Thursdays starting January 5th, 2026
• Location: Labrador Mountain
• Sign-up Deadline: November 15th, 2025 (late sign-ups add 15%)
|| Parents and younger siblings in grades 3-4 may also participate through the school group program (please see information and expectation sheet).
For pricing, expectations, and the permission slip, please visit: https://www.ovcs.org/page/ski-club
For any questions, please contact Mrs. Meade at lmeade@ovcs.org
Another great update from our OV athletes playing with DeRuyter Boys’ Varsity Soccer -- thank you to the DeRuyter page for keeping us updated!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/179oJ2PWpX/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/179oJ2PWpX/
|| Reminder: Community Forum -- Monday, Sept 22nd
• Where: Mirrored Cafeteria
• When: 6:30pm
We’ll share survey results and talk together about ways to sustain and strengthen our athletics programs. All families and community members are welcome!
• Where: Mirrored Cafeteria
• When: 6:30pm
We’ll share survey results and talk together about ways to sustain and strengthen our athletics programs. All families and community members are welcome!
|| Celebrating Math Fun in 2nd Grade!
This week, our second graders wrapped up Chapter 1 in math, which focused on building fluency with addition and subtraction within 20. To show what they’ve learned, students worked in groups to design their very own math games!
They were given a game type, a few materials, and lots of creative freedom. The results? Bean Bag Toss, Puzzle Match, Spin and Solve, and Balloon Math! Each group collaborated to create their game and then taught the class how to play.
Students will get to rotate and try out each other’s games, too -- and we’ll even invite other classes to join in the fun!
What an awesome way to celebrate teamwork, creativity, and math learning!
This week, our second graders wrapped up Chapter 1 in math, which focused on building fluency with addition and subtraction within 20. To show what they’ve learned, students worked in groups to design their very own math games!
They were given a game type, a few materials, and lots of creative freedom. The results? Bean Bag Toss, Puzzle Match, Spin and Solve, and Balloon Math! Each group collaborated to create their game and then taught the class how to play.
Students will get to rotate and try out each other’s games, too -- and we’ll even invite other classes to join in the fun!
What an awesome way to celebrate teamwork, creativity, and math learning!
|| Reminder: Community Forum -- Monday, Sept. 22nd
• Where: Mirrored Cafeteria
• When: 6:30pm
We’ll share survey results and talk together about ways to sustain and strengthen our athletics programs. All families and community members are welcome!
|| OV Leadership Update
We want to share an update about our Middle/High School leadership. Mrs. Barber-Breese, our 6-12 principal, will be leaving OV to begin a new opportunity. We’re so grateful for her time, dedication, and care for our students, and we wish her all the best.
Beginning September 29th, Mrs. Kurtz will step in as our interim 6-12 principal. Many of you know her already, and we’re excited to welcome her back to OV in this important role. She’ll be working closely with students, families, and staff to keep things running smoothly during this transition.
We want to share an update about our Middle/High School leadership. Mrs. Barber-Breese, our 6-12 principal, will be leaving OV to begin a new opportunity. We’re so grateful for her time, dedication, and care for our students, and we wish her all the best.
Beginning September 29th, Mrs. Kurtz will step in as our interim 6-12 principal. Many of you know her already, and we’re excited to welcome her back to OV in this important role. She’ll be working closely with students, families, and staff to keep things running smoothly during this transition.
|| Otselic Valley Library: September Calendar
Just in case you missed it, here’s another look at what’s happening this month at the library! From Chair Yoga and Knitting Nights to Kids Crafts, and Chess Club, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Plan a visit to the Otselic Valley Public Library this month -- Open Monday-Friday, 3-7 pm, and join the fun!
Just in case you missed it, here’s another look at what’s happening this month at the library! From Chair Yoga and Knitting Nights to Kids Crafts, and Chess Club, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Plan a visit to the Otselic Valley Public Library this month -- Open Monday-Friday, 3-7 pm, and join the fun!
|| Throwback Thursday – First Grade, 1983
From the pages of the 1983 Reflections yearbook, here’s a look back at Otselic Valley’s first grade!
These photos offer a peek into OV’s classrooms in the early 80s, complete with typewriters and hands-on activities like cooking.
From the pages of the 1983 Reflections yearbook, here’s a look back at Otselic Valley’s first grade!
These photos offer a peek into OV’s classrooms in the early 80s, complete with typewriters and hands-on activities like cooking.
|| Community Resource: Adult Education Opportunity
Looking to earn your high school equivalency diploma or continue your education?
The Afton Central School Adult and Continuing Education Program offers FREE GED (TASC) preparation classes across Delaware and Chenango counties.
• Small class sizes taught by NYS-certified teachers
• Individualized study plans based on reading and math assessments
• Work at your own pace with free materials provided
• Join anytime!
Distance learning options are also available.
For more information, visit: https://www.aftoncsd.org/page/adult-education
Thank you to Afton Central School for providing this valuable resource to our community!
Looking to earn your high school equivalency diploma or continue your education?
The Afton Central School Adult and Continuing Education Program offers FREE GED (TASC) preparation classes across Delaware and Chenango counties.
• Small class sizes taught by NYS-certified teachers
• Individualized study plans based on reading and math assessments
• Work at your own pace with free materials provided
• Join anytime!
Distance learning options are also available.
For more information, visit: https://www.aftoncsd.org/page/adult-education
Thank you to Afton Central School for providing this valuable resource to our community!
