Due to low attendance, the Roller Skating Party scheduled for Thursday, June 4th, has been canceled.
Any money that was submitted for the event will be returned to students as soon as possible.
Thank you for your understanding, and please keep an eye out for information about a roller skating party that we hope to offer this fall!
|| OV Senior Presents Research at New Visions Allied Health Poster Forum
Otselic Valley senior Adrian Spear recently presented her senior research project as part of the DCMO BOCES New Visions Allied Health Program.
Her presentation, Understanding the Psychological and Physiological Effects of Eating Disorders on Teens, explored how social media, diet culture, and poor body image can contribute to eating disorders in teens, as well as the serious physical and mental health effects these disorders can cause.
Adrian spent approximately five months researching the topic and presented her findings to peers, family members, counselors, teachers, and administrators during the New Visions Allied Health Poster Forum held in May.
Great job, Adrian, on your hard work, research, and presentation!
There’s still time to support the Otselic Valley Class of 2026 food drive benefiting the Care & Share Food Pantry.
Students are collecting donations to help individuals and families in our community while raising awareness about food insecurity. Donation boxes are available in classrooms through Wednesday, June 3.
Suggested donation items include:
• Canned food, including sugar-free fruits and beans
• Pasta
• Dry cereals
• Personal hygiene items such as sunscreen, toothbrushes/toothpaste, and feminine products
The class with the most donations will earn an ice cream party!
Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far, and thank you to Logan Ossont, Caleb Loomis, Skyler Graham, and Emma Rooker for organizing this community service project.
Here’s what’s happening at the Otselic Valley Public Library this June!
This month’s calendar features weekly Chair Yoga and Fiber Arts programs, Bread Club on June 9, a “Bling a Book” workshop on June 23, and more opportunities to connect with the community at the library.
The library is also getting ready to kick off the “Unearth A Story” Summer Reading Program for readers of all ages.
Take a look at the June calendar and plan a visit!
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 the lunch menu. During Kids with Character, students sang a song about courage.
Students also shared jokes that brought plenty of smiles and laughter to start the day. We celebrated some special OV birthdays as well -- Happy Birthday to Madisyn, Brodie, Nolan H., Piper, Huntleigh, Alana, Elijah, Nolan R., Reagan, and Chloe!
We also recognized our May OV Stars for Courage. Congratulations to all of the students who were honored for demonstrating this important character trait throughout the month.
Our fifth grade showcase featured students performing a Hamilton-inspired rap about Alexander Hamilton, helping us learn more about American history through their performance. Great job to all of the students involved!
OV’s Got Talent featured two wonderful performances. Abigail sang "Radioactive," and Colton and Ellie performed "7 Years." We are proud of all three students for sharing their talents with the school community.
Reminder for families: we have just one Morning Program remaining this school year on June 5.
What a great way to start our Friday!
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Caleb Loomis
Congratulations to Caleb Loomis and the OV Class of 2026! During his time at OV, Caleb participated in Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Student Government, and National Honor Society. One of his favorite memories was scoring a goal as a goalie to tie a game. We are proud to celebrate Caleb and look forward to all he accomplishes after graduation.
As part of the Kindergarten through 2nd Grade ABC Countdown to Summer, students recently gathered together for “F Day” -- Flashlight Reading!
Students enjoyed reading with flashlights alongside friends as part of the end-of-year activities taking place throughout their classrooms.
The ABC Countdown has included special themed activities such as outdoor chalk art, dance parties, outdoor lunches, and more as students celebrate the final weeks of the school year together.
What a fun way to shine a light on reading!
Mr. Gross’ third grade class recently completed their final attendance incentive of the school year. Starting with the last day of school, Mr. Gross began crossing days off the calendar every time the class had a full house and completed most of their homework assignments.
Little by little, the X’s worked their way across the calendar until they finally reached the current date -- officially earning the class no homework for the rest of the school year (except for 20 minutes of daily reading).
Congratulations to our third graders for their awesome attendance all spring long! Mr. Gross said he “could not be any prouder” of the class and called their efforts “simply amazing!"
Otselic Valley students gathered for the May Student Government Forum, where students shared updates, reflected on the school year, and looked ahead to future leadership opportunities.
Current Student Government President Kenzie Reandeau delivered her farewell address, reflecting on this year’s theme of “Pride in Ourselves, Pride in Our School, and Pride in Our Community” and thanking students for their involvement throughout the year.
Student Representative to the Board of Education, Josie Guernsey, also shared information about the Student Representative position for the 2026-2027 school year and explained the responsibilities and application process for interested students.
Candidates for next year’s Student Government Executive Team delivered campaign speeches ahead of the student election. The elected officers for next year are:
• President: Makenzy Clemens
• Vice President: Izzy Neal
• Secretary: Eleanor Swayze-Epolito
• Treasurer: Eli Shoemaker
In addition, Student Government members recently presented Mrs. Thorp with a check for the Tom Thorp Legacy Fund after designing and selling “Live Like Turbo Tom” stickers. The project raised $169 for the fund.
Additional senior civic action projects will be presented on June 16.
Congratulations to Allayna Harvey and the OV Class of 2026! We are proud to celebrate our seniors and look forward to all they accomplish after graduation.
|| OV Student Receives Norwich Car Club Scholarship
Congratulations to Otselic Valley student Jacob Depew, who recently received a $1,000 scholarship from the RAOCC / Norwich Car Club.
Jacob, a student in the Automotive Technology program at the DCMO BOCES Alan D. Pole Campus, received the scholarship supporting students entering the workforce after graduation to help purchase tools and supplies. Jacob is already putting the scholarship to use by purchasing tools to support his career in the automotive industry! He is currently employed at Reputable Auto.
The scholarship reflects the continued partnership between the Norwich Car Club and the Automotive Technology program. Earlier this spring, Auto Tech students assisted the club with preparations for its annual Memorial Day Weekend car show in Norwich.
Congratulations, Jacob, and best wishes in your automotive career!
This week’s Throwback Thursday looks back 40 years to the graduating seniors featured in the 1986 Otselic Valley yearbook.
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s 6th Grade Memorial Day Essay Contest!
This year’s essay prompt asked students to reflect on the question:
“What does the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier represent?”
Congratulations to:
• 1st Place – Eli Miller
• 2nd Place – Aria Rothwell
• 3rd Place – Lakyn Lemin
The students were recognized during the Memorial Day ceremony at the South Otselic Cemetery, where they read their essays following the parade.
Thank you to all students who participated and to the Legion members who took the time to read and evaluate the essays.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Mrs. Hicks and Ms. Macrino rolled through the building with their “Sunshine Cart,” surprising staff members with lemonade, snacks, drinks, and a little extra positivity along the way.
We are so lucky to have staff members like Mrs. Hicks and Ms. Macrino, who help make OV such a caring, supportive, and positive place to be every day!
Thank you for spreading the sunshine at OV!
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Miranda Hackett
Congratulations to Miranda Hackett and the OV Class of 2026! During her time at OV, Miranda has participated in the Culinary Arts Career and Technical Education program at Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES, Soccer, Basketball, Softball, and FFA. One accomplishment she is especially proud of is being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society for Culinary Arts. We are proud to celebrate Miranda and look forward to all she accomplishes after graduation.
Students from the Otselic Valley Class of 2026 are organizing a food drive to help support the Care & Share Food Pantry and raise awareness about food insecurity in our community.
Donation boxes will be placed outside classrooms beginning Wednesday, May 27, and students in Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to participate by bringing in donations.
Suggested donation items include:
• Canned food, including sugar-free fruits and beans
• Pasta
• Dry cereals
• Personal hygiene items such as sunscreen, toothbrushes/toothpaste, and feminine products
The class with the most donations will earn an ice cream party!
Thank you to Logan Ossont, Caleb Loomis, Skyler Graham, and Emma Rooker for organizing this important community service project.
When students leave campus at the end of the school year, Colgate University hosts several days of salvage for nonprofit organizations. Available items vary each year and include materials left behind by students at the end of the semester.
This year, Jordan Klein, Ben Gorton, and Linda Gorton shopped on behalf of Otselic Valley Central School District and brought three carloads of items back to the school for use by faculty, staff, and students.
Items were distributed throughout the building, including classrooms, the library, and shared spaces. Staff will continue organizing and finding new uses for the donated materials.
We greatly appreciate the generosity and support extended to OV through this program.
Students in Mrs. Osowski’s Economics class recently met with executives from NBT Bank as part of their Civic Action Project connected to the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.
Working alongside the “Otselic Valley Concerned Citizens Group,” students discussed the potential impact the loss of the local bank branch could have on the school community and student organizations. They also explored alternative banking options that may help support those most affected.
The project is one component students are completing to become eligible for the Seal of Civic Readiness.
This group, along with other senior groups, will present their civic action projects on June 16. More details will be shared soon.
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Josie Guernsey
Congratulations to Josie Guernsey and the OV Class of 2026! During her time at OV, Josie has participated in Drama Club, Student Government as Vice President, Band, Chorus, Book Club, and served as the Board of Education Student Representative. One accomplishment she is especially proud of is serving as class president for six years while earning the rank of number one in her class. We are proud to celebrate Josie and look forward to all she accomplishes after graduation.
Mrs. Hicks and Miss Macrino recently hosted a Coping Skills Fair, where students had the opportunity to explore healthy coping skills and learn fun, hands-on ways to manage big feelings.
Students visited 6 interactive stations, each designed to introduce different coping strategies that can be used at school and at home:
1. Fidgets – Students explored different fidget tools and discussed how they can help with focus and calming our bodies.
2. Exercise – Students learned how movement and physical activity can help release stress and reset our minds and bodies.
3. Affirmations & Books – Students practiced positive self-talk through affirmations and explored books that teach coping, feelings, and resilience.
4. Mindful Coloring & Breathing Stick Craft – Students practiced mindfulness through calming coloring activities and created a breathing stick to help guide slow, deep breaths.
5. Deep Breathing – Students learned and practiced breathing strategies to help calm their minds and bodies when emotions feel big.
6. Senses Station – Students explored sensory coping tools including smelly jars, playdough, and bubble wrap to help regulate and calm their bodies.
We loved seeing so many visitors stop by, participate, and explore new coping strategies!
Thank you for supporting social-emotional learning and helping students build healthy coping skills that they can use every day.
Warmly,
Mrs. Hicks & Miss Macrino
