|| May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
Otselic Valley would like to recognize and thank Speech-Language Pathologist Lara Meade for the work she does each day to support communication, learning, and student success at OV!
As part of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, Mrs. Meade is sharing several free family resources provided through a partnership between the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and Lantern. Lantern is a free program that delivers expert tips and guidance directly to caregivers’ smartphones through simple text-based support.
Resources include:
• TALK – Speech and language development
• HEAR – Hearing and listening support
• EAT – New Texting Program from ASHA and Lantern Provides Expert Advice for Handling Picky Eating and Other Feeding Challenges
Learn more:
• TALK: https://mylantern.org/lanterns-talk-program/
• HEAR: https://mylantern.org/lanterns-hear-program/
• EAT: https://mylantern.org/new-texting-program-from-asha-and-lantern-provides-expert-advice-for-handling-picky-eating-and-other-feeding-challenges/
Thank you, Mrs. Meade, for your continued dedication to supporting OV students and families!
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Mariela Aguilar-Domingo
Congratulations to Mariela Aguilar-Domingo and the OV Class of 2026! During her time at OV, Mariela has been involved in chorus and music. One accomplishment she is especially proud of is staying on top of all of her homework throughout high school. We are proud to celebrate Mariela and look forward to all she accomplishes after graduation.
Please note that tonight’s baseball game has been cancelled.
Students in Ms. Cantrell’s sixth grade cooking class recently made pancakes as part of another hands-on learning activity in the kitchen.
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for continuing to create fun and engaging opportunities for students to build cooking skills and work together in class!
Voting on the budget, election of a Board of Education member, voting on the purchase of 3 buses, and the election of a member to the public library Board of Trustees will be May 19, 2026. Voting will be held in the conference room of the P-12 building in South Otselic from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 PM.
The attached image is what the ballot will look like when you come in to vote.
On April 24, OV students and Colgate University mentors in the SUNY Morrisville Liberty Partnerships Program gathered at Gilligan’s Island in Sherburne to celebrate the end of a wonderful year together.
Throughout the year, Colgate students provided support and mentorship, building meaningful relationships with OV students. It’s been a joy to see these connections grow and the positive impact they’ve had along the way.
This gathering was a chance to reflect, celebrate, and enjoy time together ... and the smiles and hugs say it all!
Thank you to the Colgate mentors, OV students and staff who made this first year such a success, and a special thank you to Miss Linda for her dedication in helping bring this program to life.
It was great to be back together for Morning Program at OV!
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 lunch menu. During Kids with Character, a student shared about Courage and choosing what is helpful, right, and kind, even when something feels hard or scary.
Students also shared jokes and fun facts, bringing plenty of smiles to the room. We also celebrated some special OV birthdays today, Happy Birthday to Caesyn, Hunter, Brooks, and Jessa!
We also recognized our kindergartners for earning their Scissor Licenses from Ms. Lawrence after learning how to safely use, hold, and walk with scissors. Great job, kindergarteners!
Our OV’s Got Talent performances featured two awesome showcases. First, our 4th graders performed a Reader’s Theater about the rainforest, sharing important facts and reminding everyone about their upcoming open house. Then, our kindergarten students shared a special poem and what makes their mothers special and wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day!
Finally, representatives from Fishing & Heritage Day shared information about the event happening on May 16, including fishing, crafts, games, and family fun, and encouraged everyone to attend.
It was wonderful to come together again for Morning Program. Reminder for families: there are only three Morning Programs remaining this year: May 15, May 29, and June 5.
What a great way to start our Friday!
The Duck Derby is one of the highlights of Fishing & Heritage Day!
• 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.
|| Tri-Cities Opera Brings The Three Bears to OV
Otselic Valley students recently enjoyed a special performance of The Three Bears presented by Tri-Cities Opera through their Opera-Go-Round program.
Designed for younger audiences, this interactive opera introduced students to the art of storytelling through music, combining singing, acting, and live accompaniment in a fully staged performance. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with the performers following the show.
The story, inspired by the familiar Goldilocks tale, explores themes of belonging, kindness, and respecting others, important social-emotional lessons for students.
In addition to engaging our elementary students, the experience also provided valuable exposure for OV music and voice students, offering a closer look at live vocal performance and the world of opera.
Thank you to Tri-Cities Opera for bringing this engaging and educational experience to our school!
|| OV Seniors Share Their Future Plans at Decision Day
OV seniors recently participated in a Decision Day celebration, sharing their post-graduation plans with classmates and staff.
Congratulations to our OV seniors as they share their next steps!
Mariela – Workforce
Addison – Workforce
Kassidie – SUNY Binghamton
Owen – SUNY Morrisville
Jacob – Reputable Auto
Shay – Barbering
Wyatt – Savannah College for Art and Design
Gage – United States Navy
Skyler – SUNY Oneonta
Josie – Colgate University
Miranda – Workforce
Allayna – Workforce
Caleb – University of Delaware
James – Welding
Logan – SUNY Morrisville
Eric – Workforce
Kenzie – LeMoyne University
Emma – SUNY Morrisville
Lilly – LeMoyne University
Carter – Parker’s Contracting
Brianna – Workforce
Lukas – TC3
Adrian – SUNY Buffalo
Abby – Western Carolina University
Dustin – Paul Smith's College
We wish all of our seniors the best as they take the next step in their journeys!
Otselic Valley’s Pre-K program recently completed a New York State Education Department review, with all areas meeting expectations and in full compliance.
The review highlighted several strengths of the program, including strong family engagement, engaging classroom environments, and meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students.
Classroom practices such as learning centers, creative projects, and visual supports were noted as helping to create a positive and supportive environment for our youngest learners.
The report also recognized the district’s continued efforts to strengthen and improve the program.
Thank you to our Pre-K staff for their hard work and dedication in supporting our youngest learners each day!
From the 1969 Centralian Yearbook, this ninth grade class photo offers a look at students from South Otselic during that school year. It also highlights class officers, including President Michael Smith, Vice President Michele Kaider, Secretary Marsha Kaider, and Treasurer Peggy Graham.
A simple snapshot of student life more than 50 years ago.
Fourth grade students have completed their coil pot projects, and the finished pieces are now glazed and ready to use.
This project was made possible through funding from the Chenango County Council of the Arts, supporting hands-on learning in the classroom for a second year.
Students continued to build on their skills throughout the process, creating functional pieces such as mugs with added handles. The final products are microwave, dishwasher, and food safe.
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for leading this project and providing students with this creative opportunity!
The Otselic Valley Public Library has shared their May newsletter, featuring upcoming events, programs, and new reads for the community.
Highlights include:
• Fishing Heritage Day activities at the library on May 16 (10:00 AM-2:00 PM)
• Weekly programs like Chair Yoga and Fiber Arts
• Special events including Bread Club and a Seed Sprouting Workshop
• A new “Kitchen Confidence” cooking series
View the full newsletter here: https://rebrand.ly/dc2b4e
Fishing & Heritage Day is just around the corner, with activities taking place throughout the South Otselic community.
From fishing clinics and hatchery tours to antique tractors, cultural programs, and family activities, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
• Multiple locations
• Free shuttle available throughout the day
Join us on Saturday, May 16 for this free community event!
Second grade students recently took a field trip to the Chenango County Historical Society and Museum, where they explored what life was like in the past through a variety of hands-on learning experiences.
During their visit, students had a wonderful time exploring local history and learning what life was like in the past. They especially enjoyed seeing historical artifacts up close, asking thoughtful questions, and making connections to what they've been learning in class. It was a meaningful, hands-on experience that brought their studies to life!
We hope you enjoy this glimpse into their day!
#OVPride #OVLearns
The Otselic Valley Central School District has released the 2026–2027 Proposed Budget Newsletter.
View the full newsletter here: https://rebrand.ly/da8db9
The annual budget vote will take place on Tuesday, May 19.
We’re proud to recognize our April OV Star Award recipients for grades 6-12!
Each month, Otselic Valley honors students who demonstrate important character traits, and April’s theme was Cooperation.
Congratulations to:
⭐ Garrett Lidell
⭐ Callie Eaton
⭐ Wyatt Fuller
⭐ Jayden Whelen-Verry
⭐ Maddi Miller
⭐ Zack Foster
⭐ Wyatt Ramsay
⭐ Kooper Waltz
⭐ Carter Bard
⭐ Teagan Schlag
⭐ Landon Burpee
⭐ Nelson Shoemaker
⭐ Danielle Hazzard
⭐ Isabella Sayles
⭐ Aurora Mason
⭐ Orin Vroman
⭐ Josie Guernsey
⭐ Dustin Perry
⭐ Cornelius Vroman
⭐ Cierra Marshall
Thank you for working together, supporting one another, and helping make Otselic Valley a positive and collaborative school community!
We are proud to announce that Josie Guernsey has been named Valedictorian and Wyatt Eaton has been named Salutatorian of the Otselic Valley Central School Class of 2026!
These two outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to excellence throughout their high school careers.
Valedictorian: Josie Guernsey
Josie is the daughter of Amy and Kevin Guernsey. Throughout her high school career, she has distinguished herself as a dedicated scholar and an engaged leader. Josie has been an active member of numerous clubs and organizations, serving as Vice President of Student Government for the past two years, where she helped guide student initiatives and foster a strong sense of community. This year, she further elevated her leadership by representing the student body on the Board of Education, offering thoughtful insight and a student-centered perspective.
An avid reader with a true passion for literature, Josie has been deeply involved in Book Club and the Colgate Seminar Program, where her intellectual curiosity and love of learning have shone. She has also been a vibrant member of the Drama Club, sharing her talents on stage and bringing joy and energy to countless performances over the years. Josie has committed to attend Colgate University, where she will pursue a degree in Education with the goal of becoming an English teacher—no doubt inspiring future generations with the same enthusiasm and dedication she has shown here.
Salutatorian: Wyatt Eaton
Wyatt is the son of Lindsey and Shannon Eaton. Like Josie, Wyatt has made the most of his high school experience, balancing academic excellence with meaningful involvement in a wide range of activities. He has been an active member of Student Government, contributing his voice and ideas to help shape student life. His participation in Book Club and the Colgate Seminar Program reflects his intellectual engagement and appreciation for thoughtful discussion and exploration of ideas.
Wyatt has also been a valued member of S.A.G.A. and the Drama Club, where his creativity, collaboration, and artistic vision have stood out. Whether working behind the scenes or contributing to performances, he has played an important role in enriching our school’s arts community. Wyatt plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he will pursue his passion for costume design.
Please join us in congratulating Josie and Wyatt on their well-deserved achievements. We look forward to their graduation speeches at our upcoming commencement ceremony.
Our 6th grade cooking class is at it again, this time making delicious açaí bowls!
Students had the opportunity to create their own healthy treats while learning valuable skills in the kitchen.
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for designing such engaging lessons for our students!
