|| Fractions, Fun, and Fresh Snow at Otselic Valley!
Third grade students in Mr. Gross’s class had a sweet (and snowy!) way to kick off their new math unit on fractions. Students started by learning about whole numbers, numerators, and denominators, then explored how fractions work in real life by reading recipes and comparing fractional amounts.
To make the lesson extra memorable, students put their new knowledge to work by making snow ice cream using fresh snowfall from outside!
This special activity also celebrated a class goal: during December, students earned cotton balls for a classroom “snowman” for each day they were present. When the snowman was completely filled, the class earned a reward, and Mr. Gross surprised them with this delicious hands-on learning experience.
It was a perfect blend of math, motivation, and fun -- and a great example of creative learning at OV!
Third grade students in Mr. Gross’s class had a sweet (and snowy!) way to kick off their new math unit on fractions. Students started by learning about whole numbers, numerators, and denominators, then explored how fractions work in real life by reading recipes and comparing fractional amounts.
To make the lesson extra memorable, students put their new knowledge to work by making snow ice cream using fresh snowfall from outside!
This special activity also celebrated a class goal: during December, students earned cotton balls for a classroom “snowman” for each day they were present. When the snowman was completely filled, the class earned a reward, and Mr. Gross surprised them with this delicious hands-on learning experience.
It was a perfect blend of math, motivation, and fun -- and a great example of creative learning at OV!
|| DCMO BOCES Capital Project Vote – February 3, 2026
As a component district of Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES, Otselic Valley is sharing information about the DCMO BOCES Capital Building Project.
The project focuses on improving safety, learning spaces, and facilities that support students across all 16 component school districts, including OV. Many Otselic Valley students participate in programs and services provided through DCMO BOCES, and the proposed improvements are intended to support current and future learning needs.
• Voting will take place Tuesday, February 3, 2026
• Inclement weather vote date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
• Otselic Valley will serve as a voting site.
You can view the informational flyer here: https://rebrand.ly/16ceb0
Additional details are available online: https://rebrand.ly/1b4hd1c
As a component district of Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES, Otselic Valley is sharing information about the DCMO BOCES Capital Building Project.
The project focuses on improving safety, learning spaces, and facilities that support students across all 16 component school districts, including OV. Many Otselic Valley students participate in programs and services provided through DCMO BOCES, and the proposed improvements are intended to support current and future learning needs.
• Voting will take place Tuesday, February 3, 2026
• Inclement weather vote date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
• Otselic Valley will serve as a voting site.
You can view the informational flyer here: https://rebrand.ly/16ceb0
Additional details are available online: https://rebrand.ly/1b4hd1c
|| Let’s Go Vikings!
OV girls and boys basketball teams are in action this week, come out and support our student-athletes!
This Week’s Games:
Tuesday, Jan. 27
• Boys Varsity vs. McGraw (Home) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, Jan. 28
• Girls 7/8 vs. Cincinnatus (Home) at 4:30 PM
Thursday, Jan. 29
• Girls JV vs. Cazenovia (Home) at 5:30 PM
Thursday, Jan. 29
• Girls Varsity vs. Afton (Home) at 7:00 PM
Friday, Jan. 30
• Boys Varsity @ DeRuyter at 7:00 PM
View the full schedule:
https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
|| OV Students Earn National Recognition for Literary Magazine!
Congratulations to Mrs. Danielle Brown and the students of the Creative Writing class for earning an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Awards, a national competition sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English.
The Viking’s Whisper, Otselic Valley’s student literary magazine, was recognized in its first year of submission, which is an exciting achievement for our students and school community. The magazine features original student poems, short stories, and creative writing, showcasing student voice and creativity.
We are proud of our student writers, editors, and designers for this accomplishment and look forward to seeing what they create next!
Congratulations to Mrs. Danielle Brown and the students of the Creative Writing class for earning an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Awards, a national competition sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English.
The Viking’s Whisper, Otselic Valley’s student literary magazine, was recognized in its first year of submission, which is an exciting achievement for our students and school community. The magazine features original student poems, short stories, and creative writing, showcasing student voice and creativity.
We are proud of our student writers, editors, and designers for this accomplishment and look forward to seeing what they create next!
|| Otselic Valley CSD Closed – Monday, January 26th
Due to weather conditions, Otselic Valley Central School District will be closed on Monday, January 26th. Please stay safe.
Due to weather conditions, Otselic Valley Central School District will be closed on Monday, January 26th. Please stay safe.
|| Starting our Friday the OV way!
We began the morning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, then heard the weather and lunch menu from our students. During Kids with Character, students talked about perseverance and not giving up when things feel hard, especially in math and reading.
We shared jokes and fun facts, celebrated birthdays (Happy Birthday to Julianna, Bentley, and Adalynn!), and wrapped up with three awesome OV’s Got Talent performances. Ariana sang “Two Days Into College,” Octavia performed “What it Sounds Like,” and Bentley and Liam sang “Thankful.”
What a great way to start the day!
We began the morning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, then heard the weather and lunch menu from our students. During Kids with Character, students talked about perseverance and not giving up when things feel hard, especially in math and reading.
We shared jokes and fun facts, celebrated birthdays (Happy Birthday to Julianna, Bentley, and Adalynn!), and wrapped up with three awesome OV’s Got Talent performances. Ariana sang “Two Days Into College,” Octavia performed “What it Sounds Like,” and Bentley and Liam sang “Thankful.”
What a great way to start the day!
|| Community Winter Weather Resources
With colder weather here, we wanted to share some local resources that may be helpful for our community.
|| New Warming Center (Norwich)
A new warming center will open on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1 O’Hara Drive in Norwich. The center will be open nightly and provides a safe, warm place to rest.
|| Additional Community Resources
Chenango County
• Catholic Charities of Chenango County: https://ccofcc.com/
• HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): https://www.chenangocountyny.gov/692/HEAP
Madison County
• Code Blue Emergency Information: https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/3251/Code-Blue-Information
• HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/
Statewide / Regional Resources
• NYS HEARS Family Line: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cwcs/hears.php
• Chenango County System of Care: https://chenango-delaware-soc.org/
Please share this information with anyone who may benefit. Staying warm and safe is important for everyone in our community.
With colder weather here, we wanted to share some local resources that may be helpful for our community.
|| New Warming Center (Norwich)
A new warming center will open on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1 O’Hara Drive in Norwich. The center will be open nightly and provides a safe, warm place to rest.
|| Additional Community Resources
Chenango County
• Catholic Charities of Chenango County: https://ccofcc.com/
• HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): https://www.chenangocountyny.gov/692/HEAP
Madison County
• Code Blue Emergency Information: https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/3251/Code-Blue-Information
• HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/
Statewide / Regional Resources
• NYS HEARS Family Line: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cwcs/hears.php
• Chenango County System of Care: https://chenango-delaware-soc.org/
Please share this information with anyone who may benefit. Staying warm and safe is important for everyone in our community.
|| Boys Varsity Basketball Win Over George Jr.
The OV boys varsity basketball team hosted George Jr. on Wednesday and came away with a big win, 90-53!
Lukas led the scoring with 30 points, followed by Owen with 21 and Caleb with 19. Logan added 8 points, Alex contributed 6, and Wyatt scored his first points of the season with 4.
Great job, Vikings -- keep up the hard work and teamwork on the court!
The OV boys varsity basketball team hosted George Jr. on Wednesday and came away with a big win, 90-53!
Lukas led the scoring with 30 points, followed by Owen with 21 and Caleb with 19. Logan added 8 points, Alex contributed 6, and Wyatt scored his first points of the season with 4.
Great job, Vikings -- keep up the hard work and teamwork on the court!
|| Supporting Our OV Families
Did you know we have a mini food pantry located by the LPP room in the counseling area on the second floor? The pantry is available for OV students and their families who may need a little extra support.
We are also grateful for recent donations to Karter’s Closet, which help ensure students have access to clothing and essentials. Thank you to our generous community for your kindness and support!
A big thank you to Miss Linda and the LPP students for helping organize and prepare these donations for students and families.
Did you know we have a mini food pantry located by the LPP room in the counseling area on the second floor? The pantry is available for OV students and their families who may need a little extra support.
We are also grateful for recent donations to Karter’s Closet, which help ensure students have access to clothing and essentials. Thank you to our generous community for your kindness and support!
A big thank you to Miss Linda and the LPP students for helping organize and prepare these donations for students and families.
|| Throwback Thursday
From the 1978 Reflections Otselic Valley Yearbook, this page features students involved in Golf Club and Ski Club.
With Ski Club in full swing today, it’s fun to look back and see how long this winter tradition has been part of OV’s story!
From the 1978 Reflections Otselic Valley Yearbook, this page features students involved in Golf Club and Ski Club.
With Ski Club in full swing today, it’s fun to look back and see how long this winter tradition has been part of OV’s story!
|| Reminder: Support the OV Book Club Seed Fundraiser!
There’s still time to support the OV Book Club through their online seed fundraiser with Fedco Seeds. It’s an easy way to support our students while getting ready for spring planting with flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
• Fundraiser ends January 25th
• Order online here:
https://fedcoseeds.com/fundraisers/OSVHS-25
Thank you for supporting the OV Book Club!
There’s still time to support the OV Book Club through their online seed fundraiser with Fedco Seeds. It’s an easy way to support our students while getting ready for spring planting with flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
• Fundraiser ends January 25th
• Order online here:
https://fedcoseeds.com/fundraisers/OSVHS-25
Thank you for supporting the OV Book Club!
|| Now Hiring at Otselic Valley!
Otselic Valley Central School is accepting applications for Spring Athletic positions for the 2025-2026 school year.
Current openings include:
• Varsity Baseball Coach
• Varsity Softball Coach
• Modified Baseball Coach
• Modified Softball Coach
• Varsity Bookkeeper
Qualifications:
Appropriate coaching certification required (or willingness to complete required courses).
How to Apply:
Please send application materials to:
Mr. Brian Collier, Superintendent
Otselic Valley Central School
P.O. Box 161
South Otselic, NY 13155
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
Find all current job openings at OV: https://www.ovcs.org/page/job-vacancies
Otselic Valley Central School is accepting applications for Spring Athletic positions for the 2025-2026 school year.
Current openings include:
• Varsity Baseball Coach
• Varsity Softball Coach
• Modified Baseball Coach
• Modified Softball Coach
• Varsity Bookkeeper
Qualifications:
Appropriate coaching certification required (or willingness to complete required courses).
How to Apply:
Please send application materials to:
Mr. Brian Collier, Superintendent
Otselic Valley Central School
P.O. Box 161
South Otselic, NY 13155
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
Find all current job openings at OV: https://www.ovcs.org/page/job-vacancies
|| Free Winter Coat Giveaway for Families
The Place, in partnership with Subaru Loves to Help, is hosting a free winter coat gifting event for children in our community.
This event provides brand-new winter coats to help keep children warm this winter.
• Wednesday, January 21st
• 5:00-6:30 PM
• The Place, 22 East Main Street, Norwich, NY
To receive a coat and attend the event, please contact The Place directly using the information on the flyer. Coats are available while supplies last.
Thank you to The Place and Subaru for supporting families in our community!
The Place, in partnership with Subaru Loves to Help, is hosting a free winter coat gifting event for children in our community.
This event provides brand-new winter coats to help keep children warm this winter.
• Wednesday, January 21st
• 5:00-6:30 PM
• The Place, 22 East Main Street, Norwich, NY
To receive a coat and attend the event, please contact The Place directly using the information on the flyer. Coats are available while supplies last.
Thank you to The Place and Subaru for supporting families in our community!
|| Let’s Go Vikings!
OV girls and boys basketball teams are in action this week -- come out and support our student-athletes!
This Week’s Games:
Tonight, Tuesday, Jan. 20
• Girls Varsity vs. Poland (Home) at 6:00 PM
• Boys Varsity @ Brookfield at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, Jan. 21
• Girls 7/8 @ Madison at 4:30 PM
• Boys Varsity vs. George Junior Republic (Home) at 6:00 PM
Friday, Jan. 23
• Boys Varsity @ Stockbridge Valley at 5:30 PM
View the full schedule:
https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
OV girls and boys basketball teams are in action this week -- come out and support our student-athletes!
This Week’s Games:
Tonight, Tuesday, Jan. 20
• Girls Varsity vs. Poland (Home) at 6:00 PM
• Boys Varsity @ Brookfield at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, Jan. 21
• Girls 7/8 @ Madison at 4:30 PM
• Boys Varsity vs. George Junior Republic (Home) at 6:00 PM
Friday, Jan. 23
• Boys Varsity @ Stockbridge Valley at 5:30 PM
View the full schedule:
https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
|| Boys Varsity Basketball Win Over Cincinnatus
On Friday, the boys varsity team added another win to the column with a convincing 67-43 victory over league rival Cincinnatus, improving their record to 7-5 on the season.
Lukas led all scorers with 27 points, followed closely by Owen with 23 and Caleb with 11. Caleb also had a strong all-around performance, pulling down 9 rebounds, while Konyr contributed 8 points.
Defensively, the team was relentless, forcing 22 steals as a unit, with Caleb leading the way with an impressive 12 steals.
Great job, fellas -- let’s keep this rolling!
On Friday, the boys varsity team added another win to the column with a convincing 67-43 victory over league rival Cincinnatus, improving their record to 7-5 on the season.
Lukas led all scorers with 27 points, followed closely by Owen with 23 and Caleb with 11. Caleb also had a strong all-around performance, pulling down 9 rebounds, while Konyr contributed 8 points.
Defensively, the team was relentless, forcing 22 steals as a unit, with Caleb leading the way with an impressive 12 steals.
Great job, fellas -- let’s keep this rolling!
|| Planning ahead for spring?
The OV Book Club is partnering with Fedco Seeds for an online seed fundraiser -- perfect for anyone thinking ahead to spring gardens, whether you’re planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs.
• Fundraiser ends January 25th
• Order online here:
https://fedcoseeds.com/fundraisers/OSVHS-25
Thank you for supporting the OV Book Club students!
|| Starting the Day the OV Way -- with our awesome Morning Program!
Our morning began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a patriotic song to set a positive tone for the day. Students from each grade then came up to share the weather and lunch menu.
During Kids with Character, everyone joined together to sing “The Empathy Song,” followed by students sharing jokes and fun facts.
We also proudly recognized students from each class who earned OV Stars for Empathy -- a wonderful celebration of kindness and caring at OV!
We wrapped up the program with two fantastic OV’s Got Talent performances: Aerieanna wowed us with her rendition of “Dirt Cheap,” and Nolan delivered an impressive performance of “End of Beginning.”
Our Morning Program is always a wonderful reminder of what makes OV such a special place to start the day.
#OVPride #MorningProgram #OVStars
Our morning began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a patriotic song to set a positive tone for the day. Students from each grade then came up to share the weather and lunch menu.
During Kids with Character, everyone joined together to sing “The Empathy Song,” followed by students sharing jokes and fun facts.
We also proudly recognized students from each class who earned OV Stars for Empathy -- a wonderful celebration of kindness and caring at OV!
We wrapped up the program with two fantastic OV’s Got Talent performances: Aerieanna wowed us with her rendition of “Dirt Cheap,” and Nolan delivered an impressive performance of “End of Beginning.”
Our Morning Program is always a wonderful reminder of what makes OV such a special place to start the day.
#OVPride #MorningProgram #OVStars
|| Vikings Basketball Recap!
|| Girls Varsity Basketball
The girls varsity team hosted Madison last night and earned a strong 52-33 win! Abby White led the Vikings with 14 points and 6 steals, while Miranda Hackett added 12 points, 9 steals, and 8 rebounds. Kenzie Reandeau dominated the boards with 15 rebounds and chipped in 9 points. Emma Rooker contributed 9 points, and Skyler Graham added 6 points and 6 steals. A great all-around team effort, way to go, ladies!
|| Boys Varsity Basketball
The boys varsity team traveled to Remsen last night and came home with a big 75-48 victory. The Vikings jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, finishing the first quarter ahead 20-12. Lukas Schieferstein led the way with an impressive 36 points, along with rebounds and a deep three at the buzzer. Owen Davis recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 steals, while Caleb Loomis posted a triple-double with 10 points, 12 assists, and 13 steals. Konyr Clemens added 11 points and led the team with 8 rebounds.
The Vikings also had two buzzer beaters on the night -- one from Lukas and another from Gage Foster for his first two points of the season. Logan, Tommy, Wyatt, and Alex all played key minutes and contributed to the team’s success. Great team win!
|| Game Reminder!
The boys are back in action tonight at home vs. Cincinnatus at 6:00 PM. Come out and support the team!
View the full schedule here:
https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
|| Girls Varsity Basketball
The girls varsity team hosted Madison last night and earned a strong 52-33 win! Abby White led the Vikings with 14 points and 6 steals, while Miranda Hackett added 12 points, 9 steals, and 8 rebounds. Kenzie Reandeau dominated the boards with 15 rebounds and chipped in 9 points. Emma Rooker contributed 9 points, and Skyler Graham added 6 points and 6 steals. A great all-around team effort, way to go, ladies!
|| Boys Varsity Basketball
The boys varsity team traveled to Remsen last night and came home with a big 75-48 victory. The Vikings jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, finishing the first quarter ahead 20-12. Lukas Schieferstein led the way with an impressive 36 points, along with rebounds and a deep three at the buzzer. Owen Davis recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 steals, while Caleb Loomis posted a triple-double with 10 points, 12 assists, and 13 steals. Konyr Clemens added 11 points and led the team with 8 rebounds.
The Vikings also had two buzzer beaters on the night -- one from Lukas and another from Gage Foster for his first two points of the season. Logan, Tommy, Wyatt, and Alex all played key minutes and contributed to the team’s success. Great team win!
|| Game Reminder!
The boys are back in action tonight at home vs. Cincinnatus at 6:00 PM. Come out and support the team!
View the full schedule here:
https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
|| Community Resource: Special Education 101
We’re sharing this upcoming training opportunity for families, caregivers, and professionals who would like a better understanding of the special education process in New York State.
Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member
• Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
• Online via Microsoft Teams
12:00-2:30 PM session:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/md8nukd
6:00-8:30 PM session:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/4xqmwvq
This training covers topics such as the referral and evaluation process, IEP components, CPSE/CSE roles, and parents’ rights.
We’re sharing this upcoming training opportunity for families, caregivers, and professionals who would like a better understanding of the special education process in New York State.
Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member
• Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
• Online via Microsoft Teams
12:00-2:30 PM session:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/md8nukd
6:00-8:30 PM session:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/4xqmwvq
This training covers topics such as the referral and evaluation process, IEP components, CPSE/CSE roles, and parents’ rights.
|| Throwback Thursday: OV Drama Club
A look back at the 2010 Otselic Valley New Horizons Yearbook, featuring the OV Drama Club’s production of Animal Farm.
The drama club production included student performances, costumes, and set work, reflecting OV pride in school theatre.
A look back at the 2010 Otselic Valley New Horizons Yearbook, featuring the OV Drama Club’s production of Animal Farm.
The drama club production included student performances, costumes, and set work, reflecting OV pride in school theatre.
