|| 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!
|| FINAL REMINDER!
Stop by the South Otselic Fire Department TODAY from 3:30-6:30 PM to support our Girls Varsity Soccer team!
• Bake Sale – delicious treats ready to go!
• Raffle Baskets – tickets are $5 each or 3 for $12 (winners drawn at the end, you don’t need to be present to win)
• Bottle & Can Drive – drop off your recyclables!
A HUGE thank you to our Lady Vikings and their families for making this fundraiser happen!
Come grab a treat and help support our athletes!
Stop by the South Otselic Fire Department TODAY from 3:30-6:30 PM to support our Girls Varsity Soccer team!
• Bake Sale – delicious treats ready to go!
• Raffle Baskets – tickets are $5 each or 3 for $12 (winners drawn at the end, you don’t need to be present to win)
• Bottle & Can Drive – drop off your recyclables!
A HUGE thank you to our Lady Vikings and their families for making this fundraiser happen!
Come grab a treat and help support our athletes!
|| Professional learning never stops at OV!
During the first week of September, our staff led workshops for their colleagues, sharing expertise and new strategies to support teaching and learning.
• Lori Youngs guided a session on social emotional learning.
• Jake Preston demonstrated how to build thinking classrooms.
• Joe Gross shared tips on getting the most out of the IXL platform.
We’re proud of our teachers for leading the way and supporting each other!
During the first week of September, our staff led workshops for their colleagues, sharing expertise and new strategies to support teaching and learning.
• Lori Youngs guided a session on social emotional learning.
• Jake Preston demonstrated how to build thinking classrooms.
• Joe Gross shared tips on getting the most out of the IXL platform.
We’re proud of our teachers for leading the way and supporting each other!
|| Support OV Girls Varsity Soccer!
Our Lady Vikings have been working hard on and off the field, and now they’re hosting a fundraiser to help purchase team gear!
• Wednesday, September 17th
• South Otselic Fire Department
• 3:30-6:30 pm (or until baked goods sell out!)
Featuring:
• Bake Sale
• Bottle & Can Drive
• Raffle Baskets -- $5 each or 3 for $12
Stop by for a treat, drop off cans and bottles, or take a chance on a raffle basket -- all while supporting our Lady Vikings!
Our Lady Vikings have been working hard on and off the field, and now they’re hosting a fundraiser to help purchase team gear!
• Wednesday, September 17th
• South Otselic Fire Department
• 3:30-6:30 pm (or until baked goods sell out!)
Featuring:
• Bake Sale
• Bottle & Can Drive
• Raffle Baskets -- $5 each or 3 for $12
Stop by for a treat, drop off cans and bottles, or take a chance on a raffle basket -- all while supporting our Lady Vikings!
|| On IT Professional Day, we celebrate Karson Fish and Ed Monico for their dedication to our school. Whether it’s fixing tech issues or supporting learning with technology, their work helps our students and staff succeed every day. Thank you!
|| OV Varsity Girls Soccer Update
The Vikings battled hard against Stockbridge, falling just short in a 3-2 match.
Goals were scored by Kimmy Miron-Blanco and Skyler Graham, with Izzy Neal making another big penalty kick save! Strong play also came from Abby White, Addison Palmer, and Baleigh DuBois who gave it their all on the field.
|| Don’t forget, tomorrow after school our team is hosting a fundraiser! (Post coming soon with more details about the fundraiser!)
-- Buy baked goods
-- Enter to win a raffle basket
-- Drop off bottles & cans
Your support helps our student-athletes -- thank you, OV community!
The Vikings battled hard against Stockbridge, falling just short in a 3-2 match.
Goals were scored by Kimmy Miron-Blanco and Skyler Graham, with Izzy Neal making another big penalty kick save! Strong play also came from Abby White, Addison Palmer, and Baleigh DuBois who gave it their all on the field.
|| Don’t forget, tomorrow after school our team is hosting a fundraiser! (Post coming soon with more details about the fundraiser!)
-- Buy baked goods
-- Enter to win a raffle basket
-- Drop off bottles & cans
Your support helps our student-athletes -- thank you, OV community!
|| Otselic Valley Safety Drill Reminder
Next week, Otselic Valley will be conducting an evacuation drill as part of our regular safety routines.
These drills are meant to provide students and staff with practice so they feel prepared and confident in the event of an emergency.
We encourage families to talk with students about how these drills are practice routines that keep everyone prepared and safe.
Thank you for your support as we work together to keep OV safe.
Next week, Otselic Valley will be conducting an evacuation drill as part of our regular safety routines.
These drills are meant to provide students and staff with practice so they feel prepared and confident in the event of an emergency.
We encourage families to talk with students about how these drills are practice routines that keep everyone prepared and safe.
Thank you for your support as we work together to keep OV safe.
|| OV Athletics Reminders
We’re proud of all our Vikings competing this fall! Here’s where you can catch OV athletes on the field:
• Modified Girls Soccer (OV joining Madison for games)
• Varsity Girls Soccer (OV)
• Modified Boys Soccer (OV)
• Varsity Boys Soccer (DeRuyter)
• Football (Sherburne-Earlville)
|| Can’t make it to Sherburne-Earlville football games? You can still tune in live with Chenango Sports:
1. Go to Mixlr.com
2. Search “Chenango Sports” and scroll down
3. Click the Chenango Sports logo
Stay up to date: OV Athletics Schedule: https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
We’re proud of all our Vikings competing this fall! Here’s where you can catch OV athletes on the field:
• Modified Girls Soccer (OV joining Madison for games)
• Varsity Girls Soccer (OV)
• Modified Boys Soccer (OV)
• Varsity Boys Soccer (DeRuyter)
• Football (Sherburne-Earlville)
|| Can’t make it to Sherburne-Earlville football games? You can still tune in live with Chenango Sports:
1. Go to Mixlr.com
2. Search “Chenango Sports” and scroll down
3. Click the Chenango Sports logo
Stay up to date: OV Athletics Schedule: https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
|| Instrument Petting Zoo!
Our 4th grade students had a fun afternoon exploring instruments with help from our high school band members! From brass to woodwinds to percussion, students had the chance to try out different instruments, ask questions, and imagine what they might want to play in the future.
A big thank-you to our high school musicians and Mr. Taylor for making this hands-on experience possible. The excitement and smiles said it all -- music is alive and well at OV!
Our 4th grade students had a fun afternoon exploring instruments with help from our high school band members! From brass to woodwinds to percussion, students had the chance to try out different instruments, ask questions, and imagine what they might want to play in the future.
A big thank-you to our high school musicians and Mr. Taylor for making this hands-on experience possible. The excitement and smiles said it all -- music is alive and well at OV!
|| Reminder: OV Athletic Survey
Thank you to everyone who has already taken our Athletic Survey!
Your input is helping us better understand interest and participation as we plan for the future of our sports programs.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, we’d still love to hear from you. Your feedback is so important in supporting our student athletes and shaping the opportunities available at Otselic Valley.
Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/81yjwC92nDCVJT1J8
Thank you for being part of the conversation and for supporting OV Athletics!
Thank you to everyone who has already taken our Athletic Survey!
Your input is helping us better understand interest and participation as we plan for the future of our sports programs.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, we’d still love to hear from you. Your feedback is so important in supporting our student athletes and shaping the opportunities available at Otselic Valley.
Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/81yjwC92nDCVJT1J8
Thank you for being part of the conversation and for supporting OV Athletics!
