|| Reminder: Veterans Day Program – Tomorrow at OV
Join us as we honor those who have served our country.
Friday, November 7th
• Breakfast for Veterans: 7:45–8:45 AM (Band Room)
• Program: 9:00 AM (Multipurpose Room)
Hosted by the Otselic Valley FFA Chapter, this special event recognizes and celebrates the service and sacrifice of our local heroes. A heartfelt thank-you to our sponsors for helping make this event possible: Stewarts Shoppes, OV PTO, Arts and Ed, Dave and Tina Cruikshank, Flyhawk Farm, Miss Linda and the LPP and the OV FFA.
|| Mobile Food Pantry Coming to South Otselic
The Food Bank of Central New York's Mobile Food Pantry will be in South Otselic this Friday, November 7th, starting at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church.
This free food distribution is open to all -- no income requirements or registration needed. Fresh produce, dairy, and other items will be available while supplies last.
For more information, visit foodbankcny.org or call (315) 437-1899.
You can also use the Food Finder Tool at fbcny.org/findfood to find other nearby food distributions.
The Food Bank of Central New York's Mobile Food Pantry will be in South Otselic this Friday, November 7th, starting at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church.
This free food distribution is open to all -- no income requirements or registration needed. Fresh produce, dairy, and other items will be available while supplies last.
For more information, visit foodbankcny.org or call (315) 437-1899.
You can also use the Food Finder Tool at fbcny.org/findfood to find other nearby food distributions.
|| Stay Connected with OV!
The Otselic Valley app now includes Rooms, our family messaging feature that makes it easier to connect with teachers, coaches, and staff -- all in one place.
Get messages, updates, and notifications right from your phone!
Download the free Otselic Valley app today:
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed.
The Otselic Valley app now includes Rooms, our family messaging feature that makes it easier to connect with teachers, coaches, and staff -- all in one place.
Get messages, updates, and notifications right from your phone!
Download the free Otselic Valley app today:
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed.
|| Creative Writing Workshops with The REV Theatre!
Kimmi and Diane from The REV Theatre Co. visited Otselic Valley to lead creative writing workshops with our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.
Students practiced using their five senses to describe a setting, created original characters, and developed interesting plots -- all in preparation for the ECHOES creative writing competition!
Our students will now be submitting their own original works for the contest, hoping their pieces are selected to be featured in a special performance later this school year.
The REV’s Echoes program is one of the largest middle school writing competitions in the country, showcasing student stories from across New York State.
Kimmi and Diane from The REV Theatre Co. visited Otselic Valley to lead creative writing workshops with our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.
Students practiced using their five senses to describe a setting, created original characters, and developed interesting plots -- all in preparation for the ECHOES creative writing competition!
Our students will now be submitting their own original works for the contest, hoping their pieces are selected to be featured in a special performance later this school year.
The REV’s Echoes program is one of the largest middle school writing competitions in the country, showcasing student stories from across New York State.
|| Mock Trial Brings Literature to Life at OV!
Our 8th grade English students in Mrs. Brown’s class recently wrapped up their Horror Unit with a mock trial based on Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart.
Students took on roles from the story to determine the fate of the narrator accused of murdering the Old Man. The classroom came alive as local lawyer and parent Mr. Wentworth served as judge.
Seniors acted as the jury, creating a full-circle moment since many remember participating in this same activity as middle schoolers.
The trial wrapped up on Halloween, and even with a few costumes in the courtroom, students stayed focused and committed to their roles.
Thank you to Mrs. Brown for organizing this amazing learning experience, to our seniors for serving as the jury, and to Mr. Wentworth and Deputy Smith for helping make it both educational and memorable. It ended in a hung jury, but the experience was still a great success!
Our 8th grade English students in Mrs. Brown’s class recently wrapped up their Horror Unit with a mock trial based on Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart.
Students took on roles from the story to determine the fate of the narrator accused of murdering the Old Man. The classroom came alive as local lawyer and parent Mr. Wentworth served as judge.
Seniors acted as the jury, creating a full-circle moment since many remember participating in this same activity as middle schoolers.
The trial wrapped up on Halloween, and even with a few costumes in the courtroom, students stayed focused and committed to their roles.
Thank you to Mrs. Brown for organizing this amazing learning experience, to our seniors for serving as the jury, and to Mr. Wentworth and Deputy Smith for helping make it both educational and memorable. It ended in a hung jury, but the experience was still a great success!
|| Support the OV Class of 2027!
The Otselic Valley juniors are kicking off their Little Caesars Pizza Kit fundraiser, running November 3rd-17th!
Proceeds will help the Class of 2027 raise money for this year’s prom and their senior year. You can order directly from a junior student or online at the link below.
Online Order Here: https://rebrand.ly/r4m8io7
Thank you for supporting our students and helping them reach their goals -- one pizza at a time!
The Otselic Valley juniors are kicking off their Little Caesars Pizza Kit fundraiser, running November 3rd-17th!
Proceeds will help the Class of 2027 raise money for this year’s prom and their senior year. You can order directly from a junior student or online at the link below.
Online Order Here: https://rebrand.ly/r4m8io7
Thank you for supporting our students and helping them reach their goals -- one pizza at a time!
|| Reminder: Personal Device Guidelines at OVCS
Phones and personal internet-enabled devices must be powered off and stored in student lockers during the school day, from the morning bell to the dismissal bell.
This includes cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and similar personal devices. These updated guidelines follow New York State Education Law Section 2803 and help support student focus, learning, and well-being.
Thank you for helping us create a positive, focused environment for all Vikings.
Phones and personal internet-enabled devices must be powered off and stored in student lockers during the school day, from the morning bell to the dismissal bell.
This includes cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and similar personal devices. These updated guidelines follow New York State Education Law Section 2803 and help support student focus, learning, and well-being.
Thank you for helping us create a positive, focused environment for all Vikings.
|| Otselic Valley Fall Play: The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza
The Otselic Valley Drama Club proudly presents The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, a comedy by Don Zolidis -- brought to life by our student-led and directed cast and crew!
• Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th
• 7:00 PM
• Otselic Valley Central School MPR
Tickets:
Adults – $10
Students – $5
Children under 5 – Free
Come support our talented Vikings for an evening of creativity, laughter, and live theater as they bring Greek mythology to life on stage!
The Otselic Valley Drama Club proudly presents The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, a comedy by Don Zolidis -- brought to life by our student-led and directed cast and crew!
• Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th
• 7:00 PM
• Otselic Valley Central School MPR
Tickets:
Adults – $10
Students – $5
Children under 5 – Free
Come support our talented Vikings for an evening of creativity, laughter, and live theater as they bring Greek mythology to life on stage!
|| REMINDER: Picture Retake Day is this Wednesday, November 5th, in the Library!
Retakes will begin at 7:30 a.m. for any students who need to head to BOCES afterward.
Retakes will begin at 7:30 a.m. for any students who need to head to BOCES afterward.
|| Thanksgiving Assistance Available
Cortland–Chenango Rural Services is offering Thanksgiving Assistance for local families -- sign up by Friday, November 7th for a turkey or Food Sense package.
Call: 607-863-3828
Serving the South Otselic area and nearby communities.
Cortland–Chenango Rural Services is offering Thanksgiving Assistance for local families -- sign up by Friday, November 7th for a turkey or Food Sense package.
Call: 607-863-3828
Serving the South Otselic area and nearby communities.
|| No Morning Program this Friday, November 7th
There will be no Morning Program this Friday, because of our Veterans Day Program hosted by the Otselic Valley FFA Chapter.
The Veterans Day Program schedule:
• Breakfast for Veterans: 7:45–8:45 am in the Band Room
• Program: 9:00 am in the Multipurpose Room
We look forward to honoring and thanking our veterans for their service.
Morning Program will return on Friday, November 14th.
There will be no Morning Program this Friday, because of our Veterans Day Program hosted by the Otselic Valley FFA Chapter.
The Veterans Day Program schedule:
• Breakfast for Veterans: 7:45–8:45 am in the Band Room
• Program: 9:00 am in the Multipurpose Room
We look forward to honoring and thanking our veterans for their service.
Morning Program will return on Friday, November 14th.
|| Halloween fun all around Otselic Valley!
Students and staff showed off their costumes in the Halloween Parade and around the school -- what a fun and festive day to be a Viking!
Students and staff showed off their costumes in the Halloween Parade and around the school -- what a fun and festive day to be a Viking!
|| A fun-filled Halloween Morning Program at Otselic Valley!
We began the day with the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, followed by students from each class sharing the weather and lunch menu.
Everyone joined in for our Responsibility Sing-Along, and students kept the crowd smiling with jokes, fun facts, and a special birthday celebration for Asher.
We also shared OV Shoutouts and wrapped up with a fantastic OV’s Got Talent performance -- Shira, Amelia, and Emma sang “Takedown.”
What a wonderful way to start the day!
We began the day with the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, followed by students from each class sharing the weather and lunch menu.
Everyone joined in for our Responsibility Sing-Along, and students kept the crowd smiling with jokes, fun facts, and a special birthday celebration for Asher.
We also shared OV Shoutouts and wrapped up with a fantastic OV’s Got Talent performance -- Shira, Amelia, and Emma sang “Takedown.”
What a wonderful way to start the day!
|| Community Food & Assistance Resource
We understand that some families may be affected by the temporary pause in SNAP benefits.
If your household could use a little extra support, these local and regional programs are here to help:
• Local Food Pantries: https://chenango-delaware-soc.org/food-pantry
• Food Bank of Central New York: https://foodbankcny.org/get-food
• Food $en$e Program: https://foodsense.foodbankcny.org
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap
Please share this post to help connect anyone in our community who might need extra support.
We understand that some families may be affected by the temporary pause in SNAP benefits.
If your household could use a little extra support, these local and regional programs are here to help:
• Local Food Pantries: https://chenango-delaware-soc.org/food-pantry
• Food Bank of Central New York: https://foodbankcny.org/get-food
• Food $en$e Program: https://foodsense.foodbankcny.org
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap
Please share this post to help connect anyone in our community who might need extra support.
|| Fifth Grade Shark Tank!
Fifth graders recently wrapped up their Inventors and Innovation unit with an exciting Shark Tank event! Students designed their own inventions or businesses, then pitched their creative ideas to a panel of guest “sharks.” Each presentation showcased their problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence.
• Jayleigh Swayze - Bead Bound
• Clay Whorrall and Brooks Swayze-Epolito - The Card Corner
• Gunner Smith - Washer Wacker
• Riley Wentworth - The Book Nook
• Piper Kelly - Swirl and Twirl
• Elijah Coye and Aubree Mennig - Stick and Store
• Kaiden Magee and Lane Ramsey - Slingshot 2000
We are so proud of their innovative thinking and teamwork!
Fifth graders recently wrapped up their Inventors and Innovation unit with an exciting Shark Tank event! Students designed their own inventions or businesses, then pitched their creative ideas to a panel of guest “sharks.” Each presentation showcased their problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence.
• Jayleigh Swayze - Bead Bound
• Clay Whorrall and Brooks Swayze-Epolito - The Card Corner
• Gunner Smith - Washer Wacker
• Riley Wentworth - The Book Nook
• Piper Kelly - Swirl and Twirl
• Elijah Coye and Aubree Mennig - Stick and Store
• Kaiden Magee and Lane Ramsey - Slingshot 2000
We are so proud of their innovative thinking and teamwork!
|| Don’t Miss Out — Ski & Snowboard Club Registration Closes Soon!
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 the week of 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 the week of 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
|| Colgate Mentors Partner with OV Students!
We’re excited to share that Otselic Valley has partnered with Colgate University’s Center for Outreach, Volunteerism and Education (COVE) to bring mentoring and tutoring opportunities to our students!
On October 24th, several Colgate students visited OV to meet their mentees for the first time. The afternoon was all about getting to know one another: playing games like Uno and State Bingo, and making cards for Veterans.
The Colgate mentors -- Grace C., Isabell B., Maggie G., Marina G., and Sophie L., all members of Colgate’s Class of 2028 -- will return weekly as schedules allow to continue building connections and supporting our students. This partnership is an exciting opportunity for learning and growth.
A special thank-you to Miss Linda for her dedication and persistence in helping to bring this incredible opportunity to our school.
Learn more about the COVE here: https://www.colgate.edu/.../max-shacknai-center-outreach...
We’re excited to share that Otselic Valley has partnered with Colgate University’s Center for Outreach, Volunteerism and Education (COVE) to bring mentoring and tutoring opportunities to our students!
On October 24th, several Colgate students visited OV to meet their mentees for the first time. The afternoon was all about getting to know one another: playing games like Uno and State Bingo, and making cards for Veterans.
The Colgate mentors -- Grace C., Isabell B., Maggie G., Marina G., and Sophie L., all members of Colgate’s Class of 2028 -- will return weekly as schedules allow to continue building connections and supporting our students. This partnership is an exciting opportunity for learning and growth.
A special thank-you to Miss Linda for her dedication and persistence in helping to bring this incredible opportunity to our school.
Learn more about the COVE here: https://www.colgate.edu/.../max-shacknai-center-outreach...
|| Art Field Trip Fun!
Our art students spent the day exploring creativity and curiosity at WonderWorks in Syracuse’s Destiny USA on October 22nd! From mind-bending exhibits to hands-on experiences, it was a day full of inspiration and imagination.
Our art students spent the day exploring creativity and curiosity at WonderWorks in Syracuse’s Destiny USA on October 22nd! From mind-bending exhibits to hands-on experiences, it was a day full of inspiration and imagination.
|| Otselic Valley Library: November Calendar
Here’s what’s happening in November at the library! From Chair Yoga and Kids Games to a Kids Craft session and a Wreath Workshop -- there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Plan a visit to the Otselic Valley Public Library this November -- open Monday-Friday, 3-7 pm -- and join the fun!
Here’s what’s happening in November at the library! From Chair Yoga and Kids Games to a Kids Craft session and a Wreath Workshop -- there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Plan a visit to the Otselic Valley Public Library this November -- open Monday-Friday, 3-7 pm -- and join the fun!
|| Otselic Valley Students Join LPP in Norwich Parade
Cierra and her sister Aurora joined Miss Linda and others from LPP at the Nor-Witch Fall Festival for the YMCA Halloween Parade in Norwich on Saturday, October 25!
Cierra and her sister Aurora joined Miss Linda and others from LPP at the Nor-Witch Fall Festival for the YMCA Halloween Parade in Norwich on Saturday, October 25!
