|| Today we welcomed back our amazing staff for the first day of the 2025-26 school year at Otselic Valley!
We kicked off the year with our Opening Day Welcome Back assembly. Board of Education President, Dave Cruikshank, shared his pride in OV and encouraged us to keep building OV Pride in our students and community. Superintendent Brian Collier thanked everyone for making this day possible, reviewed our Strategic Plan, and reminded us that at the heart of everything we do is doing what’s best for our students.
We also celebrated the dedication of our staff:
• 5 Years of Service: Alan Gnau, Justine Huntley, Marisa Raymond, Jessica Stoklosa
• 10 Years of Service: Christine Frink, Elizabeth Hackett
• 15 Years of Service: Sabrina Whorrall
• 20 Years of Service: Stacie Morse
• 25 Years of Service: Colleen Morse, Lisa Moseley
And we gave a warm OV welcome to our new hires: Nick Baker, Victoria LeDuc, Elizabeth Yaddow, Sean Conley, Savannah Bumpus, Skyler Harvey, Melissa Brown, Corilynn Coye, Alyssa Macrino, Chad Walls, Sandi Sheldon, and our new main office secretary Tina Cruikshank.
It was wonderful to be together again, honoring our staff, welcoming new faces, and preparing for another great year at OV! Here’s to a great 2025-26 school year!
We kicked off the year with our Opening Day Welcome Back assembly. Board of Education President, Dave Cruikshank, shared his pride in OV and encouraged us to keep building OV Pride in our students and community. Superintendent Brian Collier thanked everyone for making this day possible, reviewed our Strategic Plan, and reminded us that at the heart of everything we do is doing what’s best for our students.
We also celebrated the dedication of our staff:
• 5 Years of Service: Alan Gnau, Justine Huntley, Marisa Raymond, Jessica Stoklosa
• 10 Years of Service: Christine Frink, Elizabeth Hackett
• 15 Years of Service: Sabrina Whorrall
• 20 Years of Service: Stacie Morse
• 25 Years of Service: Colleen Morse, Lisa Moseley
And we gave a warm OV welcome to our new hires: Nick Baker, Victoria LeDuc, Elizabeth Yaddow, Sean Conley, Savannah Bumpus, Skyler Harvey, Melissa Brown, Corilynn Coye, Alyssa Macrino, Chad Walls, Sandi Sheldon, and our new main office secretary Tina Cruikshank.
It was wonderful to be together again, honoring our staff, welcoming new faces, and preparing for another great year at OV! Here’s to a great 2025-26 school year!
|| You're Invited to Open House at Otselic Valley!
Join us Tuesday, September 2nd from 3:30pm - 6:30pm for our annual Open House!
• Meet your child’s teachers
• Tour the building & find lockers
• Get class schedules and tech info
• Enjoy food from Kandie’s Kitchen, and an ice cream truck, too!
✔ 6th Grade Orientation - 5:30pm (MPR)
✔ 9th Grade Orientation - 6:00pm (MPR)
View the student handbook (including Code of Conduct updates):
https://rb.gy/glip97
We can’t wait to welcome you back and kick off a great school year!
Join us Tuesday, September 2nd from 3:30pm - 6:30pm for our annual Open House!
• Meet your child’s teachers
• Tour the building & find lockers
• Get class schedules and tech info
• Enjoy food from Kandie’s Kitchen, and an ice cream truck, too!
✔ 6th Grade Orientation - 5:30pm (MPR)
✔ 9th Grade Orientation - 6:00pm (MPR)
View the student handbook (including Code of Conduct updates):
https://rb.gy/glip97
We can’t wait to welcome you back and kick off a great school year!
|| Otselic Valley Library: September Calendar
Here’s what’s coming up next month at the library! From Chair Yoga and Knitting Nights to Kids Games, Crafts, and Chess Club, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Plan a visit to the Otselic Valley Public Library this September -- Open Monday-Friday, 3-7 pm, and join the fun!
Here’s what’s coming up next month at the library! From Chair Yoga and Knitting Nights to Kids Games, Crafts, and Chess Club, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Plan a visit to the Otselic Valley Public Library this September -- Open Monday-Friday, 3-7 pm, and join the fun!
|| We're Hiring at Otselic Valley!
Join our team and help lead with excellence.
Career Opportunity:
• 6-12 Principal (12-month position)
• Start Date: October 1, 2025
• Salary: Regionally competitive, based on experience, with a generous benefits package
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Read the full description here: https://www.ovcs.org/page/job-vacancies
Join our team and help lead with excellence.
Career Opportunity:
• 6-12 Principal (12-month position)
• Start Date: October 1, 2025
• Salary: Regionally competitive, based on experience, with a generous benefits package
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Read the full description here: https://www.ovcs.org/page/job-vacancies
|| Coming Soon: A Better Way to Stay Connected!
Starting September 4th, parents and guardians of Otselic Valley Central School students will receive messages, updates, and announcements right inside the OV CSD app.
✅ One place for all school communication
📱 Text notifications even if you haven’t downloaded the app
💬 Easy access to message teachers, coaches, counselors & more
|| Download the app today!
Download for Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
Download for iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Starting September 4th, parents and guardians of Otselic Valley Central School students will receive messages, updates, and announcements right inside the OV CSD app.
✅ One place for all school communication
📱 Text notifications even if you haven’t downloaded the app
💬 Easy access to message teachers, coaches, counselors & more
|| Download the app today!
Download for Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
Download for iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Throwback Thursday -- the 1980 Edition!
We’re flipping it back to this two-page spread from the 1980 OV Yearbook, "Reflections." It highlights student life, class meetings, and some of the work that went into capturing memories for the yearbook.
From portraits to group photos, these pages showcase the energy and spirit that have always been part of Otselic Valley.
We’re flipping it back to this two-page spread from the 1980 OV Yearbook, "Reflections." It highlights student life, class meetings, and some of the work that went into capturing memories for the yearbook.
From portraits to group photos, these pages showcase the energy and spirit that have always been part of Otselic Valley.
|| OVCS Orientation Night
We’re excited to welcome students and families back as we prepare for a great school year!
Join us for upcoming Orientation Sessions:
|| Middle School Orientation
• Tuesday, September 2nd
• 5:30 - 6:00 pm in the MPR
For all 6th graders and 7th & 8th graders new to OV. Learn about expectations, meet your teachers, pick up devices, and more!
|| 9th Grade Orientation
• Tuesday, September 2nd
• 6:00 - 6:30 pm in the MPR
For all 9th graders. Learn about high school expectations, graduation requirements, and more!
We look forward to seeing you there!
We’re excited to welcome students and families back as we prepare for a great school year!
Join us for upcoming Orientation Sessions:
|| Middle School Orientation
• Tuesday, September 2nd
• 5:30 - 6:00 pm in the MPR
For all 6th graders and 7th & 8th graders new to OV. Learn about expectations, meet your teachers, pick up devices, and more!
|| 9th Grade Orientation
• Tuesday, September 2nd
• 6:00 - 6:30 pm in the MPR
For all 9th graders. Learn about high school expectations, graduation requirements, and more!
We look forward to seeing you there!
|| OV Students Perform at Disney!
On August 7th, 2025, four Otselic Valley students had the incredible opportunity to perform at Disney World with the Donna Frech School of Dance from Norwich, NY.
Congratulations to Maddi Miller, Eli Miller, Skyler Graham, and Amelia Wood for representing OV with talent and pride!
These Vikings were among 38 dancers who showcased their skills on stage in this unforgettable experience. We are so proud of you for sharing your hard work and passion in such a magical way!
On August 7th, 2025, four Otselic Valley students had the incredible opportunity to perform at Disney World with the Donna Frech School of Dance from Norwich, NY.
Congratulations to Maddi Miller, Eli Miller, Skyler Graham, and Amelia Wood for representing OV with talent and pride!
These Vikings were among 38 dancers who showcased their skills on stage in this unforgettable experience. We are so proud of you for sharing your hard work and passion in such a magical way!
|| School Supply Donations
We’ve had many generous offers from families and community members asking what supplies are still needed for our classrooms.
If you’d like to donate, please contact the Otselic Valley main office for suggestions on what is most helpful at this time.
Thank you for supporting our students and teachers!
We’ve had many generous offers from families and community members asking what supplies are still needed for our classrooms.
If you’d like to donate, please contact the Otselic Valley main office for suggestions on what is most helpful at this time.
Thank you for supporting our students and teachers!
|| OV Grad Zach Rowland to Play a Special Summer Concert!
We’re proud to share that Zach Rowland, an Otselic Valley graduate, is bringing his mix of Country, Americana, and Rock for a special performance!
• Sunday, August 24th, 2025
• 1:00pm - 3:00pm
• at the Pavilion at Georgetown Park & Fireman’s Field (just off NY State Route 26)
Zach started his music journey at OV playing alto sax, later picking up the guitar. He is an accomplished guitarist and singer who performs extensively throughout the region!
|| Sponsored by Artselic and Sweet Memories
Refreshments available from the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association at a minimal price.
We’re proud to share that Zach Rowland, an Otselic Valley graduate, is bringing his mix of Country, Americana, and Rock for a special performance!
• Sunday, August 24th, 2025
• 1:00pm - 3:00pm
• at the Pavilion at Georgetown Park & Fireman’s Field (just off NY State Route 26)
Zach started his music journey at OV playing alto sax, later picking up the guitar. He is an accomplished guitarist and singer who performs extensively throughout the region!
|| Sponsored by Artselic and Sweet Memories
Refreshments available from the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association at a minimal price.
|| Throwback Thursday
From the 2001 New Horizons Yearbook -- Otselic Valley’s Drama Club and Mock Trial Team!
Whether on stage or in the courtroom, these students spent their time after school building skills in performance, public speaking, and teamwork.
This is just a snapshot of the many ways OV students explored their talents beyond the classroom.
From the 2001 New Horizons Yearbook -- Otselic Valley’s Drama Club and Mock Trial Team!
Whether on stage or in the courtroom, these students spent their time after school building skills in performance, public speaking, and teamwork.
This is just a snapshot of the many ways OV students explored their talents beyond the classroom.
|| Attention College-Bound Incoming Seniors at OV!
The Gates Scholarship is now accepting applications.
This highly selective scholarship is open to outstanding high school seniors from low-income households. If you're a strong student with big goals and a commitment to leadership, this is your chance to receive support for college!
• Covers the full cost of college not already covered by other aid
• Designed to help exceptional student leaders reach their full potential
• Application deadline: September 15th, 2025
Apply now at: www.thegatesscholarship.org
The Gates Scholarship is now accepting applications.
This highly selective scholarship is open to outstanding high school seniors from low-income households. If you're a strong student with big goals and a commitment to leadership, this is your chance to receive support for college!
• Covers the full cost of college not already covered by other aid
• Designed to help exceptional student leaders reach their full potential
• Application deadline: September 15th, 2025
Apply now at: www.thegatesscholarship.org
|| LPP Families -- You're Invited!
The SUNY Morrisville Liberty Partnerships Program is excited to host a Back to School Giveaway & Resource Fair just for our LPP students and their families!
• Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
• 5-7pm
• SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus
Join us for:
• Free school supplies
• Community resource tables
• Raffle giveaways
|| Please note: This event is for current LPP participants and families only.
Interested in supporting the event? Agencies are still needed to table, and donations for raffle prizes are welcome!
Questions? Contact:
Stacey Shepard
sheparsm@morrisville.edu
607-334-5144 ext. 5035
The SUNY Morrisville Liberty Partnerships Program is excited to host a Back to School Giveaway & Resource Fair just for our LPP students and their families!
• Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
• 5-7pm
• SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus
Join us for:
• Free school supplies
• Community resource tables
• Raffle giveaways
|| Please note: This event is for current LPP participants and families only.
Interested in supporting the event? Agencies are still needed to table, and donations for raffle prizes are welcome!
Questions? Contact:
Stacey Shepard
sheparsm@morrisville.edu
607-334-5144 ext. 5035
|| OV Grad Zach Rowland to Play a Special Summer Concert!
We’re proud to share that Zach Rowland, an Otselic Valley graduate, is bringing his mix of Country, Americana, and Rock for a special performance!
• Sunday, August 24th, 2025
• 1:00pm - 3:00pm
• at the Pavilion at Georgetown Park & Fireman’s Field (just off NY State Route 26)
Zach started his music journey at OV playing alto sax, later picking up the guitar. He is an accomplished guitarist and singer who performs extensively throughout the region!
|| Sponsored by Artselic and Sweet Memories
Refreshments available from the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association at a minimal price.
We’re proud to share that Zach Rowland, an Otselic Valley graduate, is bringing his mix of Country, Americana, and Rock for a special performance!
• Sunday, August 24th, 2025
• 1:00pm - 3:00pm
• at the Pavilion at Georgetown Park & Fireman’s Field (just off NY State Route 26)
Zach started his music journey at OV playing alto sax, later picking up the guitar. He is an accomplished guitarist and singer who performs extensively throughout the region!
|| Sponsored by Artselic and Sweet Memories
Refreshments available from the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association at a minimal price.
|| You're Invited to Open House at Otselic Valley!
Join us Tuesday, September 2nd from 3:30pm - 6:30pm for our annual Open House!
• Meet your child’s teachers
• Tour the building & find lockers
• Get class schedules and tech info
• Enjoy food from Kandie’s Kitchen, and an ice cream truck, too!
✔ 6th Grade Orientation - 5:30pm (MPR)
✔ 9th Grade Orientation - 6:00pm (MPR)
View the student handbook (including Code of Conduct updates):
https://rb.gy/glip97
We can’t wait to welcome you back and kick off a great school year!
Join us Tuesday, September 2nd from 3:30pm - 6:30pm for our annual Open House!
• Meet your child’s teachers
• Tour the building & find lockers
• Get class schedules and tech info
• Enjoy food from Kandie’s Kitchen, and an ice cream truck, too!
✔ 6th Grade Orientation - 5:30pm (MPR)
✔ 9th Grade Orientation - 6:00pm (MPR)
View the student handbook (including Code of Conduct updates):
https://rb.gy/glip97
We can’t wait to welcome you back and kick off a great school year!
|| Opportunity for Military-Connected Individuals!
We’ve been asked to help share this exciting FREE training program for veterans, active military, and their dependents. More information about this program can be found here: https://www.cneu.psu.edu/military-ed/
Microelectronics & Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program (MNCP)
• Tompkins Cortland Community College & Cornell’s Nanoscale Facility
• August 25th - November 21st, 2025
• Live-streamed lectures + hands-on lab work
• Earn multiple industry-recognized certificates
• Open to all experience levels -- academic support included!
• Must have transportation to Cornell for labs. No residency requirement.
This 12-week intensive training program prepares participants for careers in the growing semiconductor and microelectronics industry. It’s a great opportunity to gain in-demand skills with support from Penn State, Cornell, and TC3.
|| Apply by July 25th here: https://bit.ly/MNCPapply
Questions? Visit www.tompkinscortland.edu/biz
Please share with your networks, this could be a life-changing opportunity for someone in your community!
We’ve been asked to help share this exciting FREE training program for veterans, active military, and their dependents. More information about this program can be found here: https://www.cneu.psu.edu/military-ed/
Microelectronics & Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program (MNCP)
• Tompkins Cortland Community College & Cornell’s Nanoscale Facility
• August 25th - November 21st, 2025
• Live-streamed lectures + hands-on lab work
• Earn multiple industry-recognized certificates
• Open to all experience levels -- academic support included!
• Must have transportation to Cornell for labs. No residency requirement.
This 12-week intensive training program prepares participants for careers in the growing semiconductor and microelectronics industry. It’s a great opportunity to gain in-demand skills with support from Penn State, Cornell, and TC3.
|| Apply by July 25th here: https://bit.ly/MNCPapply
Questions? Visit www.tompkinscortland.edu/biz
Please share with your networks, this could be a life-changing opportunity for someone in your community!
|| ThrowbackThursday
From the 1953 Centralian Yearbook: the first and second grade classes at South Otselic Central School.
These portraits capture a moment in time -- reminding us of the many classes, friendships, and memories that have built our school community!
From the 1953 Centralian Yearbook: the first and second grade classes at South Otselic Central School.
These portraits capture a moment in time -- reminding us of the many classes, friendships, and memories that have built our school community!
|| Girls' Varsity Soccer Practice: Aug. 18th - 23rd
Our Vikings are hitting the field next week!
Mon–Wed: 5:30 - 8:00pm
Thu–Fri: 9:00 - 11:00am
Sat: To be determined
Questions? Please email Coach Klein at jklein@ovcs.org
Our Vikings are hitting the field next week!
Mon–Wed: 5:30 - 8:00pm
Thu–Fri: 9:00 - 11:00am
Sat: To be determined
Questions? Please email Coach Klein at jklein@ovcs.org
|| Community Event: “Liberty Has a Country” Reading Series
The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association has joined forces with Chenango County Historical Society and Museum, The Chenango County Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association, and C.S. Miller Books to offer this series: "Liberty Has a Country" -- An Embracive View of the American Revolutionary War. This is a free series of presentations, book discussions, and a historic field trips.
Featured Books:
• Forgotten Allies: The Oneida Indians and the American Revolution
• Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier by Joseph Plumb Martin
• The Frozen River
Session 1
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 • 7:00-9:00pm
United Methodist Church, 102 Clarence Church St., South Otselic, NY
Keynote: William (Larry) Kidder - Defending Fort Stanwix: A Multicultural Frontier Story of the American Revolution
Reserved book sets will be handed out (first come, first served if extras remain)
Session 2
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 • 9:30am
Meet at Shako:wi Cultural Center, Oneida, NY
Guided tour of historic sites in the Upper Mohawk Valley
Session 3
Saturday, October 11th, 2025 • 10:00am - 12:00pm
Loomis Barn, Chenango County History Museum, Norwich, NY
Discussion with members of the Oneida Indian Nation
For more info or to reserve books: Email foorpessin@gmail.com or visit ovfish.org.
The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association has joined forces with Chenango County Historical Society and Museum, The Chenango County Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association, and C.S. Miller Books to offer this series: "Liberty Has a Country" -- An Embracive View of the American Revolutionary War. This is a free series of presentations, book discussions, and a historic field trips.
Featured Books:
• Forgotten Allies: The Oneida Indians and the American Revolution
• Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier by Joseph Plumb Martin
• The Frozen River
Session 1
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 • 7:00-9:00pm
United Methodist Church, 102 Clarence Church St., South Otselic, NY
Keynote: William (Larry) Kidder - Defending Fort Stanwix: A Multicultural Frontier Story of the American Revolution
Reserved book sets will be handed out (first come, first served if extras remain)
Session 2
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 • 9:30am
Meet at Shako:wi Cultural Center, Oneida, NY
Guided tour of historic sites in the Upper Mohawk Valley
Session 3
Saturday, October 11th, 2025 • 10:00am - 12:00pm
Loomis Barn, Chenango County History Museum, Norwich, NY
Discussion with members of the Oneida Indian Nation
For more info or to reserve books: Email foorpessin@gmail.com or visit ovfish.org.
|| Thank You for Supporting Our Students!
A heartfelt thank you to The Mustard Seed and The South Otselic Methodist Church's Sunshine Shop for their generous donations of school supplies!
Your kindness helps ensure that every Otselic Valley student has what they need to start the year strong.
Thanks to these generous donations, no student will go without the supplies they need. If your child needs an item, we will make sure they receive it.
A heartfelt thank you to The Mustard Seed and The South Otselic Methodist Church's Sunshine Shop for their generous donations of school supplies!
Your kindness helps ensure that every Otselic Valley student has what they need to start the year strong.
Thanks to these generous donations, no student will go without the supplies they need. If your child needs an item, we will make sure they receive it.
