|| Reminder: DCMO BOCES Capital Project Vote – Today!
Today, February 3rd, is the vote on the proposed DCMO BOCES Capital Building Project. Otselic Valley is serving as a voting site.
• Voting is today, Tuesday, February 3rd, from noon to 8:00 PM
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:
Monday, Feb. 2
• Girls Varsity @ Brookfield at 6:00 PM
• Boys Varsity vs. Manlius Pebble Hill (Home) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, Feb. 4
• Girls 7/8 @ DeRuyter at 4:30 PM
• Girls JV vs. Poland (Home) at 5:30 PM
• Girls Varsity vs. McGraw (Home) at 7:00 PM
Thursday, Feb. 5
• Boys Varsity vs. Madison (Home) at 6:00 PM
Friday, Feb. 6
• Girls 7/8 vs. Madison (Home) at 4:30 PM
• Girls JV @ Lyme at 6:00 PM
• Girls Varsity @ Lyme at 7:30 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:
Monday, Feb. 2
• Girls Varsity @ Brookfield at 6:00 PM
• Boys Varsity vs. Manlius Pebble Hill (Home) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, Feb. 4
• Girls 7/8 @ DeRuyter at 4:30 PM
• Girls JV vs. Poland (Home) at 5:30 PM
• Girls Varsity vs. McGraw (Home) at 7:00 PM
Thursday, Feb. 5
• Boys Varsity vs. Madison (Home) at 6:00 PM
Friday, Feb. 6
• Girls 7/8 vs. Madison (Home) at 4:30 PM
• Girls JV @ Lyme at 6:00 PM
• Girls Varsity @ Lyme at 7:30 PM
View the full schedule: https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79
|| Kids Heart Challenge Kicks Off at Otselic Valley!
We’re excited to begin the Kids Heart Challenge at Otselic Valley! Over the next two weeks, elementary students will be learning about healthy choices, staying active, and spreading kindness as part of this heart-healthy initiative.
Families are invited to participate by making a donation of any size, each donation will add a heart to our school’s wall as we work together to fill it with kindness. All proceeds will be donated directly to the American Heart Association to support individuals with special hearts.
All elementary students will receive a small prize for participating, and we hope to expand this program to more grade levels in the future. Families can send donations in to classroom teachers or to our school social worker, Jordan Hicks.
We’ll also be sharing heart-healthy facts and family activity ideas throughout the next two weeks. Thank you for helping our students grow strong, smart, and heart-healthy!
We’re excited to begin the Kids Heart Challenge at Otselic Valley! Over the next two weeks, elementary students will be learning about healthy choices, staying active, and spreading kindness as part of this heart-healthy initiative.
Families are invited to participate by making a donation of any size, each donation will add a heart to our school’s wall as we work together to fill it with kindness. All proceeds will be donated directly to the American Heart Association to support individuals with special hearts.
All elementary students will receive a small prize for participating, and we hope to expand this program to more grade levels in the future. Families can send donations in to classroom teachers or to our school social worker, Jordan Hicks.
We’ll also be sharing heart-healthy facts and family activity ideas throughout the next two weeks. Thank you for helping our students grow strong, smart, and heart-healthy!
|| Otselic Valley Library: Monthly Calendar
Here’s what’s happening at the Otselic Valley Public Library this February!
From programs and clubs to fitness classes and community activities, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Take a look at the calendar and plan a visit, the library is open Monday–Friday, 3-7 PM. We hope to see you there!
Here’s what’s happening at the Otselic Valley Public Library this February!
From programs and clubs to fitness classes and community activities, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Take a look at the calendar and plan a visit, the library is open Monday–Friday, 3-7 PM. We hope to see you there!
|| Half Way There Day at Otselic Valley!
Grades 3-5 celebrated the 90th day of school -- also known as Half Way There Day -- with an afternoon full of fun and creativity.
Classrooms hosted a variety of activities, from dancing and playing games to drawing and enjoying snacks with classmates.
To wrap up the day, students headed to the gym for some energetic group games. They scooped up colored balls in a “Hungry Hungry Hippos”–style challenge, competed in “Clean Your Room” by tossing balls to the opposite side of the gym, showed off their moves during freeze dance, and raced in a balloon pop relay.
Teachers joined in on the fun too, and who knew our principal was a 90s rapper? 😎 (It was 90s Day, after all!)
What a fantastic way to celebrate being halfway through the school year with our students!
Grades 3-5 celebrated the 90th day of school -- also known as Half Way There Day -- with an afternoon full of fun and creativity.
Classrooms hosted a variety of activities, from dancing and playing games to drawing and enjoying snacks with classmates.
To wrap up the day, students headed to the gym for some energetic group games. They scooped up colored balls in a “Hungry Hungry Hippos”–style challenge, competed in “Clean Your Room” by tossing balls to the opposite side of the gym, showed off their moves during freeze dance, and raced in a balloon pop relay.
Teachers joined in on the fun too, and who knew our principal was a 90s rapper? 😎 (It was 90s Day, after all!)
What a fantastic way to celebrate being halfway through the school year with our students!
|| Starting our Friday the OV way!
We began the morning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, followed by students sharing the weather and lunch menu. During Kids with Character, we were encouraged to practice perseverance and keep going, even when things feel challenging.
We shared jokes, fun facts, and OV Shoutouts from each classroom, great job to all of our shoutout winners!
We also had a special presentation from Laurie Schmidt from the American Heart Association, who introduced the Kids Heart Challenge. Students learned about the KHC Lifesavers League and ways to take care of their hearts and overall health. We’ll have more to share about this soon!
To wrap up, we enjoyed our OV’s Got Talent Showcase with Mrs. Brown’s students sharing their stop-motion animations. Their videos on gravity, the phases of the moon, and the order of the planets were impressive and so creative. You can watch their animations using the links below!
What a great way to start the day!
Some of our fifth grade families also joined Mrs. Brown’s classroom after the Morning Program to enjoy snacks and spend time with students while celebrating their stop-motion animations. It was a wonderful opportunity to share their learning and creativity with families.
Watch the OV’s Got Talent student animations here:
Gravity – Ireland, Nolan & Adalynn: https://youtu.be/Hni3nSmg6-8
Phases of the Moon – Aerieanna, Carter & Kameron: https://youtu.be/EEMRCkCie3I
Order of the Planets – Piper, Ian & Gabe: https://youtu.be/vMyZEZGemlQ
|| Colgate Mentors Visit OV LPP Students
Our Otselic Valley LPP students recently welcomed their Colgate University mentors back to campus for another mentoring session. These visits give students time to connect, build relationships, and learn from their Colgate peers in a supportive environment.
This partnership with Colgate’s Center for Outreach, Volunteerism and Education (COVE) continues to provide meaningful opportunities for our students to grow, ask questions, and build confidence.
Thank you to the Colgate mentors, Miss Linda and our staff for making this experience possible, we appreciate your time, energy, and commitment to our students!
Our Otselic Valley LPP students recently welcomed their Colgate University mentors back to campus for another mentoring session. These visits give students time to connect, build relationships, and learn from their Colgate peers in a supportive environment.
This partnership with Colgate’s Center for Outreach, Volunteerism and Education (COVE) continues to provide meaningful opportunities for our students to grow, ask questions, and build confidence.
Thank you to the Colgate mentors, Miss Linda and our staff for making this experience possible, we appreciate your time, energy, and commitment to our students!
|| January Star Awards – Celebrating Empathy!
We’re proud to recognize our January OV Star Award recipients for grades 6-12! Each month, Otselic Valley honors students who demonstrate important character traits, and January’s theme was Empathy, showing care, understanding, and compassion for others.
Congratulations to:
⭐ Madison Hicks
⭐ Kassidy Kelly
⭐ Jayden Waltz
⭐ Paisley Pendell
⭐ Addison Palmer
⭐ Kenzie Reandeau
⭐ Eli Miller
⭐ Josie Guernsey
⭐ Abby White
⭐ Addison Beeman
⭐ Aurora Mason
Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and willingness to look out for others. You help make Otselic Valley a supportive and caring community!
We’re proud to recognize our January OV Star Award recipients for grades 6-12! Each month, Otselic Valley honors students who demonstrate important character traits, and January’s theme was Empathy, showing care, understanding, and compassion for others.
Congratulations to:
⭐ Madison Hicks
⭐ Kassidy Kelly
⭐ Jayden Waltz
⭐ Paisley Pendell
⭐ Addison Palmer
⭐ Kenzie Reandeau
⭐ Eli Miller
⭐ Josie Guernsey
⭐ Abby White
⭐ Addison Beeman
⭐ Aurora Mason
Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and willingness to look out for others. You help make Otselic Valley a supportive and caring community!
|| 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
