Mr. Gross’ third grade class recently completed their final attendance incentive of the school year. Starting with the last day of school, Mr. Gross began crossing days off the calendar every time the class had a full house and completed most of their homework assignments.
Little by little, the X’s worked their way across the calendar until they finally reached the current date -- officially earning the class no homework for the rest of the school year (except for 20 minutes of daily reading).
Congratulations to our third graders for their awesome attendance all spring long! Mr. Gross said he “could not be any prouder” of the class and called their efforts “simply amazing!"
Otselic Valley students gathered for the May Student Government Forum, where students shared updates, reflected on the school year, and looked ahead to future leadership opportunities.
Current Student Government President Kenzie Reandeau delivered her farewell address, reflecting on this year’s theme of “Pride in Ourselves, Pride in Our School, and Pride in Our Community” and thanking students for their involvement throughout the year.
Student Representative to the Board of Education, Josie Guernsey, also shared information about the Student Representative position for the 2026-2027 school year and explained the responsibilities and application process for interested students.
Candidates for next year’s Student Government Executive Team delivered campaign speeches ahead of the student election. The elected officers for next year are:
• President: Makenzy Clemens
• Vice President: Izzy Neal
• Secretary: Eleanor Swayze-Epolito
• Treasurer: Eli Shoemaker
In addition, Student Government members recently presented Mrs. Thorp with a check for the Tom Thorp Legacy Fund after designing and selling “Live Like Turbo Tom” stickers. The project raised $169 for the fund.
Additional senior civic action projects will be presented on June 16.
Congratulations to Allayna Harvey and the OV Class of 2026! We are proud to celebrate our seniors and look forward to all they accomplish after graduation.
|| OV Student Receives Norwich Car Club Scholarship
Congratulations to Otselic Valley student Jacob Depew, who recently received a $1,000 scholarship from the RAOCC / Norwich Car Club.
Jacob, a student in the Automotive Technology program at the DCMO BOCES Alan D. Pole Campus, received the scholarship supporting students entering the workforce after graduation to help purchase tools and supplies. Jacob is already putting the scholarship to use by purchasing tools to support his career in the automotive industry! He is currently employed at Reputable Auto.
The scholarship reflects the continued partnership between the Norwich Car Club and the Automotive Technology program. Earlier this spring, Auto Tech students assisted the club with preparations for its annual Memorial Day Weekend car show in Norwich.
Congratulations, Jacob, and best wishes in your automotive career!
This week’s Throwback Thursday looks back 40 years to the graduating seniors featured in the 1986 Otselic Valley yearbook.
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s 6th Grade Memorial Day Essay Contest!
This year’s essay prompt asked students to reflect on the question:
“What does the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier represent?”
Congratulations to:
• 1st Place – Eli Miller
• 2nd Place – Aria Rothwell
• 3rd Place – Lakyn Lemin
The students were recognized during the Memorial Day ceremony at the South Otselic Cemetery, where they read their essays following the parade.
Thank you to all students who participated and to the Legion members who took the time to read and evaluate the essays.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Mrs. Hicks and Ms. Macrino rolled through the building with their “Sunshine Cart,” surprising staff members with lemonade, snacks, drinks, and a little extra positivity along the way.
We are so lucky to have staff members like Mrs. Hicks and Ms. Macrino, who help make OV such a caring, supportive, and positive place to be every day!
Thank you for spreading the sunshine at OV!
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Miranda Hackett
Congratulations to Miranda Hackett and the OV Class of 2026! During her time at OV, Miranda has participated in the Culinary Arts Career and Technical Education program at Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES, Soccer, Basketball, Softball, and FFA. One accomplishment she is especially proud of is being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society for Culinary Arts. We are proud to celebrate Miranda and look forward to all she accomplishes after graduation.
Students from the Otselic Valley Class of 2026 are organizing a food drive to help support the Care & Share Food Pantry and raise awareness about food insecurity in our community.
Donation boxes will be placed outside classrooms beginning Wednesday, May 27, and students in Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to participate by bringing in donations.
Suggested donation items include:
• Canned food, including sugar-free fruits and beans
• Pasta
• Dry cereals
• Personal hygiene items such as sunscreen, toothbrushes/toothpaste, and feminine products
The class with the most donations will earn an ice cream party!
Thank you to Logan Ossont, Caleb Loomis, Skyler Graham, and Emma Rooker for organizing this important community service project.
When students leave campus at the end of the school year, Colgate University hosts several days of salvage for nonprofit organizations. Available items vary each year and include materials left behind by students at the end of the semester.
This year, Jordan Klein, Ben Gorton, and Linda Gorton shopped on behalf of Otselic Valley Central School District and brought three carloads of items back to the school for use by faculty, staff, and students.
Items were distributed throughout the building, including classrooms, the library, and shared spaces. Staff will continue organizing and finding new uses for the donated materials.
We greatly appreciate the generosity and support extended to OV through this program.
Students in Mrs. Osowski’s Economics class recently met with executives from NBT Bank as part of their Civic Action Project connected to the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.
Working alongside the “Otselic Valley Concerned Citizens Group,” students discussed the potential impact the loss of the local bank branch could have on the school community and student organizations. They also explored alternative banking options that may help support those most affected.
The project is one component students are completing to become eligible for the Seal of Civic Readiness.
This group, along with other senior groups, will present their civic action projects on June 16. More details will be shared soon.
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Josie Guernsey
Congratulations to Josie Guernsey and the OV Class of 2026! During her time at OV, Josie has participated in Drama Club, Student Government as Vice President, Band, Chorus, Book Club, and served as the Board of Education Student Representative. One accomplishment she is especially proud of is serving as class president for six years while earning the rank of number one in her class. We are proud to celebrate Josie and look forward to all she accomplishes after graduation.
Mrs. Hicks and Miss Macrino recently hosted a Coping Skills Fair, where students had the opportunity to explore healthy coping skills and learn fun, hands-on ways to manage big feelings.
Students visited 6 interactive stations, each designed to introduce different coping strategies that can be used at school and at home:
1. Fidgets – Students explored different fidget tools and discussed how they can help with focus and calming our bodies.
2. Exercise – Students learned how movement and physical activity can help release stress and reset our minds and bodies.
3. Affirmations & Books – Students practiced positive self-talk through affirmations and explored books that teach coping, feelings, and resilience.
4. Mindful Coloring & Breathing Stick Craft – Students practiced mindfulness through calming coloring activities and created a breathing stick to help guide slow, deep breaths.
5. Deep Breathing – Students learned and practiced breathing strategies to help calm their minds and bodies when emotions feel big.
6. Senses Station – Students explored sensory coping tools including smelly jars, playdough, and bubble wrap to help regulate and calm their bodies.
We loved seeing so many visitors stop by, participate, and explore new coping strategies!
Thank you for supporting social-emotional learning and helping students build healthy coping skills that they can use every day.
Warmly,
Mrs. Hicks & Miss Macrino
Please note that for today’s Lion King practice (May 26), crew members do not need to report.
Cast members should report as scheduled.
Thank you!
This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.
Teachers, students, and families recently visited Mrs. Thorp’s classroom for an interactive “Welcome to the Jungle” tour experience.
Visitors explored the layers of the rainforest, learned about rainforest animals, plants, communities, and cultures, and enjoyed the incredible artwork and informational displays created throughout the classroom. Student tour guides shared their knowledge and helped explain the different parts of the classroom rainforest experience.
Thank you to Mrs. Thorp and all of the students who helped bring the rainforest to life through their creativity, hard work, and enthusiasm!
Otselic Valley will be offering a 5-hour pre-licensing course on Monday, June 1 from 3:30–8:30 PM.
The course is open to the public, so please help spread the word! This course is required before scheduling a road test.
Details:
• Cost: $45
• Participants must bring their learner’s permit
• Open to anyone with a learner’s permit
To sign up or for more information, please contact the OV District Office at 315-653-7218.
Otselic Valley students in grades 4-12 recently took the stage for the annual Spring Band and Chorus Concert, sharing an evening of music that highlighted months of hard work, dedication, and talent.
Thank you to Mr. Scott and Mr. Taylor for their guidance and support in helping students prepare such a memorable performance. We'd also like to thank accompanist Mr. Guarneiri for his contribution to the concert.
Students performed a challenging program beautifully and showcased the hard work they put into preparing for the concert.
This concert also marked Mr. Taylor’s final concert with OV. We thank him for his dedication to the music program and for the musical standards he helped students achieve during his time at Otselic Valley.
Great job to all of our student musicians and vocalists on a wonderful performance!
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Skyler Graham
Congratulations to Skyler Graham and the OV Class of 2026! During her time at OV, Skyler has participated in Soccer, Basketball, National Honor Society, Student Government, FFA, Yearbook, and Book Club. One accomplishment she is especially proud of is speaking with legislators about Otselic Valley and advocating for her school community. We are proud to celebrate Skyler and look forward to all she accomplishes after graduation.
|| Throwback Thursday: The Class of 1976
This week’s Throwback Thursday looks back 50 years to the graduating seniors featured in the 1976 Otselic Valley yearbook, Reflections.
