|| Summer Driver’s Ed -- Spots Still Available!
Looking to save on car insurance and gain valuable experience behind the wheel? We still have openings in Otselic Valley’s Summer Driver’s Education Program!
• Students must have a valid learner’s permit
• Program runs June 27th through the week of July 28th
• Attendance is required for 16 days of class and driving
This is a great opportunity for students to meet DMV requirements and gain confidence on the road.
Questions or ready to sign up?
Email jpreston@ovcs.org or call the school office today!
|| Throwback Thursday at Otselic Valley!
We're turning the page back to the year 2000 with this photo from the New Horizons yearbook, titled “Millennium Moments.”
Featured here are the seniors who graduated 25 years ago as the Class of 2000! A new century, a new chapter, and memories that still hold strong.
|| Wrapping Up the ABC Countdown to Summer with a Splash!
Our Pre-K through 2nd grade students celebrated the end of their ABC Countdown to Summer in the most fun (and wet!) way possible -- with a Water Day outside!
To add a twist, students earned water balloons to throw at their teachers based on how many points they moved up in their benchmark testing. The better they did, the more balloons they got, and let’s just say, the teachers got very wet!
It was a joyful way to celebrate their hard work and a fantastic school year. Great job, OV students, you’ve earned this fun!
|| ABC Countdown to Summer!
Our Pre-K through 2nd grade students have been having a blast with their ABC Countdown to Summer -- a fun way to wrap up the school year with some excitement!
From outdoor chalk art to scavenger hunts and other hands-on activities, each adventure brought lots of smiles!
We’re so proud of all their hard work this year, and what a fun way to celebrate learning!
|| Pen Pals & Pool Time!
Our 2nd and 3rd grade students took a special trip to Sherburne to finally meet their pen pals in person after months of writing back and forth!
It was a splash-tastic day of friendship, sunshine, and swimming -- and with a little encouragement, Mr. Gross even jumped in the pool... fully dressed: https://youtu.be/qZAGijZaUFo
What a great way to wrap up the year!
|| Moving Up Day at Otselic Valley!
On Tuesday, our youngest students took an exciting step forward during Moving Up Day!
Pre-K students visited Mrs. Davis’ Kindergarten class, Kindergarteners met Mrs. Stoklosa in First Grade, First Graders got to know Mrs. Marston in Second Grade, and Second Graders visited Mr. Gross’ Third Grade classroom.
Students had the chance to explore their future classrooms, meet their next teachers, and ask questions about what to expect next year.
We’re so proud of their curiosity, courage, and excitement as they look ahead to new adventures in the 2025–2026 school year!
|| Kindergarten Field Day Fun!
Mrs. Davis’ Kindergarten class had a blast at last week’s Elementary Field Days! From bouncing and balloon walking to dancing and photo booth smiles, it was a day full of laughter, movement, and memory-making.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this special day possible -- the smiles say it all!
|| 4th Grade Rainforest Tour!
Mrs. Thorp’s 4th grade class recently led visitors on exciting Rainforest Tours -- and what an adventure it was!
Student tour guides walked visitors through interactive stations exploring the layers of the rainforest, its animals, plants and more!
Guests also had the chance to participate in fun contests and explore 5th grade rainforest country research projects on display in the hallway.
Huge shoutout to our 4th and 5th grade students for their creativity, knowledge, and enthusiasm. You brought the rainforest to life!
|| Need to cool off? The OV Library has AC!
If you're looking for a cool place to relax during this heat, stop by the Otselic Valley Library! We’re open Monday-Friday from 3-7pm. Enjoy games, craft supplies, books, free wifi -- and yes, air conditioning!
Everyone’s welcome to beat the heat with us!
|| First Grade Fun at Field Days!
Last week, our elementary students enjoyed a day packed with excitement and smiles at Field Days! From the bounce house to balloon walk, obstacle course, photo booth, dancing, and more -- there was something for everyone to enjoy.
We’re especially thankful for the teachers, staff, and volunteers who made this day unforgettable!
|| Otselic Valley Alumni Banquet!
Join us on Saturday, July 12, 2025, for the Otselic Valley Alumni Banquet in the air-conditioned school gymnasium!
Reconnect with classmates during the 4:00 pm Social Hour with punch, appetizers, and optional school tours. At 5:00 pm, enjoy a delicious turkey dinner catered by Shelly’s Restaurant of DeRuyter.
• Honored guests include the Classes of 2025, 2000, and 1975 - your meal is complimentary!
|| Reservations are due by June 28, 2025.
Payment at the door is accepted, but reservations help us plan accurately.
Please find the reservation and donation forms here: https://short-link.me/10ITD
Learn more about the Lillian Thompson Scholarship Fund and how your contributions continue to support graduating seniors, and check out a proposal for a new Alumni Trades Award to be voted on at this year’s meeting.
Let’s celebrate our shared history and support future graduates!
|| Device & Charger Return Reminder!
Middle and High School families -- please make sure school-issued devices and chargers are returned!
They can be dropped off at the main office as soon as possible.
Thank you for helping us wrap up the school year smoothly!
|| First Grade Fun at the Utica Zoo!
Earlier this week, Mrs. Stoklosa’s first grade class had a wild time exploring the Utica Zoo! From spotting fascinating animals to enjoying the fresh air, it was a day full of adventure, learning, and laughter.
|| ThrowbackThursday – From the 1996 Yearbook!
A group of creative Otselic Valley students brought stories, poems, art and more to life through the Viking Chronicles, a student-created publication.
This throwback photo captures the talented team behind it all -- the writers, editors, and teachers who helped make each edition memorable.
A big shoutout to those who remember working on it or reading it -- what a great piece of OV history!
|| Summer Fun at the Otselic Valley Public Library!
Looking for activities this summer? The Otselic Valley Public Library has an amazing lineup of events for all ages!
• Crafts
• Story time
• Chair Yoga
• Movie day
• No-bake workshop
• Special guests like Dan the Snakeman
... and so much more!
Check out the July and August calendars to see what’s happening each week.
Thank you to the library team for offering these engaging community events
|| Kindergarten at the Zoo!
Our kindergarteners had a wild and wonderful adventure at the Utica Zoo! From curious creatures to exciting exhibits -- it was a day full of learning, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
|| Thank You, Caylene and Carlie!
Board of Education President Cynthia Neal stopped by school to personally thank Caylene Russell and Carlie Golden for their service as student representatives to the board this past school year.
We appreciate their leadership and the valuable perspective they brought to the table!
Carlie, who was unavailable at the time, will be recognized soon.
|| A Walk to Remember: Honoring the Class of 2025
On Monday, the Class of 2025 took their Senior Walk through the halls of Otselic Valley -- a proud OV tradition filled with cheers, smiles, and heartfelt memories.
Here are some videos of the Senior Walk celebration: https://youtube.com/shorts/NYJnZGhMCh0 https://youtube.com/shorts/mQE8MVoDpGQ
After the Senior Walk, the Passing of the Legacy Key to the junior class marked a memorable moment as one chapter ended and another began.
The celebration continued on the front lawn with lunch from Kandi’s Kitchen -- the perfect way to wrap up their time together.
We couldn’t be prouder of our seniors. Congratulations, Class of 2025, your future is bright!
|| History Came to Life at OV!
Last week, Mrs. Thorp’s 4th grade class hosted a fantastic Wax Museum, showcasing influential figures from New York State history. From Sojourner Truth to George Eastman and J.D. Rockefeller -- and many more -- the hallway was full of knowledge, creativity, and personality!
Students brought their research to life through costumes, displays, and presentations that impressed everyone who stopped by. We’re so proud of their hard work and enthusiasm!
|| Cryptid-Con at Otselic Valley!
Some of our 4th and 5th graders recently hosted a one-of-a-kind Cryptid-Con, showcasing their hard work and creativity!
Each student researched a legendary cryptid, wrote a report, created artwork, and even designed their own trading cards. From Bigfoot to the Loch Ness Monster (and many others), the classes were filled with curiosity and imagination!
