|| Support Otselic Valley After Prom 2026!
The Otselic Valley After Prom Community Committee is inviting local businesses and community members to help support this year’s After Prom celebration on May 29, 2026.
After Prom provides a safe, fun, and memorable environment for our students to celebrate together following the prom. Community support helps make this special event possible.
Sponsorship Levels:
• Gold: $100 and higher
• Silver: $50-$99
• Bronze: Any amount under $50
Community members can also contribute prizes or donations to support the event.
Checks can be made payable to:
OV After Prom Community Committee
Mail to:
Otselic Valley Central School
ATTN: OV After Prom Community Committee
125 County Road 13A
South Otselic, NY 13155
Thank you for supporting our students and helping create a safe and enjoyable night celebrating their accomplishments!
The Otselic Valley After Prom Community Committee is inviting local businesses and community members to help support this year’s After Prom celebration on May 29, 2026.
After Prom provides a safe, fun, and memorable environment for our students to celebrate together following the prom. Community support helps make this special event possible.
Sponsorship Levels:
• Gold: $100 and higher
• Silver: $50-$99
• Bronze: Any amount under $50
Community members can also contribute prizes or donations to support the event.
Checks can be made payable to:
OV After Prom Community Committee
Mail to:
Otselic Valley Central School
ATTN: OV After Prom Community Committee
125 County Road 13A
South Otselic, NY 13155
Thank you for supporting our students and helping create a safe and enjoyable night celebrating their accomplishments!
|| Spring Fun for Families!
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Check out this FREE family event at the New York Energy Zone!
Join in the fun on Sunday, March 29 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM for a day full of hands-on activities and springtime excitement.
Event highlights include:
• FREE photos with the Easter Bunny
• Spring crafts
• STEM activities
• Over 40 interactive science exhibits
This is a great opportunity for families to explore, learn, and celebrate the season together!
• New York Energy Zone (next to the Utica Zoo)
• Utica, NY
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Check out this FREE family event at the New York Energy Zone!
Join in the fun on Sunday, March 29 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM for a day full of hands-on activities and springtime excitement.
Event highlights include:
• FREE photos with the Easter Bunny
• Spring crafts
• STEM activities
• Over 40 interactive science exhibits
This is a great opportunity for families to explore, learn, and celebrate the season together!
• New York Energy Zone (next to the Utica Zoo)
• Utica, NY
|| Throwback Thursday
This week, we’re stepping back to the 1961 South Otselic Centralian yearbook and a glimpse of student life in action.
From the tennis courts to the baseball field, and from the Fair Association to the Athletic Council, students were actively involved both in athletics and in school events and traditions.
It’s great to see the pride, teamwork, and involvement that have long been part of our school community.
This week, we’re stepping back to the 1961 South Otselic Centralian yearbook and a glimpse of student life in action.
From the tennis courts to the baseball field, and from the Fair Association to the Athletic Council, students were actively involved both in athletics and in school events and traditions.
It’s great to see the pride, teamwork, and involvement that have long been part of our school community.
|| Morning Program Update for Tomorrow
The Morning Program will still take place tomorrow. However, the 4th Grade Showcase will not be held this week as originally planned.
Thank you for your understanding.
The Morning Program will still take place tomorrow. However, the 4th Grade Showcase will not be held this week as originally planned.
Thank you for your understanding.
|| First Grade Pirate Day Brings the /AR/ Sound to Life
Students are beginning to learn about the sound /ar/, and since it is a pirate’s favorite sound, they made a day of it!
Students started the day with our “AR Song,” then wrote as many AR words as they could recall from the song on a long strip of paper. They used those strips to create pirate hats!
Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of engaging activities:
• A treasure hunt around the downstairs to find coins with AR words
• Logging the words they found and using them to create sentences
• A sorting game with “pirate words” (with AR) and “shipwrecked words” (without AR)
• Task activities including rhyming, counting sounds and letters, and identifying AR words
• A class-wide AR word hunt using books from their book boxes
They had a blast learning this new sound pattern, and lucky for them, it will be the focus of their spelling list!
Students are beginning to learn about the sound /ar/, and since it is a pirate’s favorite sound, they made a day of it!
Students started the day with our “AR Song,” then wrote as many AR words as they could recall from the song on a long strip of paper. They used those strips to create pirate hats!
Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of engaging activities:
• A treasure hunt around the downstairs to find coins with AR words
• Logging the words they found and using them to create sentences
• A sorting game with “pirate words” (with AR) and “shipwrecked words” (without AR)
• Task activities including rhyming, counting sounds and letters, and identifying AR words
• A class-wide AR word hunt using books from their book boxes
They had a blast learning this new sound pattern, and lucky for them, it will be the focus of their spelling list!
|| Fourth Grade Students Continue Clay Work Through Arts Grant
Fourth grade students are continuing their clay project thanks to funding from the Chenango County Council of the Arts. This is the second year the grant has supported this work, and students are now in their second round of creating coil pots.
Students are already showing clear growth in their clay skills. Many are creating mugs, and the photos highlight the care and attention they brought to their work. Next week, students will begin adding handles.
Several students have shared plans to gift their finished pieces to family members, and their enthusiasm for the project has been evident throughout.
The pieces will be fired and glazed before being returned to students. We look forward to sharing photos of the finished work.
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for securing the grant and leading this engaging lesson.
Fourth grade students are continuing their clay project thanks to funding from the Chenango County Council of the Arts. This is the second year the grant has supported this work, and students are now in their second round of creating coil pots.
Students are already showing clear growth in their clay skills. Many are creating mugs, and the photos highlight the care and attention they brought to their work. Next week, students will begin adding handles.
Several students have shared plans to gift their finished pieces to family members, and their enthusiasm for the project has been evident throughout.
The pieces will be fired and glazed before being returned to students. We look forward to sharing photos of the finished work.
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for securing the grant and leading this engaging lesson.
|| Emotion Into Art Inspires Otselic Valley Students
On Wednesday, March 18, Otselic Valley students had the opportunity to experience an unforgettable presentation by Tom Varano, founder of Emotion Into Art™.
Through a powerful combination of storytelling, music, and live speed painting, Tom captivated our audience from start to finish. As he painted in real time to music, he shared personal stories and meaningful life lessons centered on resilience, courage, and the importance of staying true to yourself.
Students were not only amazed by his artistic talent, but also inspired by his message: to be authentic and follow their dreams with passion and purpose.
Thank you to Tom Varano for bringing such an energetic, creative, and impactful experience to our school. His message and artistry truly made a lasting impression on our OV community.
To learn more about Emotion Into Art and its message, visit: https://www.emotionintoart.com/
|| OV Booster Club Spring Apparel Fundraiser is Here!
The OV Booster Club is kicking off their spring apparel fundraiser, don’t miss your chance to grab some OV gear!
Shop here: https://otselicspring.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Thank you for supporting the OV Booster Club and our students!
The OV Booster Club is kicking off their spring apparel fundraiser, don’t miss your chance to grab some OV gear!
Shop here: https://otselicspring.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Thank you for supporting the OV Booster Club and our students!
|| Honoring Thomas M. Thorp
Otselic Valley remembers Thomas M. Thorp, a 1980 graduate who also served as a dedicated bus driver and trusted confidant to everyone for more than 23 years.
Tom made a lasting impression on the students he transported each day. His hardworking demeanor and dependability were hallmarks of the OV transportation department for many years. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and backwards hat—often the first and last things students experienced in a school day.
Tom took great pride in his work and his community. Whether through his craftsmanship, his willingness to help others, or the relationships he built with students and families, he made a difference that will not be forgotten.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tom’s wife, Tina, his children and grandchildren, and all of his family, friends, and colleagues.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 29 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., with a funeral service on Monday, March 30, at 1:00 p.m. at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich.
To allow members of our school community the opportunity to honor his significant contributions to the community and district, Otselic Valley Central School will have a half day of school on Monday, March 30, with dismissal at 11:15 a.m.
To read more about Tom’s life, please visit his obituary here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/norwich-ny/thomas-thorp-12798290
Otselic Valley remembers Thomas M. Thorp, a 1980 graduate who also served as a dedicated bus driver and trusted confidant to everyone for more than 23 years.
Tom made a lasting impression on the students he transported each day. His hardworking demeanor and dependability were hallmarks of the OV transportation department for many years. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and backwards hat—often the first and last things students experienced in a school day.
Tom took great pride in his work and his community. Whether through his craftsmanship, his willingness to help others, or the relationships he built with students and families, he made a difference that will not be forgotten.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tom’s wife, Tina, his children and grandchildren, and all of his family, friends, and colleagues.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 29 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., with a funeral service on Monday, March 30, at 1:00 p.m. at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich.
To allow members of our school community the opportunity to honor his significant contributions to the community and district, Otselic Valley Central School will have a half day of school on Monday, March 30, with dismissal at 11:15 a.m.
To read more about Tom’s life, please visit his obituary here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/norwich-ny/thomas-thorp-12798290
Just a friendly reminder that Otselic Valley will be on a two hour delay on Monday, March 23, 2026 as a result of the recent events in the District. No breakfast will be served and there will be no morning BOCES.
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. We thank you for your support and understanding.
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. We thank you for your support and understanding.
Otselic Valley CSD is saddened to share the unexpected passing of Tom Thorp, a longtime bus driver and beloved member of our school community.
Please see the message from our Superintendent for important information and support.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
We understand that children may respond to grief in different ways. Some may want to talk about what has happened, while others may not. Changes in mood or behavior are normal responses.
Families can support their children by:
• Listening and allowing them to share at their own pace
• Answering questions honestly using simple, clear language
• Maintaining routines to help provide a sense of stability
If your child needs additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school or counseling team:
• Jordan Hicks – jklein@ovcs.org
• Alyssa Macrino – amacrino@ovcs.org
Helpful resources for families:
• https://www.dougy.org/
• https://nacg.org/
• https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-deal-grief/
• https://hospicecareinc.org/handouts/
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family, friends, and all those in our OV community who knew him.
Information regarding services will be shared when it becomes available.
Please see the message from our Superintendent for important information and support.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
We understand that children may respond to grief in different ways. Some may want to talk about what has happened, while others may not. Changes in mood or behavior are normal responses.
Families can support their children by:
• Listening and allowing them to share at their own pace
• Answering questions honestly using simple, clear language
• Maintaining routines to help provide a sense of stability
If your child needs additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school or counseling team:
• Jordan Hicks – jklein@ovcs.org
• Alyssa Macrino – amacrino@ovcs.org
Helpful resources for families:
• https://www.dougy.org/
• https://nacg.org/
• https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-deal-grief/
• https://hospicecareinc.org/handouts/
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family, friends, and all those in our OV community who knew him.
Information regarding services will be shared when it becomes available.
|| Emergency Closing
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Otselic Valley CSD will be closed on Friday, March 20.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Otselic Valley CSD will be closed on Friday, March 20.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
|| And the wait is over… meet our Harriet!
Congratulations to #6, Ellie, who will be playing Harriet in Emma: A Pop Musical!
Thank you to everyone who made their guesses, we loved seeing the excitement!
Watch the reel here.
Performance Dates:
• Friday, April 17 – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, April 18 – 2:00 PM (Matinee)
|| Need Your 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course? Not Just for OV Students!
Otselic Valley will be offering a 5-hour pre-licensing course on Monday, March 23 from 3:30-8:30 PM in Mr. Preston’s room.
This course is required before scheduling a road test.
Details:
• Cost: $25
• Students must bring their learner’s permit
• Open to any student with a learner’s permit (not just OV students)
• Minimum of 10 students required for the course to run
Students who plan to attend should contact the OV District Office at 315-653-7218.
Please share to help spread the word!
|| Throwback Thursday
We’re taking a step back to 1972 with this Grade 9 class photo from the Reflections yearbook at Otselic Valley!
This snapshot captures a moment in time, from the styles to the setting, preserving a piece of our school’s history.
We’re taking a step back to 1972 with this Grade 9 class photo from the Reflections yearbook at Otselic Valley!
This snapshot captures a moment in time, from the styles to the setting, preserving a piece of our school’s history.
|| Cooking Up Learning in the Classroom!
Students in Ms. Cantrell’s class recently put their skills to work by creating a delicious breakfast sandwich using a one-pan method.
Following video step-by-step directions, students cracked eggs, added bread, and carefully assembled their sandwiches right in the pan. The activity gave them a chance to practice kitchen skills while also reinforcing the importance of following directions and working safely.
From start to finish, students stayed engaged in the process, and were rewarded with a tasty result at the end!
A special thank you to Ms. Cantrell for creating this engaging, hands-on learning experience for students.
Students in Ms. Cantrell’s class recently put their skills to work by creating a delicious breakfast sandwich using a one-pan method.
Following video step-by-step directions, students cracked eggs, added bread, and carefully assembled their sandwiches right in the pan. The activity gave them a chance to practice kitchen skills while also reinforcing the importance of following directions and working safely.
From start to finish, students stayed engaged in the process, and were rewarded with a tasty result at the end!
A special thank you to Ms. Cantrell for creating this engaging, hands-on learning experience for students.
|| When Directions Matter: A Fun Lesson in Procedural Writing!
Mrs. Marston’s second grade class put their procedural writing skills to the test with a hands-on (and very funny!) lesson.
Students wrote step-by-step directions for how to brush their teeth -- but when Mr. Gross came in to follow those directions exactly as written, things didn’t always go as planned!
With missing steps and some unclear instructions, Mr. Gross found himself in some unexpected situations, helping students quickly realize how important it is to be clear and specific in their writing.
The classroom was filled with laughter, but more importantly, students walked away with a deeper understanding of how powerful clear instructions can be.
A special thank you to Mrs. Marston for creating such an engaging lesson and to Mr. Gross for being a great sport!
Mrs. Marston’s second grade class put their procedural writing skills to the test with a hands-on (and very funny!) lesson.
Students wrote step-by-step directions for how to brush their teeth -- but when Mr. Gross came in to follow those directions exactly as written, things didn’t always go as planned!
With missing steps and some unclear instructions, Mr. Gross found himself in some unexpected situations, helping students quickly realize how important it is to be clear and specific in their writing.
The classroom was filled with laughter, but more importantly, students walked away with a deeper understanding of how powerful clear instructions can be.
A special thank you to Mrs. Marston for creating such an engaging lesson and to Mr. Gross for being a great sport!
|| Morning Program Update!
There will be no Morning Program this Friday, March 20.
Morning Program will return next week on Friday, March 27.
There will be no Morning Program this Friday, March 20.
Morning Program will return next week on Friday, March 27.
|| REMINDER!
Transportation requests for non-public schools for the 2026–2027 school year must be submitted in writing by April 1, 2026.
Written requests should be sent to:
Mr. Brian Collier
Superintendent of Schools
Otselic Valley Central School
PO Box 161
South Otselic, NY 13155
Transportation requests for non-public schools for the 2026–2027 school year must be submitted in writing by April 1, 2026.
Written requests should be sent to:
Mr. Brian Collier
Superintendent of Schools
Otselic Valley Central School
PO Box 161
South Otselic, NY 13155
|| 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Come out and enjoy a delicious breakfast while supporting local FFA students.
Saturday, March 21
8:00 AM – Noon
Otselic Valley FFA students will be cooking and serving breakfast.
Sunday, March 22
8:00 AM – Noon
Breakfast will be served by Sherburne-Earlville FFA.
Location:
Whistlin’ Dixie Maple Sugarhouse
670 German Hollow Road, Smyrna
The menu includes pancakes, ham in maple syrup, sausage links, scrambled eggs, fresh 2026 maple syrup, coffee, tea, milk, and juice.
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per child, and children 5 and under are free.
All proceeds will benefit the FFA chapters at Otselic Valley and Sherburne-Earlville Central Schools.
Come out and enjoy a delicious breakfast while supporting local FFA students.
Saturday, March 21
8:00 AM – Noon
Otselic Valley FFA students will be cooking and serving breakfast.
Sunday, March 22
8:00 AM – Noon
Breakfast will be served by Sherburne-Earlville FFA.
Location:
Whistlin’ Dixie Maple Sugarhouse
670 German Hollow Road, Smyrna
The menu includes pancakes, ham in maple syrup, sausage links, scrambled eggs, fresh 2026 maple syrup, coffee, tea, milk, and juice.
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per child, and children 5 and under are free.
All proceeds will benefit the FFA chapters at Otselic Valley and Sherburne-Earlville Central Schools.
