We’re sharing this upcoming training opportunity for families, caregivers, and professionals who would like a better understanding of the special education process in New York State.
Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member
• Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
• Online via Microsoft Teams
12:00-2:30 PM session:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/md8nukd
6:00-8:30 PM session:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/4xqmwvq
This training covers topics such as the referral and evaluation process, IEP components, CPSE/CSE roles, and parents’ rights.

The OV girls and boys basketball teams are in action this season. Check out the full game schedule and come support our student-athletes!
View the schedule:
https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/79

Bible Club is canceled for this afternoon, Tuesday, January 6th, 2026.
|| VIKINGS ARE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!
Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Basketball team on being crowned Champions of the Fabius-Pompey Holiday Shootout!
On December 29th, the Vikings squared off against Morrisville-Eaton in a tightly contested game that went back and forth all night. The Vikings came out on top with a thrilling 52-49 victory. Leading the scoring effort was Lukas with 28 points, followed by Owen with 14 and Caleb with 8. On the boards, Caleb led the way with 9 rebounds.
In the championship game, the Vikings faced the host team, Fabius-Pompey. Once again, it was a back-and-forth battle until the fourth quarter, when the boys from OV pulled away and never looked back, securing a 54-45 win to claim the tournament title. Lukas poured in 29 points, while Owen added 9. Tristyn led the rebounding effort with 11, and Caleb chipped in 9.
For their outstanding performances, Owen was named to the All-Tournament Team, and Lukas earned Tournament MVP honors.
Great job, Vikings!



Here’s what’s happening at the Otselic Valley Public Library this month! From children’s activities and crafts to games and community programs, 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!

The Otselic Valley app now includes Rooms, our family messaging feature that makes it easier to connect with teachers, coaches, and staff -- all in one place.
Get messages, updates, and notifications right from your phone!
Download the free Otselic Valley app today:
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed.
#OVPride #StayConnected


Otselic Valley alumni are invited to take the court for a fun basketball matchup!
• January 10th
• 6:00 PM Start Time (Warm-ups at 5:30 PM)
• Otselic Valley Gym
Admission:
• Adults: $2
• Students: $1
• Children 5 and under: FREE
Team Colors:
• Odd graduating years -- wear BLACK
• Even graduating years -- wear YELLOW/GOLD
Want to participate?
Sign up on the Otselic Valley Sports Boosters Facebook page!
Come cheer on our alumni and enjoy a night of basketball fun.
#OVPride #OtselicValleyAlumni #AlumniGame

During Winterfest, OV students took part in our Buddy Classroom ornament-making activity, pairing older students with younger classmates to create and fill holiday ornaments together.
Middle and high school students visited their assigned elementary classrooms, working side-by-side with their buddies to decorate ornaments and share conversations about Christmas, family traditions, and what makes the season special. Each child had the opportunity to create their own ornament to take home.
Thank you to our students for being such thoughtful buddies, and to our staff for helping organize and support this activity.










On December 23rd, Otselic Valley students and staff gathered in the afternoon to celebrate Winterfest with games, performances, and plenty of school spirit.
The celebration began in the gym with Reindeer Games, where students from all classes took part in a variety of activities including volleyball, basketball relay, balloon toss, snowball fights, reindeer antler challenges, and freeze dance.
Winterfest continued in the MPR with class challenges. Students in grades 6-12 each selected a holiday song and performed for the school, with songs ranging from Jingle Bells and Jingle Bell Rock to Let It Go and Santa Baby. After much deliberation by the judges, the senior class was named the winner!
One of the day’s most memorable moments happened during the Reindeer Games, when the seniors were preparing to play the juniors in volleyball and were unexpectedly interrupted by Mr. Gross -- who introduced a mystery Santa. The surprise guest turned out to be Manuel Gonzalez-Lantaron, a former Spanish exchange student who attended OV two years ago. Dressed as Santa, Manuel surprised the senior class and joined in the festivities, much to the excitement of students who were thrilled to see him back at OV!
Watch a short video of Manuel’s surprise entrance here:
https://youtu.be/I_ocIgmhvW0
We also captured a couple class challenge performances:
• 6th Grade Performance: https://youtu.be/r8PXQkbAvho
• 7th Grade Performance: https://youtu.be/0xawNM713OI
Thank you to our staff for organizing a fun Winterfest and to our students for making our last day before break a great one.
#OVPride #OVWinterfest










Catch up on news, stories, and celebrations from across Otselic Valley.
This issue features classroom moments, recent events, and stories from around the district.
Read it here: https://rebrand.ly/8k0mldp

Our third and fourth graders were able to meet the Polar Express Conductor through ZOOM! We learned that the train weighs 384,000 pounds and that the conductor checks many things before each train ride. He checks the wheels, fuel, and even oils squeaky things!
We also learned that it takes about 30 magical minutes to get to the North Pole! The conductor showed us a video of a train ride to the North Pole with passengers wearing their PJs and dancing waiters bringing hot cocoa.
He even used his hole punch to spell the word BELIEVE on a Polar Express ticket -- everyone had a great time!







|| December Star Awards - Celebrating Gratitude!
We’re proud to recognize our December OV Star Award recipients for grades 6-12! Each month, Otselic Valley honors students who demonstrate important character traits, and December’s theme was Gratitude.
Congratulations to:
⭐ Lilly Donnelly
⭐ Zack Foster
⭐ Gavin Grisolini
⭐ Kassidy Kelly
⭐ Fenner Kershaw
⭐ Cohen Loomis
⭐ Savannah Olmsted
⭐ Abigail Oralls
⭐ Autumn Pendell
⭐ Wyatt Ramsey
⭐ Abby White
⭐ Bradly Chambers
⭐ Allayna Harvey
⭐ Eli Miller
⭐ Emma Ramsey
⭐ Clarah Beeching
⭐ Gabe Couch
⭐ Isabella Sayles
⭐ Lukas Schieferstein
⭐ Aurora Mason
⭐ Isabella Neal
⭐ Kadyn Bishop
⭐ Daniel Mowers
⭐ Kassidie Cruikshank
⭐ Eliana Witty
⭐ Mariela Aguilar Domingo
Thank you for showing kindness, appreciation, and gratitude in all you do at Otselic Valley. You make our school community stronger!










This month, New York State Trooper Timothy Neumoth visited Mrs. Osowski’s Freshman Seminar class as part of their cybersecurity unit. He presented an engaging lesson on internet safety, teaching students how to avoid online fraud, why sensitive personal information should never be posted or shared, how easily online predators can locate individuals, and how poor digital choices can lead to serious legal consequences. Hearing this information from a law enforcement professional helped reinforce the seriousness of these issues, giving students a real-world perspective and emphasizing the importance of making responsible and safe choices online.

It was our annual Pre-K Gingerbread House Making event, and our preschool was transformed into a delightful candy wonderland as families joined their children for this joyful tradition. Using ordinary milk cartons, graham crackers, and a whole lot of frosting, charming little houses were created. Children, family members, or a special OV staff member worked side by side, decorating with colorful candies and sweet treats.
This special activity was made possible thanks to the generous donations from our families, which helped spark creativity and festive fun for everyone. Laughter, teamwork, and imagination filled the room as each child proudly created a one of a kind gingerbread house to take home and enjoy. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season and make sweet memories together!










Otselic Valley is accepting applications for several positions.
Current openings include:
• Spring Musical Directors (3 positions)
• Substitute Food Service Helper
• Long Term Substitute 7-12 Science Teacher -- starting on or about March 2, 2026
How to Apply:
Please send application materials to:
Mr. Brian Collier, Superintendent
Otselic Valley Central School
P.O. Box 161, South Otselic, NY 13155
Find all current job openings at OV: https://www.ovcs.org/page/job-vacancies

|| After-School Activities Canceled
Otselic Valley Central School District has canceled all after-school activities scheduled for today, December 19th, 2025.

This morning’s OV Morning Program was full of singing and smiles. We began with the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the OV Alma Mater before hearing from students in each grade.
Our presenters shared the weather and lunch menu, and during Kids with Character we sang the Empathy Song together. Third graders entertained everyone with some funny jokes, and we learned a few fun facts along the way!
We celebrated birthdays for Braylie, Lane, Jayleigh, and Bradlee -- Happy Birthday to all! -- before ending the program with a holiday sing-along of our favorite songs. Click to watch a short clip of our sing-along: https://youtu.be/2znY3N9Cw9Q
It was a wonderful way to start the day at Otselic Valley!










Our Grades 4-12 students filled the auditorium with music this week during the OV Winter Concert. Elementary, middle, and high school chorus and band groups each took the stage, sharing festive pieces and showcasing the hard work they’ve put in this season.
A big thank-you to Mr. Scott, Mr. Taylor, and accompanist Mr. Guarneiri for guiding and supporting our student musicians.
We’re proud of all of our performers for their dedication and for bringing such joy to our school community.









For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we’re looking back at Winterfest 2006, featured in the 2007 yearbook New Horizons: Everything You Never Expected and More.
From air band performances and volleyball tournaments to cheer routines and plenty of school spirit, it’s fun to revisit these traditions and see how they’ve grown over time.


The OVCS Spirit Wear Store is still open, and it’s a great time to grab your favorite Viking gear and show your school spirit all year long!
Shop online here:
https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/ovcs
Thank you for supporting our Student Government and proudly representing OV wherever you go!

