Otsego High School
COVID-19 Edition #1 - March and 16, 2020
COVID-19 Update
The Governor has implemented an extended spring break. Effective today, Otsego will be closed starting through April 3rd. This is mandated by the State of Ohio.
Otsego’s spring break will continue as scheduled from April 6 through April 13th. As it stands now, April 14th school will resume. This will give us extra time to monitor the situation and I am sure we will get more guidance from the Governers office and health officials.
All extra-curricular activities, campus events, and practices are canceled. Unfortunately, Otsego Extended Care will also be closed during the extended break.
Please continue to look for additional communications regarding this situation.
We appreciate your understanding and assistance during this unique situation. We will continue to work with our health officials to do our part in attempting to limit the spread of this virus. As more information and planning becomes available, we will share it with our families and staff.
From the Desk of Mr. O'Shea
Dear Students and Parents,
I hope this update finds you and your families well. As we move closer to embarking on what is being called “remote teaching," we are about to navigate uncharted waters with little preparation. The Administrative Team continues to meet regularly to assess the information coming into us and to provide students, parents, and staff with the most up to date information.
Remember, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me or your teachers, so we can help you. Though we may physically not be able to be at school with you we are still very much here for you and always will be.
Everyone is trying their best during this time of uncertainty. Please be patient and flexible, as we have no idea what may come up next. NOTHING we attempt to simulate through "Remote Learning" will replicate the GREAT work we do in our classrooms.
We will start posting lessons this week, on Wednesday. Our staff is keeping the following things in mind and using the following guiding principles as we plan and distribute our lessons.
Keep it simple! If we are stressed, the students are too. Let’s not make things worse. We are NOT going to replicate our classrooms. This is all unprecedented & uncertain. Trying to get everything we were planning on getting done in the next three weeks is not likely and should not be expected.
This may be a very difficult time for many families. On top of the nervousness of people getting sick or being sick, parents may not be working and may be worried about money. Students may be watching siblings or helping other families in the community watch theirs. Many students may actually be busier than usual and taking on a lot more responsibilities around their home. Our classes likely will NOT be the highest priority.
Social isolation contributes to mental health problems. On top of that, many students are stressed and worried about everything they may lose as a result of this extended break. Students just lost one of their biggest and most consistent support groups in us. All of this means that our students are facing more important battles today than our classes.
Because students may be very busy during the day parenting or helping others in the community, due dates and times may be somewhat flexible. Students who are now stay-at-home parents will need help from others to get everything done, and that help is more likely to arrive on a weekend and in the evenings. Some people will need to work on things later in the day so setting up flexible deadlines may be needed.
In short, We also understand that many of our students will not have the support, structure, and routine that they have when they attend school daily. All of this was at the very front of our minds as we planned these "Remote Lessons." We do not want to cause undue stress to parents and/or students.
Keeping all of this in mind, below I have outlined what is to be expected over the next three weeks form students. As always, feel free to reach out to me if you need anything. Good Luck. We are here for you.
KNOW! To Reassure & Support Children During COVID-19 Crisis
Assignment Expectations
Teachers at the High School will begin sending work out Wednesday this week. We have been working since last week putting things together and adjusting our material to reflect the circumstances.
Students and Parents Keep in Mind:
- High School student's schoolwork counts towards earning credits and meeting graduation requirements. Therefore, it will be different from the JH and Elementary work being sent home.
- It is important that the HS students work on these assignments during the break so that they continue to work towards their graduation requirements.
- Students should be checking their emails EVERY DAY at least ONCE A DAY for communications from their teachers.
- The 3rd Quarter ends this Friday.
- Assignments will look different from class to class, however, a general guideline we are using is that each lesson is to be no more than a 15-20 minute lesson/activity per class.
- Each individual class will have no more than 3 lessons per week. This would be equal to the number of lessons a student would have on a regular school week.
- Keep in mind each student's completion time will vary based on multiple factors.
- Teachers will be assigning work and entering grades into the grade book as usual.
- Assignments will have completion dates and students are expected to be in communication with their teachers especially if they are having difficulty.
- Lessons will be graded at the teacher's discretion, just like a typical class.
- Students are expected to complete their assignments by the due dates. Make sure you communicate with your teachers if you don't think you can meet a deadline.
- Students and staff are also expected to be in contact with each other via Google Classroom, Email, and or phone to discuss classwork and communicate issues.
- Teachers will respond to any questions/concerns you have within 24 hours of receiving your message.
Students without Internet Access
Packets and paper copies will be provided to any students that do not have internet access through the bus routes/special deliveries from staff. More details on when and how will be forthcoming.
Students made teachers aware of their internet access before we left last week. Please let us know if you experience difficulties with online work access and need hard copies of the lessons.
All other instructions, lessons, and activities will be delivered through Google Classroom, other online platforms, and emails from teachers.
Students Receiving Special Education Services
Otsego Local Schools is making every attempt to educate all students, which includes students with IEPs and 504 Plans. Due to the school closure, services may look different from student to student. All case managers for IEPs will be contacting parents in the coming days to discuss how services are being delivered, any supports or accommodations that may be needed, and how you will receive 3rd quarter IEP progress reports. We appreciate your patience as we seek guidance from the Ohio Department of Education on how to best serve our students.
Any due dates for IEPs/ETRs will be maintained at this time, and prior to any meetings, parents will be contacted by Case Managers. Flexibility for these meetings is appreciated, as we explore video conferencing (Zoom) and phone conferencing capabilities. Any Special Education questions can be directed to Lauri Dunham, Otsego’s Special Education Director. If you have any 504 questions, please contact your Building Principal.
PENTA Students
Social Distancing and Isolation
If at all possible we hope that you limit your contact with others and practice Social Isolation to help stop the spread of this. The sooner we get this under control the sooner we can resume. Having friends over and lots of interactions with one another defeats the purpose of all of this.
Parents, please consider limiting your child's interaction with others especially in the form of sleepovers and gatherings of multiple people.
Google Classroom Help
Here is a Google Doc with instructions for parents on how to use Google Classroom. This also includes a link to a video tutorial that we found online.
Students can help out in the community too
With everything that is going on with the coronavirus, the nursing homes are not allowing visitors, not even family or even the ones for hospice residents. If students could send letters or coloring pages to the residents at Grand Rapids Care Center they would LOVE it!
The address is:
24201 W. 3rd Street Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522
It would mean so much to them thank you!
Free Internet
Parents who don’t have the internet at home can get free broadband, including installation, from Spectrum for 60 days to help families impacted by the coronavirus, the company announced.
Spectrum parent company Charter announced that starting Monday, they will offer free Spectrum broadband and wi-fi for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students.
To sign up, call (844) 488-8395.
Medications
Counselors Corner
Local Scholarship Contact Info & Due Dates
CCP - Intent to Participate
Community Scholarship Page
If you receive any scholarships let Mrs. Clark know and she will begin adding them to her files for seniors.
Communication with the High School
- High School Website: CLICK HERE The Otsego High School website will more effectively highlight what is important to us and the community. We keep the high school site updated with pictures, news articles, and other important information regarding the district and the building.
- Twitter: (follow @otsegohsoffice @OtsegoAthletics or @KosheaOHS)
- Remind 101: The HS office will communicate with parents and students by text and/or email. This is a free service provided by Remind 101. We use Remind 101 for quick reminders on HS deadlines and important events.
We separate each class by students and parents. Being the parent of a High Schooler usually means maintaining a hectic schedule while trying to rely on a teenager relaying important information to you. Sign up for Remind to stay informed. Please sign up with the below codes:
Students, please sign up for your class using the designated code:
(ONLY STUDENTS)
Class of 2020: text @otsego2020 to the number 81010
Class of 2021: text @otsego2021 to the number 81010
Class of 2022: text @otsego2022 to the number 81010
Class of 2023: text @otsego2023 to the number 81010.
Parents, please sign up for any group using the designated code:
(ONLY PARENTS)
Class of 2020 parent: text @hs20parent to the number 81010
Class of 2021 parent: text @hs21parent to the number 81010
Class of 2022 parent: text @hs22parent to the number 81010
Class of 2023 parent: text @hs23parent to the number 81010
Kevin O'Shea - High School Principal
High School Staff Directory/Contact List
ANONYMOUS REPORTING FORM - CLICK HERE
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about any school-related issue but wish to remain anonymous, please use the following form. These responses are completely anonymous and go directly to the High School Building Principal.
PLAYER TO COACH FEEDBACK - CLICK HERE
Students can use this form to give feedback on their coaches. Students' names will not be shared with the coach, but feedback will be used in the evaluation process.
REQUEST A MEETING with the HS PRINCIPAL - CLICK HERE
Use this form to request a meeting with Mr. O'Shea
Email: Koshea@otsegoknights.org
Website: http://www.otsegoknights.org/high-school
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road Ste. #2, Bowling Green, OH, United States
Phone: (419) 823-4381
Twitter: @KosheaOHS
Tom Ferdig - Dean of Students/HS Athletic Director
Email: tferdig@otsegoknights.org
Website: http://highschool.otsegoknights.org/
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, United States
Phone: (419) 823 - 4381 (2108)
Twitter: @OtsegoAthletics
Jen Wronkovich-Clark - School Counselor (Grades 10-12)
Email: jclark@otsegoknights.org
Website: http://highschool.otsegoknights.org/
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, United States
Phone: (419) 823-4381 (2143)
Twitter: @CounselorClark
Kristen Laudick, LSC - School Counselor (Grades 6-9)
Email: kzender@otsegoknights.org
Website: http://highschool.otsegoknights.org/
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, United States
Phone: (419) 823-4381 (3006)
Betsy Roberts - High School Secretary
Email: broberts@otsegoknights.org
Website: http://highschool.otsegoknights.org/
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, United States
Phone: (419) 823-4381 (2100)
Twitter: @OtsegoHSOffice
Jane Gray - District Nurse
Email: jgray@otsegoknights.org
Website: http://highschool.otsegoknights.org/
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, United States
Phone: (419) 823-4381 (4002)
Deputy Brian Ruckstuhl - School Resource Officer
Email: bruckstuhl@otsegoknights.org
Website: http://highschool.otsegoknights.org/
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, United States
Phone: (419) 823-4381 (2099)
Twitter: @DeputyBrianSRO
2019 - 2020 Calendars
2019 - 2020 Detailed Monthly Calendar - CLICK HERE
*Dates are subject to change and this calendar should be checked regularly.
2019 - 2020 Holistic Calendar - CLICK HERE
*Dates are subject to change and this calendar should be checked regularly.