OTSEGO LOCAL SCHOOLS
Superintendent's Weekly Update - February 8, 2019
Board of Education Vacancy - The Board of Education is required by law to fill the vacancy within 30 days. The Board of Education is requesting anyone interested in this open seat to send a letter of interest/bio to the Central Office in the attention of Steve Carroll. You may also email your letter to Steve Carroll at scarroll@otsegoknights.org The deadline to apply is February 15th. The Board will be required to fill the position by February 28th, so that is why there is such a quick turn around on the application date.
The person selected for this vacancy will fill this position for 2019 and then if they would like to run for the remaining two years of the position, they will have to run for a seat in the November 2019 election.
The Board will discuss and hold interviews at their regularly scheduled Board of Education Meeting on February 21st at 6 pm in the High School Library. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Board President, Brad Anderson at banderson.otsego@gmail.com or Adam Koch at akoch@otsegoknights.org.
News from the Cafeteria:
Parents, please check your student's meal account balances. We have several students at or over the three meal charge limit. We send letters home twice a week with elementary students and also email parents at all grade levels.
The free and reduced meal applications are available online or in the school office. CLICK HERE FOR THE ONLINE APPLICATION
As many of you may remember we have the "Pay it Forward" account which is to keep students from receiving an alternate meal. At this point, the account is nearing zero. If you are interested in donating to the Pay It Forward program please contact Jeanne Jeffers, jjeffers@otsegoknights.org or Adam Koch, akoch@otsegoknights.org. Once the Pay It Forward account gets to zero, we will have no choice but to implement our districts unpaid meal charges policy, which follows.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Jeanne Jeffers, 419-823-4381 ext 1104 or jjeffers@otsegoknights.org
Musical Instruments: Does anyone have old musical instruments in their attic or basement and would like to find a new home for them? Our special education department would love to have them. If you are willing to donate them to the school, please send me an email. Thank you in advance for any donations! We greatly appreciate it! akoch@otsegoknights.org
** New Layout School Calendars:
GO KNIGHTS!
Adam Koch
Congratulations Erika Putnam
Every Fall, the American Legion Americanism and Government Test is given to approximately 65,000 Ohio High School Sophomore, Junior and Senior Students.
The test is a 50-question test with a 300-word essay to break ties in the score. There six categories of winners. A male and female from each grade level and the Ohio American Legion picks three winners in each category.
Therefore, out of the 65,000 students taking the test, there are 18 state winners.
One of this year’s winners was Erika Putnam, Otsego 10th Grade student.
Erika also won—1st Place in Otsego School---1st Place in Wood County----1st Place in the American Legion 1st District (a 13 county area in NW Ohio) and 1st Place in State! Congratulations Erika!
The 18 state winners will get an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC—this Spring. Have fun Erika!
Otse-Grow is starting up!
Know! The New Danger - Nicotine Toothpicks
Know! The New Danger - Nicotine Toothpicks?
Do you KNOW! what an electronic cigarette and a toothpick have in common? They’re both nicotine products promoted as “helping adults to quit smoking,” yet they’re both haphazardly finding their way into the hands (and mouths) of our youth nationwide.
Yes, a toothpick. Standard toothpicks are now being infused or coated with nicotine, so you can get your nicotine fix in a discrete manner virtually anywhere.
Here’s how it works: You place it in your mouth like you would a normal toothpick. The saliva in the mouth draws out the nicotine which is then absorbed into your bloodstream. The effects are felt within 1-15 minutes and is said to last for up to an hour. Chewing on the toothpick increases the speed at which nicotine is released.
These toothpicks come in a variety of candy-like flavors that are likely to appeal to youth, such as strawberry, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, winter ice, and cinnamon, among others. They entice youth because they are inexpensive, easy to get a hold of, and even easier to get away with.
They are specifically marketed as being ideal for movie nights, date nights, airports, restaurants, parks, and any indoor space, and directly pushed toward anyone who is looking to hide the fact that they smoke or use other nicotine products. Youth may consider them discrete because they are:
- Odorless—no smell to cover up.
- Smokeless—no plume of smoke to be seen.
- They do not require a spit cup.
- They do not interfere with daily activities—no need to step outside—you can use on the spot.
- They do not stir up lectures from family or friends—because no one will know you’re using them.
- All this while freshening your breath—and what teen isn’t conscious about that?
One pack of nicotine toothpicks (15 sticks) sells online for $5.99, and the only protection against underage shoppers is a popup that asks if you’re over the age of 18. The amount of nicotine per pack is equal to:
- One pack of cigarettes
- One can of dip
- One can of snus, a powder tobacco
- One electronic cigarette cartridge
- One JUUL pod
A single toothpick contains as much as 3 mg of nicotine compared to 1.5 mg of nicotine most smokers inhale from one cigarette. In other words, a packet really packs a punch, and that’s bad for youth.
In an article published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Lorena Siqueira said, “Nicotine is an extremely addictive substance, and the rapidly developing brains of teens are particularly susceptible to it.”
Long-term exposure to nicotine is linked to increased risk for heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and certain types of cancers. Early use of nicotine is also associated with addiction not only to nicotine itself, but to alcohol and other drugs.
While traditional cigarette use is down among teens, the use of electronic cigarettes among young people has skyrocketed. More children are also experimenting with the various substance-infused candies, like gummy bears and lollipops, because they don’t appear to be very dangerous, and they can be consumed right under the noses of adults without raising any red flags. The same concept applies with these toothpicks. Plus, many youth would think they look cool with a toothpick hanging out of their mouth.
As parents and teachers, we must talk to our children and students about the dangers of nicotine and other substances. We have to make sure they’re are aware that something in a non-threatening package, like a gummy bear or a toothpick, can be unsafe and unhealthy for them. It’s difficult to stay ahead of the ever-growing and changing drug trends and products that are available to our youth. That’s why we have to make sure we build our children’s resiliency skills and have conversations with our young people about what they can do to support their own health and well-being.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Youth and Tobacco Use. January 2019. Meghan Mangrum. Times Free Press (Chattanooga, TN): Officials warn of nicotine toothpick use by teens. January 13, 2019. Pediatrics, January 2017, VOLUME 139 / ISSUE 1, From the American Academy of Pediatrics, Technical Report: Nicotine and Tobacco as Substances of Abuse in Children and Adolescents. Lorena M. Siqueira, COMMITTEE ON SUBSTANCE USE AND PREVENTION.
Community Fish Fry - March 1st
Dear Otsego Knights Community,
The Otsego Music Boosters is sponsoring our 4th annual Fish Fry on Friday, March 1st from 5:00-8:00pm in the High School Commons. The dinners include 3 pieces of Pollock, baked potato, coleslaw, cornbread, dessert, and a drink. We also are offering a Macaroni & Cheese dinner for children. Our music programs continue to grow and we appreciate your help in supporting our music programs!
Tickets for Fish Fry
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS that can be turned into the front office OMB mailbox.
Orders can also be turned into Mr. Dubler, Mr. Sewell. You can also call Tony D. at
419-205-7988, please leave voice-mail with first and last name, callback number, and your order, or email musicboosters@otsegoknights.org to reserve tickets.
The deadline for ticket orders is Friday February 22nd. Tickets ordered can be picked up and paid for on the night of the meal at the “reserved tickets” table. There will be a few extra dinners ordered that will be sold at the door on a first-come-first-serve basis. All checks should be written to the “Otsego Music Boosters.”
Performances
During the event, small ensembles will be roving the Commons periodically for your listening enjoyment.
Weston Library Information
Otsego Endowment Foundation
Otsego Endowment News:
The Otsego Endowment Foundation is looking for actively engaged people who care about our school system and want to make a difference. We are working on a new and exciting event to raise money for innovative school initiatives. In the recent past, we have funded extraordinary projects like the Robotics Lab, STEM Curricula materials for the elementary, the Community Garden, reading and language arts materials, drones, virtual reality equipment and more, providing $168,472 in funding for school initiatives, and $14,000 in education awards to graduating seniors since 2012. We want to continue to grow the foundation so that we can continue to provide stimulating opportunities that elevate the education of our students where the school budget is unable to do so. We hope to launch a new fundraising event that will engage more people in the community. We need your help to do so! Please consider getting engaged with our group. We meet the second Monday of the month in the high school library at 6:30 pm, eight times a year. We are using our March meeting as a launching pad for event planning and new members. Won’t you consider coming and seeing how you can make a difference for our kids?
Mark your calendars now: Monday, March 11, 6:30 pm, Otsego High School Library.
POST PROM FUNDRAISERS
We would love for our Otsego families to mark their calendars to attend any or all of our nights out. The funds raised will support a safe and fun-filled after prom event to Kalahari for our juniors and seniors.
Wednesday, February 20th @ Chowders & Moor in Waterville 11am-10pm
Wednesday, March 6th @ Panera in BG 4pm-8pm
Wednesday, March 27th @ Pisanellos Pizza - Waterville
Preschool Registration
Preschool Registration for 2019-2020
We will begin accepting registration paperwork for NEW preschoolers on Tuesday, February 19th at 8:00am. Paperwork will be online to print out or available for pick up in the Elementary Office beginning February 19th. We will NOT be accepting or distributing paperwork prior to February 19th. Classes are on a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to register early as classes fill up quickly.
*Please note: You will need your $210 deposit as well as the $40 supply fee with you when you register. If you qualify for free tuition with the required paperwork or are placed on the waiting list, your deposit/check will be returned.
*Students must turn 3 on or before August 1st, 2019, and be completely potty trained (unless on an IEP), to attend preschool. Also, 3-year-olds may ONLY attend 2 or 3 days per week and are not eligible to attend more days.
IF YOU HAVE A RETURNING PRESCHOOLER, PAPERWORK TO CONTINUE IN THE PROGRAM WILL BE SENT HOME BY FEBRUARY 4TH WITH YOUR STUDENT.
Kindergarten Roundup
On Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 6:30pm, Otsego Elementary School will be holding a Kindergarten Round Up Meeting. This meeting is for all parents of incoming kindergarten students for the 2019-2020 school year. Students must be 5 years of age on or before August 1, 2019 to enter kindergarten.
Kindergarten Round Up will include basic information about kindergarten, explanation and distribution of registration forms, and an opportunity to sign-up for your child's Kindergarten Screening time slot in June of 2019.
Feel free to bring proof of residency, certified original birth certificate, photo ID of parent/guardian, immunization record, and complete court file-stamped custody papers (if applicable) to the meeting and we can make copies and add them to your student's file following the meeting. If you are unable to bring them at this time, please plan to have them at your screening appointment in June.
If you are unable to attend this meeting, but have a student entering kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year, please stop by the Otsego Elementary Office anytime starting March 13, 2019 to pick up a registration packet, or you can download and print the forms from our school website (otsegoknights.org) under the Parent tab on the Elementary Page.
If you have any questions regarding Kindergarten Round Up, registration and/or screening please call the Otsego Elementary Office at 419-823-4381 Option 4.
Edward C. Byers Jr. Awards for Exceptionalism and Heroism
Master Chief Edward C. Byers Jr. is starting two awards for our students in Grades 6th through 12th. Please take a look at the attached video and letter from Master Chief Byers. Please use the nomination form in the letter to nominate our students. You may turn in nomination forms to the Central Office any time before April 1st. We will mail them to Master Chief Byers. The awards night is May 9th and Master Chief Byers will be in attendance to hand out the awards.
Message from Master Chief Byers
Town Ball Registration
Otsego PTO EVENTS
ATHLETICS
Athletic Department Fundraiser - March 30th
Otsego Youth Softball Camp
Youth Otsego Baseball Camp - Walk-ins welcomed
Junior High and High School Sporting Events
Friday, February 8
4:45 - 9th BBK @ Fostoria
Saturday, February 9
10:00 - V WR @ Springfield (Hoover Duals)
6:00 - JV/V GBK @ Swanton
Monday, February 11
4:15 7th/8th BBK @ Woodmore
6:00 - JV/V GBK @ Elmwood
Tuesday, February 12
4:15 - 7th/8th BBK @ Eastwood
4:45 - 9th BBK @ Gibsonburg
6:00 - JV/V BBK @ Gibsonburg
Thursday, February 14
6:00 - JV/V GBK @ Eastwood
Friday, February 15
4:45 - 9th BBK (H) Rossford
6:00 - JV/V BBK (H) Rossford *Senior Night
Saturday, February 16
10:00 - V WR (H) NBC Championships
COMMUNITY EVENTS SECTION
Sonlight Church and Community Center Winter Schedule (Jan-Mar)
Sunday, 6:30-8: basketball grades 6-12
Monday, 6-8: Youth group/ dodgeball
Tuesday, 6:30-8: basketball grades 5 and under
Wednesday, 6:30-8: TeamKID, ages pre-school to 6.
Thursday, volleyball, grades 6-adult
Questions, Concerns, Comments, or Rumors
Sponsors
Otsego Board of Education
President: Brad Anderson banderson.otsego@gmail.com
Board Member: James Harter jameslharter@gmail.com
Board Member: Mark Tolles mdt814@cs.com
Board Member: Elizabeth Gorski jegorski@frontier.com
Adam Koch, Superintendent
Email: akoch@otsegoknights.org
Website: www.otsegoknights.org
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, United States
Phone: 419-823-4381
Twitter: @AdamKoch_Otsego
Lisa Austin, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent/EMIS Coordinator
Email: laustin@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Lauri Dunham, Special Education Director
Email: ldunham@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Stephen Bihary, School Psychologist
Email: sbihary@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Luke Swartz, Technology Director
Email: lswartz@otsegoknights.org
Website: www.otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Katrina Baughman, Elementary Principal
Email: kbaughman@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Twitter: @KBaughman723
Mike Wiley, Assistant Elementary Principal
Email: mwiley@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Twitter: @PrincpalWiley
Kevin O'Shea, High School Principal
Email: koshea@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Twitter: @KosheaOHS
Jon Rife, Junior High Principal
Email: jrife@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Twitter: @OJHS_Principal
Tom Ferdig, High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Grades 6-12
Email: tferdig@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Eva Vasher, Director of Transportation and Custodial
Email: evasher@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Jeanne Jeffers, Director of Food Service
Email: jjeffers@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Twitter: @Otsego_Cafe
Rick Haskins, Director of Maintenance
Email: rhaskins@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381