OTSEGO LOCAL SCHOOLS
Superintendent's Weekly Update - August 23, 2019
First official week of the 2019-2020 school year is in the books. We had a great first few days of the school year! Thank you, staff, students, and parents for an amazing start. It takes an entire team to prepare for the year, and I cannot thank our Otsego Team enough. I am honored to be a part of the team and extremely appreciative of the Otsego Community. We all need to take a step back from time to time and be appreciative and grateful for everything we have. We are all very blessed to live and work in this wonderful community and call ourselves #OtsegoKnights.
I saw this back to school list on twitter this week and thought it was a great reminder for all of us.
Top Ten Back-to-School Tips to Help Your Child Thrive:
Ask your child: “How was your day? Learn anything interesting? Get to spend time with friends?” instead of “How did you do on the math test?”
Resist the urge to correct the errors in your child’s homework. It’s your child’s work, not yours.
Work done with integrity is more important than an A. Pressure to achieve only high grades can make students resort to cheating.
Make time for PDF: playtime, downtime, family time. Research shows PDF is critical for overall well-being.
Create a technology-free environment during mealtimes. Every adult and child can benefit from a break from constant interruptions and distractions.
Collaborate with your child’s teachers. Assume best intentions and work together to solve problems.
Fight the temptation to bring your child’s forgotten homework to school. Kids gain resilience by learning from small failures.
An extra hour of sleep is more valuable than an extra hour of studying. Research shows sleep deprivation can be associated with depression and anxiety.
When your child wants to talk with you, stop what you are doing and engage. Does “I hate school” really mean something else: “I am being bullied” or “I don’t fit in?”
Help your child develop his or her interests and strengths. Discover what your child really loves to do outside of school, not what you think a college admissions officer would like to see on an application.
I hope everyone has a great school year! I think it will be our best year ever!
#OtsegoProud
#OtsegoKnights
Adam Koch
akoch@otsegoknights
JH/HS Parking Flow Reminder
JH AND HS PARKING AND TRAFFIC FLOW REMINDER:
Student drop off and pick up location is in the FRONT of the HS and JH. Parents, please do not pick up or drop off your child(ren) in the back of the building. The bus parking area is for BUSES ONLY.
A few years ago we made this video. Please take a look at it again as we start the year. JH AND HS Drop off and pickup video tutorial
There will be administrators in the parking lots the first week of school to help direct traffic as well.
Transportation Reminder
You can check your bus routes here - https://www.infofinderi.com/ifi/?cid=OLSD3GH6PNQOH
ADVERTISE WITH US!
Board Meeting Highlights
The Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting last night. Highlights are below.
Information Items –
A. College Credit Plus Update – Kevin O’Shea
B. Quiz Bowl Advisor – Fritz Wolfram retirement
C. Superintendent’s Update
Treasurer’s Financial Reports / Recommendations
A. Approved the Financial Report
B. Approved the Petty cash Athletics $2,000; Business Club $100
C. Approved the Amended Certificate
D. Approved the 2019-2020 school year Service Agreement with Wood County ESC for Behavior Support Specialist Services
E. Approved the cost settlement for FY20 services with the Wood County ESC
F. Approved the salary advancement for Ryan Hafner – Masters +10 to Masters +20;
Andrea Hamrick - Masters +20 to Masters +30; Katie Hildreth - Masters +10 to Masters +20; Brooke Riley - Masters +10 to Masters +20
G. Approved the FMLA for Sue Tressel from November 13, 2019 – December 20, 2019
H. Approved all donations to Otsego Local School District
Superintendent Recommendations
A. Approve the agreement with CRC
B. Authorize the Superintendent to approve the bus stops for the 2019-2020 school year as submitted to him by the transportation supervisor with authority for the superintendent and/or his designee to adjust the stops as needed.
C. Approve the agreement with The Wood County Board of DD
D. Approval to accept Foreign Exchange Students
E. Approved the FY20 Agreement with Midwest Regional ESC for Vision Impaired Services and/or Orientation and Mobility services
F. Approved the following changes in personnel:
Resignations:
James Fouts, Bus Driver, effective 8/15/19
Greg Scott, Custodian II, effective 8/26/19
Certified Employees One-Year Limited Contract for 2019-2020:
Natalie Lambert Teacher – Masters +20 Step 5
Brittani Reinbolt Teacher – Bachelors +150 Step 4
Classified Employees One-Year Limited Contract for 2019-2020:
Katherine Thomas Cook, effective 8/26/19
Nadine Wilhelm Cook, effective 9/3/19
Anne Henderson Aide – Step 1
Tyler Martin Aide – Step 0
Extended Care Contracts for 2019-2020:
Robin Gomer, Becky Hatfield, Karen Herzberg, Denise Richardson, Zion Richardson, Brock Snyder
Supplemental Contract for 2019-2020:
Mentors: Erin Funk, Katie Hildreth, Jessica Longenberger, Amy Luidhardt, Jessica Martinez, Melissa Seeger
DLT: Bob Furlong, Lisa Grimmer, Chris Heban, Pam Heyman, Lavender Krupp, Amy Luidhardt, Karen Magrum, Brooke Riley, Elizabeth Syrowski, Curt Williams
BLT: Jocelyn Blaufuss, Kerri Ann Chandler, Jen Clark, Julie Danko, Heidi Feehan, Brandon Floro, Bob Furlong, Erin Gall, Katie Gregorsok, Ryan Hafner, Andrea Hamrick, Chris Heban, Pam Heyman, Katie Hildreth, Jenelle Kelley, Susan Klink, Nathan Luce, Freda Rehbein, Don Smith, Megan Solle, Gina Swartz, Elizabeth Syrowski, Kristen Zender, Natasha Zsigray
Ginger Caris, 7th Grade Boys Basketball
Jason Colyer, Head Softball
Brandon Floro, 8th Grade Boys Basketball
Brian Flowers, Junior Varsity Baseball
Chad Gregory, Varsity Assistant Softball
Cody Madden, Head JH Wrestling
Mark Nofziger, 0.5 Varsity Assistant Baseball
Jeff Peters, 0.5 Varsity Assistant Baseball
Kaye Spicer, Elementary Music Program (one more additional grade)
Chase Welker, Head Baseball
2019-2020 Substitutes:
James Fouts, Amy Murphy, Katie Rupert
2019-2020 School Year Volunteers:
Steve Deutchman, Daniel Moser, Leah Rieger
Knight In Shining Armor Nominations
Please use the following form to inform OHS Student Council about a family in need within the school district. While the family does not need to have students in the district, we do ask that they are a member of the Otsego Community. Use this form to share information about their current situation as well as how they can best be assisted.
Please be sure to understand that while Knight in Shining Armor (KISA) would love to help all community members in need, we are still a new program, and may not have the funds to do so. With that being said, we will consider each request on a case by case basis. Filling this form out does not guarantee that we will be able to assist the family, but we will try our hardest to do so!
Here are some things that we have done with KISA funds:
- School supplies were purchased for multiple families.
- Gas money has been provided to get to and from medical treatment.
- Food cards have been provided to help families afford meals while going through medical treatment.
- Cash donations have been made to families to help assist in paying bills during medical treatment.
- Gift cards and supplies have been provided to help make ends meet after housing emergencies have occurred.
We now have TWO ways that you can nominate a family in need. Bookmark the link below to use as the need arises. You can also find this link on the Otsegoknights.org webpage under the "District" tab.
Please do not hesitate to nominate a family in need, and KISA will do their best to help out!
Otsego Food Pantry
The Otsego Food Pantry is always willing to help those in need. This service is by appointment only. Please call, text, or email to schedule.
Otsego Food Pantry
c/o Lisa Hatfield
PO Box 261
17700 Beaver Street
Grand Rapids, OH 43522
Phone: 419-830-1051
Email: otsegofoodpantryoh@gmail.com
Housed in the Grand Rapids First Presbyterian Church – Supported by our Community!
FOOD SERVICE
Food Service App -Lunch menus are on an App!
Mobile Apps are available in the Apple store and Google Play under “Menu for Schools”
Look for the app with the Apple Logo. Once you have downloaded the app, follow the instructions on the app. Our schools are listed under our Bowling Green, Ohio.
Food Service Pay It Forward Campaign -
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. Checks are made payable to the Otsego Board of Education. If you send money in, just make sure you put on the memo or a note that says Pay It Forward - Lunch
ATHLETICS
Aug 23rd
FB-Home Scrimmage Northwood
Meet the Teams Night
All get in free
FB - Home (Van Buren)
FFA Dinner
Ag. Appreciation Night - All community members in the agricultural community will receive free admission to the game.
Sept 27th
FB -Home Eastwood (Homecoming)
Alumni Dinner -
Oct 11th
FB - Home Elmwood
Family Night - Elementary PTO will have games set up near the stadium including bounce houses, and a dunk tank.
Oct 18th
FB - Home Rossford
Military/First Responders - All Active and retired military personnel and first responders will get in free to the game.
Nov 1st
FB - Home Genoa (Senior Night)
ATHLETIC EVENTS
Friday, August 23
7:00 - V FB Scrimmage (H) Northwood *Meet the Teams
Saturday, August 24
9:00 - HS XC @ Norm Bray Inv.
5:45 - JV/V VB @ Liberty Center
Monday, August 26
4:15 - 7th/8th VB @ Rossford (Rossford Rec Center)
Tuesday, August 27
4:15 - JH/HS XC @ Rossford *NBC Jamboree
4:15 - 7th/8th VB (H) Swanton
4:30 - GG (H) Defiance
5:00 - BS (H) Pettisville
5:30 - JV/V VB (H) Eastwood
Wednesday, August 28
3:30 - BG (H) North Baltimore
4:00 - GG @ NBC Shootout (Cross Winds)
4:15 - 7th/8th VB @ Woodmore
Thursday, August 29
4:15 - 7th/8th FB (H) Delta
5:00 - JH XC @ Eastwood
5:00 - BS @ Eastwood
5:00 - GS (H) Eastwood
5:30 - JV/V VB @ Elmwodd
Friday, August 30
7:00 - V FB @ Evergreen
Saturday, August 31
10:00 - JH/HS XC (H) Otsego Inv. (Mary Jane Thurstin State Park)
10:00 - JV FB (H) Evergreen
Starting August 28th and running through October 6th
Wednesdays - 6 to 7:30 pm
Sundays - 5 to 6:30 pm
Weston Public Library Information
COMMUNITY EVENTS SECTION
ORANGE CRUSH BASEBALL TRYOUTS - September 22nd
Link. https://www.facebook.com/OtsegoCrushBaseball
Crush Boy’s Baseball is looking for players to fill out 11U and 10U teams for the 2020 spring season, in the Northwest Ohio Amateur Baseball League. Tryouts for interested players are scheduled for Sunday, September 22nd, 2019 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Lusher Park in Haskins.
Crush Boy’s Baseball is looking for players from the Otsego School district or immediate surrounding areas, who are ages 10 and 11 years old (the player's age on April 30th, 2020 determines the player's eligible age). Crush is looking for players who are hardworking, skilled and interested in continuing to learn and improve. Highly skilled, mature players 9 years old (must be 9 years old on April 30th, 2020) will also be considered and may tryout.
We are primarily looking for players that are well rounded and can play multiple positions. The season begins in May and ends before July 4th.
If interested in trying out, please fill out the player registration form at. https://www.facebook.com/OtsegoCrushBaseball/ and email it to crushbaseballotsego@gmail.com. Please have your forms emailed to Crush Baseball by September 20, 2019.
Any questions can be directed to crushbaseballotsego@gmail.com. Watch for any updates or changes on tryouts at @OtsegoCrushBaseball or https://www.facebook.com/OtsegoCrushBaseball/
STEM IN THE PARK
BGSU Saturday Art Youth Program (begins September 21st )
The School of Art at Bowling Green State University is proud to offer youth art classes each semester for students in kindergarten – 12th grade. Young people will develop their creative abilities, increase their artistic skills and learn about art of the past and present. All classes involve hands-on participation in 2D a & 3D projects. Today more than ever, the arts are needed by our young people as a forum for safe expression, communication, exploration, imagination, and cultural and historical understanding. Classes: Classes meet for 10 Saturdays each semester from 10:00-11:30am.
For Fall semester of 2019, classes will be meeting
September 21st – November 23rd .
Fee: $79, plus $10 materials fee – for each semester (a few tuitions supports will be available for families with financial need. See website for application, due 8/6) Students interested in these classes will need to be preregistered by mailing, faxing or emailing the forms as indicated on them. Class descriptions and forms can also be located on the BGSU Fine Arts Website http://www.bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences/school-of-art/community-engagement/saturday-art-program.html
Classes are limited so pre-registration is required. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email Shari Densel, Director of the BGSU Saturday Art Youth Program at: saturdayart@bgsu.edu
Questions, Concerns, Comments, or Rumors
Otsego Board of Education
President: Brad Anderson banderson.otsego@gmail.com
Vice President: James Harter jameslharter@gmail.com
Board Member: Mark Tolles mdt814@cs.com
Board Member: Elizabeth Gorski jegorski@frontier.com
Board Member: Gordon Digby gdigby44@gmail.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
Becky Buchman, Assistant Elementary Principal
Email: bbuchman@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Twitter: @buchman_becky
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, Custodial, and Maintenance
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