OTSEGO LOCAL SCHOOLS
Superintendent's Weekly Update - January 24, 2020
The Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting last night. They appointed a new BOE member. The Board of Education selected Jessica Mehl. Take a look at the message below from Jessica. Congratulations Jessica!
My family moved into the Otsego School District in 2015 and my daughters started attending Otsego Elementary. They are now in fifth and second grades, and I have been thrilled with the extraordinary dedication, innovation, and compassion of the Otsego Knights teachers, support staff, and administration. It is very evident to me that this is a special place with a strong, involved sense of community, and I promise to do all I can to ensure our children receive the best possible education.
I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Public Law & Government and then attended The University of Toledo College of Law where I earned my law degree. I have worked in higher education administration for The University of Toledo for nearly 15 years, currently as the Assistant Dean for Law Admissions. I also serve as a CASA/Guardian Ad Litem for the Wood County Juvenile Court advocating for the best interest of abused, neglected, and dependent children. My husband Andy works for Libbey Glass. We are so thankful to be part of the Otsego Knights community and I look forward to working with the Board of Education.
Highlights from the meeting last night.
School Board Recognition Month - I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Otsego Board of Education for their public service to the Otsego Community. I would encourage you to do the same. School board members are citizens whose decisions affect our children — what they learn, who will teach them and what kinds of facilities house their classrooms. These are men and women elected to establish the policies that provide the framework for our public schools. With the advice and counsel of the educational professionals they hire, our school board has an impact on virtually every aspect of our schools. It’s a huge responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly.
The staff and students at Otsego are asking all local citizens to take a moment to tell a school board member “thanks for caring about our children’s education.”
Otsego is a great school district and having consistent leadership from our Board of Education is a great benefit. Mark Tolles and Brad Anderson have been board members for 11 years, Gordon Digby 2 years, and Jamie Harter has been serving our school district for 21years! Thank you, Otsego Board of Education! Thank you for caring so deeply about this community!
Recognition of Otsego Junior High and High School Students of the Month for January:
6th Grade – Jubilee Brewer, Ajay Rice; 7th Grade – Lizzy Budge, Tommy Makowski;
8th Grade – Olivia Rose Robertson, Jack Simpson; Freshman – Elly Zeller;
Sophomore – Jonah Guthrie; Junior – Emily Atkinson; Senior – Keegan Digby
Treasurer’s Financial Reports / Recommendations
A. Approved the Financial Report
B. Approved the Estimate of Revenues for Submission to Wood County Budget Commission
C. Approved all donations to Otsego Local School District
Superintendent Recommendations
A. Approved the Reading Improvement Plan
B. Approved the County Service Agreement – Consortium Services for 2020-2021 school year with Wood County ESC
C. Approved of the membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and
agreement to conduct Otsego athletic programs in accordance with the Constitution, Bylaws,
Regulations, Interpretations, and Decision of the OHSAA for the 2020-2021 school year
D. Approved the College Credit Plus Partnership Agreement with Owens State Community College for the 2020-2021 school year
E. First reading of EpiPen Policy
F. Approved the following changes in personnel:
2019-2020 School Year Substitutes:
Tonya Boyer, Jill Gierhart, Courtney Steiner
Tyler Martin, substitute teacher
2019-2020 School Year Volunteers:
Carolyn Layne, Michael Retcher
The Board of Education passed a resolution opposing the expansion of the EdChoice Voucher System. This does not directly impact Otsego but it could in the near future.
What is EdChoice? The EdChoice Scholarship Program provides up to 60,000 scholarships to students who attend “Underperforming” schools of a public school district, as defined by the Ohio Department of Education. Public Schools can be designated as “Underperforming” based on data from a school building’s Local Report Card that is created by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) each year. Students who live in the attendance zone of the ODE designated “Underperforming” school are eligible to receive a scholarship to attend a private/parochial school that has signed up to be an EdChoice provider school. As a result of a legislative change this past summer, over 400 of the 610 school districts in Ohio had at least one building designated as an EdChoice school. In short, it takes public tax dollars from local schools to private schools.
Otsego Hall of Fame - TONIGHT
The 2019-2020 Otsego Hall of Fame Inductees will be Thomas Sorosiak and Nancy Wright. Congratulations Nancy and Tom!
Please help us recognize their contributions to the Otsego Local School District on January 24, 2020. We will be holding a special reception for our guests of honor at 6 pm in the High School Auditorium and would like to invite all family, friends and the community to celebrate with us. There will be light snacks and cake provided.
Otsego Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
January 24, 2020
The Otsego Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Friday, January 24, 2020 in between the JV and Varsity Basketball Game at Otsego High School. This will be the 8h class inducted to the Otsego Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals who have brought honor to themselves by making significant impacts or contributions to the school, community, or students. The Otsego Hall of Fame also exists for all alumni who have earned distinction beyond graduation. These individuals have made noteworthy achievements as successful adults in their chosen careers and/or have served as benefactors of mankind. The Otsego Hall of Fame also recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Otsego Local Schools as a staff member, coach, or friend of Otsego.
It has been an honor to recognize the following individuals for their contributions to the Otsego Local School District.
Class of 2012-2013 – Dan Cocke, Holly Frantz, Deb Kendall, and Gordon Wenig
Class of 2013-2014 – Randy Donald, Ann Laskey, and Lawrence Sprague
Class of 2014-2015 – John Brown, Madge Brown, Fred Moor, Bernard Scott, and Jean Scott
Class of 2015-2016 – Barb Vollmar, Howard Bluhm, Charlene Genson, Carter Genson, and Tim Downey
Class of 2016-2017 – Edward C. Byers Jr. and Mary Frazier
Class of 2017-2018 – Steve Kendall and Ann Titus
Class of 2018-2019 – Janine Baughman, Joseph Heyman, and Joe Long
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THANK YOU OTSEGO COMMUNITY!
Coffee Talk
Coffee Talks Scheduled
Something on your mind about Otsego Schools? Sit down in January with Superintendent Adam Koch and Treasurer Steve Carroll for an informal conversation. There will be no agenda or registration. Both administrators believe it is important to provide regular opportunities throughout the year to meet with community members and share district accomplishments, new initiatives, and the overall progress of Otsego Schools. We hope to see you there!
Weston – January 30th – Weston Library @ 8 am
Community Fish Fry - March 6th
The Otsego Music Boosters is sponsoring our 5 th annual Fish Fry on Friday, March 6th 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 w e appreciate your help in
supporting our music programs!
Otsego Endowment Foundation
Support the Otsego Endowment Foundation through Amazon Smiles.
This is a very easy process and it donates a portion of your purchases with Amazon directly to the Otsego Endowment Foundation.
1. Go to smile.amazon.com and select the Otsego Endowment Foundation as your Charity.
2. Bookmark this page. You have to go to smile.amazon.com every time you purchase from amazon.
Thank you for the support of the Otsego Endowment Foundation!
PTO EVENTS
WEATHER WITH RONNIE
Edward C. Byers Jr. Awards for Exceptionalism and Heroism
Master Chief Edward C. Byers Jr. will be once again presenting two awards to 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 April 29th and Master Chief Byers will be in attendance to hand out the awards.
This is the video from last year highlighting the award. Message from Master Chief Byers
Nomination form - CLICK HERE
Prom Fundraiser
2021 Post Prom Meeting (Current Sophomore Parents)
STEAM CAMP
Complete the Online form https://forms.gle/RsdUFRHYV3YX1fGTA ), and send a check (payable to Otsego Local Schools) to the Otsego Elementary Office.
Knight In Shining Armor Nominations and Events
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!
ATHLETICS
ATHLETIC EVENTS
Friday, January 24
4:45 - 9th/JV/V BBK (H) Genoa *Hall of Fame
5:30 - HS WR @ Lima CC
Saturday, January 25
9:00 - HS WR @ Lima CC
12:00 - 9th GBK @ Bryan
6:00 - JV/V BBK @ Delta
Monday, January 27
4:15 - 7th/8th GBK (H) Woodmore
Tuesday, January 28
4:45 - 9th BBK @ Maumee
Wednesday, January 29
4:15 - 7th/8th BBK (H) Rossford
Thursday, January 30
4:15 - 7th/8th GBK (H) Genoa
Friday, January 31
4:45 - 9th/JV/V BBK @ Lake
Saturday, February 1
11:00 - JV/V GBK @ McComb
4:30 - 9th/JV/V BBK @ Patrick Henry
COMMUNITY EVENTS SECTION
Babysitter Database -
I have heard from a few parents that are looking for sitters. I am going to put the database up again. It will be very short and simple. I am not the middle man for any communication between parent and providers. I am simply willing to help gather the information for everyone. Below you will find a form to fill out if you are a babysitter in the Otsego District and accepting kids. Often times parents need a spare sitter or one only when school is not in session.
Again, only fill out the form if you are a babysitter willing to be contacted for your services.
FILL THIS FORM OUT IF YOU ARE A BABYSITTER LOOKING FOR WORK
Parents looking to hire a babysitter can CLICK HERE TO SEE IF ANYONE HAS FILLED OUT THE FORM ABOVE
Martial Arts and Kickboxing
1) Kickboxing is good for self defense. I will teach how to properly throw a punch, kick, as well as defend yourself from someone who is punching or kicking you. Kickboxing is also great if you want exercise. There is lots of repetition and cardio in the classes.
2) Kali class is a study group where everyone practices what they have learned and figures out new moves. Kali is a Philippine martial art where you practice the same methods no matter if you have a weapon or you are empty handed. You will learn defense at all ranges, including the ground.
If anyone is interested in joining, the first class is free. They can look up Black Swamp Martial Arts Academy on Facebook and call me at 419-654-1659.
Questions, Concerns, Comments, or Rumors
SPONSORS
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: Jessica Mehl jmehl.jd@gmail.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