Principal's Notes
Dr. Douglas Otto Middle School - January 28, 2016
"Working hard for something we don't care about is stress; working hard for something we love is called passion."
AMC 8 Students Place Among Top Five Schools in the State
Staff Absences
Parent Communication
Tutorial Plans
SIGS Coming to Otto this Summer
Ear Buds and Headphones
Dress Code
Classroom Management
Professional Development Hours
Vanessa Chavez - Experienced Teacher of the Year
I am pleased to present Vanessa Chavez as Otto Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Chavez is a dynamic educator who has the utmost passion for Choral Music. Vanessa’s great zeal for music is unique as she most effectively ignites the same passion in her students and is recognized in the community as a very special teacher.
The passion Mrs. Chavez has for Choral Music is evident to everyone who visits her classroom. Students absolutely adore Mrs. Chavez as she teaches with great enthusiasm and skill. Vanessa’s choirs consistently perform with great confidence and, due to Mrs. Chavez’ expertise, demonstrate a musical ability far beyond their years. Parents routinely send comments to me about what a wonderful teacher Vanessa is along with praise for her exceptional performances.
Mrs. Chavez is the only Choir Teacher Otto has known, and Vanessa has worked tirelessly to build the program into the wonderful organization it is today. Aside from the numerous concerts presented on campus, our choirs also perform in the community and present a Choral Open House each year for community members to visit the campus to observe our choirs in action. As her ensembles have been selected as a Performance Choir for the National Conference for Choral Music, Mrs. Chavez’ achievement as an educator is noticed beyond the boundaries of Plano ISD.
Vanessa’s work has created a Choral Program that is a beacon in the community and represents everything we embody as Otto Bobcats.
Courtney Langdon - New Teacher of the Year
We are very proud of our New Teacher of the Year, Courtney Langdon. Working with us last year as a long-term substitute, Courtney has been a true "Bobcat" from the very beginning. Always positive and highly professional, Courtney is constantly looking for ways to be more involved in the Otto Community. I am pleased and very grateful that Courtney will serve as co-sponsor of our Cheerleader Squad next year.
Some comments about Courtney from staff members:
- Courtney has gotten very involved in tutorials and has a great desire to help kids.
- Courtney has joined Otto with the knowledge, management, and skill set of a veteran teacher.
- Courtney is very organized and relates to her students in a positive way.
- Courtney has such a positive classroom environment. The kids love her and are excited to be in her class. She takes care to make each student feel recognized and accepted in her classroom.
Congratulations, Courtney! You are doing an amazing job and we are all very proud of you!
DeeDee McGee - January Staff Member of the Month
TI STEM Teaching Award Nominee
Otto Bobcats - Organized, Mindful and Scholarly!
Dr. Douglas Otto Middle School
Email: antoine.spencer@pisd.edu
Website: http://k12.pisd.edu/otto-middle-school
Location: 504 North Star Road, Plano, TX
Phone: (469) 752-8500
Twitter: @ottobobcats