OTSEGO LOCAL SCHOOLS
Superintendent's Weekly Update - February 7, 2020
2-1-1 Day February 11, 2020
Each year, February 11th is celebrated as 2-1-1 Day, as in 2/11/2020. 2-1-1 is the three-digit number that serves as our county's resource line. 2-1-1 is as easy to remember as 9-1-1.
2-1-1 is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no cost to use 2-1-1. It connects with important community resources, including in times of disaster.
Locally, 2-1-1 is supported by your pledges to United Way. In 2019, the 2-1-1 call center answered more than 60,000 contacts for the three-county area of Lucas, Wood & Ottawa. In Wood County, the ADAMHS Board helps to support 2-1-1 as a service to individuals challenged with mental illness and/or substance abuse/addictions.
Dial 2-1-1
Get Help. Get Answers.
Dial 2-1-1 to get resources
In Wood County
2-1-1 is your first call for
Rent-Food-Utilities Help- and MORE!
2/11 is United Way 2-1-1 Day
Help is Just a Phone Call Away
Happy 2-1-1 Day on 2/11!
Struggling to make ends meet?
Dial 2-1-1
2-1-1 can Help Callers Access the Following Types of Services:
- Basic Human Needs Resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance
- Government information: City, County, State services and programs. Many people are not sure what government office to contact and so 2-1-1 helps point them in the right direction.
- Health and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, maternal health, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation
- Employment Support: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs
- Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services
- Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after-school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services
- Volunteer Opportunities and Donations: community involvement, volunteer centers, disaster relief
- Military and Family Support: programs that serve veterans and their families, community resources, mental health resources, counseling
- Hobby groups and civic/service clubs: for people who have similar interests (gardening clubs, square dance groups, astronomy clubs, etc) or are united by a common cause (political groups, Lions, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis, etc.
This service is available through http://www.navigateresources.net/toledo and even by text. Text your zip code to 898-211 to get started when using the text feature. 2-1-1 may also be reached by an alternative 800 number, 1-800-650-HELP (4357.)
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!
Fundraiser at Eastwood - 2/21
Local Baseball and Softball League Sign-ups
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, February 7
4:45 - 9th/JV/V BBK (H) Fostoria *Little Knights Cheer
Saturday, February 8
4:45 - 9th/JV/V GBK (H) Swanton
Monday, February 10
4:15 - 7th/8th GBK (H) Eastwood
4:15 - 7th/9th BBK @ Lake
Tuesday, February 11
4:45 - 9th/JV/V BBK @ Rossford
Thursday, February 13
5:30 - JV/V GBK @ Eastwood
Friday, February 14
4:45 - 9th/JV/V BBK @ Elmwood
Saturday, February 15
TBD - 7th GBK NBC Tournament @ Rossford
10:00 - HS WR @ Hoover Duals *Springfield HS
1:00 - JV/V GBK @ Ottawa Hills
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.
Kids Tech University at BGSU
Enroll your child for the 9th season of our science outreach program for children on the BGSU
campus. Kids’ Tech University is designed to spark children’s interest in the fields of science,
technology, engineering and mathematics by having a scientist talk to them about their work,
while giving the children opportunities to ask lots of questions. In the afternoon session the
children explore scientific concepts guided by mentors in a university teaching lab.
Speakers and topics for the 2020 program:
February 15, 2020 The Amazing Eye
Mile Brujic O.D. FAAO, Premier Vision Group, Bowling Green, Ohio.
February 22, 2020: There’s something fishy going around here
Dr. Kevin Neves, Assistant Teaching Professor, Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State
University
March 28, 2020 The search for exoplanets
Professor Andrew Layden, Chair, Physics and Astronomy, Bowling Green State University,
Bowling Green, OH 43403
April 18, 2020 A Wild Time at the Zoo: Adventures in Environmental Enrichment: Beth
Posta, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry, The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
Online registration will be limited to 90 children, and is first come, first served. Register online at
There is an $30 registration fee to participate. Kids’ Tech University at BGSU is directed by Dr. Paul Morris, a BGSU professor in Biological Sciences. Please contact Dr. Morris Pmorris@bgsu.edu for more information about this program.
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