OTSEGO LOCAL SCHOOLS
Superintendent's Weekly Update - January 31, 2020
Hard to believe it is February already and we are in the thick of flu season. I wanted to touch base on a few things regarding our practices and information from the Wood County Health Department.
We have had a lot of students out sick recently and that is ok. We want everyone in school, but if you are too sick to come to school that is ok. We would rather not have the sickness spread to others.
Otsego’s Custodial staff is diligently working to be PRO-ACTIVE in reducing illness among students and staff. Custodians are using an Electrostatic sprayer. The sprayer is used with Vital Oxide, a hospital-grade sanitizer, and disinfectant. Vital Oxide kills bacteria and viruses; it is ideal for contact surfaces. Electrostatic disinfection sprayers utilize electrically charged tips on the end of the sprayers to add a positive charge to droplets that seek out and wrap bacteria and germ-infested areas in a negatively charged world.
The force of electrostatic attraction is so strong that the droplets can, and will, reverse direction and move upwards, against gravity, to coat hidden surfaces. Electrostatic droplets tend to repel each other and not overlap, which provides for uniform dispersion and 100 percent coverage of the area that is sprayed.
All buildings and buses are sprayed once or twice weekly, the mist is very effective in treating touchpoint areas, door handles, locker handles, etc.
Thank you to our custodial staff for coming in on the weekends to spray the buildings!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 419-823-4381 ext. 3156 or evasher@otsegoknights.org
Talking points about the coronavirus from the Wood County Health Department:
Below are talking points with updates on the information we have learned this week about the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). I’ve also attached an updated fact sheet. When you are speaking with the media, stakeholders or the public, please consider using these points so we all are sharing the same message:
- There are no confirmed cases in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Health and Butler County General Health District continues to monitor two possible cases in students at Miami University in Southern Ohio.
- On Jan. 30, the CDC confirmed one case of the virus spreading person-to-person from close, sustained contact between spouses. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the U.S. to six.
- Risk to the general public remains low, and the CDC continues to recommend Americans use typical infectious disease precautions, just as those used to prevent cold or flu:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm.
- Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
- Stay home if you are ill.
- The World Health Organization on Jan. 30 declared a public health emergency of international concern over the global outbreak of 2019-nCoV. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the damage the virus could cause if it were to spread to a country with a weak health system. In the United States, we have been preparing for any outbreak.
- Several fact sheets and other informational documents have been prepared and collected by ODH, and media, stakeholders, and the public can access them at the ODH website at www.odh.ohio.gov/coronavirus. As this is a rapidly changing situation, this is the best way to get the most up-to-date information. The site currently includes guidance for higher education, and the state is working on additional materials for K-12 educators.
- If needed, you can refer anyone with questions or concerns to the Wood County Health Department.
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!
4th and 5th graders only - Wood County Youth Olympics
PARENTS - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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 31
4:45 - 9th/JV/V BBK @ Lake
Saturday, February 1
10:00 - JV/V GBK @ McComb
5:00 - 9th/JV/V BBK @ Patrick Henry
Monday, February 3
4:15 - 7th/8th GBK @ Lake
4:!5 - 7th/8th BBK @ Genoa
5:00 - 9th GBK (H) Northwood
Tuesday, February 4
4:45 - 9th/JV/V BBK (H) Woodmore
Wednesday, February 5
4:15 - 7th/8th GBK @ Genoa
4:15 - 7th/8th BBK (H) Woodmore
Thursday, February 6
6:30 - JV/V GBK @ Fostoria
Friday, February 7
4:45 - 9th/JV/V BBK (H) Fostoria
Saturday, February 8
4:45 - 9th/JV/V GBK (H) Swanton
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