OTSEGO LOCAL SCHOOLS
Superintendent's Weekly Update - January 5, 2017
Otsego Community -
The Board of Education help their 2018 Organizational Meeting on Wednesday. The highlights are below.
Brad Anderson, Mark Tolles, and Judy Snyder were sworn in as returning Board Members. Their 4 year term runs from 2018 through 2021.
Elizabeth Gorski was elected President and Judy Snyder was elected Vice President for 2018.
Board of Education meetings will be held on the 3rd Thursday of every month. The meetings will start at 6pm in the High School Library. Some meetings may have to get changed but these meetings changes will also be posted and communicated in the newsletter. Board meetings dates can be found HERE .
We also scheduled a work session for February 27th at 6pm in the HS library. We will talk about policies, finances, and any other matters that come before the board.
Adopt the following Treasurer authorizations for 2018:
• Signature of the Treasurer, or the facsimile thereof, be used for all checks and vouchers.
• Permission to invest inactive funds according to Ohio Revised Code.
• Permission for the Treasurer to pay all bills as they are presented, provided that funds are available, and to report monthly to the Board of Education those bills that were paid.
• Permission for the President and Treasurer to borrow money if needed.
• Permission for the Treasurer to approve workbook prices.
• Permission for the Treasurer to apply on behalf of the school district, to participate in any Federal or State Projects or Programs for which Board approval is required.
• Permission for the Treasurer to attend association, local and state meetings.
Established service fund for the Board in the amount of $4,000.
Established the following board assignments:
• Penta County - Elizabeth Gorski
• Legislative Liaison - Mark Tolles
• Otsego Endowment Foundation – Ex-Officio Member - Judy Snyder
• Strategic Plan Committee - Brad Anderson, Jamie Harter
Adopt the following Superintendent authorizations for 2018:
• Permission to attend association, local and state meetings.
• Permission to serve as the purchasing agent for the school district.
• Permission to the Superintendent to enter into tuition contracts.
• Permission to approve meeting attendance, travel requests, and reimbursements as deemed appropriate.
• Permission to the Superintendent or designee to serve as the sexual Harassment grievance and compliance officer.
• Permission to employ such temporary personnel as needed for emergency situations. Such employment is to be presented for approval by the Board at the next regular meeting.
• Declare that the purchase of the following items be authorized as a permissible use of funds, and to authorize the Superintendent and/or the Treasurer to determine appropriateness:
o Meals, refreshments, other amenities for staff, students, citizen, advisory groups who participate in meetings, staff professional development, staff appreciation breakfast/lunch or on other occasions deemed appropriate.
o Student, staff, citizen or board member appreciation items, plaques, or retirement items.
o Senior Citizen Dinner/Musical, Veteran’s Day Breakfast, and any other community event deemed appropriate.
• Permission for the Superintendent and Treasurer as the Records Commission.
• Authorize the Superintendent to consult with legal counsel as deemed necessary.
• Authorize the Superintendent to make assignments to committees of the Superintendent.
Thank you from the Keifer's
To the amazing Otsego community,
I would personally like to thank all of you for your support during the Otsego/Elmwood game. That was such a surprise to our family. We are so lucky to live in such an amazing community. Having all of your support, love, and prayers means so much to us, that "THANK YOU" is simply not enough. We are truly blessed to have all of you in my "tribe." Remember, #LovehardFighthard
A quick update: I have started a new round of chemo that is another 12 rounds. On January 5th, I will make my way to Cleveland Clinic to make a plan for a quick procedure where they will inject chemo into the tumors of my liver. I've got this! With a huge community behind you, how can I not?!
Thank you,
Andrea, Nate, Noah & Emma Keifer
Otsego Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony February 9, 2018
The Otsego Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 in between the JV and Varsity Basketball Game at Otsego High School. This will be the 6th 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
The 2017-2018 Otsego Hall of Fame Inductees will be: Stephen Kendall and Ann Titus.
Please help us recognize their contributions to the Otsego Local School District on February 9th. 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.
We would like to thank the Otsego Alumni & Friends Association for financially supporting the Otsego Hall of Fame. If you have any questions please contact Adam Koch or Lauri Dunham.
Otsego Community Reads Initiative
Before the students in grades 6-12 leave for Winter Break, they will be given the book, Choosing Courage by Peter Collier. It is theirs to keep and they are encouraged to read it. Copies of the book will be gifted to community agencies, like local EMS and fire departments, too. The Medal of Honor Foundation provided the book for teachers at then end-of-year Professional Development.
We would also like to personally thank Shelen Stevens and the Weston Public Library for donating over 1200 books for this initiative. She has been a major part of helping put this together and we couldn't have done it without her. Thank You Shelen.
This book is the first selection for the Community Reads Initiative (CRI) as it reflects the goals and themes of the 2017-2018 school year "Be An Everyday Hero". A new book will be selected every year.
One of the goals of the CRI is to build community connections through a shared reading experience. Faculty and staff are not being asked to do anything. The CRI is encouraging everyone to read the book and participate in conversations in and around the community.
Knights Have Your Back!
ATHLETICS
3rd and 4th Grade Boys Basketball Youth Clinic
MILITARY NIGHT - Friday, January 19, 2018
Boys Basketball - Lake vs. Otsego @ Lake HS
Any active military personnel or veteran presenting an ID will be admitted free +1 guest to the game. Prior to the varsity game, all personnel will assemble on the floor for a recognition ceremony & the National Anthem.
Student sections from both schools are encouraged to wear camo attire.
Please plan to attend and show our appreciation & respect for our military personnel & veterans.
Otsego Schedule of JH and HS Athletic Events
Friday, January 5th
3:30 – V WR @ Perrysburg Inv.
6:00 – JV/V GBK @ Eastwood
Saturday, January 6th
9:30 – V WR @ Perrysburg Inv.
4:45 – 9th/JV/V BBK (H) Swanton
Monday, January 8th
4:15 – 7th/8th BBK (H) Lake
6:00 – JV/V GBK (H) Woodward
Tuesday, January 9th
4:15 – 7th/8th GBK @ Lake
4:45 – 9th/JV/V WR (H) Rossford
5:30 – V WR @ Elmwood
Wednesday, January 10th
4:15 – 7th/8th WR @ Genoa
Thursday, January 11th
4:45 – 7th/8th GBK @ Genoa
4:45 – 7th/8th BBK (H) Genoa
6:00 – JV/V GBK @ Lake
Friday, January 12th
4:45 – 9th/JV/V BBK @ Eastwood
Saturday, January 13th
9:30 – JV WR @ Lake
COMMUNITY EVENTS SECTION
There are a ton of great activities this winter at the Wood County Park Department. Check them out on the web. https://reservations.woodcountyparkdistrict.org/programs/
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Horizon Youth Theatre is pleased to announce our 2018 Winter Workshops. Registration is open for the following three classes, the first of which begins January 6.
DEVISING
Ages: 10-18 Years Old
Dates and Times: Saturday, January 6, 2018 to April 15, 2018, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Place: First Presbyterian Church, 126 S. Church Street, 2nd floor classroom
Instructor: Keith Guion
Description: Students will create their own characters and craft a one-act play from the original idea through performance in April with the guidance and direction of instructor Keith Guion. Participants in the devising workshop are guaranteed a spot in completed play which will be performed at HYT's Festival of Shorts, April 13-15, 2018 at Otsego Elementary School. The class will span 15 weeks and has two sections. The creating portion of the class will last approximately eight or nine weeks, meeting each Saturday. When the play is completed, the rehearsal portion of the class will meet more than once a week. This is a wonderful opportunity for students interested in multiple aspects of theatre, including writing.
To register for the Devising Workshop, click here.
INTRO TO THEATRE
Ages: 6-12 Years Old
Dates and Times: Saturdays, January 13th through March 17th (nine weeks - no class March 3rd), 2:00 to 3:30 pm
Place: St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Bowling Green (2nd floor classroom)
Instructor: Haven Bradam is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where she received her Bachelors degree in Communications, with a major in Theatre and a double specialization in Youth Theatre / Puppetry and Acting / Directing. She has extensive experience with youth theatre through the Toledo Repertoire, the Children's Theatre Workshop, and the Treehouse Troupe. Through her work with the CTW, Haven tours area schools as a member of The Imaginators.
Description: This workshop is perfect for newcomers to Horizon Youth Theatre or for young performers who want to further hone their skills. Participants will focus on a range of exercises to help them feel comfortable acting with others. Topics will include improvisation; stage directions and other technical terms; theatre games; and even auditioning for shows. Haven's experience with kids and theatre education will provide a great all-around experience for any youngster.
To register for Intro to Theatre, click here.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Ages: 6-12 years old
Dates and Times: Saturdays, January 20 to February 24, 2018 (six weeks) 9:00 to 11:00 am
Place: First Presbyterian Church, Bowling Green, 2nd floor
Instructor: Jackie Burns
Description:
Instructor Jackie Burns returns to teach our younger students the basics of musical theatre. Each class session will feature a different performer from BGSU, helping to introduce students to a variety of age-appropriate songs, monologues, and dance routines to expand their understanding of everything musical theatre encompasses. The students will receive one-on-one attention to help foster confidence and performance ability while also collaborating with each other and Ms. Burns on their own 20-minute musical, which will be presented to families and friends at the last session.
To register for Musical Theatre, click here.
For more information about Horizon Youth Theatre, please visit our website at www.horizonyouththeatre.org. As always we would like to thank Otsego Schools for housing our productions, and thanks also to First Presbyterian Church and St. Mark's Lutheran for providing space for the Winter Workshops.
Registration Opens for Kids’ Tech University @ BGSU
This four-session program begins Saturday, Feb. 11, and ends Saturday, March 24 and is open to students who live within a one-hour driving distance of BGSU. To participate, children must be 9-12 years old as of Sept. 30, 2016. There is an $90 registration fee to participate. However, scholarships are also available.
Kids’ Tech University is designed to spark children’s interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics by introducing them to scientists who work in those fields, and providing hands-on activities that let kids explore scientific concepts.
The morning sessions feature a talk and extended question period with the invited speaker. Afternoon sessions will include a series of hands-on activities relevant to the session topic that the children can participate in with their parents. Topics covered in this years’ program will include surveying microbes and viruses in the oceans, how drones are used in research, how parasites control host behavior, and improving human health in the developing world by producing plants that are better sources of the essential nutrient iron.
Speakers and topics for the 2018 program:
Feb. 3, 2018. Dr. Mellisa Duhaime, Assistant Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan. “Global change microbiology: the microscopic organisms that fuel our planet’s global carbon cycle”
Feb. 17, 2018 Dr. Anita Simic, Assistant Professor, School of Earth Environment and Society, BGSU. “Earth Through a Drone's Eye”
March 17, 2018 Dr. Kelly Weinersmith, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Rice University
"Sci-Fi Comes to Life: When Parasites Control Host Behavior"
March 24, 2018 Dr. Terri Long, Associate Professor, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University. “Plants are what they eat too! The science of plant nutrient uptake and assimilation”
Online registration will be limited to 150 children, and is first come, first served. Register online at http://kidstechuniversity-bgsu.vbi.vt.edu/. Search for “Kids” Tech University @BGSU”.
Kids’ Tech University at BGSU is directed by Dr. Paul Morris, a BGSU professor in Biological Sciences. Scholarships are available courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau. Please contact Dr. Morris Pmorris@bgsu.edu for more information.
BGSU Saturday Art Youth Program
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
The instructors for our Saturday Art Program are BGSU seniors studying, Art Education. We have new teachers each semester. My college students enjoy, value, and learn a great deal as they lead their own class through 10 weeks of Saturday Art instruction.
Questions, Concerns, Comments, or Rumors
Otsego Board of Education
President: Brad Anderson banderson.otsego@gmail.com
Vice President: Judy Snyder jasnyder715@gmail.com
Board Member: James Harter jameslharter@gmail.com
Board Member: Mark Tolles mdt814@cs.com
Board Member: Elizabeth Gorski jegorski@frontier.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
Mike Wiley, Assistant Elementary Principal
Email: mwiley@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381
Twitter: @PrincpalWiley
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 and Custodial
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
Rick Haskins, Director of Maintenance
Email: rhaskins@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381