Otsego Elementary Extra
COVID-19 Edition #2 - April 1, 2020
From the Desk of Katrina Baughman
Thank you for your continued dedication and flexibility during this unusual time. As we continue to get more information, we will continue to reach out. However, I have not been sending a weekly newsletter unless there is new information to share.
We are all getting a lot of information sent to us, and I do not want to add to that unless it is important. If you need something during this time, please feel free to reach out to me. Just because you are not hearing from me as regularly, does not mean I am not happy to assist in any way I can.
Please continue to be patient and flexible, as we have no idea what may come up next. We all understand that NOTHING replicates the GREAT work teachers do in their classrooms and students will be learning differently than if they were in their classrooms. Our goal is to keep their brains active, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and enrichment. This is a time not to set unachievable goals for our students, but rather provide them the support and resources to continue the learning process, limiting the amount of regression.
We understand that many of our students will not have the support, structure and routine that they have when they attend school daily. We are asking parents to do what they can and be complacent with that. We do not want to cause undue stress to parents and/or students.
Please have students complete at least one activity daily, but there is no specific expectation of time spent each day. We want them to keep their brains active, without causing undue stress.
Next week is Spring Break, so please relax and spend quality time with your families without worrying about school work!
Upcoming Packet Distribution
As a District Administrative Team, we are working on scheduling some sort of Packet Distribution following our Spring Break. Mr. Koch will have more information coming in his future communications.
Google Classroom Help
Here is a Google Doc with instructions for parents on how to use Google Classroom. This also includes a link to a video tutorial that we found online.
Learning Resources and Activities
FREE access to ABCmouse, Adventure Academy and ReadingIQ
Girl Scout Free Virtual Programming for Anyone! (You do not have to be a GirlScout)
Students can help out in the Community too!
If students could send letters or coloring pages to the residents at Grand Rapids Care Center they would LOVE it!
The residents are not able to have visitors at this time which makes it really hard on them because they cannot do anything. Also at this time they have to be in their rooms so it is really hard for them to cope with this. Hearing from our students will definitely brighten their day!
The address is
Grand Rapids Care center 24201 W. 3rd St. Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522
Thank you so much!
FREE INTERNET
Parents who don’t have internet at home can get free broadband, including installation, from Spectrum for 60 days to help families impacted by the coronavirus, the company announced.
Spectrum parent company Charter announced that, starting Monday, they will offer free Spectrum broadband and wi-fi for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students.
To sign up, call (844) 488-8395.
Here are links to other resources from other companies:
Keep Scanning Those Box Tops!
You can now just scan your receipt and our school will earn money! Please see the information below regarding the new Box Top App and Procedures for the 2019-2020 School Year!
There are two types of Box Tops this year - electronic (must scan your receipt with the new app to get the money to the school), and the original Box Tops (can cut them out and send them in with your student!)
Kindergarten Registration for the 2020-2021 School Year
You can also fax your completed packets to the school (419-823-1703) or scan and email them to jhelberg@otsegoknights.org
If you have a student entering kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year, please stop by the Otsego Elementary Office between 8am-4pm during week days to pick up a registration packet, or you can download and print the forms from our school website (otsegoknights.org) under the Parent tab on the Elementary Page.
Feel free to bring proof of residency, certified original birth certificate, photo ID of parent/guardian, immunization record, and complete court file-stamped custody papers (if applicable) and we can make copies and add them to your student's file. If you are unable to bring them at this time, please plan to have them at your screening appointment in June.
If you have any questions regarding registration and/or screening please call the Otsego Elementary Office at 419-823-4381 Option 4.
Preschool Registration for 2020-2021
You can also fax your completed packets to the school (419-823-1703) or scan and email them to jhelberg@otsegoknights.org (we will collect your deposit separately if you choose this option)
*Please note: You will need your $210 deposit as well as the $40 supply fee with you when you register. If you qualify for free tuition with the required paperwork or are placed on the waiting list, your deposit/check will be returned.
*Students must turn 3 on or before August 1st, 2020, and be completely potty trained (unless on an IEP), to attend preschool. Also, 3 year olds may ONLY attend 2 or 3 days per week and are not eligible to attend more days.
*Students who are not Otsego School District Residents, and who are not following a staff member, will not be placed in a class until after June 1, 2020. You are still welcome to register at anytime.
Follow Us on Twitter
Preschool: @OtsegoPreK
Kindergarten: @OtsegoK1st Grade: @OtsegoFirst
2nd Grade: @OtsegoGrade2
3rd Grade: @OtsegoGrade3
4th Grade: @OtsegoGrade4
5th Grade: @OtsegoGrade5
School Counselor: @OEScounselor
Principal: @kbaughman723
Assistant Principal: @buchman_becky
STEM Teacher: @jemartinez714
PE Teacher: @AmyKonoff
School Nurse: @nursejaneots
Otsego Food Service: @Otsego_Cafe
Heard a rumor or have a question?
Katrina Baughman
Email: kbaughman@otsegoknights.org
Website: www.otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381 (4005)
Twitter: @kbaughman723
Becky Buchman
Email: bbuchman@otsegoknights.org
Website: www.otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381 (4009)
Twitter: @buchman_becky
Elizabeth Syrowski
Email: esyrowski@otsegoknights.org
Website: http://oesknightscounselor.weebly.com/
Phone: 419-823-4381 (4010)
Twitter: @OEScounselor
Bonnie Armitage
Email: barmitage@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381 (4001)
Jenny Helberg
Email: jhelberg@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381 (4003)
Deputy Brian Ruckstuhl
Email: bruckstuhl@otsegoknights.org
Phone: 419-823-4381 (2099)