OPS Connection August 2017 by Otsego Public Schools

A publication of Otsego Public Schools August 2017

Expect Excellence

Back to School! School starts September 5th

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From the Superintendent... Jeffery S. Haase Looking Back and Looking Ahead

I hope this summer has provided opportunities for you to do things and be with the people you enjoy most. As you traveled in your vehicle, I am sure you found using your rearview mirror to see what was behind was helpful as you continued to move forward. This same practice of looking back and looking ahead happens every summer at Otsego Public Schools, as we close one school year and prepare for the new one to begin in the Fall. As we look back, this summer has been extremely busy and productive. With the approval in March 2016 of the Building and Site Sinking Fund, we were able to begin Year 1 Projects focused on Energy Efficiencies, Site Improvements, and Safety and Security. (See the full details in the Spotlight article on page 6.) There were several improvements, but the the major

focus was on improving safety and security at all buildings in the district. In order to gain entrance, visitors will be required to use an Aiphone Intercom to request access. This notifies office staff of visitors, provides an opportunity to communicate, and once the door is released, visitors will enter and be greeted. Change often brings temporary challenges and we appreciate your patience as we work through issues that will occur during the first days and weeks of the new school year. As we look ahead, I am excited about new opportunities for our students, parents, staff and community. As I shared in the June OPS Connection, Otsego Public Schools will be asking voters in November to approve a Bond-Issued Extension that will NOT increase millage rates. This extension is to provide the community with a Nature-Based Early Childhood Center (see below), as well as enhance district technology. We have received a generous donation from a community member, with the goal of providing a preschool experience for

Early Childhood Center Concept Drawings

Drawings courtesy of Tower Pinkster

Left: This picture shows the main entrance and activity room as you begin to drive into the property. Below: This picture shows the circle drive for transportation and staff parking on the side of the building and the location of the 8 classrooms.

all 3 and 4 year olds in Otsego. There will also be childcare available for 3-5 year olds. The enhanced technology is designed to provide classroom devices in all elementary buildings, and for the secondary level to have a 1:1 environment for students. This Bond-Issued Extension is a result of refinancing existing bonds, which saved taxpayers over $13 Million in interest expense and reduced the payoff date by six years. With voter approval in November, the payoff date would return to the original and allow Otsego Public Schools to levy approximately $6.9 Million without raising the millage rate. A steering committee has been formed and will meet throughout the upcoming months to ensure information is available and distributed to all voters in Otsego. In addition, I will be holding informational meetings (see dates below.) Please plan to attend a meeting so I can share more details and answer any questions you might have. I am looking forward to another great year and if you have any concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Bond-Issued Extension Informational Meetings Tuesday, September 26th, 6:30pm Otsego Public Library Community Room Wednesday, October 18th, 6:30pm Otsego Middle School Auditorium Wednesday, October 25th, 6:30pm Otsego High School Media Center Wednesday, November 1st, 6:30pm Alamo Elementary Media Center Monday, November 6th, 6:30pm Otsego Historical Museum

Coffee with the Superintendent! Join Supt. Haase for Coffee & Conversation each month at Mezzo Coffee House at 10:00am & 6:00pm! Hear about a district topic and bring your questions.

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September 13th October 11th November 8th December 13th 2

January 10th February 14th March 14th

April 11th May 9th June 13th

Instructional Insight Reading Focus for K-12, New Reading Intervention Plans in Place Happy New Year! I know, it might seem courses to both our middle school and our like an odd time of year to use this greeting high school. At the elementary level, we but in the education world we often greet will be developing an Individual Reading each other this way at the start of a new Improvement Plan (IRIP) for those school year. We are so blessed to have students that are more than one grade two fresh starts each calendar year! With level behind according to our reading every new beginning there are new focus assessments. This will be done early in areas based on data from last year, things the year to try to catch struggling readers we learned or passions that lie within us at as soon as possible. All students in grades OPS. K-3 will be given reading assessments This year we will continue a very strong by October 6th. For those deemed more focus on reading. Michigan lawmakers than one grade level behind, an IRIP passed their “third grade reading bill” just will be developed by the school and the about a year ago giving a renewed focus on parent. This is a form that will document reading for grades K-3; the current reading scores, however, OPS has taken “It is our mission to grow an intervention plan on a K-12 reading focus as the part of the school, and all readers.” it is the most important a read-at-home plan for skill any person the parent. All of these can possess. To be a fluent and strong components are mandated as part of the comprehending reader creates success in new third grade reading law, but OPS other subject areas, enjoyment of texts for welcomes the IRIP process as we believe leisure, and the critical reading required on it is good practice to have these meetings, the job someday. create a collaborative plan and attack We have added reading intervention the need both at school and at home as

Director of Instruction, Heather Kortlandt

partners. If your child needs an IRIP, a letter will be sent home to explain the need and a future meeting date. What if your child is less than a full grade level behind but still struggles? While this will not require an IRIP, I can assure you that goals for every child will be set by the teacher, even those that are well above grade level. It is our mission to grow all readers. We hope that this focus area will continue to grow our students here at OPS. This is just another tool in our tool box along with programs like summer school and the Bookin’ Bus to help all our bulldogs become veracious readers!

Entire Staff to be CPR Trained Teachers Begin Piloting 1:1 Devices

Above, Michael Miller runs a training session on Google Classroom. Beow: teachers race to see who can build the tallet free-standing marshmallow-spaghetti tower, a favorite STEM activity..

As the district works to increase student access to technology resources and devices, a group of teachers are going through training in the 1:1 concept, where each student would have their own device to use as a part of some classroom instruction and assignments. Teachers had to apply for a spot in the pilot program. They are going through several training sessions this summer and throughout the school year to learn new ways to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms. Using Chromebooks, they are exploring methods of collaboration using Google Apps for Education. These tools will increase collaboration among teachers and students. All of these teachers will use Google Classroom allowing students to view and submit assignments online and get immediate feedback. These can also be used offline. In addition, teachers are focusing on digital citizenship with anticipated increased access to technology.

Otsego bus drivers were the first to go through the CPR training on August 8th.

Thanks to an American Heart Association “Family & Friends CPR Anytime” grant, Otsego Public Schools will train every staff member the core skills of Hands-Only CPR using their own personal kit which includes their own mini inflatable mannequin, instructional DVD, and reference cards for adult and child CPR, AED, Hands-Only CPR and choking. According to the AHA, each year nearly 300,000 victims are treated by emergency medical services for cardiac arrest which can happen to anyone at any time. In addition to training our employees, it is the intent of the grant for employees to take home the kit and train family members in HandsOnly CPR and refresh their skills often.

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Back-To-School Time! Breakfast & Lunch Prices

School Start / End Times Regular School Day Hours Alamo Elementary Dix Street Elementary Washington Street Elem. OMS & OHS

8:30am - 3:53pm 8:20am - 3:43pm 8:30am - 3:53pm 7:45am - 2:46pm

Delayed Start School Day Hours Begins Wednesday, September 13

Alamo Elementary 10:00am - 3:53pm Dix Street Elementary 9:50am - 3:43pm Washington Street Elem. 10:00am - 3:53pm OMS & OHS 9:15am - 2:46pm

Breakfast: Elementary Lunch : MS & HS Lunch: Milk only:

$1.40 $2.25 $2.45/$2.65/$2.85 $0.50

If you think you might qualify for free or reduced meals, please fill out an application; they are available online. If you have any questions, call 692-6167. If you’d like to add money to your child’s lunch account, go to the Parents section on our website, or click the icon in the app to go to Send Money to School. www.otsegops.org/parents www.sendmoneytoschool.com

Orientations / Open House Tuesday, August 29th New family orientation: 5:30-6:00pm Kindergarten (Parents Only) 6:00-6:45pm 1st-5th Meet & Greet - 6:30-7:30pm

Otsego Middle School

Otsego High School

Monday, August 21st

Wednesday, August 30th

Dix Street Elementary

Tuesday, August 22nd

Alamo Elementary

6th grade Parents Only Meet in auditorium

Wednesday, August 30th New family orientation: 4:45-5:15pm Meet, Greet & Find Your Seat - 5:15-6:00pm

6th grade Students Only 10am-9pm Orientation & Day Camp pictures for 6th grade students

Washington Street Elementary Wednesday, August 30th New family orientation: K-1st grade: 2nd - 5th grades:

6:30pm

Freshman Kickoff 1:30-3:00pm

Wednesday, September 13th OHS Open House 6:00-7:30pm

Please Note: •

Wednesday, August 30th

OMS Meet & Greet 6:00-7:30pm all grade levels pictures for 7th &8th grade students

4:15-4:45pm 4:45-5:30pm 5:30-6:15pm

• •

Elementary Teacher Assignments will be posted/mailed the week of August 21st. MS students receive schedules at orientation. HS students receive schedules the first day of school.

Bus Notes: Getting Ready for the Ride Your Child’s Bus Information The Transportation Department will mail a postcard to every student on our bus routes at the end of August; it will include their bus driver’s name, the bus number and animal as well as expected pick-up and drop-off times. Please have your child at the bus stop about 5 minutes before their scheduled

pick-up time. Bus Route Information Otsego Public Schools provides bus service to students within our district boundaries. Arrangements can be made for School of Choice students to meet at an established bus stop by contacting Carrie Barnhart, Transportation Supervisor, at 269-692-6245.

Reminder for Kindergarten Parents There is no bus pick-up for kindergartners on the first day of school, September 5th, since it is an open house. Bus service for kindergartners will begin the second day of school, Wednesday, September 6th. Patience, please There may be delays in pick-up and drop-off times for the first few days of school as everyone gets acclimated to a new school year. Contact Us If you have questions about bus service, routes, times, etc., contact Carrie Barnhart, Transportation Supervisor, at 269-6926245.

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Otsego Starts School Year with New Website! We’ve been busy this summer creating a new website for you! We hope you’ll find this site easy to navigate whether at home on a desktop/laptop or on the go on your phone; it is a mobile-friendly site filled with great information. One of the biggest differences you’ll notice is that the webpages you visit the most are larger and more visible on the front pages of the district and school sites in icons just below the large pictures. It also has a large calendar feature listing the upcoming events with easy access to the full calendar. It is the same calendar you’ll find on the OPS app so you can easily add events to your own personal calendar. It also has a Useful Links section that will lead to places often visited. In addition, each school building has its own features. It will look just like the district homepage but feature that building’s photos, calendar and specific offerings and directories. There will also be news stories from that building featured in News & Announcements. We hope you enjoy the new site! Check it out at www. otsegops.org.

Big Dawg Summer Camps a Big Success! It’s been a busy summer on the fields and courts at OPS for our Big Dawg Summer Camps. From the start of summer vacation until the end of July, 465 kids (K-12) learned new skills or brushed up on their current talents at our sports camps or in the summer Otsego Swim Club. Be sure to check out our Community Education link throughout the year for more offerings!

Otsego Board of Education 2017-18

Otsego’s Board of Education appointed two new members in recent months. Becky Gross was appointed in May to fill a vacancy and Rodger Gibson took his appointment in July for retiring member Bryon Campbell. Pictured: Front row from left: Treasurer Jay Petty, President Wendy Stafford, Vice President Scot Reitenour, Secretary Lisa Imus. Back row from left: Trustees Becky Gross, Jerry Robinson, Rodger Gibson.

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Building & Site Sinking Fund Year 1 Projects Complete Getting into each of our school buildings will be different this year thanks to voters’ generosity in passing the Building & Site Sinking Fund in March of 2016. Due to winter tax collection and the projects slated for year one, this summer was the first opportunity to get to work and a lot of work was completed in about 10 weeks. Each of our buildings now has a secured vestibule which means all visitors during the school day will have to enter through the office using a buzzer system. The safety and security of our students and staff has always been a priority and having a system to better track and serve our visitors is great for our district.

resurfaced and are ready for the fall season. Workers also replaced windows in two classrooms at Washington Street Elementary that were non-venting windows with an exterior door. WSE is also seeing work on heating & cooling. All pneumatic controls will be replaced with direct digital controls to increase energy efficiency. We appreciate your patience through the last few weeks as the work wraps up. Crews began demolition the week after school let out and completed the work this week so everything is ready to go for the new school year. Again, thank you to our voters for their support and commitment to Otsego Public Schools!

In addition to the secured vestibules, our tennis courts were

Bulldogs Bookin’ Bus on a Roll this Summer For the first summer on the road, the Bulldogs Bookin’ Bus mobile library greeted 200 kids and put 467 books into their hands to help them keep up their reading during break (as of August 7th.) The bus ran two days a week making four stops on Mondays and three stops on Thursdays. The Literacy Bus Committee chose locations that would reach a large number of students who could walk to the bus while also giving parents on the go some options to take part in this new attraction. We had 60 staff members and community members drive, volunteer and read on the bus. All of them had a great time! The committee will meet again this year to talk about procedures and locations and get it ready to roll out again next June! However, look for the bus at special occasions in the fall and spring! Check out more pictures from the Bookin’ Bus adventures on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/otsegops.

Above: Mrs. Bentley helps a student pick out a book. Right: Mr. Bushouse is the guest reader for a big audience at DSE.

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The Alamo Elementary stop was a busy place on Thursday mornings.

Community CONNECTION Students Take on Hometown Missions Otsego students helped out their neighbors in a big way this summer taking part in their Hometown Mission weeks at the local churches. Otsego United Methodist Church and St. Margaret’s Church youth groups both spent a week helping out the local community. OUMC youth completed house projects for members of their church, volunteered at the literacy bus stop at Lombardini Mobile Home Park by reading and playing games, and spent a day helping out at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. The kids also did random acts of kindness each day. St. Margaret’s youth also helped out residents with projects.

Love Week Stops in Otsego Each year, volunteers with Valley Family Church go to different communities to help out residents. They call it Love Week. This year, they stopped in Otsego at Dix Street Elementary. On July 26th, they cooked out hot dogs, passed out groceries to residents and gave backpacks to students that were full of school supplies. They also had face painting, games and clothing.

Summer Food & Fun!

10,000

meals this summer

200

meals/day

meal locations

The Meet Up and Eat Up Summer Food Program was a huge success in Otsego this year. OPS expanded the program from serving breakfast and lunch at one location to serving breakfast at both WSE and DSE and serving lunch at both schools and three mobile sites in hopes of reaching more families. There were also activities, like a Home Depot build, pirate day and science day, to go along with lunch. Just last week, we held Bulldogs Beautify, an event to tie into our riverfront mobile location that featured families cleaning up the riverfront then enjoying a fun day of games, city vehicle tours, the Bookin’ Bus, museum and, of course, free lunch!

Thank you, sponsors, for helping with

donations, materials and activities to make this summer meal program a bigger success! • JBS • VFW • 1st Congregational Church • McEwen Law Office • Otsego Area Historial Society • Winkel Funeral Home • Shopper’s Guide

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Summer Adventures! IChallengeUth Training and Teaching

Dave McCallum, OMS Tech Education teacher, attended training to be part of the Future Prep’d IChallengeUth summer program. After five sessions, he brought three OMS students to the program. There, 7th-9th grade students work in a team to solve a real-world issue they’re facing. OMS students were partnered with Trans-Matic Corporation in Holland and given a unique challenge to solve. Students learn the Creative Sequence problemsolving process and the Skills for Success framework to build soft skills. Students get the unique opportunity to explore innovative local businesses, learn new skills and meet new friends. The program ends with a competition in which one solution is crowned the winner by a panel of judges from local business and industry. Pictured is Mr. McCallum and his teaching partner in the program, Abby Fogg.

Studying at the Library of Congress OHS Biology teacher, Kristin Alkire, attended the Library of Congress Summer Institute on teaching with primary sources. A primary source is something created by a person with firsthand experience of the event at the time of the event and can be a photograph, map, sketch, book, audio recording or film. “It’s very authentic and it’s not reproduced through someone else’s filter,” she says, “When a student looks at a primary source, they have the opportunity to construct meaning for themselves from that source.” Participants learned strategies for examining primary sources as students and teachers. A part of the program also included an assignment to create an activity to use with her students using primary sources. She said the program offered her tools that will impact her teaching going forward. Alkire was one of just 26 educators chosen out of 300 applicants.

ELA Teachers Take on Third Coast OHS ELA teachers Jackie Trometter and Nancy Gaines took part in the Third Coast Writing Project Summer Institute; it’s an intensive workshop for teachers on writing, teaching and leadership. There are discussions, book studies, writing and great collaboration with other teachers of all grade levels. They learned strategies to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom and say they walked away with a better understanding of the writing process that students go through and how difficult it can be for students to share their work.

Running Across the Country

Across the Pond

Otsego’s Director of Instruction, Heather Kortlandt, got a few states closer to her goal of running a race in every state during a trip out west this summer. She’s always been an avid runner and would participate in races, but after running a couple on vacation, she came up with the idea of reaching every state. The goal is also a great excuse to get to all 50 states; she plans vacations around “getting states” and fits in runs when she can. The races vary from 5Ks to half marathons. This summer she ran in North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. Her two boys (pictured with her in Montana) are also joining her now if fun runs are available. It’s a great way for her to see the country, and enjoy the stops in a different way.

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Dix Street 3rd grade teacher, Jennifer Shearer, vacationed with her family in England this summer and visited Stonehenge as well as visiting family and sight-seeing. She said it was an incredible trip, was amazed by the history and loved the people and places she visited. She also found it interesting that in a place where we share a language, our cultures are very different.

Summer Adventures! NASA Space Camp - Out of this World!

Fifth grader Katie Cummins had an “out of this world” experience this summer when she attended Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. During her week, she designed and built robots for the Robotics Challenge. Since getting involved with the Otsego Elementary Robotics, Katie has shown an interest in robotics. While she never left Earth, her mom said she “had a blast.” Katie is pictured with one of the robots she help build with her team.

Saving the Sea Turtles Looking ahead to a career in marine biology, senior Anna Janke tested her passion for the field by attending Sea Turtle Camp – Marine Biology Immersion this summer, an 11-day camp at Topsail Island off the coast of North Carolina. Students spent their mornings feeding turtles, cleaning tanks and learning about each individual turtle as well as taking part in public tours. They also got to do beach sweeps, kayak through a salt marsh, go trawling on a college research vessel, attend an ocean plastic lecture, scavenge tide pools and participate in their own squid and shark dissections. They even got to Fighting for His Future witness a rare turtle release. She has made life-long friendships with other students around the country and can’t wait to find a college along the coast to attend after Anna holds a fish similar to a flounder graduation. caught on the college research trip.

Dancing in the Big Apple OMS 7th grader Robert Phillips won a scholarship last spring to attend the Joffrey Dance School for Musical Theatre in July. He spent five days in New York City working with choreographers and dancers from several Broadway shows including Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliott and Wicked. He also saw three musicals while he was there. The week culminated with a performance of two songs from Wicked at Marymount Manhattan College. A dancer at Patti Herm School of Dance since he was 4, he says this was a trip of a lifetime! He’s pictured with Maximilien Baud, who played Billy Elliott in the musical.

Learning the Law at Yale

Fighting for His Future

Senior Meagan Currie gained great insight into her future; she participated in the Law and Advocacy National Student Leadership Conference at Yale University. This 9-day conference included hours of lectures on various law topics and an opportunity for them to ask questions. It ended with a mock trial where each person in their group played a part in a case they were given. She learned a lot about law and met new friends from across the country. She is pictured on the far right with her mock trial team.

OHS Sophomore Owen Jones was fighting for his future as he traveled to Washington D.C. in June. Owen was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, essentially he was born with half a heart. He was one of three representatives from Michigan for the American Heart Assistance to lobby congress members (Sen. Gary Peters, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Rep. John Moolenaar and Rep. Fred Upton) to increase funding to the National Health Institute to advance research for heart disease and stroke. Owen has undergone four open heart surgeries; he’s been a volunteer and fundraiser for the American Red Cross. Biggest Loser star Bob Harper, who had a heart attack in February, also took time to lobby with the group.

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Legal Notices/ info for Otsego Public Schools Pesticide Advisory State of Michigan law requires schools that may apply pesticides on school property to provide an annual advisory to parents or guardians of students attending the facility. Please be advised that Otsego Public Schools utilizes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to control pests. IPM is a pest management system that utilizes all suitable techniques in a total pest management system with the intent of preventing pests from reaching unacceptable levels or to reduce an existing population to an acceptable level. Pest management techniques emphasizes sanitation, pest exclusion and biological controls. One of the objectives of using an IPM approach is to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical applications of pesticides. However, certain situations may require the need for pesticides to be utilized. OPS contracts with Rose Pest Solutions which inspects the District’s buildings on a regular basis. As required by State of Michigan law, you will receive advance notice regarding the non-emergency application of a pesticide such as an insecticide, fungicide or herbicide, other than a bait or gel formulation that is made to the school grounds or buildings during this school year. In certain emergencies, such as an infestation of stinging insects pesticides may be applied without prior notice to prevent injury to students but you will be notified following any such application. Advance notification of pesticide applications, other than a bait or gel formulation, will be given by two methods. We will post it at the main entrance to each school building. It will also be posted on the Otsego Public Schools website: www.otsegops.org, under the Announcements. Please be advised that parents or guardians of children attending the school are entitled to received the advance notice by first class United States mail postmarked at least three days before the pesticide application, if they so request. To receive these notifications by mail, complete the form below and return it to your child’s building principal. Parents or guardians of children attending the school may review the school’s Integrated Pest Management program and records of any pesticide application upon request. If you have questions regarding the pesticide application procedures, contact Ric Saucedo at 692-6166. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------REQUEST FOR NOTIFICATION OF PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS ______ Yes, I would like to receive prior notification of pesticide applications scheduled during the 2017-18 School Year by mail. ___________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date: _____________ Address: _______________________________________________________ Student’s Name: _____________________________________________ Student’s School: ____________________________________________ Grade: _______________________

Title IX & Section 504

The federal government has made legal provisions to ensure that no person is discriminated against on the basis of sex or handicap. In order to protect these rights and assure compliance, Jeffery Haase, Superintendent, and Alice Hoekstra, Special Education Director, serve as the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinators respectively for Otsego Public Schools. Any parent or guardian of a student or an employee who feels that the rights of a male or female handicapped person may have been misused in relationship to the provision of equal opportunity in educational programs and activities or in employment may contact the school. Inquiries concerning the application of, or grievances for either of these regulations should be addressed to: Jeffery Haase, Superintendent, or Alice Hoekstra, Special Education Director, Otsego Public Schools, 400 Sherwood St., Otsego, Michigan, 49078 or (269) 692-6066.

No Smoking in or Around Schools

All public school districts, including Otsego Public Schools, are tobacco free as of September 1, 1993, as mandated by Public Act 140 of 1993. This law was

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enacted to protect children, school employees and visitors from the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke. The Tobacco-Free Schools Act bans the use of tobacco products at all times in all buildings and grounds owned by the Otsego Public School District. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen. Tobacco smoke is now considered as lethal as asbestos, benzene and radon gas. Eliminating the use of tobacco products by persons on school property is expected to provide a healthier environment in which children can learn and promote healthier behavior.

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act

DeLisle Associates completes a regularly scheduled inspection of all remaining asbestos-containing materials in Otsego Public Schools. These inspections and routine six-month inspections performed by District personnel are part of our Management Plan. All asbestos materials in floor and ceiling tiles were removed during the renovation work that was completed during the summer of 2006. Parents who wish to review the District’s Management

Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

In compliance with Federal regulations, Otsego Public Schools has established the following guidelines concerning student records. Heather Kortlandt, Director of Instruction, is the Records Control Officer for the District and is responsible for the processing and maintenance of all student records. She can be reached at 400 Sherwood St., Otsego, MI or (269) 692-6066. Each student’s records will be kept in a confidential file located in each building principal’s office. The information in a student’s record file will be available for review only by the parents or legal guardian of a student, an adult student (18 years of age or older), and those designated by Federal law or District regulations. If not satisfied with the accuracy of the records or with the District’s compliance with the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act, a parent, guardian, or adult student has the right to request a change or addition to a student’s record, and to: A. Obtain a hearing with District officials, or B. File a complaint with the U.S. Office of Education. The District has established the following information about each student as directory information and will make it available upon a legitimate request unless a parent, guardian, or adult student notifies the Records Control Office in writing within 10 days from the date of this notification that they will not permit distribution of any or all information: A. Name, address, and telephone number B. Date and place of birth C. Photograph D. Major field of study E. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports F. Height and weight, if a member of an athletic team G. Dates of attendance, date of graduation, and awards received H. Any other information the District considers would not be harmful or an invasion of privacy, if disclosed. A copy of the Board of Education’s policy and the accompanying District regulations are available at the Superintendent’s office, 400 Sherwood St., Otsego. There will also be a person available to answer any questions concerning the policy or regulations.

Plan may do so by contacting Blair Brindley, Director of Finance & Operations, at (269) 692-6070.

Safe & Drug Free Schools Act Otsego Public Schools and the Allegan Area Educational Services Agency recognize and abide by the standards of the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act.

These standards prohibit the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, sale, distribution, or concealment of illegal drugs and alcohol in school programs, school vehicles, school premises, and at school sponsored activities on and off school property. Drugs include all controlled substances as defined by law, as well as “look-alike” drugs, steroids and alcohol. These standards apply to all Otsego Public Schools and Allegan Area Educational Service Agency students and staff. The use or abuse of drugs and alcohol poses serious health and safety risks to students. We urge students, parents, guardians, and care providers to work handin-hand with our district to ensure that these important standards are upheld.

Legal Notices/ info for Otsego Public Schools Weapons are prohibited

The Board of Education prohibits visitors from possessing, storing, making, or using a weapon in any setting that is under the control and supervision of the District for the purpose of school activities approved and authorized by the District including, but not limited to, property leased, owned, or contracted for by the District, a school-sponsored event, or in a District vehicle without the permission of the Superintendent. State law establishes a “Weapon-Free School Zone” that extends 1,000 feet from the boundary of any school property. The term “weapon” means any object which, in the manner in which it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented, is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health and safety of persons. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms, guns of any type, including air and gas-powered guns (whether loaded or unloaded), knives, razors, clubs, electric weapons,

JULY S

S 1

metallic knuckles, martial arts weapons, ammunition, and explosives. The Superintendent shall refer a visitor who violates this policy to law enforcement officials and may take any necessary steps to exclude the visitor from District property and District sponsored events. Exceptions to this policy include: A. Weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel; B. Items approved by a principal as part of a class or individual presentation under adult supervision, if used for the purpose of and in the manner approved; (Working firearms and ammunition shall never be approved.) C. Theatrical props used in appropriate settings; D. Starter pistols used in appropriate sporting events. These restrictions shall not apply in the following circumstances: A. A parent or legal guardian of a student of the school,

Otsego Public Schools 2017-2018 Calendar

August 30 PD Day

23 30 1

24 31

October 18 & 19 MS Evening Conferences 25 & 26 HS Evening Conferences November 20 All Students Half Day- MS/HS Exams/half day records; Elementary ½ day conf prep/Evening Conferences 21 All Students Half Day- MS/HS Exams/half day records; Elementary – PM and Evening Conferences; Last Day of 1st Trimester (56 Days) 22-24 Thanksgiving Break 27 First day of 2nd Trimester

AUGUST S

December Dec 21Jan 2 Winter Break

SEPTEMBER T

OCTOBER S

NOVEMBER S

19 26

September 4 Labor Day 5 First Day of School/First day of 1st Trimester

January 3 2nd Trimester Resumes 24 HS Evening Conferences 25 MS Evening Conferences

S 2

24 31

FEBRUARY T

April 2-6 Spring Break 9 3rd Trimester Resumes 25 MS Evening Conferences 26 HS Evening Conferences

School Hours 7:45 AM – 2:46 PM 7:45 AM – 2:46 PM 8:30 AM – 3:53 PM 8:20 AM – 3:43 PM 8:30 AM – 3:53 PM

Student Days: 180 Delayed Start = School will be delayed by 90 minutes. MS & HS Start at 9:15 AM Dix Starts at 9:50 AM WSE and Alamo Start at 10:00 AM

Otsego Public Schools

APRIL

MAY

All inclement weather make-up days will be held in June.

OHS OMS ALAMO DSE WSE

MARCH

No Students/Staff PD Day/Records, etc.

No School for Students or Staff

Holiday

Stay Connected F

June 1 HS Graduation 7 All Students Half Day-MS/HS Exams/half day records 8 All Students Half Day-MS/HS Exams/half day records 8 Last Day of School; Last Day of 3rd Trimester (59 Days)

May 23 HS Senior Swing Out Awards 28 Memorial Day

Delayed Start (33 days)

JANUARY

MS/HS Evening P/T Conferences

March 7 All Students Half Day-MS/HS Exams/half day records; Elementary1/2 day conf prep/Evening Conferences 8 All Students Half Day-MS/HS Exams/half day records; Elementary PM and Evening Conferences Last Day of 2nd Trimester (65 Days) 9 No School for Students or Staff 12 First Day of 3rd Trimester

DECEMBER T

who is properly licensed to carry a concealed weapon may carry a concealed pistol while in a vehicle on school property, if s/he is dropping the student off at the school or picking up the child from the school. B. A county corrections officer, a motor carrier officer, a State Police Capitol security officer, a member of a Sheriff ’s posse, a police or sheriffs reserve or auxiliary officer, or a State Department of Corrections parole or corrections officer, provided s/he is properly licensed to carry a concealed weapon and is on duty or in the course of his/her employment carry a concealed firearm on school property; C. A retired police or law enforcement officer, if properly licensed to carry a concealed weapon may do so on school property. The Superintendent shall take the necessary steps to prosecute for a violation of the Weapon-Free School Zone.

REE F e h t Get blic u p o g Otse pp! a s l o o Sch

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T 7

Revised 6/12/17

WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG

Administration/Business Office 269-692-6066 Superintendent Jeffery Haase 269-692-6076 Alamo Elementary 269-692-6150 Dix Street Elementary 269-692-6099 Washington Street Elementary 269-692-6069 Otsego Middle School 269-692-6199 Otsego High School 269-692-6166 Special Education 269-692-6233 Community Education / B.A.S.E. 269-692-6225 Learn ‘n Grow Preschool Alamo 269-692-6152 Dix Street 269-692-6099 Washington Street 269-692-6092 Athletics High School 269-692-6163 Middle School 269-692-6225 Transportation Department 269-692-6245 Carrie Barnhart, Supervisor OPS Foundation www.opsfoundation.org

Otsego Public Schools 400 Sherwood Street Otsego, MI 49078-1281

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Otsego, MI Permit No. 23

To: Postal Customer **ECRWSS**

Band Camp 2017 The Otsego Marching Band’s 2017 theme is “March Off The Earth” featuring the music of rock group “Walk Off The Earth.”

OPS Connection is published 4 times per year with printing by Premiere Printing Corporation, 720 N. Main St., Plainwell. It is distributed to all residents of the Otsego Public School district. Residents in the district who live north of “F” Avenue receive their newsletter via the Community Shopper’s Guide. Residents who live south of “F” Avenue and residents with Allegan and Gobles addresses receive their newsletter via the U.S. Post Office. Changes of address, suggestions, questions and contributed articles should be signed and sent to Holly McCaw, OPS Connection editor, Otsego Public Schools, 400 Sherwood Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1281. For more information, call Holly at (269) 692-6073. The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation or transgender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, “Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.