Looking Ahead to a New School Year

Jeffery S. Haase

Dear students, parents, and staff of Otsego Public Schools,

As we approach the start of a new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you. I hope you had a rejuvenating summer break and are ready for an amazing school year. I would also like to extend a special welcome to the families who are new to our district and community. We are thrilled to have you as part of the Otsego Public Schools family.

Over the summer, our dedicated staff has been actively engaged in various summer school programs and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. Our custodial, maintenance, and ground teams have been working diligently to ensure that our facilities are well-prepared to welcome everyone back on August 21st. Moreover, we are eagerly looking forward to the opening of our new Otsego Aquatic Center in early November. We will be organizing open houses in September, giving our community the chance to explore this fantastic addition to our district. Details will be shared through our school newsletters, district website, and social media platforms as those dates are finalized.

This summer has also seen the arrival of over 30 new employees as we continuously strive to build a strong team of passionate and talented educational professionals. We believe that providing our students with the best educators is key to their success. Please join me in welcoming these new staff members to the Otsego Public Schools family.

As we gear up for another successful year, I’m looking forward to continuing our Superintendent Coffees on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, starting in September. These gatherings will take place at Mezzo Coffee in downtown Otsego at 10 am. Additionally, I will be holding parent and community forums at each building throughout the school year, offering an opportunity to share updates about the district and discuss future plans for Otsego Public Schools. Keep an eye out for specific dates in early September.

We have so much to look forward to in the coming months, including open houses and various fall activities. Our team is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, and we can’t wait to see all of you at these events.

If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Let’s work together to make this school year a memorable and successful one for all!

New Face for Community Education

Otsego dad and retired Allegan County Sheriff’s Department Deputy, Phil Arnsman, is the new School Resource Officer (SRO) for Otsego Public Schools.

After serving 26.5 years in law enforcement, he retired in July and took on this new role. The SRO position is possible through state funding and a partnership between OPS and the Otsego Police Department. It’s a part-time position, active during the school year. Arnsman is already a regular volunteer at school and is excited about expanding his involvement throughout the district. “I enjoy being around the kids and am looking forward to being in the district and hopefully being a positive role model for kids,” he says. Arnsman believes the SRO can help students see law enforcement in a more positive light. “We love being a part of the Otsego school system, OPS genuinely has the kids’ best interests in mind and I’m glad to be a part of the team,” he adds.

Otsego Public Schools has a new face overseeing our Community Education programming. Scott McDougall will take on that role starting this school year. McDougall also teaches a PE class at the high school and is the Varsity Football Head Coach.

Community Education offers a variety of programs for youth and adults with a mission that everyone has the chance to participate, learn and have fun! Be on the lookout soon for fall programming details and registration. We’ll offer Spikers volleyball, Sharp Shooters basketball, adult rec opportunities and Segment 2 Drivers Education. You can find full details at otsegops.org/departments/communityed.