OPS Connection - August 2024

A publication of Otsego Public Schools August 2024

Expect Excellence

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From the Superintendent Looking Ahead to a New School Year

Jeffery S. Haase Otsego Superintendent

It is hard to believe we are preparing for another AMAZING year at Otsego Public Schools, but I hope you found time to relax with friends and family over the past few months.

The summer months have been busy in our district as they brought the completion of the May 2020 bond projects. All buildings received updates and/or improvements.

(More information is listed on the next page.) In addition to the bond projects, our custodial, maintenance and grounds teams have been working hard to ensure our facilities are ready for the arrival of our students on August 19th. We are looking forward to another great school year, and it’s always a great day to be a Bulldog!

In the June 2024 OPS Connection, I concluded my article by sharing the district was finishing facilities and program assessments, five-year student enrollment

projections, and a traffic study for the main campus and Dix Street Elementary. We also conducted a long-range financial analysis to ensure our buildings and facilities continue to be maintained or improved, so we can provide the best environment for our students, staff and community.

The purpose of these sessions will be for us to share the long-range financial analysis, facilities and program assessments, enrollment projections and traffic study, in addition to the proposed scope of district needs over the next 5-10 years. We want you to have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed improvements The Board of Education reviewed these so the district can make any necessary documents and is considering a bond extension adjustments. We cannot thank you enough in May 2025, which would generate $40 million for your support of Otsego Public Schools. dollars to address upcoming facility needs for We have an OUTSTANDING district and all buildings. It’s important to note that this that is a direct result of the community’s bond extension would not raise the debt commitment, support and involvement. millage, but extend our current millage to the year 2039. As the Board of Education As we look forward to the upcoming considers a May 2025 Bond Extension, we want open houses and the first day of school, to share information and receive feedback from we hope you and your student(s) have a our students, parents, staff, and community. great school year. If you have any concerns or just want to reach out, please stop by We encourage you to attend one of the the administration office or attend the following Community Conversations: Superintendent Coffees, which will be held • October 15th, 6:30pm, Alamo Media Center on the 2nd Wednesday of every month • October 16th, 6:30pm, DSE Media Center beginning in September. The morning • October 17th at 6:30pm, WSE Media Center coffee will be at Mezzo Coffee House at • October 22nd, 6:30pm, OMS Media Center 10:00am; and the evening session will be • October 23rd, 6:30pm, OHS Media Center held virtually at 6:00pm.

• October 24th, 6:30pm, Otsego Public Library

New Leadership for Schools, Programs Sarah Taylor is returning to her roots with the Dix Street principal position.

She is from Vicksburg and lived in West Michigan most of her life. She has 22 years in education. She started her teaching career in Paw Paw as a 7th grade math, science and ELA teacher and also taught in Comstock before moving into administration at Pennfield Schools in Battle Creek. She was most recently the elementary principal/ superintendent in Fairview. She’s excited to be back and join the Bulldog family.

Mark VanderKlok brings his leadership to a new level, taking over as principal of Otsego Middle School. VanderKlok started his 14-year career in Otsego first as a student teacher, then elementary teacher.

He was the principal at Centerville Elementary for 3 years before returning in 2021 as the Dix Street principal.

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Mark Rollandini has been an Otsego administrator for 21 years and moves into the role of Director of Secondary Instruction. He has 28 years in education starting as a middle school social studies in Plainwell. He’s began at OPS as the OHS Assistant Principal, then Dix Street Principal and MTSS (MultiTiered Systems of Support) Director at OPS.

Damien Ross adds a second role to his Otsego resume as the new Community Education Coordinator, this after being named the Varsity Head Football coach this spring. Ross is originally from South Haven and graduated with a sports management degree from Siena Heights; he also has a masters in business and will bring years of recreational experience to our programs. He’s most recently been working at Battle Creek Public Schools and is thrilled to be at Otsego in both departments.

Facility Upgrades Summer 2024 Project Highlights at OPS A first impression is unmatched and for a school district, that first impression is often their facilities. At Otsego, we take great pride in our facilities and we’re fortunate that our community does too. Work crews were at every building this summer completing a long list of facility projects, improvements and upgrades. Much of it was behind the scenes, but the impact will be felt - especially when it’s hot out.

Most of the projects fell into the final series of projects identified in the May 2020 bond, we want to thank our community and voters for supporting Otsego schools and your commitment to helping us provide exceptional facilities and learning environments for our students.

One of the major projects was the addition of air conditioning to cafeterias and kitchens at Alamo, Dix Street and the Middle School. (Air conditioning will also be installed throughout the fall/winter for the gyms at Alamo and Dix Street.)

Two of the most visible projects were at the High School and Middle School. The high school track was resurfaced and relined. A few damaged areas were also replaced. At the middle school, all new lockers have been installed.

Crews spent significant time up on our roofs as well. Roof replacements took place at Alamo and Dix Street (where the remainder of a previous roof project was completed).

Classrooms at Alamo will be much more comfortable in both the heat and cold with new unit ventilators providing more efficient heat and A/C.

Student Health Center Summer Transformation The one project outside the scope of the May 2020 bond was the construction of the new Student Health Center. The center is housed where the old girls locker room used to be that was attached to the old pool at Washington Street Elementary. Construction began this spring with demolition of the old lockers and equipment but really kicked into high gear this summer. This old locker room has been transformed into a medical facility with exam rooms, restrooms, a lobby, new floors and a new outside vestibule and entrance to name a few. The scheduled completion date is mid-September.

Through about $700,000 in state funding, this health center will increase access to care for our families. This facility includes physical and mental health care for students ages 3-21 for needs such as primary care, preventative care, immunizations, vision and hearing screening, and much more. Learn more and stay up to date on this project on our website at www.otsegops.org/studenthealthcenter.

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Back to School Bus Notes

Key Dates / Info Elementary Orientation / Open House: Alamo Elementary - Dix Street Elementary - Washington Street Elementary -

August 14th August 15th August 15th

*Exact times and details will be mailed to your home with welcome back letters.

First Day of School (1st-5th) August 19th Kindergarten Open House August 19th Kindergarten 1st Day of School August 20th

Middle & High School What you need to know before school Need to Set Up Transportation?

If you are new to the area, or want to use school transportation this year, contact the Transportation Department as soon as possible to be placed on a route. Call 269-694-7940.

Your Child’s Bus Information The Transportation Department will mail a postcard to every student on our bus routes; it will include their bus driver’s name, the bus number and animal as well as expected pick-up and drop-off times.

Reminder: Kindergarten Parents There is no bus pick-up for kindergartners on August 19th since it is an Open House. Bus service for kindergartners will begin their second day of school on August 20th.

Patience, please There may be delays in pick-up and dropoff times for the first few weeks of school as everyone gets acclimated to a new school year.

Contact Us If you have questions about bus service, routes, times, etc., contact the Transportation Office at 269-694-7940.

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Freshman orientation: Open House (OMS & OHS) First day of school:

August 14th, 1-2:30pm August 15th, 5:30-7pm August 19th

Otsego Virtual Academy K-12 Open House: First day of school:

August 14th, 4:30-6pm August 19th

Preschool Learn ‘n Grow Early Childhood Education Center Parent Orientation: August 13th, 14th & 29th

*Specific times and details will be sent to families along with the school year calendars

SCHOOL START / END TIMES Regular School Day Hours

Delayed Start School Day Hours

OMS & OHS 7:45am - 2:46pm Dix Street Elementary 8:20am - 3:43pm Alamo Elementary 8:30am - 3:53pm Washington Street Elem. 8:30am - 3:53pm

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

For all things Back-To-School: otsegops.org/back-to-school 4

School Begins August 19th Notification for school closings, delays When we close school or issue a delay, we will post this information in several ways to ensure the message gets to our families.

• Phone call, email and text through Infinite Campus (be sure to set your preferences to be notified in Infinite Campus) • Local TV stations • Facebook/Instagram • Website

More Than a Meal application Did You Benefits app) provides much more than free or reduced school meals. It Know? could mean discounts for your family on fees and services, and determines a The Federal Free and Reduced Meal Application (or Summer EBT & Education

portion of the Federal Funding our District receives!

We encourage every family to complete this form to see if you qualify.

Complete one form per family - it only takes a few minutes Go to otsegops.org/departments/food-service to get started

Plus!

Students who qualify for Free OR Reduced Price MEALS Can also....

...receive discounts on home internet access, wireless and network services, and discounts on Chromebook fees.

...receive discounts on fees when taking the SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement (AP) tests.

...receive tuition assistance and discounted fees on college applications

Keep your Information Updated Otsego uses the contact information for parents/ guardians and emergency contacts listed in our the Infinite Campus Parent Portal (called Campus Parent on the app). This is an important feature to get familiar with for all families. This is what we use to share school closings and delays, important notifications or alerts. Once the annual review period is over at the start of the year, keeping your contact information updated is easy.

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Log into Infinite Campus Go to Household Information.

Click on family members to update information.

Click on Contact Preferences to select how you prefer to receive messages. (Note: we ask everyone to select “email” as not all messages are sent through voice call or text.)

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Michelle Triemstra, Director of Technology at mtriemstra@otsegops.org.

Focus on Safety - New Visitor Sign-in Procedures This fall, we are implementing a new visitor sign-in procedure to continue our focus on safety for students and staff. If you are visiting the school and will spend time in the building, you will stop at the main office as usual. Your ID will be scanned and you’ll receive a Visitor ID Label with your photo, name and location you are visiting. This allows others in the building to immediately know the visitor is welcome in the school and checked in at the office. IDs will be screened against the registered sex offender databases and a custom database created/maintained by each school that could include banned/restricted visitors, individuals with restraining orders, etc.

When the visit is over, you’ll sign out at the main office. Adding this level of security does not add a lot of time to the sign-in process, but will provide an added layer of safety and comfort.

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Purple Week 2024 September 30 - October 5

Otsego is preparing to host its 8th Purple Community Event to raise awareness and raise money for cancer and Parkinson’s research at Van Andel Institute.

It’s a time when our entire school and community come together for a common cause. This year’s theme - One Cause One Community - epitomizes the mission of Purple Week at Otsego Public Schools. Almost all of us know someone impacted by cancer or Parkinson’s Disease and in our compassion for our loved ones, we become passionate advocates for the medical research combating these diseases.

Every other year, OPS holds a Purple Week where we come together, trade in our blue & gold and go purple to support those in the fight with these diseases and focus on hope. With Van Andel Institute’s Purple Community fundraisers, 100% of proceeds go directly to medical research. To date, Otsego has donated almost $150,000; this year’s goal is $30,000. There are many ways to show your support and we hope you’ll join us in this effort!

APPAREL

BANNERS

5K RUN/WALK

JERSEYS

Donning our purple apparel shows the support of our community for this incredible cause. Your purchase supports the medical research and this year’s selection covers you from head to toe!

• T-shirts (short and long sleeve) • Sweatshirts (crewneck and hoodies) • Sweat pants • Plaid PJ pants • Personalized insulated coffee mugs Sale tables will be set up at building orientation events or you can order online.

Honor a loved one impacted by cancer or Parkinson’s Disease with this special display. Light post banners hang in downtown Otsego during Purple Week and for several weeks after. Each one is double-sided with your loved one’s photo and the illness they are battling or have battled.

The 5K is back for this year’s Purple Week! Get showered with purple as you run or walk along this creative course that winds around the schools on our main OPS campus. This is a timed event but also a fun one with purple stations along the route. This fun 5K wraps up Purple Week.

• When: Saturday, October 5th • Time: 9am • Where: Otsego High School • Cost: $30 (includes shirt)

Our athletes will once again wear special purple jerseys with the name of a loved one to honor on the back.

Athletes get first opportunity to sponsor their own jersey.

Any jerseys not sponsored by the athlete are available for community members. If you would like to sponsor a jersey, the athlete will wear the jersey with the name of your choice on the back during their contest, then the jersey will be cleaned and given to the sponsor to keep. (Jersey sizes will match the athlete.)

DONATE

Banners can honor a survivor, someone currently battling the illness or to those who have passed. Each banner is $150.

For Purple Event Schedule, Purchase Links and more info SCAN THE QR CODE

One of the most impactful ways to support Purple Week is with your monetary donation.

Every dollar raised goes directly to research and Van Andel scientists. VAI calls it 100% Hope.

The 2024 Purple Committee set a goal to raise $30,000 which would be the most ever raised in one event for Otsego.

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Fill out the interest form online if you’d like to get on a waiting list for a jersey.

Prices are: • Football jersey: $100 • Soccer jersey: $50 • Volleyball jersey: $50 • Tennis: $50 • Cheer jersey: $50 • Golf: $50

Community CONNECTION City, School Team Up for Summer Fun Event Series

Otsego Rotary Supports Student Leaders Four high school students had the opportunity to hone their leadership skills at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards From left, Grace DeBoer, Mackenzie McCaw, Colin (RYLA) Camp.

Fitzpatrick, Jarred Curtiss “It brought me out of my comfort zone numerous times where I had the chance to further expand my team working skills,” says junior Jarred Curtiss who attended along with Colin Fitzpatrick (Jr), Grace Deboer (Jr) and Mackenzie McCaw (Sr).

Each Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon - when the weather cooperated - area kids and families could enjoy a fun event with free meals and activities. The City of Otsego held events Tuesday nights at the TOP Pavilion where our food service team served up dinner. On Wednesday afternoons, Northside Park was the place to be for free lunch and great events like a magic show, Home Depot building kits and our school supply giveaway. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping us make this happen for our families!

Thank you to our sponsors!

• Otsego Public Schools Foundation • Fetzer Institute • Parker Hannifin • Meijer • Costco • Forester Financial • The Home Depot

The Otsego Rotary sponsored the kids’ to attend the three-day camp at Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center. All of them shared they enjoyed meeting other people from the area and the different events. “The camp allowed us to connect with kids from other schools while learning how to make a difference in our community,” says senior Mackenzie McCaw. They enjoyed outdoor activities like a ropes course and canoeing, team-building activities and leadership projects.

They planted a pollinator garden as their weekend service project. “Overall I learned a lot of new skills during the camp and I believe I became more open and a better leader,” says Fitzpatrick.

Bookin’ Bus a Big Hit The Bulldogs Bookin’ Bus hit the road with summer’s arrival and hundreds of books got into the hands of our students and families. We welcomed dozens of kids throughout the summer at four different stops. Thank you to all of our volunteer drivers and helpers. Even Otsego’s City Manager and Police Chief drove the bus to make sure we were getting books to kids. The bus has books for kids of all ages. We loved seeing the younger siblings get excited about reading with those already in school. (Any books that need to be returned can be dropped off at any elementary school office.)

Each student was in a group that identified a world problem, and proposed solutions. The groups delivered a presentation on their topic at the Sunday family picnic. These students say it was a great learning experience, “Not only were we taught leadership skills like integrity and confidence, we also learned how to serve our community and care for the environment,” says DeBoer.

FREE Summer Meal Program a Success We were proud to continue a summer tradition at Otsego Public Schools in serving FREE meals to families! Through an application process with the USDA, Otsego was able to provide breakfast and lunch for free to all kids ages 0-18 at several locations. Our food A group of kids and their families enjoyed lunch at Northside Park. service team served about 12,000 meals this summer to those who visited our schools, mobile sites and the Tuesday evening events at the TOP Pavilion.

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Summer Fun at OPS Sports Camps!

Field Trip Fun! Wednesdays during the summer are field trip days for our BASE program. The kids went on several new adventures this year. From the alligator sanctuary to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and a local splash pad, the kids had a great time!

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OMB Heads Under the Sea for 2024 Season Sticking with the “blue” theme (last year’s was Ice Blue), the Otsego Marching Band is learning this year’s show “Ocean Blue”. A traditional sea chantey was a suggestion for director Mitch Piersma and he says adding more songs with a nautical theme was fairly natural. Sea chanteys will be “To the Word,” “The Wellerman,” “What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor” and “The Sailor’s Hornpipe.” The classical songs for the show are “Overture to the Flying Dutchman” by Richard Wagner and “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius.

Pop tunes are in the show as well. You’ll hear “My Heart will Go On” from the Titanic, “Come Sail Away” by Styx, and “Jaws” by John Williams.

“There will be a few surprises and snippets from other tunes as well,” Piersma says.

The show will portray adventures on the sea.

About a third of the field will be covered with a tarp depicting a picture of the bottom of an ocean. “We want to give the audience a feeling of being out at sea, which of course lends itself to a lot of special effects and moves,” he says. There are 96 members in this year’s band. They are young; 66 members are freshmen and sophomores. “I am looking forward to seeing what this year’s group can do. There is a lot of talent spread across all grades.”

Drum Majors Gain Leadership at Ball State

KEY FALL DATES:

The 2024 OMB drum majors, senior Madi Dendel and junior Kendra Vlietstra, had a fun week at Ball State University at drum major camp. This will be Dendel’s third year as a drum major and Vlietstra’s first. A highlight was “just being able to work with Kendra at camp,” Dendel says. “Whatever we needed, the staff was helpful in connecting us together in the way we conduct and the way we do things.”

Drum majors Madi Dendel (left) and Kendra Vlietstra

Home football games - 9/6, 9/13, 10/4, 10/18 Invitationals: • Sept. 21 - Portage Central Invitation • Sept. 28 - Otsego Band Invitational • Oct. 5 - Hastings Invitational • Oct. 12 - Vicksburg Invitational • Oct. 19 - Grandville & East Kentwood

The camp also provided them with key leadership skills, “How to make everyone feel welcome and how to interact with different types of people,” Vlietstra says.

Dendel is thankful the camp provides her with “opportunities to be able to grow.” A highlight of the week was Dendel being chosen to conduct part of a show with the Drum Corps International (DCI), which they explain is basically the NFL of marching bands. “We also got to work with their drum majors and further our skills.”

Musicians Take on Challenge at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Six Otsego musicians attended the coveted Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. “It was the perfect blend of fun and challenges, allowing me to grow as a musician and human being,” says.Junior Grace DeBoer. “Being away from modern day distractions and being completely surrounded by the arts was the experience of a lifetime.”

“It was fun to meet new people and to play more challenging music,” says David Patin of the 12-day experience. Also attending were Laura Schreiner, Kaleb Koestner, Callan Davis and Oliver Stassek. Laura Shreiner and Amelia Tuttle also attended the Kalamazoo Chamber Music Workshop this summer.

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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 News & 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. If you would like to be notified by mail, please contact Nate Jepkema, Director of Operations, at 269-694-7922. Please give your name, mailing address and what school(s) your child(ren) attend and they will put your name on the advance notification by US Mail list.

Website accessibility policy

Otsego Public Schools’ Board of Education approved a Web

Accessibility Policy on June 14, 2018. This policy is located within the Accessibility tab at the bottom of the OPS main website: www.otsegops.org. For accessibiity issues or questions, contact the District’s Web Accessibility Coordinator, Holly McCaw, at hmccaw@otsegops.org or 269-694-7910.

No Smoking in, 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 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 Plan may do so by contacting Jeff Haase, Superintendent, at (269) 694-7902.

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 hand-in-hand with our district to ensure that these important standards are upheld.

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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) 694-7906.

Weapons are prohibited

Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

In compliance with Federal regulations, Otsego Public Schools has established the following guidelines concerning student records. Mark Rollandini, Director of Secondary Instruction, is the Records Control Officer for the District and is responsible for the processing and maintenance of all student records. Her office is located at 400 Sherwood St., Otsego, MI or can be reached by calling (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.

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, 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, 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.

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Summer Fun at the Otsego Aquatic Center

The Otsego Aquatic Center was a busy place this summer with swim lessons, diving lessons, Otsego Aquatic Club practice and meets, open swim times, parties, aqua aerobics and lap swim.

Follow Otsego Aquatic Center onFacebook! facebook.com/OAC

Stay up to date on new programming and daily calendar online! www.otsegops.org/community/oac

MONDAY AUGUST 19TH - NOVEMBER 15TH CONTACT US FOR LESSONS OR PRIVATE PARTIES! MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

AM LAP SWIM 6-7AM

PRIVATE LESSONS 9AM-11AM

AM LAP SWIM 6-7AM

OPEN SWIM 10AM-12PM

AM LAP SWIM 6-7AM

NOON LAP SWIM 12:30-2:30PM

NOON LAP SWIM 12:30-2:30PM

PRIVATE LESSONS 8:30-12:30PM

POOL PALS 6-7PM

OPEN SWIM 6-8PM

PRIVATE LESSONS 9AM-12PM

SWIM WITH ME! 11-11:30AM

PRIVATE LESSONS 9AM-12PM

NOON LAP SWIM 12:30-2:30PM

NOON LAP SWIM 12:30-2:30PM

DEEP LAP SWIM 10AM-12PM

AQUA AEROBICS 6-7PM

AQUA AEROBICS 6-7PM

OPEN SWIM 12:30-2:30PM

PM LAP SWIM 6-8PM

PM LAP SWIM 6-8PM

AQUA AEROBICS 6-7PM PM LAP SWIM 6-8PM

PRIVATE PARTY TIME AVAILABLE BETWEEN 1-6PM CONTACT TO RESERVE TODAY!

PM LAP SWIM 7-8PM

SCHEDULE CHANGES

There will be no PM activities on Home Meet Evenings or Friday September 13th Monday - Friday schedule adjusted week of September 23rd - October 7th for School Swims

See Website & Facebook for details

HOME MEETS WED 8/28 RELAY MEET THU 9/5 VS HAMILTON TUE 9/17 VS ALLEGAN TUE 10/1 VS PLAINWELL PURPLE MEET! TUE 10/15 VS HARPER CREEK THU 10/17 VS WAYLAND SAT 10/19 INVITE FRI 11/1 SUN 11/3 ARENA INVITE FRI 11/8 & SAT 11/9 SCC LEAGUE MEET

FACILITY CLOSED SATURDAY AUGUST 31ST, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND & SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH

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WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG

Contact Us

Administration/Business Office 269-694-7900 Superintendent Jeffery Haase 269-694-7902 Alamo Elementary 269-694-7600 Dix Street Elementary 269-694-7700 Washington Street Elementary 269-694-7800 Otsego Middle School 269-694-7500 Otsego High School 269-694-7400 Special Education 269-694-7907 Community Education / B.A.S.E. 269-694-7930 Learn ‘n Grow Early Childhood Education Center

269-694-7960 Athletics High School 269-694-7405 Middle School 269-694-7500 Transportation Department 269-694-7940 Carrie Barnhart-Root, Supervisor OPS Foundation www.opsfoundation.org

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

2024-25 School Year Calendar August 19 - 1st day of school (No school on Fridays in August) September 2 - No school - Labor Day 4 - Delayed Starts begin October 15 & 16 - MS P/T conferences 16 - HS P/T conferences 18-21- No School, Fall Break November 12-14 - Half days of school (HS exams, elementary P/T conferences) 15 - No School, end of trimester 25-29 - No School, Thanksgiving break December 23 - Winter break begins January 6 - School resumes February 3-7 - No School, Mid-Winter Break 13 - MS P/T Conferences March 4-6 - Half days of school (HS exams, elementary conferences) 7 - No school, end of trimester April 4-11 - No School, Spring Break 24 - MS P/T conferences May 21 - Final Delayed Start 26 - No school, Memorial Day June 11-12 - Half days of school 12 - Last day of school

OPS Connection is published 4 times per year with printing by RiverRun Press, 600 Shoppers Lane, Parchment, MI 49004. It is distributed to all residents of the Otsego Public Schools district. Residents in the district who live north of “G” Avenue receive their newsletter via the Community Shopper’s Guide. Residents who live south of “G” Avenue, and School of Choice families, receive their newsletter via the U.S. Post Office. Changes of address, suggestions, and questions should be signed and sent to Holly McCaw, Director of Communications, Otsego Public Schools, 400 Sherwood Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1281. For more information contact Holly at (269) 694-7910 or hmccaw@otsegops.org.

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.

WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG

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