A publication of Otsego Public Schools Fall 2023
Expect Excellence
1
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
From the Superintendent Student Health Center Coming in 2024-25
Jeffery S. Haase Otsego Superintendent
As we enter the holiday season, I hope you have plenty of opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family. With this time of year, we also are reminded that we are already one-third of the way through the school year, and the second trimester is already in full swing. Speaking of full swing, I am excited to share that the district is continuing to move forward with a student health center, which is in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), InterCare and OnPoint. As you may know, Otsego Public Schools was awarded a planning grant in the Spring of 2023, which required the completion of six objectives prior to September 30, 2023. The initial objective was to create a Community Advisory Council, which was composed of over 20 individuals including students, staff, parents, and both medical and mental health partners. This council assisted in the completion of the remaining five objectives, which have now been approved by MDHHS and the district can move forward with implementation.
During the implementation phase, Otsego Public Schools, in collaboration with our partners, has developed a floor plan and site plan that meets guidelines established by MDHHS. The district plans to move forward with an Alternative Clinic Model based on our needs assessment that was conducted prior to applying for the planning grant. The goal of an Alternative Clinic Model is to deliver highquality, accessible, and youth-friendly services that include routine health maintenance, immunization assessment and administration, treatment for chronic and acute illnesses, and mental health services. This model allows the student health center to be open three days a week for a total of twenty-four hours and serve students between the ages of three and twenty-one. Students can be seen regardless of their health insurance status. Clinic staff will include a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, social worker and medical receptionists. The Health Clinic will be located at Washington Street Elementary; we will remodel the existing girls locker room that is associated with the pool. The pictures show an artist rendering of the center and floor plan. Construction is scheduled to begin in March with completion in early August. We plan to open the center at the
1 RECEPTION 2 REGISTRATION 3 COUNSELING 3
6
4 EXAM ROOM 5 EXAM ROOM
4
5
6 LABORATORY 7 TELEHEALTH 8 RESTROOM 7
9 PHYSICIAN OFFICE
8
10 CUSTODIAL 2
11 ELECTRICAL / DATA
9
10
1
11
start of the 2024-25 school year. We have plans to include students in the process with murals to be developed and painted by them to display inside the health center. We look forward to bringing you more updates as we start the new year. I know this time of year can be busy, but I hope you and your family have a wonderful and relaxing holiday season. Thank you for your continued support of Otsego Public Schools.
Rittenhouse Named Educator of the Year
Aldrich Named 2023 DAR Good Citizen
Special Education Teacher, Allie Rittenhouse, is the recipient of the 2023 Educator of the Year award sponsored by the Otsego/Plainwell Chamber of Commerce. Rittenhouse has taught for nine years; this is her third year at OPS. She began as the high school autism classroom teacher and moved to Dix Street Elementary this year to teach the Early Childhood Special Education preschool classes. Rittenhouse’s passion for education is inclusion. She led an effort for a student-led Inclusion Week at the high school and started a Unified Champion Schools bocce ball and soccer team. “I truly believe that all students can and will learn and that they deserve to be included and treated with respect and love. All students deserve opportunities to participate in school and extracurriculars. The joy and excitement that the students feel and express makes it worth it,” Rittenhouse says.
Senior Aly Aldrich is the 2023 DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Good Citizen Award Winner for Otsego High School. This award is chosen by the staff and goes to someone who exemplifies good citizenship and possesses the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, school and communities. “Earning the DAR Good Citizen award has only made me want to further my involvement and time spent volunteering,” Aldrich says. She’s a captain on the varsity volleyball, tennis and basketball teams; she’s a class officer, National Honor Society Vice President, Class officer, Student Council Secretary, involved in the purple committee and DC Strong. “All of my volunteer hours have been geared toward one goal; bettering the community. Whether it is being a part of Van Andel’s Purple Committee or Student Council, every act of service helps.”
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
2
Instructional Insight What’s Cookin’? with OPS Coaches Instructional coaching has become a widespread practice in schools, and OPS is no exception. Gina Watson and Sara Jewett serve as Instructional Coaches to support K-5 teachers across the district. Recognizing the complexity of teaching and the challenge of selfreflection during the teaching process, OPS has implemented a coaching plan to
enhance the skills of its educators. Research has shown that instructional coaches significantly elevate the skill levels of teachers. In fact, teachers with coaches exhibit effectiveness comparable to those with five to 10 years of experience compared with those without.
An important role for an instructional coach is to build a collaborative partnership with the teacher where together, they can identify goals and areas of improvement. The coaching process involves joint decision-making on classroom strategies that best align with the teacher’s goals. Coaches may engage in various activities, including: • modeling instructional techniques • observation sessions • co-teaching • collaborative planning and reflection meetings This multifaceted approach ensures an individualized and effective outcome to support each teacher’s professional growth. Our coaches also plan and conduct professional learning during some delayed starts, conduct book studies at lunch and after school throughout the year, as well as lead learning labs within buildings. In these learning labs, a group of teachers observe one teacher and coaches lead a reflective session between the group.
Heather Kortlandt Director of Instruction
We can see the positive impact our instructional coaches are having at the elementary level; OPS has taken a strategic approach and plans to expand this support to middle and high school teachers in the future. The commitment to expanding the coaching program reflects OPS’s dedication to continuous improvement throughout the entire educational spectrum. By investing in instructional coaching, OPS aims to create a culture of ongoing professional development, benefiting both teachers and students. The success of this initiative will contribute to a positive and progressive educational environment within the district; inevitably our students will benefit as their teachers refine their skills in order to impact student achievement.
Tech Director Chosen for Google Champions for Education Symposium It wasn’t the luck of the Irish, but her work as a technology education champion for staff and students that earned Otsego’s Director of Technology, Michelle Triemstra, a spot at the Google Champions for Education Symposium in Dublin, Ireland this November. “I was very surprised, yet honored. There are approximately 8,000 Google Champions worldwide who could have applied,” she says. Triemstra was chosen to attend this symposium with just 150 others from 80 countries. The three-day symposium consisted of keynote speakers and master classes to learn how others are champions for education; they were also privy to insider information, “I had to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement because one entire day was dedicated to confidential information, but I am very excited about some of the new tools Google will be making public within the next year,” she says. Throughout the symposium, Triemstra connected with and learned alongside dozens of other educators from across the globe, “We shared so many ideas about how to integrate technology into the classroom. I am excited to share some of those ideas with our teachers.” Triemstra is a Google Certified Innovator and Google Certified Trainer.
3
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
OPS Foundation Provides $19,000 in Mini Grants It feels like an early Christmas for teachers and staff around the district in the fall. It’s when the Otsego Public Schools Foundation awards mini grants. Staff members submit applications for the grants which range in request from $60 to $1500. Most requests are for additional classroom materials or resources to enhance student learning, some are to help provide basic needs for students like assistance to our Backpack Buddies food program and field trips. The OPS Foundation granted 32 requests totalling around $19,000! The money for these grants comes completely from donations. Requests this year span our district’s curriculum and learning. The grants benefit math, reading, science, special education programs and much more! See a couple of the grants below.
StoryWalk Opens at Alamo
Playground Communication Board
Sound it Out
For some of our special education students, verbal communication doesn’t come as easily. That’s why Special Education Teacher Nichole Wisinski, who oversees the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) program at the elementary level, applied for and received a playground communication board. The board has pictures and words that can help students communicate what they’re thinking, what they need, activities they want to do, answer yes or no questions, etc. As soon as it went up they witnessed all students using it. “It is a fun way for the kids to connect with the ASD kids, building upon our inclusive school,” she says. The Foundation was able to expand this grant and provide a board for every elementary playground.
Kindergarten is a big year for students because that’s when they really learn how to read! Sounding out letters, writing letters and combining letters to make words are all key parts of this literary process. With the Sound It Out grant, Mrs. Cramer’s kindergartners look at a word, write the letters in their sandbox, then use their phone to sound it out and learn to read words! It’s a fun and incredibly effective way to begin their reading journey!
Capturing Kids’ Heart Spotlight OMS Assemblies Provide Learning & Laughter District-wide, our students take part in Capturing Kids’ Hearts lessons and activities that focus on the CKH Leadworthy Character Word of the Month. This quarter’s CKH spotlight is on OMS where a new activity drives the meaning home with some fun and friendly competition. There’s an all-school assembly each month with a fun game that represents that month’s word. For teamwork, groups had to work together to get all their teammates from point A to B without anyone touching the gym floor. Staff get in on the fun, too! It’s also a time that staff recognize the students of the month in front of the entire student body.
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
4
With the entire school present, the ribbon was cut on the first elementary StoryWalk. Otsego Public Schools Foundation Board President, Larry Collier, Elementary Literacy Coach, Gina Watson, and Alamo Principal, Nicole Knight-Lucas did the honors. The OPS Foundation is funding a StoryWalk for each elementary school and high school students in the Building Trades program at the Allegan Area Tech Center are building and installing the posts.
A StoryWalk is a unique way to read a story outside. Each stop along the pathway displays a page in the book. The books will match the season and/ or building theme. This first book is called “The Hike” which matches the fall season and Alamo’s camping theme. Sometimes the pages have fun activity instructions, too, so it’s interactive. Along with classrooms enjoying the StoryWalk, the school is also hosting family StoryWalk events so families can enjoy it too! Read more about the StoryWalk on our website at otsegops. org.
Community CONNECTION Helping for the Holidays The OHS Student Council organized another successful food drive this fall collecting almost 5,000 items to help local families put a feast on the table this holiday season through the Otsego Christmas Ministries effort. The donations are divided among local churches involved in the effort who help distribute food and gift baskets to families that they’ve identified could use assistance. The HS National Honor Society raises money to purchase toys for this same effort during December.
Fire Safety Lessons & Fun The Otsego Fire Department stopped by Washington Street and Dix Street Elementary this October for Fire Safety lessons. Kindergartners and 1st graders learned about overall fire safety, how to stop drop and roll, setting a meeting spot with the family in case of a fire, and how to shout loud if a firefighter is trying to help. Students even got to see what it was like to be a firefighter by checking out the truck, spraying a fire hose and looking through their infrared camera!
Little Sprouts, Big Fun
Senior Life-Long Learning Opportunities Expand Activities for senior citizens got a boost this fall as Otsego Public Schools, Plainwell Community Schools and Christian Neighbors joined forces. “We were all separately hosting meetings, activities, and outings for senior citizens, but knew that we could reach more people if we worked together,” says Otsego’s Senior Lifelong Learning Coordinator LeAnne Perkowski. Christian Neighbors held a kick-off event in September at their new Education Center and everyone was able to promote their events to a larger audience. Since then, they’ve been able to host combined events and brought more seniors together. One outing was the Allegan County Heritage Trail tour and lunch at Crane’s as well as a Friendsgiving Potluck lunch. “Our goal was to create more opportunities for our seniors to connect with each other and be involved, it’s been a great partnership,” she adds.
Each month our Learn ‘n Grow Early Childhood Education Center welcomes families with children ages 0-5 for Little Sprouts Playgroup. This hour-long activity time includes free time for kids to explore different play stations, story time with Mrs. B, music and movement activities. They all go home with a free book, too! Mark your calendars for the upcoming Little Sprouts Playgroups: • Friday, December 1 • Friday, December 15 • Friday, January 19 • Friday, February 2 • Friday, March 1 • Friday, March 15
The next event is a Holiday Celebration on Tuesday, December 19th at 1pm at the Plainwell Perofrming Arts Center. See all the details and upcoming events at otsegops.org/community/senior-lifelong-learning.
5
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
Marching Band Has Hot Season with “Ice Blue” Show
This year’s Otsego Marching Band performance “Ice Blue” gave the crowd chills with their amazing performances. The show included singing, dancing and even kids playing the kazoo! The five songs ranged from the classical “Blue Rhapsody” to Vanilla Ice’s “Ice, Ice, Baby”. It was a lot of fun and earned them a lot more hardware. Along with our home football games and a special elementary performance, OMB performed their show in five competitions! Overall they took four 1st Place trophies and one 2nd Place in Class B. Other competition highlights include: • Best Colorguard at all shows • Best Marching at Jenison and Vicksburg • Best Percussion at four shows • Best Music at every show • Grand Champions at Grandville and Jenison
Fall Highlights
Mark Your Calendars! December 4 - Alamo/WSE Stars Performance, 7pm 6 - DSE Stars Performance, 7pm, DSE Cafeteria 7 - MS & HS Holiday Band Concert, 7pm 13 - MS Holiday Choir Concert, 7pm 15 & 16 - Medieval Dinner, 7pm, OHS Cafeteria (tickets required) January 31 - OHS Pre-Festival Band Concert, 7pm February 1 - OMS Band Concert, 7pm March 21 - 23 “Honk” Musical, 7pm 24 - “Honk” Musical, 2pm
** All performances are held at the high school Above left: The 8th grade band had some special performances this fall! After auditorium unless otherwise specified. the Allegan County Fair Parade was cancelled, they marched through the halls of OMS, then were invited to play at the high school homecoming pep assembly! Then they played for the OMS boys basketball teams on November 13th, playing the National Anthem, crowd favorites and cheers. Above right: For the first time in many years, OMS added choir as an option for 6th graders! They performed with the other middle school and high school choirs at their first concert in early October - they did great!
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
6
Chamber Singers Attend CMU Choral Vocal Day Otsego High School’s Chamber Singers traveled to Central Michigan University for Choral Vocal Day and it was a full day of exciting experiences and opportunities. The choir got to sing for CMU’s Choir Director, Dr. Amon Eady and be a part of a clinic where they receive feedback and guidance on their vocals. Otsego was one of 19 choirs on campus for this event, so they were also treated to performances from those schools that came in from across Michigan and Indiana. Students attended two master classes with Broadway stars Nikisha Williams, who is currently in the Chicago touring production of Hamilton which some OHS students will see in December, and Nathaniel Hackmann, who is currently in “Back To The Future” on Broadway in New York. They also got to hear the two stars perform and join them to sing “One More Day” from Les Misérables along with the other choirs. Finally, they heard performances from CMU choirs, CMU students, CMU voice faculty, and see a preview of their musical. An extra treat for our students was seeing OHS alumni who are involved in the CMU vocal music program. It was a long but fantastic day!
Alum to Play at Carnegie Hall
OHS Presents...“Honk”
2023 graduate Margaret Dugan will join an elite group of young musicians to play at one of the world’s most famous music halls. She was chosen to be among 500 performers for the Honor Performance Series at Carnegie Hall February 11, 2024. Along with a performance, she has the opportunity to study under master conductors and work with other elite musicians over several days in New York City. She was first invited to audition along with 10,000 others. This series was created to showcase accomplished individual student performers on an international level. “Acceptance to this elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in their application and audition recording,” states the news release. Dugan will perform string bass with the Film Music Orchestra in the series.
“Honk” is a musical adaptation of the classic story of the “Ugly Duckling” incorporating a message of tolerance. Choir teacher Meredith Lincoln chose the musical to introduce something less well-known to the students and community. “The message of this show is powerful, and I like to make sure that every musical has a positive message to be taught to the students, as well as the community,” she says. “I think people will enjoy the musical adaptation very much and I think we have a great student body to represent the show.”
Shows: March 21-24, 2024 Tickets on sale February 1st
7
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
Girls Cross Country 2nd at State, Boys 10th Capping off Big Season
Make room in the trophy case for another successful Cross Country season for both the boys and girls. The girls team placed 2nd at State with Megan Germain, Logan Brazee and Emma Hoffman earning AllState honors. The girls also captured the Wolverine Conference title for the 11th year in a row and the Regional title. The boys also captured the Wolverine Conference title for the 9th year in a row and placed 10th at State. This season also extended the undefeated record for both teams. The girls have 89 consecutive conference dual meet wins, the boys have 78!
Caleb Wesseldyk, junior, placed 1st at the Wolverine Conference race with a time of 15:38.
Logan Brazee, senior, placed 1st at the Wolverine Conference race with a time of 18:07.
Emma Hoffman, sophomore, holds the Otsego High School XC Record with a time of 18:03.
Congratulations to Caleb Wesseldyk and Logan Brazee who were individual Conference Champions and Emma Hoffman who crushed the school record during the Bulldog Invite with a time of 18:03.
Successful Seasons for Middle School Cross Country The OMS Cross Country teams are following in the high school’s footsteps with incredible success on the course! The girls team brought home a lot of hardware! • Conference Champions • Regional Runner-Up • Portage Invite Champions • West Michigan MS XC Championship winners • Individual conference champ: Ady VerHage The boys also need to make room for trophies! • Conference Champions • Regional Champions • West Michigan MS XC Championship winners • Individual Conference & Regional Champ: George Whitaker
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
8
Coaching Honors
Congratulations to our 2022-23 Coaches of the Year who were honored at a Wolverine Conference celebration in November. • Boys Bowling: Chuck Kinnane and Ron Blanchard • Girls Bowling: Tera Kinnane and Tracy Blanchard • Girls Tennis: Jen Aldrich • Boys Cross Country: Steve Long • Girls Cross Country: Steve Long
Volleyball Makes Regional Run
Congratulations to our AllConference Fall Athletes CROSS COUNTRY BOYS • Caleb Wesseldyk • Kenny Sheffer • Aidan Goodwin • Matthew Schreiner • Logan VanHouten CROSS COUNTRY GIRLS • Logan Brazee • Megan Germain • Emma Hoffman • Taylor Mitchell • Skylar Mejeur • Sydney Timmons
Volleyball had an exciting run throughout the regular and post season. This team was in sync winning all but one conference match-up (Edwardsburg) earning them a share of the Wolverine Conference Championship with Edwardsburg and Three Rivers. They easily took the District Title (shown above) but faced an incredibly tough match-up once again with Edwardsburg in the Regional Finals. Congratulations on a great season!
Sensational Stats! The teamwork and talent of this group led to some impressive stats on the season. For one player to earn a stat, one to two other players also need to do their part. Freshmen Maddy Littel (setter, right) ended the season with more than 1,000 assists. For an assist to count, it needs to be followed up with a successful kill. In addition, a good dig also allows her to get in a good set. Congratulations to these players on their sensational season stats! • Maddy finished with 1,094 assists. • Aly Aldrich logged 679 digs this season and ends her 4-year varsity career with 1,871 digs. Five players ended the season with triple digit kills: • Bella McCamman, 370 • Brooke Smalldon, 325 • Olivia Dennis, 292 • Tessa Prough, 188 • Jessie Bradford, 129
Seven Swimmers Qualify for State Congratulations to our state qualifying swimmers! From left: Lily Koehl, Cierra Swope, Morgan Foune, Mikayla Darrow, Dani Sallee, Kayla Hazelhoff and Hope Stender. They competed in the 200 Medley Relay and Sallee swam the 50 free at state November 17 & 18.
9
FOOTBALL • Brendan Bohl - 2nd Team • Ben Ernstes - 2nd Team • Kole Engleright - 2nd Team • Jack Holmes - 2nd Team • Nolan VanderRoest - Honorable Mention • Louis DiGrandi - Honorable Mention • Gabriel Cavazos - Honorable Mention GOLF • Malia Holmes • Sydney Grile - Honorable Mention SOCCER • Gabe James - 1st Team • Jack Thrall - 2nd Team • Tyler Wolfe - Honorable Mention SWIM & DIVE • Mikayla Darrow • Dani Sallee • Lily Koehl • Morgan Foune • Bella Xenos • Kaedence Slater • Kayla Hazelhoff • Laney Sweet • Hope Stender • Millie Shattuck • Cierra Swope TENNIS • Ryan Fielbrandt - Honorable Mention VOLLEYBALL • Aly Aldrich - 1st Team • Bella McCamman - 1st Team • Olivia Dennis - 2nd Team • Maddy Littel - Honorable Mention
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
Robotics Season in Full Swing Otsego’s Robotics teams remain a robust group with the elementary and middle school competitions wrapping up and high school gearing up for its January start. Otsego Middle School once again had three teams and they participated in two competitions. Team 9499 placed 7th overall at the first competition and received the Innovation Award which is given to a team that has an innovative and creative robot design solution to any specific component in the FIRST Tech Challenge game. This is the first time an OMS team has won a judges award! And, thanks to a few parent volunteers, Otsego had an elementary robotics team at WSE. They did a great job in their FIRST Lego League (FLL) competition.
Fun and Friendship at Freshmen Camp
For the 8th year, Otsego’s freshmen traveled to Grace Adventures for 3 days to get to know their classmates and staff. This camp provides opportunities to try new things like archery, horseback riding, ropes courses and visiting the dunes. There is a lot of teambuilding that takes place which results in positive connections between staff and students and new friendships with those in their grade.
Fall Exploration at Learn ‘n Grow Our preschoolers took advantage of a fantastic fall to enjoy the nature trails and our changing season with outdoor adventures. Their outings had kids searching for orb spiders and their webs, collecting and sorting leaves, finding insects and collecting worms for composting. They also enjoyed fun field trips and lots of activities to enjoy aply season! So much adventure at Learn ‘n Grow!
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
10
Robotics Advisor Attends FIRST Leadership Experience Michael Miller, who oversees the middle and high school robotics teams, had a rare opportunity to see the world of robotics in a different way thanks to the FIRST organization. Out of more than 200 applicants, Miller was one of 24 chosen to attend the 11th Annual US Air Force/FIRST Leadership Experience for FIRST Teachers and Mentors this summer. He visited the Space Force Base, Cape Canaveral, Weather headquarters for the Air Force/Space Force, Launch Control Center for Space X and Apollo Launch locations. During the week, he attended several trainings and tours and could see how robotics is used in our military. “This allowed me to understand what skills and abilities they (USAF/ USSF) are looking for from our students and reinforced the importance of STEM in our classrooms and relevance to the real world applications that FIRST Robotics provides,” Miller says. He was particularly amazed to learn about the opportunities in robotics for our students in the future. “These jobs, whether through college, military or trade school, are very exciting and should be great opportunities for our students.” He’s excited to be able to bring back the training he received during this experience. You can read more about it on our website.
Grand Opening Planned for New Aquatic Center
You’re invited to the grand opening event for the new Otsego Aquatic Center on Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 3:00-5:00pm. This two-year, $15 million facility is one of the premier pool facilities in the area. It’s almost twice the size of our current facility at 30-thousand square feet and the pool itself is 25 meters by 25 yards with 11 swim lanes so it can be used for various competitions. The spectator capacity is almost 500 and this facility was equipped with both competitive swimmers and the community in mind. There’s deck seating for more than 200 swimmers making it a great setting for multi-team meets, multiple locker rooms and a community room for party rentals. The facility also has a number of safety features; it’s equipped with state-of-theart air and water quality systems.
• Aqua Aerobics • Open & Lap Swim • Swim Lessons (group & private) • Pool Parties www.otsegops.org/community/oac
Honoring Our Veterans
Alamo Elementary held its annual Veterans Day breakfast and had a great crowd. There were veterans from every branch of the military representing several generations. Staff and parents provided the food and decorations while students decorated Thank You cards. Food and cards were also delivered to the Alamo Nursing Home.
Several local veterans from different military branches and times of service spent the day at the high school to share their stories and experiences from their time in service. Social studies teachers brought their classes to the media center for the hour; students were able to hear about five different presentations. Each speaker brought several items to help demonstrate their experience for the kids.
Elementary students created Thank You cards and wrote letters that were delivered to local veterans at the Battle Creek Veterans Hospital, Otsego VFW and assisted living centers. They appreciated the nice notes, pictures and thoughts from the kids.
11
WWW.OTSEGOPS.ORG
Otsego Public Schools 400 Sherwood Street Otsego, MI 49078-1281
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
Stay Connected with OPS! Follow us on social media Facebook facebook.com/otsegops Instagram instagram.com/otsegoschools X (formerly Twitter) @OtsegoSchools
2023-24 School Year Calendar December 25 - Winter break begins January 8 - School resumes February 5-9 - Mid-Winter Break 15 - MS P/T conference March 5-7 - Half days of school (HS exams, elementary conferences) 8 - No school, end of trimester 29 - No School, Spring Break April 1-5 - No School, Spring Break 25 - MS P/T conferences May 27 - No school, Memorial Day June 12-13 - Half days of school 13 - Last day of school
Otsego Public Schools Website: otsegops.org
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 call 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
12