A Publication of Otsego Public SchoolsMarch 2013 District NewsletterVolume II Issue 3

“Linking Students to the World...”

In This Issue:

Spotlight On... p. 2 Empowering Student Groups

Community Connection p. 3 Otsego Main Street, Nursing Home visit

From the Superintendent p. 4 School Safety

New Standardized Tests p. 6 Otsego chosen as a pilot school Tech Talk p. 7

Kids are online, are you? Ways to stay safe

“““LLii kkkii SSStttt ddddd ttt ttt ttthhhh WWW lllldddd ””””“LLLLLLiiiiiinnnnnnkkkkkkiiiiiinnnnnngggggggg SSSSSSttttttuuuuuuuuuuddddddddeeeeeeennnnnnnttttttttssssssss ttttttttoooooooo tttttttthhhhhhhheeeeeee WWWWWWWWooooooorrrrrrrlllllllldddddddd.........””

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students empowering studentsExtracurricular activites and clubs provide great opportunities for students to explore and expand their interests, but dozens of students are taking the time to invest in themselves, their future and their friends through the groups Dare To Be Diff erent (for girls), Young Men Keeping It REAL (OMS) and Men with

Integrity (OHS.) REAL is an acronym for Respect, Empowerment, Attitude and Leadership.Th e boys’ groups work through diff erent books that help them deal with typical struggles, pressures and

temptations in their lives. Th ese books also teach them how to deal with growing up and decision making. DTBD started at the high school in Spring 2012; a group of OMS girls formed a group this past fall. Th ey gained attention by staging a bullying drama, much like the high school presentation, that addressed many

of the problems, pressures and beauty myths girls face. Th ese aft er-school groups provide a place where young ladies can talk openly about issues, but also have fun. Th ese groups stress the importance of respecting each other and supporting each other. To share with you how these groups are making a diff erence, several students wrote about their experience as members - here are some excerpts of their writings. (Links to past articles are in the online newsletter.)

Dare To Be Diff erent, OHS

Toni Milan, 11th grade “Dare to be diff erent is a place where I feel totally comfortable sharing, not just my problems, but things I need advice on or help with. DTBD has helped me meet new people who I wouldn’t have otherwise talked to, and realize to not judge a person by how they look or who they hang out with. DTBD has given me more respect for other people and myself but in a fun way. “All the girls who participate have made me realize that I am beautiful inside and out, but that looks aren’t all that matter. Just be you! You are worthwhile. You are made to be you, not who other people create you to be.”Katarina Ball, 11th grade

“Dare to be Diff erent is amazing. It teaches so many skills for young ladies going through the ever-changing world. Th is group

has helped me overcome a lot these past two years, helped me and many other girls come

out of their shells. It has taught me that I am not the only one going through things. It cracked my shell and helped me help others, helped me not to judge. It is providing a safe haven for young women in school who continuously struggle every day. It is providing a home for those who need family, who need sisters. And that’s why DTBD is here, to help young women realize the world around.”

Young Men Keeping It REAL

Daniel Weirick, 6th grade“Young men keeping it real has changed the way I act. Th is group helped me make the right choices. Getting up at 6:15 in the morning is woth being

able to know how to make the right choices. Every since I joined young men keeping it real, I have been a better person than I ever was.”Robbie Kalleward, 6th grade “I play baseball and competitive swimming. YMKR has taught me to have teamwork and sportsmanship at every

game or meet. “YMKR really does make you a young man. It teaches you responsibility and manners.”

Dare To Be Diff erent, OMS

Michaela Ransler, 8th grade “Dare to Be Diff erent shows me

how to help other people to deal with their problems. I don’t come for my help as much; I come to learn how to help other people with

the problems that they face that are foreign to me like cutting or divorce. I also come to laugh and have fun with my friends.” Carlie Weaver, 8th grade “For me it is a place where I can help other girls my age deal with problems that they have. I don’t really deal with them myself very much, but I like to be able to comfort other people and talk with them to help them get their feelings out. “I also come because I feel like I can connect with my fellow leaders and with the other members because we are all teenage girls.”

CONNECTIONCommunity

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Otsego Main StreetHigh School students play major role in Otsego’s efforts to becoming a

Michigan Main Street Select Community

Seniors Alexa Burleigh, Eric DeJong, Gavin Rantz and Zach Kinning traveled to Lansing to help with the presenta on.

Eric was the Oscar Host; the others acted as paparazzi and reporters.

Over the last few months, Otsego Main Street has become a common phrase around town. It was the effort to become a Michigan Main Street Select Community and receive fi ve years of revitalization help from the state.From the start, various community groups came together to

pull together several events and special efforts. It began with fall decorations downtown, then a Christmas tree lighting and lantern launch tied in with the parade, a skating rink and fi nally a movie “The Wizard of Otsego.”Otsego students played a role in almost every step. High School

students painted Christmas decorations on business windows downtown. Elementary students made ornaments for the tree with Santa, our choir sang and led the crowd in Christmas carols; three of our high school students shot and edited the 13-minute movie and four students traveled to Lansing to take part in the fi nal presentation before the Michigan Main Street panel.The Otsego Main Street committee worked up an “Oscar Night”

script for the presentation, which was supposed to be creative - the 45 supporters who made the trip did not dissapoint. The group was commended by the panel for the presentation. It included awards, the movie and a recap of all that has taken place in Otsego since the fall. “Like” Otsego Main Street on Facebook. (link is on the online newsletter.)

Valentine Connections

Just in time for Valentine’s day, Alamo Kindergarteners traveled to the Alamo Nursing Home to spread a little love to residents; it ended up being a sweet trip for both generations “What a special and rewarding experience,” says Kindergarten

teacher Sheryl Cramer, “residents were so touched by our visit that there were even a few tears,” she adds of when they were saying goodbye.Th e students sang a poem about hibernation to the residents as well

as a Valentine’s song titled “Will You Be My Valentine?”“Aft er singing to them, I had one student turn to an older gentleman

and say, ‘You’re my Valentine.’ You can imagine the look on his face...pure surprise,” says Cramer.Warm smiles greeted the kids as they came in who were each paired

with a resident. Th ey worked together on an owl valentine project which residents kept. At the end, the residents handed special valentines to the kids.

Alamo Kindergarteners Connect with Nursing Home Residents

Chris an Bishop (above) and Hunter Hudson spend me with

their valen nes.

From the Superintendent Dennis M. Patzer

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School, Student Safety Safety and security for all of our students is a top priority at Otsego Public Schools. Since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary last month, we, like most schools across the United States, have been reviewing current practices to see what changes can be made to better ensure school safety.

Because Otsego is a close-knit community, we possess the belief that this type of terrible event could not happen here. Unfortunately, the events in Newtown have tested those beliefs. As a result, we reviewed procedures and discovered a need to reemphasize the importance of locking all doors and maintaining a secure campus.

A few years ago, our construction and renovation process included all of our buildings being outfi tted with security cam-eras and electronic access through programmed key fobs. Only main entrance doors are unlocked during the school day. Still, we are looking at options to make our main entrances even more secure.

We are currently researching the feasability of a few facility upgrades like hands-free phone entry systems or vestibule modifi cations.

On a very positive note, I want to recognize community members, our parents and staff in Otsego. Community aware-ness is a key to prevention. In the fi nal analysis, schools are people places, and we believe our network of students, parents, grandparents and local community members is a major deterrent and proactive source of prevention. Everyone working together to keep a keen eye on those around us, looking out for one another and speaking up when necessary is of utmost importance.

For the second year in a row, Otsego scored a 100% on the annual bus safety inspection tests performed by the Michigan State Police. Buses are inspected top to bottom - from the engine to the passenger compartment. Th e transportation department received a Certifi cate of Excellence. We commend our drivers and maintenance crews for their diligence and hard work.

Bus Fleet Receives 100%

Kids’ eyes fi lled with wonder and parents hearts with pride at the Alamo Science Fair. Students showed off their work which covered volcanos, circuits, measurements, pushes and pulls and weather! Along with the students’ work, AAESA provided families with several hands-on activities exploring stability, bridge strenght, good roller coaster design and how engineers’ ideas are oft en inspired by nature.

Science Fair, Science Fun

Allanah Clark tries out an experi-ment with weight.

Otsego Public Schools’Learn N’ Grow Preschool

ENROLL NOW!Alamo

Dix StreetWashington Street

Serving 3 &4 year olds

Tuition-free Registration forms sessions online: available www.otsegops.org/lng with transportation For more info call: 269-692-6072

Students across the district made doves for the students and families of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Otsego sent more than 800 doves.

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Outstanding Citizen AwardA retired teacher is the 2013 recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award, which

recognizes one of Otsego Public Schools’ tremendous volunteers. Florence Th ole taught at Kalamazoo Public Schools for 37 years. Two of her

grandchildren attend Dix Street Elementary, one in Dave Sleep’s 4th grade classroom, one in Gina Watson’s 1st grade.

Th e two teachers nominated her, sharing how she helps students get caught up on assignments, answers their questions and off ers her experience and time with classroom management as well, “She has always made a diff erence in everybody’s life and continues to do so in her retirement,” says Sleep, “it’s amazing to see her work with kids.”

Th ey praise her prior teaching experience but stressed the connections she makes with the students, “She is very gentle-spirited, warm and caring,” Watson says, “it’s no surprise that children fl ock to her.”

Supt. Denny Patzer presented Florence Thole with her award

at the February 11 Board of Educa on mee ng.

Annual OPS award recognizes one of our many volunteers

Snocoming Stars2013

Students mixed dreams with tradition for the 2013 Snocoming. Th ey raised money for Make-A-Wish Michigan to grant a wish for Brooke, 4, and children like her with life-threatening illnesses. Wednesday of Snocoming Week was Wish Wednesday, where students were asked to wear their Make-A-Wish shirts. Pictured above, everyone who participated gathered in the gym to show their “star” power. Th e fi nal numbers aren’t in yet, but students believe they reached their $5,000 goal. During the game, Student Council President Maggie Darnell met with Brooke and her family and shared special moments with them as they were recognized between games; Brooke even received her own crown aft er the tradition royalty ceremony. Royalty: King Tyler Nast, Queen Emily Karmon, Prince Mitchell May and Princess Reece Babb. Th e annual Bulldogs Got Talent competition featured three dance numbers and three singers. Bre Oxford took the $100 top prize for her cover of Adele’s song “Rolling in the Deep.” See the performances at otownnews.weebly.com.

Dancing the Night Away! The Mother/Son,

Father/Daughter Dances Combined for a Good

Time!

A New Standardized Test is ComingTh e days of testing our students in Reading and Mathematics in October with

paper and pencil, using a bubble sheet, are coming to an end very soon! Beginning in the 2014-15 school year, our students will be assessed on English Language Arts and Mathematics with the new Smarter Balanced assessment system. Th is computer adaptive test will assess students at the end of the school year on current grade level standards in contrast to the MEAP test which tests in the fall on previous year’s content.

Th e standards being assessed will be the new Common Core standards that forty six states have adopted. Two of our elementary buildings have been scientifi cally selected to pilot this online assessment this spring. Fift h grade students at Dix St. as well as 3rd graders at Alamo will be assessed in Mathematics. Fourth graders at Alamo will have the opportunity to take the English Language Arts test. Th e testing window will be between April 15th-26th. Although the test is expected to take 3 hours in length, it may be done over multiple days at the school’s discretion.

Th e assessment will be diff erent in many ways. Not only will it be computer adaptive (progressively getting harder or easier based on right or wrong answers given to previous questions), but it will also include performance tasks, not just multiple choice items. As we proceed with the Common Core Standards implementation and look towards the Smarter Balanced assessment, you will notice an increase in problem solving in math as well as opinion/argumentative writing in ELA across the curriculum K-12.

Although we won’t be getting scores back from the pilot test, we are excited to have the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the future assessment and welcome the challenge of the new rigorous curriculum.

From the Directors’ ChairDirector of Elementary Instruction Director of Secondary InstructionAlamo Elementary Principal OHS Asst. PrincipalMelissa Koenig Heather Kortlandt

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High School Musical

“Once On This Island” Based on the book “My Love, My Love” by Rose Guy, this musical is full of song and dance with a caribbean feel. More than 50 students are involved in this production that takes you on a journey of strength and discovery aft er a peasant girl falls in love with a wealthy boy from the other side of the island.

Friday, March 22, 7:30pmSaturday, March 23, 2:00pm & 7:30pm

Tickets available at the high school offi ceCall 692-6166 for more info

Outstanding People for EducationTaking nominations now!

Who do you believe is an excellent educator at Otsego Public Schools? Is it a teacher? Administrator? Bus driver or custodian? Any adult involved in the

education of Otsego students is eligible to win this award. Th is award was established by the Allegan County School Boards Association; up to three people from each of the Allegan County school districts can win.

Nomination forms online: www.otsegops.org/OP4E

or at any school building offi ce. Questions? Call Holly McCaw at 692-6073.

It’s great to be online, but be safe

The internet is a valuable resource for children – they can research for school projects, play educational games, and practice their keyboarding skills. Students are beginning to use the internet on a daily basis at a younger age; therefore, it has become increasingly important for children to be educated about online safety.

Otsego Public Schools introduces this education in Kindergarten. Our Elementary Technology teachers, Mr. Miller and Mrs. Tarnutzer, have incorporated the discussion of online safety into their lessons. At the beginning of the year, they watch a video on Internet safety and then discuss it. Students then sign an agreement to be safe online. Mr. Miller and Mrs. Tarnutzer emphasize three different concepts:

(1) Always ask permission before going online, (2) Only talk to people you know online, and (3) Only visit websites that are kid-friendly.

Otsego Public Schools also discusses cyberbullying and encourages students to inform an adult if they feel like they are a victim of cyberbullying.

It is important to reinforce these concepts at home and also become well-informed parents. The best way for parents to educate themselves about what their child is doing online, is to learn how to use that tool yourself. For example, if your child is using a social networking site (Facebook, Twitter, etc.,) create an account and begin using it yourself.

Here are some additional resources to read more about online safety.

www.onguardonline.gov/topics/protect-kids-online

www.fbi.gov/fun-games/kids/kids-safetywww.netsmartz.org/Parents

TECH TALK

Director of TechnologyMichelle Triemstra

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Otsego Public Schools C U

Administra on/Business Offi ce 269-692-6066 Superintendent Denny Patzer 269-692-6076Alamo Elementary 269-692-6150 Melissa Koenig, PrincipalDix Street Elementary 269-692-6099 Mark Rollandini, PrincipalWashington Street Elementary 269-692-6069 Heather Badders, PrincipalOtsego Middle School 269-692-6199 Bill Houseman, PrincipalOtsego High School 269-692-6166 Hervé Dardis, PrincipalSpecial Educa on 269-692-6233 Alice Hoekstra, Director Community Educa on 269-692-6225 Tim Syrek, DirectorLearn N’ Grow Preschool Alamo 269-692-6152 Dix Street 269-692-6099 Washington Street 269-692-6092B.A.S.E. Alamo 269-692-6140 Dix Street 269-692-6114 Washington Street 269-692-6088Athle cs High School 269-692-6163 Middle School 269-692-6225Transporta on Department 269-692-6245 Carrie Barnhart, SupervisorOPS Founda on www.opsfounda on.org

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Otsego Public Schools News & Notes Don’t miss out on any of the great things

happening at Otsego Public Schools! Bookmark our website“Like” us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter @OtsegoSchools

Wolverine Conference for a Cause

For the fi rst time, the entire 12-school Wolverine Conference

came together to raise money for one cause - the Wes Leonard Heart Team. Th e goal was to raise $25,000 total. Otsego’s game was at Paw Paw. Along with t-shirt sales, a 50/50 raffl e and a sports memorabilia raffl e raised money for the cause. Jason Babin, Charlie Maxwell and Derrick Mitchell were the featured athletes.

At halft ime, NFL player Jason Babin presented a game ball and jersey to two young heart patients. (above)

To: Postal Customer **ECRWSS**

Nonprofi t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDOtsego, MI

Permit No. 23

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

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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 news-letter via the U.S. Post Offi ce. 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 Otsego Public School District complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, genetic information or any other legally protected characteristic, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Upon request to the Superintendent, the District shall make reasonable accommodations for a disabled person to participate in any building activity.

Calendar of EventsMarch 6 All students 1/2 day, Parent-Teacher Conferences 7 Elem. students no school, MS/HS students 1/2 day 8 No School 11 No students, staff Professional Development day 11 Board of Education meeting, 7pm, WSE Media Center 22 High School Musical, 7:30pm, OHS Auditorium 23 High School Musical, 2pm & 7:30pm, OHS Auditorium 25 MS/HS Evening Conferences 27 Blood Drive, 8am-2pm, OHS auxiliary gym 29 No School, Good FridayApril 1-5 Spring Break 8 Board of Education Meeting, 7pm, Alamo Media Ctr 17 OMS Project Palooza, 6-8pmMay 2 Collage Concert, 7:30pm, OHS Auditorium 4 Prom 9 OHS Pops Concert 13 Board of Education meeting, 7pm, OHS Vocal Room 16 8th grade Band Concert, 7pm, OHS Auditorium 21 6th/7th grade band concert, 7pm, OHS Auditorium 24 Swingout, 1pm, OHS gym 27 No School, Memorial Day 28 Blood Drive, 8am-2pm, OHS auxiliary gym 30 OMS Pops Concert, 7pm, OHS Auditorium 31 Graduation, 7pm, Bulldog StadiumJune 1 OHS Scholar Athlete Awards, 7pm, OHS Auditorium 10 Board of Education Meeting, 7pm, Board Room 11 All students 1/2 day 12` All student 1/2 day - Last day of school

Kindergarten Registration

April 22, 23 & 24Appts.: 8:30am, 10am, 12:30pm, 2pm

Held at Dix Street Elementary

Call 269-692-6150 to schedule your appointment

(Both parent and child attend)

AAESA 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.

March 27, 2013 3-6pm

Educational Service Center 310 Thomas St, Allegan.

Food, Door Prizes, Special Surprises!