The Shoreline Scoop

October 19th

• 4th & 5th Grade Swim Unit
• 8:50 - 9:50 Ingold
• 9:50 - 10:50 Dutton
• 10:50 - 11:50 Linton
• 1:15 - 2:15 Haase

• Destination Imagination

October 20th

• 4th & 5th Grade Swim Unit
• 8:50 - 9:50 Ingold
• 9:50 - 10:50 Dutton
• 10:50 - 11:50 Linton
• 1:15 - 2:15 Haase
• Mileage Club @ Lunch Recess

October 21st

• Delayed Start, School Starts @ 10:00 a.m.
• Destination Imagination

October 22nd

• 4th & 5th Grade Swim Unit
• 8:50 - 9:50 Ingold
• 9:50 - 10:50 Dutton
• 10:50 - 11:50 Linton
• 1:15 - 2:15 Haase

October 23rd

• 4th & 5th Grade Swim Unit
• 8:50 - 9:50 Ingold
• 9:50 - 10:50 Dutton
• 10:50 - 11:50 Linton
• 1:15 - 2:15 Haase
• Mileage Club @ Lunch Recess

October 19–23 is National Safe Schools Week. Otsego Public Schools will participate by practicing each type of safety drill throughout the week, reinforcing our commitment to preparedness and keeping students and staff safe.

Otsego has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation. Some terms may be different from those you’ve heard in the past. Students will practice the following safety responses:

• Hold

• Evacuate

• Lockdown

• Shelter

• Secure

We encourage families to become familiar with these terms by visiting our School Safety web page, where you can learn more and watch an informational video.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe!

Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up soon! Please use the link below to select a conference time for each of your students. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with your child’s scheduled time. Our goal is 100% family participation!

How to Find Your Teacher:

• Classroom Teachers: Listed by name and grade level

• Specials Teachers: Listed by name and grade level

• School Counselor: Available for individual sign-ups

Need help scheduling? Contact the main office—we’re happy to assist you!

Positive Attitude

• Reese Wrage
• Elizabeth Koeske
• Ava Woods
• Liliann Veldt

• Ava Grade VanDam
• Logan Chaivre
• Coury Wakes
• Levi Ingold

• Lilah Filipowicz
• Leona Carnes
• Satori DeGrau
• Delaynee Michaud

• Kennedy Gilroy
• Ashley Webber
• Anita Shinners
• Hunter Zimmermann

• Evelynn Allman
• Sophia Dyke
• Lillian Staggs
• Etta Mueller

Friendship Wesleyan Church is offering Thanksgiving baskets with an uncooked turkey, sides, and dessert to families needing support. Baskets will be available November 21, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Please complete the form below to request one.

Hi Everyone,
We have some exciting fall PTO updates to share! We’re looking forward to celebrating Halloween at Alamo, and we need your help to make it a fun and memorable day for our students.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail
This year, students will make their way through our Trick-or-Treat Trail before heading to the cafeteria to create their very own monster Rice Krispie treats! We are looking for donations of supplies to help make both activities a success. If you’d like to contribute, please sign up using the link below. Please note, there is an Amazon wishlist for some of the items - those items can be shipped directly to the school. ALL donations are due to school by Monday, October 26th! Halloween Donation Sign Up Genius

Halloween Volunteers Needed!
We also need volunteers to help make the Halloween festivities happen! If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up using the link below. *As a reminder, all volunteers must have a current background check on file.
Volunteer Date: Friday, October 30
Time: 12:30–2:45 PM
Halloween Volunteer Sign Up Genius

Conference Meal Donations
Our fall conferences are right around the corner! Each year, the PTO provides a meal for our teachers and staff who are working those long conference days, and we’d love for families to help contribute. Donations will help cover both conference meals. Any remaining funds will be put toward Staff Appreciation Week in May. If you would like to contribute toward the conference meals, please be sure to sign up through the SignUpGenius link.

Donations can be made by cash or check, with checks payable to Otsego Public Schools. You can drop your donation off in the office or send it in with your child. Please be sure to label your donation “PTO Staff Sponsorship.” Conference Staff Sponsorship

Thank you so much for supporting our PTO and helping us create these special experiences for our students and staff! As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions to Annie at alamo.pto.volunteersignup@gmail.com. We are so excited for all of the fun fall events we have planned!

Thank you,
Annie Pruis
Alamo PTO

Show off your creativity in our Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

Pumpkins should be decorated, not carved.

Please drop off your pumpkins on Monday, October 26 to be displayed. We can’t wait to see your spook-tacular designs!

Halloween is around the corner and we are excited for our Halloween Parade on Friday, October 30th. The costume parade will take place at 3:00 p.m. inside and outside the building. Spectators can view the parade in the gym and outside along the sidewalks.

Students should bring their costumes to school and will change for their classroom parties prior to the parade. It is important that your child can put on their costumes independently as parents will be outside prepping for the parade.

Just a reminder - your child's costume must be non-violent. Weapon accessories/scary masks will not be allowed.

• Halloween Alternate Recess & Lunch (It is a Mileage Club day!)

• Kindergarten: Recess @ 11:05-11:25, Lunch @ 11:25-11:45

• 1st: Recess @11:15-11:35, Lunch @ 11:35-11:55

• 2nd: Recess @ 11:35-11:55, Lunch @ 11:55-12:15

• 4th: Recess @ 11:45-12:05, Lunch @ 12:05-12:25

• 3rd: Recess @ 12:05-12:25, Lunch @ 12:25-12:45

• 5th: Recess @ 12:15-12:35, Lunch @ 12:35-12:55

• Trail for Treaters & Snack (Each class will have 20 minutes. Please enjoy the trail and head straight to the cafeteria for your snack.)

• Haase @ 12:55 p.m.

• Ingold @ 1:00 p.m.

• Gallup @ 1:15 p.m.

• Tucker @ 1:20 p.m.

• Dutton @ 1:35 p.m.

• Linton @ 1:40 p.m.

• Cramer @ 1:55 p.m.

• Dennany @ 2:00 p.m.

• Engbers @ 2:15 p.m.

• Trumley @ 2:20 p.m.

• Chai @ 2:35 p.m.

• Myers @ 2:40 p.m.

• Halloween Parade @ 3:00 p.m. Mileage Club Loop (weather permitting)

❤️ Red Ribbon Week is October 26–30! Join us as we celebrate healthy choices and living a drug-free life with fun spirit days! Wear red on Monday, sweats on Tuesday, superhero attire on Wednesday, and a hat on Thursday. On Friday, students can wear their Halloween costumes during the parade! See the flyer below for details. Together, we can make a difference!

This is the time of year when illness begins to spread. If your child has a fever or is sent home with one, please make sure they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.

Likewise, if your child has vomited, they should remain home for at least 24 hours with no vomiting. These precautions help keep both our students and staff healthy. Thank you!

Our WatchD.O.G.S. program has officially begun for the 2026-7 school year. “Dads” (or dad-like figures) who are interested in signing up to volunteer for a full or half day should contact Natalie Trumley (ntrumley@otsegops.org) or Nicole Knight-Lucas (nknight-lucas@otsegops.org) via email to schedule a date.

When you volunteer, you will receive a schedule for the day that allows you to help out in different classrooms doing a wide range of activities (reading a story, working with a child 1:1 on work, playing a game with a small group). You will also have scheduled time on the playground and lunchroom to interact with students and be a positive role model for them. We need a current background check on file before you are able to volunteer.

EMPOWER: Make a Plan

Goal for the Week: If your student doesn’t already use a planner, empower them to start using one to manage their time better. Have a weekly meeting with your student to share what they have added to their planners. You can help them add family gatherings, school events, and due dates.

Helping Your Child Calm Down: Tips for De-escalating Anger

Children are still learning to manage big emotions. When anger rises, help your child feel safe and regain control with these six strategies:

1. Stay calm. Take a deep breath and use a gentle voice to model self-control.

2. Acknowledge feelings. Try, “It’s okay to feel angry. It’s not okay to hurt someone.”

3. Use fewer words. Keep directions brief and save discussions for when your child is calm.

4. Offer space and choices. Ask, “Would you like quiet time or for me to sit with you?”

5. Practice calming skills. Explore deep breathing, drawing, or a quiet space when your child is calm. Avoid forcing a strategy during an outburst.

6. Reconnect afterward. Discuss what happened, what to try next time, and how to make things right.

All feelings are acceptable, but some behaviors are not. Keep boundaries clear while offering patience and support.

Regina Ambs

Alamo Elementary School Counselor

Please reach out for any communication by email at: rambs@otsegops.org or phone: 269-694-7619.

Otsego Public Schools is implementing Standards-Based Grading in Young 5’s–5th grade to give families a clearer picture of their child’s learning. This approach shows progress toward grade-level learning standards, highlights strengths and areas for growth, and helps students understand their next steps. Clear, meaningful feedback helps families support learning at home!

For more information, visit our website: https://www.otsegops.org/departments/curriculum/standardsbasedgrading

As the weather cools down, please send your child with appropriate layers for outdoor recess! Review our Recess Dress Code below, which is based on the “real feel” temperature. Snow gear is required whenever there is snow, regardless of temperature. Thank you for helping our kids stay warm and ready to play!

Mark your calendars! Mileage Club is every Tuesday and Friday, weather permitting, during lunch recess! Families are invited to join us during their child’s lunch recess.

Don’t forget to send your child in tennis shoes on Mileage Club days. Let’s get moving, AES! 💙💛🐾

Kindergarten @ 11:35-11:55 a.m.

1st Grade @ 11:45-12:05 p.m.

2nd Grade @ 12:05-12:15 p.m.

4th Grade @ 12:15-12:35 p.m.

3rd Grade @ 12:35-12:55 p.m.

5th Grade @ 12:45-1:05 p.m.

🏀 Hoopsters Basketball is open to boys and girls in 3rd–5th grade! This 3-on-3 program costs $60, with practices beginning in December and games in January. Register by November 10 to join the fun!

📣 Otsego Junior Cheer’s winter session is open to students in Young 5’s–5th grade! The season runs November 9–February 6 and costs $60. Practices will take place in the OMS Cafeteria, with practice days to be announced. Young 5’s participants must turn 5 by December 1.

On delayed start Wednesdays, doors will open at 9:45 a.m., and school will begin at 10:00 a.m. Teachers and staff will be using this time to plan interventions, take part in Professional Development, and collaborate.

Please note that we DO NOT have delayed starts on 1/2 days.

2026-27 PTO Meeting Dates

• November 2
• December 7
• January 4
• February 1
• March 1
• April 12
• May 17

Students at Alamo can purchase popcorn on the last Friday of the month beginning on September 25th. Popcorn can again this year be purchased for the entire year by sending $4 per student (discounted, as well as the "easy button" for parents!) on or before the first popcorn date of September 25th, or it can be purchased each individual time for $0.50.

Below are the dates for popcorn Friday this year.

• October 23
• November 20
• December 18
• January 29
• February 26
• March 26
• April 30
• May 28

We know that your dog, or any pet, can be a member of the family and a best friend; however, it is important to know that pets are not allowed on school property, even if they are on a leash. A number of children, and some adults, are not comfortable around all pets and may be allergic so for the health, safety and comfort of all of our visitors, they are not permitted in school buildings or on school district property. (Exceptions are made for service animals, animals under the control of public safety officers and for instructional purposes with prior approval from the district.) Thank you for your understanding of this policy.

New this year: A copy of your driver’s license must be included with all background check forms.

Please send in a copy of your driver's license or take a picture and email it to:

Robbin Carter: rcarter@otsegops.org

Terry Webber: twebber@otsegops.org

Background checks are good for 1 year from the last approved day.

In accordance with Michigan’s statewide law taking effect for the 2026–2027 school year, all public school districts are required to maintain policies restricting student cell phone and personal electronic device use during instructional time to minimize distractions and promote engaged learning. At the elementary level, all personal electronic communication devices (including cell phones and smartwatches) must remain powered off and stored inside student backpacks/lockers throughout the school day. Exceptions are made for approved medical needs, IEP/504 accommodations, or district-owned instructional technology. We appreciate your support in helping our students stay focused, present, and ready to learn!

If your child is absent and the absence is unexcused, you will receive an automated phone call reminding you to report the absence. Please remember to report your child’s absence, before 9am, by calling our attendance line at (269) 694-7680.

Email: nknight-lucas@otsegops.org
Website: https://alamo.otsegops.org/
Location: 8184 North 6th Street, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
Phone: (269) 694-7600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/415538888654020
Twitter: @otsegoschools