Superintendent's Update

As we move into October, we begin the month with one of the most meaningful traditions of the school year: Homecoming. Homecoming is always a fun week filled with spirit days, activities, the dance, and opportunities to bring our students, staff, families, alumni, and community together.

But Homecoming is also a reminder of something bigger.

It reminds us that Otsego is more than a school district. It is a place people come back to. It is a place where memories are made, relationships are built, and stories continue long after students walk across the graduation stage. When alumni return to our campus, they often notice how much has changed. Our buildings, classrooms, programs, technology, and opportunities continue to grow. But what they usually remember most are the people: the teacher who believed in them, the coach who pushed them, the bus driver who greeted them each morning, the secretary who helped them, the classmate who became a lifelong friend, or the moment that made them feel like they belonged.

That is the story of Otsego.

In September, we talked about how The Next Chapter Is Taking Shape. As we move forward, October gives us a chance to think about how we tell that story. Every day, there are great things happening across our district. Students are learning, competing, performing, serving, leading, and growing. Staff members are creating meaningful experiences, solving problems, supporting families, and helping students become the best version of themselves. Sometimes those moments are big and easy to see. Other times, they are quiet, ordinary moments that may not seem significant at the time but leave a lasting impact.

As the first quarter comes to an end in the middle of October, it is also a good time to pause and reflect. The beginning of the school year moves quickly. We have welcomed students back, settled into routines, launched activities, and started the important work of teaching and learning. The end of the first quarter gives us a natural checkpoint to celebrate progress, identify areas where we can improve, and continue working together to support our students.

This year, as we begin the process of developing a new strategic plan, telling our story matters even more. We need to understand where we have been, celebrate what is working, be honest about where we can grow, and listen carefully to the voices of our students, staff, families, and community. Our story is not written by one person or one moment. It is written every day through the pride, effort, care, and commitment of everyone who is part of Otsego.

Thank you for helping us tell that story well. Thank you for supporting our students, showing up for our schools, and continuing to believe in what makes Otsego special. The next chapter is underway, and together, we will keep writing it. #OneHeartbeat Go Knights!

Sincerely,

Kevin O’Shea

Superintendent

We’ve been working to create a dedicated place where families, students, fans, and community members can more easily find the athletic information they’re looking for.

The new site brings schedules, tickets, streaming information, directions, parent resources, athletic information, history, and more together in one place.

As with any brand-new website, we know there may still be a few things to fine-tune. If you find a broken link, inaccurate information, or something you think is missing, we’ve included a feedback form so you can let us know.

Take a look around!

https://athletics.otsegoknights.org/

Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/VM9dFUXZR3hYiJbR7

The holidays are a special time of year, but we know they can also bring added stress for many families. The Otsego Angel Tree Program is here to help. If your family is in need of assistance this holiday season, we invite you to fill out the confidential form below to be included on our Angel Tree. All information will remain completely anonymous, known only to the organizers of the program.

Angel Tree Form Link

Please complete the form by Friday, November 6th, 2026.

If you have any issues accessing the form, please call Otsego Central Office and ask for Mary Gase. Or you can contact Mary Gase, mgase@otsegoknights.org or . She will be happy to assist you in filling it out.

We want every family in our community to know everyone needs a little help sometimes, and we’re here for you. Together, we make Otsego stronger.

#OneHeartbeat Go Knights!

Previous Quality Profiles - Click Here

Each September, the state releases its report card, a snapshot of academic performance that, while important, only tells a small part of the Otsego story. Our District Quality Profile (QP), is a much more comprehensive look at the incredible things happening in our schools.

From academics and the arts to athletics, student leadership, and community partnerships, the QP captures the many ways our students learn, grow, and thrive. It’s a celebration of the full Otsego experience and the people who make Otsego great!

You can learn more visiting our website and by checking out previous district quality profiles. They truly provide a deeper look in our district and all the great things happening in and around our campus over the years.

The Otsego Local School District and the Hall of Fame Committee areaccepting nominations for the 2026-2027 Otsego Hall of Fame Class.

The Otsego Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals who have brought honor to themselves by making significant impacts or contributions to the school, community, or students. The Otsego Hall of Fame also exists for all alumni who have earned distinction beyond graduation. These individuals have made noteworthy achievements as successful adults in their chosen careers and/or have served as benefactors of mankind. The Otsego Hall of Fame also recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Otsego Local Schools as a staff member, coach, or friend of Otsego.

To nominate an individual, please complete this form.

Nominations are due November 1, 2026.

Awards Reception and Recognition will be Friday, January 15, 2027 at 6:00 pm at Otsego High School.

For more information, contact Mary Gase at 419.823.4381 ext 3404 or mgase@otsegoknights.org

We are proud to congratulate last year’s Hall of Fame Inductees:

1. Selene Bostdorff
2. Dale Limes
3. Valerie Rickenberg

Click here to View a List of Past Hall of Fame Inductees

While visiting the website, be sure to try Ask Sir Victor, our WebSuites AI chatbot located in the lower-right corner of the screen. You can ask Sir Victor questions about Otsego, and it will search the information available throughout our district website to provide a quick and helpful response. Whether you are looking for a calendar, contact information, school hours, policies, or upcoming events, Ask Sir Victor can help point you in the right direction.

The School District typically communicates with families via email, but will send out Instant Alerts for emergencies and school closings/delays.

Instant Alerts are set up to push out Emails, Text Messages, and Phone Calls based on the information provided to the district from families in FinalForms during enrollment. Meaning, you should be receiving these alerts as a phone call, email, and text message unless you have opted out of these options or information was not provided to the district during enrollment.

If you believe your are receiving alerts in error or do not receive any alerts, you can report the issue to our central office using the following Instant Alert Support Form. If you have trouble accessing the form, you can also call our Central Office to report an issue (419) 823-4381 ext. 1100.

The PowerSchool Parent Portal provides parents with direct access to their child's academic progress, attendance records, and other important information, all in one convenient place.

If you have questions accessing Powerschool please reach out to the appropriate contact below.

Elementary: jhelberg@otsegoknights.org or anorman@otsegoknights.org

Junior High: ediepenbruck@otsegoknights.org

High School: broberts@otsegoknights.org

Stay connected and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students, staff, and alumni by following us on social media. You'll find photos, videos, and stories that showcase the daily life and achievements happening across our district. New content is shared several times a week — don’t miss a moment! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

1. General Questions - The Main Office of each building is a great place to start for answers to most of your questions.
   
   
2. Academic Progress and Behavior - Questions and concerns about your child's day-to-day, classroom-related activities can be addressed by contacting your child's teacher, with additional support available from the school counselor and/or principal.
   
   
3. Departmental Contacts - If you have a specific question or want to offer a suggestion and are not sure where to turn, our District Directors are happy to assist you. Scroll down to view the departments section of this newsletter and see all the directors of each department.
   
   
4. District Directory - Visit the Contact Us webpage for general phone numbers and a search-byname directory.

• Fri. 10/2 - Alumni Tailgate/Homecoming Football Game vs. Lake

• Sat. 10/3 - Homecoming Dance 2026

• Wed. 11/4 - 11/5 - Conferences

2026-2027 District Calendar

See what’s happening across the District, or filter by school and add events directly to

Plan ahead with an overview of important dates, including parent-teacher conferences and holiday breaks.

Otsego Local School District Events Calendar

See what’s happening across the District, or filter by school and add events directly to your own Google calendar.

Cafeteria Menus

See what’s cooking for breakfast and lunch.

Elementary School

8:45am - The first morning bell that allows students in the building

8:55am - The Second morning bell that signals the start of the school day.

3:30pm - The afternoon bell that dismisses students being picked up, walking home, or going to Extended Care. Bus riders will be called over the announcements.

The Otsego Local School District uses ParentSquare as our primary Instant Alert and Notification platform for families. ParentSquare helps us keep parents and guardians informed by bringing district, building, classroom, and activity-related communication together in one convenient place.

Through ParentSquare, families can receive important updates such as district announcements, school newsletters, emergency alerts, attendance notices, forms, reminders, classroom messages, and other timely information. Notifications can be received by email, text message, app notification, and in some cases, voice alerts.

Why should parents and guardians create an account?

Creating a ParentSquare account helps ensure that you are receiving the information you need in the way that works best for you. Once your account is activated, you can:

• Choose how you receive notifications
• Set your preferred language
• Access messages, alerts, forms, and posts in one location
• Stay connected to building and district updates
• Receive timely information during emergencies or schedule changes

While some messages may still come through without an activated account, creating an account gives families full access to ParentSquare’s features and helps make sure important school communication is not missed.

What should families do?

All parents and guardians are encouraged to sign up for ParentSquare and download the free ParentSquare app. Families should use the email address or phone number they have on file with the school when creating their account.

If you have not yet activated your ParentSquare account, please take a few minutes to do so before the start of the school year. Staying connected through ParentSquare is one of the best ways to make sure you receive important updates from Otsego Local Schools.

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to strengthen communication between home and school.

Otsego prides itself on hiring the very best candidates to work with and for our children.

We accept applications year-round, via our online application system. All applicants, internal and external, must fill out an application via our Certified or Classified Application Google Form in order to be considered for any position with Otsego Local Schools.

CLICK HERE to View our Open Positions

Once you have applied for a position by filling out the application and submitting it, we will contact you if you are chosen for an interview. If you have any questions or issues applying please contact Lisa Austin, Central Office Administrative Assistant (laustin@otsegoknights.org)

CLICK HERE for the online Spirit Store

After consultation with the administrative staff, the Superintendent recommends that the Board approve the employment of the following personnel:

Approve the substitute teacher list as submitted by the Wood County ESC.

Resignations:

Randy Leiter, recess monitor, effective September 23, 2026

Classified Employees’ Limited Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year:

Aimee D’Clute, Paraprofessional - Step 5, effective 9/3/26

Classified Substitutes for the 2026-2027 School Year:

Catherine Harrigan

Substitute Teacher Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year: (all are student teachers except *)

Fiona Aichele, Marissa Andrews, Kerstyn Carr, Olivia Case, Jacob Cornell, Alyssa Connors, Chloe Dean, Tyler Edwards, Sarah Ellerbrock, Evan Kaiser, Aspen Lans, Kate Markwood, Brianne Martin, Anna Motter, *Amanda Nusbaum, Avery Oess, Jillian Perkins, Hannah Prock, Alexa Quinones, William Randolph, Rileigh Roule, Corinne Shull, *Gabriella Walker

Supplemental Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year:

Mason Roe, JV Girls Basketball Coach

Cole Steele, Assistant JH Wrestling

Blaize Robinson, 0.50 FTE e-Sports Advisor

Logan Zulch, 0.50 FTE e-Sports Advisor

Lissa Vollmar, 5th Grade Camp

Eric Wyatt, JV Boys’ Basketball

5th Grade Camp:

Becky Buchman, Zach Conkle, Elizabeth Gerken, Katie Gregorsok, Caitlin Hammack, AJ Mancini, Cheyenne Meeker, Sydney Miller, Kayla Snyder, Andrew Willford

Washington DC Trip:

Delaney Davis, Jenn Fallon, Brandon Floro, Matt Rohn, Jeff Peters, Jon Rife, Charlie Spencer

Washington DC Trip Volunteers for the 26/27 School Year: (awaiting results of background checks)

Melissa Bruss, Dana Buonpane, Megan Collins, Kyle DuBois, Brandon Fitch, Alyssa Green,

Michael Hanhold, Russell Johnson, Dominic Krupp, Rachel London, Ashlee Strickland, Tim Webb

Volunteers for the 2026-2027 School Year:

Jesse Alfaro - JH Wrestling, Jason Clemens - JH Wrestling

Steve has served as the Treasurer of Otsego for six years, following a nine-year stint teaching business and accounting at both Otsego and Springfield. Steve completed his undergrad and Masters degree at Bowling Green State University. He, along with his wife Jenna, resides within the district, and all four of their children are enrolled as students in Otsego. In his free time, Steve dedicates his time to coaching our Boy's Basketball team and enjoys time with his family.

Email: scarroll@otsegoknights.org
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Athletic Director

Email: dsaunders@otsegoknights.org
Website: https://athletics.otsegoknights.org/
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381 ext.2107

We’re excited to share that the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has officially approved girls flag football as a sanctioned state championship sport beginning in Spring 2026.

This exciting addition reflects the rapid growth of the sport in recent years starting with just 20 schools in 2021 and now reaching over 80 high schools statewide. With support from the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and the NFL, girls flag football is quickly becoming a prominent opportunity for female athletes in Ohio.

Girls flag football offers more than competition, it builds leadership, confidence, teamwork, and community. The sport is also gaining national attention and will be part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

If your daughter is interested in joining a potential Otsego girls flag football team, or if you’d like to help start a program, please reach out to our Athletic Director for more information. We’re exploring options and want to gauge student interest.

Let’s go, Knights!

Our athletics and extracurricular programs are gearing up for another fantastic year. Participation in these is a great way to build teamwork and school spirit. If you would like to purchase athletic passes or pay your participation fees use the links below. There will be tables set up at our Back-To School Day for this as well. Entrance fees for regular season athletic contests are determined by the Northern Buckeye Conference (NBC). Season pass and single-game admission prices are listed below. Tickets may be purchased online in advance, or are available at the gate.

• Varsity Contests (Including double and triple headers)

• Adults $8

• Students/Senior Citizens $5
  
  

• Stand Alone Freshman and JV Contests and Junior High Contests

• Adults $6

• Students/Senior Citizens $4

Athletic Passes

Pay-To-Participate - Click Here

Knights Athletics uses Dragonfly for its athletics calendars. You can sort events by school, sport and date. See who’s playing - Click Here.

Email: ebires@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Email: evasher@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Dear Parents,

As the school year progresses, I wanted to remind you about a few important items regarding your child's lunch account:

• Free and Reduced Lunch Applications: If you haven't already, please consider applying for free or reduced-price lunch. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for your child's meals. You can find applications on our school website or by contacting the school office.
• Monitor Your Child's Account: Please make sure to check your child's lunch account balance regularly. This will help you ensure that they have sufficient funds to purchase their meals. If you need to add funds, you can do so online or by sending in a check or cash.
• Questions or Concerns? If you have any questions about your child's lunch account or the lunch program, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm here to assist you in any way I can.
  
  

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Families meeting certain federal income guidelines can apply to receive free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch Program. Applications are available through PaySchoolsCentral.com. NOTE: New applications are required each school year. Questions can be directed to our Food Service Directors, Emily Bires at ebires@otsegoknights.org or Eva Vasher at evasher@otsegoknights.org.

I am pleased to announce that since lunches are no longer free to all students through federal funding we are bringing this account back. At this point, the account has a zero balance. If you are interested in donating to the Pay It Forward program please contact Emily Bires, ebires@otsegoknights.org or Kevin O'Shea, koshea@otsegoknights.org.

Checks are made payable to the Otsego Board of Education. If you send money in, just make sure you put on the memo or a note that says Pay It Forward - Lunch

Wellness Implementation Survey

Schools alone cannot develop students' healthy behaviors and habits with regard to eating and exercise. It will be necessary for not only the staff, but district stakeholders to be involved in a community-wide effort to promote, support, and model such healthy behaviors & habits. Click the link above and give us your feedback.

Email: tferdig@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Email: kyeuler@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 4198234381

Email: ldunham@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Email: sbihary@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Email: jweatherwax@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Email: lswartz@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 4198234381
Twitter: @OtsegoTv

Technology Integration Specialist

Email: jmartinez@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 4198234381

District Social Worker

Email: mgase@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 4198234381

Our district is proud to present a comprehensive Community Resources Book, developed collaboratively by our staff following professional development with Ruby Payne's Bridges Out of Poverty. This valuable resource provides essential information on emergency services, local council members, and a variety of programs available within our community. It is designed to assist individuals and families in accessing the support they need, empowering our community members and promoting well-being throughout our district.

CLICK HERE

If your family is experiencing homelessness or is doubled up with friends or extended family members due to loss of housing or financial hardship, your children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. Contact your child’s school counselor or call 419-823-4381 ext. 2109 for more information.

Campus Safety Director

Email: ncrawford@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 4198234381

School Resource Officer (SRO)

Email: mbasler@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 4198234381

OES Extended Care is available for students aged 5 through the summer before entering 6th grade. There is a $10.00 per family yearly registration fee for the OES Extended Care Program. The registration fee will be applied from June 1 to May 31 each school year and will be charged to the credit card on file. If you are registering your child for the summer program you will not be required to pay an additional registration fee for the coming school year.

Contact Info and Hours

phone: (419) 823-4381 ext 4408

email: extendedcare@otsegoknights.org

School Year 2025-26:

August 20 (first day)

The program follows the school calendar

• Before School ~ 6:30 a.m. to THE START OF SCHOOL
• After School ~ END OF SCHOOL to 6:00 p.m.

In the event of a school cancellation after a two-hour delay, OES Extended Care will remain open. If school closed before 6:30, Extended Care is closed also.

Pricing and Registration Info

The hourly rate charged is $3.50 per hour for the first child, $2.00 per hour for the second child, and $1.50 per hour for the third child and any additional children. The hourly rate is billed to the quarter-hour. The Credit Card form in the registration packet MUST be filled out in order to register.

The Credit Card Form will be used to pay your Extended Care amount.

Please print out the registration form (all 5 pages MUST be completed in their entirety) and send it to the elementary school office, attention: Becky Hatfield.

Registration for 2025-2026 is available on the Elementary Website or in the Elementary Office.

Questions may be emailed to:

Billing:

Steve Carroll 419-823-4381 extension 1101 or scarroll@otsegoknights.org

Becky Hatfield 419-823-4381 extension 4401 or bhatfield@otsegoknights.org

Registration:

Becky Hatfield bhatfield@otsegoknights.org

1. District Website (Staff Directory) CLICK HERE The Otsego Local Schools website will more effectively highlight what is important to us and the community. We keep the site updated with pictures, news articles, and other important information regarding the district and our buildings.

Recent polls show that parents’ first concern about schools today is their child’s safety. That is my concern as well. Fortunately, the Otsego is very safe. However, no community is immune from the threats of violence and drugs that endanger public schools nationwide.

We are introducing a Safe School Helpline® to help prevent such actions. It is designed to assist you in reporting any wrongdoing that impacts our schools, our students, or our staff – anonymously, so as to protect your privacy. For example, you may wish to report acts of violence, theft, drug or alcohol use, weapons, or sexual harassment.

Just call from a touch-tone phone to 1-800-4-1-VOICE, ext. 359 (418-6423) to leave your information. Or TEXT: 614-426-0240 Then type: TIPS Your message will not be traced, and you will not be identified. The Safe School Helpline® team will transcribe and fax your message to school officials, so appropriate action can be taken.

Thank you for your continued support to provide a better education for all Otsego students.

800-418-6423 (800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359)

TEXT: 614-426-0240

Then type: TIPS

www.safeschoolhelpline.com

The Otsego Local School District provides this space as a community bulletin board in accordance with Board Policy 9700. Materials posted are not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with the District. Community organizations are welcome to submit events and information for consideration. The District reserves the right to review, approve, or deny any submission in accordance with Board policy and established guidelines.

The Otsego Local School District would like to take the time to thank all of our generous sponsors who support our students, staff, and community. Click on the links below to support our sponsors. If you are interested in advertising with us and would like more information, please contact me at koshea@otsegoknights.org or 419-823-4381 ext. 1102