The Shoreline Scoop

October 26th

• Red Ribbon Week - Dress Up: Wear Red
• Hearing and Vision Screening
• Pumpkin Decorating Contest
• Standards Based Grading Parent Meeting @ 9:00 a.m., Washington Street Elementary

• Destination Imagination

October 27th

• Red Ribbon Week - Dress Up: Wear Sweatpants & Sweatshirt
• Hearing and Vision Screening
• Pumpkin Decorating Contest
• Mileage Club @ Lunch Recess

October 28th

• Delayed Start, School Starts @ 10:00 a.m.
• Red Ribbon Week - Dress Up: Wear Your Superhero Costume/Shirt
• Hearing and Vision Screening
• Pumpkin Decorating Contest
• Destination Imagination

October 29th

• Red Ribbon Week - Dress Up: Wear A Cap
• Pumpkin Decorating Contest
• Picture Retakes
• Student of the Month Assembly @ 3:00 p.m.

October 30th

• Red Ribbon Week - Dress Up: Wear Your Halloween Costume

• Mileage Club @ Lunch Recess (Alternate Recess & Lunch - See details below)
• Halloween Celebrations - See details below

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!

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!

Picture re-take day is October 29th. Order forms are in the office lobby rack. If your child is going to re-take their picture they need to turn in the picture package book to the photographer on the day of re-takes.

Our Halloween Parade is 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, outside around the track 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.

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)

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

• Annabelle Hileski
• Elle Leigh Hill

• Jackson DeVisser
• Killian Czuk

• Amelia Zajda
• Emmalynn Sulka

• Bristol Woods
• Ava Bober

• Wesley Johnson
• Brooklyn Pintarelli

Please join us for our Veterans Day Celebration Breakfast

Alamo Elementary School is hosting a Veterans Day Breakfast on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 7:45-8:30. If your child has family members who are Veterans, we would love to honor them with a breakfast.

If you need more information about our event, please contact

Jamie Siegler at jsiegler@otsegops.org.

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,

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail

If you signed up to donate an item for the Trick-or Treat Trail, ALL donations are due to school by Monday, October 26th! Halloween Donation Sign Up Genius

Halloween Volunteers

If you signed up to volunteer to help with the Halloween Celebrations please see the information below for when to arrive.
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

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.

Helping Students Build Goal-Setting Skills

1) Set Goals and Make a Plan: Help students identify meaningful goals and create action plans with intentional steps to achieve success.

2) Monitor Progress and Make Adjustments: Provide regular feedback and opportunities for students to self-assess their progress, recognize growth, and adjust their behaviors when needed.

3) Reflect and Evaluate: Encourage students to reflect on their choices, thoughts, and words and consider how they align with their goals and vision for their learning and future.

Talking to Your Child About School Lockdowns

Conversations about lockdowns can bring up big emotions. Here are ways to help your child feel heard and supported:

1. Listen calmly. Give your child time to share concerns without dismissing feelings or rushing to fix them.

2. Validate feelings. Try, “I understand why that feels scary.” Avoid promises such as “Nothing bad will happen.”

3. Keep explanations simple and honest. Share age-appropriate, verified information. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll help find out.”

4. Offer ways to cope. Drawing, relaxing activities, or talking with a trusted adult may help. Remind children that keeping them safe is adults’ responsibility.

5. Limit upsetting media. Be mindful of news, online content, and conversations your child may overhear.

6. Reach out for support. If worry persists, worsens, or affects sleep, eating, or daily activities, contact your child’s school counselor or healthcare provider.

You don’t need all the answers. Listening, staying present, and reminding your child they can come to you can make a difference.

Regina Ambs

Alamo Elementary School Counselor

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

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!

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