Ottawa Area Center Parent Link

• January 26- Feb. 6 - Winterfest
• January 28 Early Dismissal
• January 29 - Winterfest Spirit Day - Wear Flannel Day
• February 3 - PJ Day
• February 4, 11, 25 - Early Dismissal Days
• February 5 - Favorite Sports Team Day
• February 16-20 - Winterbreak - No School Staff and Students

We have been working to re-open our pool after a temporary closure to complete a safety review and update staff training and protocols. Unfortunately, when we attempted to re-open the pool, our heating system malfunctioned, requiring the pool to be closed again. Our maintenance team has completed the necessary repairs on our heating system and we are prepared to officially re-open the pool tomorrow, Thursday January 29, 2026. As always, student safety and well-being is our top priority and we appreciate your understanding as we took the necessary time to complete our safety review and training.

We would like to update you on our current status with snow days. As of today, January 28th, the Ottawa Area Center has had five (5) school cancellations due to inclement weather. Under Michigan Law, school districts are allowed up to six (6) school cancellations for inclement weather and/or emergency situations. However, districts may apply for a state waiver which would allow up to three (3) additional cancellation days. In the event that additional weather or emergency related cancellations occur beyond this, the Ottawa Area Center has already built-in potential make-up days during the week of 6/6/2026 - 6/12/2026. The decision to cancel school is up to the discretion of our Superintendent, who is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We will continue to keep you informed of any updates related to this matter. As always, we thank you for your understanding and partnership.

After three snow days in a row, winter has officially made itself at home—so we decided to lean into it! ❄️⛄
OAC Winterfest, a two-week celebration packed with cozy fun, school spirit, and winter cheer from January 26–30 and February 2–6.

🎉 Winterfest Dress-Up Days

• Tuesday, Jan. 27: Wear Your Favorite Color (brighten up those gray winter days!)

• Thursday, Jan. 29: Flannel Day (the cozier, the better)

• Tuesday, Feb. 3: Winter Carnival & Pajama Day (yes… again!)

• Thursday, Feb. 5: Winter Snowball & Favorite Sports Team Day

Students will enjoy winter-themed activities, games, and special events throughout the school day—including a Winter Carnival and other fun surprises. Watch our Facebook page for all the fun we will be having over the next two weeks!

Winter may have slowed us down—but Winterfest is here to warm things up! ❄️🔥

We’re proud to share that the Ottawa Area Center (OAC) Directors and Leadership Team presented at the MAASE SLIP Winter Conference in Lansing, Michigan.

They shared how OAC supports students with complex medical and behavioral needs by using a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)—a school-wide approach that helps make sure every student gets the right level of support. They talked about how clear systems, strong routines, and teamwork help create a safe, supportive learning environment for students and staff.

The team also highlighted how working together as leaders and staff helps keep these supports strong and sustainable, even in a very complex school setting.

This conference brings together educators from across Michigan who are dedicated to improving services for students with disabilities, and we are proud that OAC was able to share our work and represent our community.

We extend our congratulations to the OAC leadership team:

• JoAnne Thorsen

• Julia Plaggemeyer

• Laurin Kennedy

• Lauren Kieffer

• Marla Watts-Pacheco

If your student will be absent from school, please call both Dean Transportation and the school office at 616-738-8960 to let us know.

When you notify the school, please include the reason for the absence.

If your student is out due to illness, please tell us whether they are experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever.

During cold and flu season, our nurses are required to report illness numbers to the Health Department, so your information helps us keep our school community healthy.

Thank you for your help and cooperation!

🌨️ Winter Weather Closure Reminder ❄️

As winter weather settles in, we want to share important information about weather-related closures:

📍 Transportation Updates:

• If your local school district is closed due to inclement weather, Dean Transportation will not provide service for students in that district.
• However, parents may choose to transport their students to OAC if their local district is closed but OAC remains open.
• The OAC will remain open even if some districts within our boundaries are closed.

📍 Closure Decisions:

• The OAISD Superintendent makes the final decision to close OAC in collaboration with Dean Transportation and local school districts.
• OAC closures will be communicated through Infinite Campus Messenger: phone calls, and text messages.
• OAC Closure will also be shared on our social media.

📍 Local School District Closures:

• OAC does not notify parents if individual local school districts close.
• We recommend subscribing to your local school district’s notification system or signing up for Wood TV8’s alerts to stay informed about district-specific closures.

📍 Stay Connected:

• Please ensure your email and phone numbers are up-to-date with our office so you don’t miss these important alerts.

Thank you for your attention as we work together to navigate the winter season safely! 🌬️

Each year, Ottawa Area Center families have the opportunity to opt out of photo, video, or media publication for their student.

Throughout the school year, we love to highlight student learning, community outings, and special activities through photos and videos used in school publications, social media, newsletters, and promotional materials.

If you do not want your student to be photographed or videotaped, please complete and return the Opt-Out Form .

• A separate form is needed for each student in your family.

• Forms are valid for the 2025-2026 school year only and must be renewed each year.

If you’re comfortable with your student being included in photos and videos, no action is needed.

Thank you for your continued support as we celebrate our students and their amazing experiences here at Ottawa Area Center!

Flu and cold season is here! Please help us keep our students and staff healthy by following these illness guidelines from our Parent Handbook:

Students should stay home or will be sent home if they have:

• A fever over 100.4°F (must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning)

• Vomiting (1 time at school or 2 times in 24 hours) or diarrhea (3 times in 24 hours or 2 times at school)

• Unexplained rash or open sores with drainage

• Persistent cough that affects learning

• Contagious conditions such as pink eye, strep throat, chicken pox, impetigo, head lice, or COVID-19

➡️ Note: COVID-19 is now treated as a regular respiratory illness. Students may return when symptoms are improving and they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours.

Thank you for helping us keep everyone healthy and learning together!

All volunteers must complete the volunteer form and undergo a background check before helping in a classroom, joining any school outing, attending school events during the school day, or taking a field trip.

The background check can take 3–5 days to process, so please turn in your forms to the office or your child’s teacher well before the date you plan to volunteer.

This process must be completed every school year.

If you’d like volunteer forms sent home in your child’s backpack, please contact the office.

Volunteer Form

adaptive OPEN SWIM

All Ages

Our Adaptive Family Open Swim program provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all abilities can enjoy unstructured pool time with their families. This program is designed to support individuals with disabilities or adaptive needs as they explore, play, and enjoy the water at their own pace in a comfortable and encouraging setting. Lifeguards are on duty to ensure safety and adaptive equipment are available for participants who may benefit from them. Parents, guardians, or caregivers are encouraged to join participants in the water at no additional charge and are responsible for offering any personal support their family member may need. Participants should bring a swimsuit, towel, and any preferred personal flotation devices.

• Registration: Not required - Just show up!
• Cost: $3 per adaptive participant | Caregivers swim for free | Included in Fitness Memberships | Free for current Swim Lesson participants
• Dates: Saturdays | Jan 10, 24, Feb 7, 21, Mar 7, 21
• Time: 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
• Location: Zeeland Recreation - East Warm Pool

Leadlight Counseling is a West Michigan private practice dedicated to providing compassionate,

evidence-based mental health care. Our licensed clinicians and counseling interns create a safe and

supportive space where students and families can find hope, healing, and practical tools for growth.

We partner with schools to make mental health care more accessible. Our services include: Weekly or biweekly therapy sessions tailored to each student’s needs. Support for children, teens, and families, as well as adults and couples when family support is needed. Care for a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, grief, trauma, behavioral challenges, relationship issues, and life transitions.

Leadlight Flyer

AutPlay Flyer

Leadlight Referral Form

We understand that times can be challenging, and some families may be experiencing food insecurity or other basic needs concerns. If your family could use some support, there are resources available:

Option 1: 211 Helpline
Call 211 or visit www.call-211.org for free and confidential assistance with food, housing, utilities, and other community resources.

Option 2: CarePortal
Contact Michelle Brothers here at Ottawa Area Center, and she can help connect you with local resources that can provide additional support.

Option 3: Feeding America Interactive Tool

Option 4: Community Action House - Food Club

Option 5: The Mobile Food Pantry

Please don’t hesitate to reach out — help is available, and you’re not alone. 💙

This is your one stop location for parents/guardians to go for community supports and resources. Please check out this resource at Social Work/OCSN Resource Warehouse. Bookmark this resource on your computer and refer back often. It will be continually updated with fresh and new information.

All outside resources and links featured in this newsletter are provided for informational purposes only. Ottawa Area Center does not endorse, sponsor, or assume any responsibility for the content, accuracy, or reliability of these resources. Please use your discretion when accessing and utilizing any external materials.

Full Day – 8:33am-3:05pm

½ Day – 8:33am-11:50am

Early Dismissal – 8:33am-2:05pm

Student AM Bussing begins at 8:23am

Student PM Bussing begins at 2:55pm

Early Dismissal Bussing begins at 1:55pm

1/2 Day Bussing begins at 11:40am

Email: bseymour@oaisd.org
Website: www.oaisd.org/schools/ottawa-area-center
Location: 10160 96th Avenue, Allendale, MI, USA
Phone: (616)738-8960
Facebook: facebook.com/OttawaAreaCenter/