A Publication of Otsego Public SchoolsAugust 2012 District NewsletterVolume II Issue 1

“Linking Students to the World...”

In This Issue:

Spotlight On... p. 2 Otsego’s Band - Tradition and Success

Community Connection p. 3 Purple Community Event Planned

Mr. Fuller Returns p. 4 His road to recovery

New Teachers p. 5 New Faces in Technology, Kindergarten

Tech Talk p. 8 $100,000 investment for 2012-13

Spotlight On...

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The Otsego Marching Band performs in the SpectroMagic nighttime parade at the Magic Kingdom during their last trip to Disney in 2008. The band is hoping to be in the nighttime

parade again, but won’t find out until at least October.

Otsego Band Program It was a standard set back in the 50’s by Director Dick swinsick; he created a band that was good, very good. That set a level of expectation that not only lives on, but thrives in the hearts and minds of students who sign up for a tough, but rewarding spot in this program. “I feel like I’m carrying on the tradition; it’s now

my turn to make it good,” says Drum Major Kaylee Campbell, oHs Junior.

“or better,” adds another Drum Major, senior Brittany McCuller. “I feel so proud,” she says to be a part of such a good band, “whenever I put that uniform on, I feel like ‘beast’,” she laughs. The otsego Band not only carries a reputation of having great performances, but has the scores to back it up. Band Directors Brent Morrisson and Mitch Piersma say otsego is in the top 5 bands in the area; other bands look up to them, “we have other directors or section leaders come to our camps to see how we do things,” Morrisson says. A decision to up the challenge and compete against Class A schools the last couple years, still earned them a 1st place at gull Lake as well as overall grand Champion and 2nd place in Jenison. students know the expectations as soon as they enter the program in 6th grade, “And they try to beat our expecta-tions,” Morrisson says, “It’s a tough program for the kids; we’re strict, but we’re strict for a reason. we care about what we put out to the public,” he says. But behind the impressive public performances, is a lot of hard work, “the kids work extremely hard,” Piersma says, “They practice a lot.” two-a-days aren’t just for athletics; that’s the schedule for the week-long band camp, too. Kids get their marching band music in June; they practice over the summer and bring it all together at camp. They practice from

9am-1pm and 4-9pm learn-ing five music selections and 65 formation charts – their movements on the field. while this is serious stuff, don’t think for a moment these kids are serious all the time. The first day of band camp brought a lot of laughs, jokes, fun times and new friends. But they are also a family. “we fight like sisters and brothers,” Campbell says, “but we all get along.” “You have a special bond,” explains McCuller. Piersma and Morrisson bond with them like family, too. They have these kids for seven years, “You really do get to know the kids, get close to them, “Morrisson says. “when you see their face coming off the field, when they’ve nailed a performance, their emotions, you’re feeling it with them,” he adds. This is Morrisson’s 14th year in otsego. Piersma is starting his 19th year. every four years, the band takes a major trip; a tradition started in 1984. They played at Bowl games and Disney, but now stick with Disney for all that’s involved in the trip. They head to Florida this winter, and can’t wait. “I’m just looking forward to spending time with my friends and sharing the experience with them,” McCuller says. The marching band will go through Disney in one of the parades and there is a performance for both the concert band and symphonic band. In addition, they get behind-the-scenes tours of Disney world and attend a workshop called “You’re Instrumental” where a professional musician at Dis-ney works with them and teaches them a Disney song. There are many educational components to this trip, but the experience is one of the big reasons behind it, “it gives kids an opportunity of a lifetime they probably won’t get oth-erwise,” Piersma says. The students will hit the beach and a couple Disney parks in their free time. That trip also supports the overall goal of the program, “we’re about educating the kids,” Morrisson says, “we want them to have a finer appreciation of the arts.” He says the public sees the parades and performances, but wants them to know that this program goes a lot deeper, “we have a lot of kids whose lives have changed because of music; we’ve had kids move into otsego because of our program,” he says. And that feeling of pride, is evident being around this group, “It’s really awesome,” Campbell says of being a Drum Major, “I feel so honored.”

CONNECTIONCommunity

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Purple Game ReturnsRivals Team Up in Purple Community Event

The otsego-Plainwell rivalry is deep-rooted and brings out big crowds, but when the two face off this fall in volleyball and football, another element to the big game will be added - a sense of community as they come together for otsego’s second Purple Community event. It takes place on Friday, september 14. A regulation outdoor Varsity Volleyball game kicks off the festivities at 4pm; the

football game follows at 7pm with a presentation to the Van Andel Institute before the game; and we’re excited to have grandville native and up-and-coming country star Nikki Boon sing the National Anthem. Bulldog stadium will be a sea of purple. oHs sophomore Josh Mayes created the t-shirt design which reads, “two towns, two rivals, two games, one cause.” He created that design into two shirts, one for each school. (see more below.) This year, you can order and pay online for your t-shirts, bracelets and purple beads. You designate where you would like to pick up your shirt. while there will be some merchandise available to purchase at the game, we encourage you to pre-order your items to make sure you get the right size and quantity. order here: www.vai.org/otsegoPlainwell. we will have tables set up at parent orientations for you to place your order as well as at home volleyball and football games prior to the main event. All the details can be found at www.otsegops.org/news/purplegame.

Performer was Dr. Pepper Tuition Winner If Nikki Boon looks familiar, it might be because she’s from Grandville; because she is cranking out new singles from Nashville, or it might be a flashback to the SEC Championship Game half-time show where she won the Dr. Pepper football throw contest and a $123,000 scholarship to a prestigious

music school in Music City, “Within weeks of making the move to Nashville, opportunities came to me so quickly,” she writes in her online biography, “The opportunity and privilege to write, create and share my music with you brings my dream to life.” Like many aspiring music stars, she had a love for music since she was little and took advantage of every opportunity to sing - in church, school talent shows and musicals. A chance meeting with an NFL player at Ruth’s Chris Steak House where she worked gave her the tip she needed to score big in the Dr. Pepper Challenge; he told her to do a chest pass when she threw the football. See the Dr. Pepper video, hear her new single and learn more about Nikki at www.nikkiboon.com. Nikki will sing the National Anthem ahead of the football game and sign autographs during the Purple Community Event.

Honor a Loved One... Know someone who took on the cancer fight? or is cur-rently in the battle? You can honor them by sponsoring a jersey. Football and volleyball players and cheerleaders will be wearing specially ordered uniform shirts in honor of peo-ple who have been affected by cancer. You can purchase a shirt and have a name printed on the back and enjoy recognition during the game while a player or cheerleader wears the shirt; you receive that shirt after that event.

Football jerseys are $100Volleyball jerseys are $75

Cheerleading fitted shirts are $30 to sponsor a shirt, call Holly McCaw at 692-6073 from August 16-21. These quantities are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. (Calls will be taken in the order in which they are received.)

Link up with us!Get to all the links in our articles by going to the

newsletter online! You can flip through it like a maga-zine and click on any web address and extras posted.

It’s all at www.otsegops.org/district/newsletter

Behind the Design... When Sophomore Josh Mayes was asked to create a design for the Purple Game t-shirt, he exceeded expectations, “He is a very talented student,” says Matt Grile, his Graphic Arts teacher, “I went right to him when the request came in for a design.” Last year was his first in Otsego. His words captured the community feel of the event, “It was the first thing that came to mind,” he says, “I wanted to put something together that showed both schools coming together for one cause.” To be the designer behind the shirts, he says, “is a nice honor.”

From the Superintendent Dennis M. Patzer

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strategic Plan reviewwelcome Back! everything we do as a school district falls under a strategic Plan; it guides the Board

and Administration’s decision making process as we evaluate, modify or implement new programs. we review progress toward the goals annually, but the effectiveness of the entire Plan is reviewed every 3 years. our Board is currently in the total review stage so I want to provide an update on a couple of key

changes for the future.The Vision statement remains the same – Linking Students to the World. This statement was adopted 3 years ago, but is

even more pertinent today. The Mission statement is changing to “Otsego Public Schools is a service oriented, student cen-tered, learning community that continually creates the capacity for everyone to learn.” This Board statement really supports your children as the number one focus of our District.

to further support the Vision and Mission of oPs, the Board decided to include six Belief statements in the revised Plan. They are:• Educationandlearningaretheresponsibilityoftheentirecommunity.• Allstudentscanlearn.• Schoolsmustprovideasafe,respectfulandcaringenvironment.• Educationdependsuponcommunicationandcollaborationamongtheschool,student,familyandthecommunity.• Learningimproveswheneducatorsusedataandresearch-basedpracticestoguideinstruction.• Educationcultivatesintereststhatpromotelife-longlearning.The Board will make final recommendations for three to four specific goal areas in the next few months; we will share

the entire strategic Plan when completed. I hope you agree with the direction the Board and Administration is taking as we continually seek to provide the best educational experience for your children and otsego community in general. Your input or comments are welcome and I can be contacted at dpatzer@otsegops.org.

Welcome back, mr. Fuller!summer break for Middle school Counselor, Keith Fuller,

has been one of recovery and reflection. He’s recovering from open-heart surgery after suffering a heart attack in May, and reflecting on the fact that he’s still alive.

on Thursday, May 10, about 3:25pm, Fuller left otsego Health and Fitness; he explains that for about the third or fourth time in the last week, he got on the elliptical machine and had some chest pains. He slowed down and worked through them the other times, but on this day, decided just to leave because he had other things to do, “I said goodbye to a few people and that’s the last thing I remember,” he says.

Fuller counts on those who were around him for about the next week to recount what happened. “Probably as soon as I turned onto Farmer street, I passed out and swerved into the gym,” he says, from suffering a heart attack. Fuller learned that a Michigan state Police trooper, george Duncan, happened to be nearby and was the first to get to him, pull him from the car and begin CPr. otsego firefighters and police officers were next to arrive to continue emergency response; ironically, the otsego Fire Department was doing CPr training at the time. They had to use an AeD (Automated external Defibrillator) four or five times to get his heart going again. exactly one week after his heart attack, he had quadruple bypass surgery; he went home that next Monday.

“I had a couple days of frustration, you know, woe is me. But those were far outnumbered by days I just felt grateful, so incredibly lucky and blessed to be alive.” Fuller feels like he’s gained a second life, “and that second life has a purpose,” he says. He’s not sure what that purpose is yet, but he can’t brush aside what he calls “monumental coincidences.”

“what are the chances a state cop would be across the street; that they were doing CPr training that day? There are so many bizarre coincidences and I can’t believe that they were by chance.”

He says it’s all humbling, especially the response from the otsego community. From the kids to the Board of

STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 6.

Keith Fuller at home in his garden this July.

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Welcome! New Teachers, Positions for New Year Michael Miller, Upper Elementary Technology Teacher Joining otsego’s staff is a homecoming for Michael Miller who comes to us from galesburg-Augusta High school. He is an otsego alumnus and lives in the district with his wife and two kids. He will take over the technology classes for our 3rd-5th graders, but his vast knowledge and experience will be an asset across the district. Along with the current technology curriculum, Michael wants to stress online safety and making sure that students know how to be safe online. He also has some words of advice for parents, “students will be learning quite a bit of technology at a young age, please don’t be afraid to learn from your kids. They can be a

great resource.” Michael is also one of only 650 people worldwide to be a google Certified teacher.Cassandra Corning, Kindergarten Teacher Cassandra Corning will join the Alamo staff. she recently returned to the area from North Caro-lina where her husband was stationed in the military. They have a 1-year-old son, Levi. she has taught at various elementary grade levels since 2007, starting her career at Mattawan. she is a wMU graduate and is excited to be a part of the otsego staff and partnering with her students and parents, “I am dedicated to creating a positive, motivated classroom community where their children will have fun learning,” Corning said.

Erin Tarnutzer, Lower Elementary Technology Teacher erin is starting her third year in otsego in a new role as a technology teacher for K-2nd grade, this is a new offering as oPs expanded the technology curriculum. The classes will get our youngest bull-dogs comfortable with computers and introduce them to the internet and keyboarding, “By learning and experiencing technology at this early age, our students will be very prepared for what is expected of them in the future,” she says. You can read more on our new teachers online at www.otsegops.org/news/teachers.

Teachers Present at State Math Conference

otsego was well

represented at the 2012 state conference for MCtM, Michigan Council for teachers of Mathematics.Math teachers

Brandy goodwin and shannon terMeer and special education teacher Martha roelofs all co-presented three sessions. They shared instructional methods and success stories on co-teaching, where special education students and a teacher are in a general education class; they also presented on the topics of gender specific instruction and flipping the classroom, where instruction happens at home through a video, and assignments are completed in class with the teacher.It’s quite an honor to have three teachers to present at

the state level. They chose topics that are newer concepts, and ones they feel fall in line with the differentiated instruction teachers want to learn about; each has also worked well in our classrooms, “I think it’s important that we get our experiences out there for other teachers,” roelofs said.

Martha Roelofs, Brandy Goodwin and Shannon TerMeer at the MCTM Conference

August 1-2.

Spanish Teachers Janell Baker and Kristin Tuinier, left, work in a group at

the Third Coast Writing workshop.

Summer Writing Project spanish teachers Kristin tuinier and Janell Baker just completed the Third Coast writing Project’s 2012 teacher Leadership Institute at western Michigan University. It brought together teachers of all disciplines to tackle “Big Question” problems teachers face in the changing world of education. Those “Big Question” problems were turned into Leadership Proposals to bring back to their schools. They also worked on improving their own writ-ing skills and teaching strategies. Baker says a concept she’s looking forward to imple-menting with students is creating response groups; these are small groups where writing is read aloud, then discus-sions and positive, constructive feedback follow. tuinier says she’s hoping to connect with new outlets for publishing student work this year.

technology was a focus, too; they hope to buy recording devices to help with spanish conversa-tions. tuinier and Baker will also have two creative writing piec-es published in the Third Coast writing Anthology this fall.

World TravelersStudents take European trip to France, Spain

FULLER cont. education, he says, they all made a point to make sure he was okay, “The outpouring of love and support and just goodwill I’ve gotten from everybody in otsego has been overwhelming, humbling and one of the most significant things I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Fuller says.

Middle school Art teacher Mary gerard, a former interpreter for the hearing impaired, happened to be visiting him on a day when he was trying to communicate via sign language, asking what was wrong.

shortly after he was home, another teacher delivered a box containing about 250 notes from parents and staff but mostly from students, “some of the notes were just amazingly beautiful and heartfelt,” he

says and adds that it was an affirmation of the impact teachers have on students.Another day, several oMs staff members knocked on his door with their arms full of annuals; Keith is a big gardener,

but couldn’t plant anything himself given his recovery.Looking back, he feels diet and family history were the likely factors in his attack, “It’s humbling to know that you can

work out all you want but you’re still susceptible to your diet and your genetics.”He goes to rehab three times a week for 45 minutes for exercise and classes. He says he feels about 85-90% but is 100%

percent ready to get back to work, his staff and the kids, “I can’t say enough about this town and the support they’ve shown me,” he says.

eight local students will come back to school with a new title - world traveler. Four students from otsego and four from Plainwell traveled to various sights in France and spain this year. oHs French teacher Julie trahan and oHs spanish teacher Merry Beth ruiz led the group through their european vacation.

This group also met up with two other student groups, one from Illinois and one from ohio during their travels from July 9-18. “It was an incredible trip!” says Dana Kiel, who went along on the trip with her daughter, olivia, as a chaperone.

The group traveled through four major cities - Paris, Provence (Nimes), Barcelona and Madrid. They stayed very busy on their trip, “The trip was action-packed and full of laughs,” ruiz says, “overall, an incredible learning experience for everyone.”

Their travel log was full of some of the world’s most popular sights: They had lunch on the eiffel tower, went to the Louvre Museum, saw Bastille Day fireworks over the roman Amphitheater, took a boat cruise on the seine river, went horseback riding through the Camargue, bike riding in Barcelona and took part in Flamenco dancing and cooking lessons just to name a few.

This was ruiz’s first time leading a group but has lived and traveled as a student herself all over the world. she says that for the kids to embrace the languages they study in class in this way brings a greater lesson into view, “That language is more than just a structure to memorize in class, but a window through which one can experience the world and evolve intellectually.” she also hopes they will continue to travel and study languages.

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Training the BrainAs the 2012 summer olympics come to a close, it brings to mind the parallels be-tween training for a sport and cultivating the mind. without practice and persever-

ance, improvement becomes increasingly more difficult. As we prepare for the 2012-2013 school year, our students can begin their training as well! one suggested tip for school readiness is to establish a bedtime and wake-up routine that reflects the school year patterns for your students. “sleep well -think well,” says John Medina, author of Brain rules. And, continue reading to your children or have them read daily, but choose books that are not too difficult. The more accurately they read a book, the more likely they are to become better readers. Next, promote daily math fact practice for your students. This can help refresh what might have been lost due to the summer slide. recommended educational websites and iPad apps are available on our website under “Parents” at www.otsegops.org. You could also register your child on www. xtramath.org, a free K-12 website with live video providing math practice for all students. If there is a specific area in which your child struggles, you may want to consider visiting www.khanacademy.org for free tutorials. Finally, be sure to include writing in your training program. students might enjoy writing a persuasive argument about a topic that is dear to their heart, i.e. “why my bedtime should be later than 9:00 p.m.” A sample workout might include: 30 minutes of reading, 15 minutes of math facts, 15 minutes of writing and 30-60 minutes of physical activity. Physical activity boosts brainpower so it should also be an integral part of your workout! As with any training program, getting started is the hardest part. However, the more you train, the better you perform. go for the gold!

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

Celebrating 50 years!

the 2012-13 school year

marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of inter-mediate schools districts. Michi-gan’s 57 IsDs or

regional educational service agencies (resAs) were created by the legisla-ture to bring about high quality and equitable educational opportunities to students and schools throughout the state. In this region the Allegan Area educational service Agency provides services to the local districts in our county. over the next year several special events are planned to highlight the work that AAesA is doing in our com-munities. For more information on what AAesA is doing to accomplish the work of public education visit their web site www.alleganaesa.org.

MMe / ACT SCoreSClass of 2013 continues the trend of increasing scores

Over the summer, scores were released for the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) which includes the ACT college entrance exam. The news was good and reinforces many of the actions the staff has taken in the last few years. The scores went up in every category compared

to last year and were higher than the state average in every category. The most significant increase was in Reading, which rose from 51% proficient to 66%

proficient this year. Director of Secondary Instruction Heather Kortlandt explains there was a targeted PLC (Professional Learning Community) project that tackled the ACT reading test. Other PLC projects have begun in the other categories as well - Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies. Breaking down the subjects on the MME, Otsego leads the county in Math

scores and ranks second in every other category. Overall, Otsego’s ACT scores put the school alongside much bigger dis-

tricts; the class average of 20.9 ties Otsego for 5th place among 37 schools in the greater Kalamazoo area, behind only Mattawan (22.9), Portage Central (22.2), Portage Northern (21.7) and Gull Lake (22.3). While she continues to monitor the data, Kortlandt feels there is a direct

correlation between the higher scores and the teachers’ efforts to target student achievement, “Our high school teachers have worked very hard to implement meaningful PLC projects,” she says, “we are very pleased that scores continue to rise and I commend our teachers for all they have done.”

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The days and weeks leading up to the start of school are very busy in the technology department, especially this year as the Board of Education recently approved more than $100,000 in new equipment and technology for our classrooms. With continued budget restraints, I am excited that we are still able to provide our teachers and students with the latest technology.

By the start of school, SMART Boards will be installed in every grade-level classroom. A SMART Board is an interactive white board that increases engagement and interactivity in the classroom; it also allows a teacher to save or print the SMART Board content so students can access it later. This also keeps students up on the latest touch-screen technology as they also have iPads available for use in their schools.

Elementary schools will also see the addition of 90 netbooks. Part of the goal behind this purchase is to prepare for the Smarter Balanced Test, the standardized test expected to replace the MEAP in two years that requires portions of the test be taken online. All elementary teachers are also getting new desktop computers; their current computers will replace older student computers in the classrooms.

Finally, we are expanding the technology curriculum to include Kindergarten through second grade to help our youngest students get comfortable with computers. Erin Tarnutzer, a third-year teacher at OPS, is taking over that curriculum which will focus on computer basics, introduction to the internet and some

keyboarding. These lessons will also help prepare students for the new standardized test by getting them acquainted with computers.

These additions fall into Otsego Public Schools’ overall plan to increase students’ access to technology. We feel that technology is a valuable educational tool that can enhance student learning at all levels.

TECH TALK

Director of TechnologyMichelle Triemstra

As school wrapped up last spring, the district was studying an extension of the school year to a balanced calen-dar, which shortens up summer break and adds breaks during the school year to reduce learning loss over the sum-mer. A joint committee of teachers, administrators, students and parents met several times to research the advantages/disadvantages/effects on student learning of a blended calendar. Community forums and a district-wide survey were held in April through June. The survey feedback, of approximately 200 responses, showed an almost even split between people supporting a 6-week summer break versus a 9-week or the current 12-week calendar. About the same time, our 2012-13 school calendar was settled with the otsego education Association and it reflects one staff Professional Develop-ment day at the end of each trimester. other than those days, the calendar remains very similar to past years. with certain constraints in a com-mon county calendar as well as the needed waiver from the state, a bal-

Balanced Calendar Update:anced calendar will not be implement-ed in the near future. However, we will continue to discuss and explore it in the future. we would like to thank the committee members for their time, input and hard work.

Here are some survey results: In support of:6-week summer: 31% 9-week summer: 30%11-12-week summer: 30%Does Not Matter: 10% of 209 respondents, a majority, 54%, felt their child is affected by summer slide and 60% felt a “bal-anced” calendar would positively impact academic achievement; 33% did not feel it affected their child and 22% did not feel it would help them academically. The remaining percent-age on both questions weren’t sure. seventy-four percent supported continued exploration of this calen-dar, 26% did not. summer camps, the desire for more research, and other family members’ schedules were some of the barriers expressed to the balanced calendar.

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Parent orientation/open House

Wednesday, August 29

Alamo Elementary School& Dix Street Elementary

Parent Orientation4th/5th grades: 5:30-6:15pm2nd/3rd grades: 6:15-7:00pmKgtn/1st grade: 7:00-7:45pm(childcare available at Alamo)

Washington Street ElementaryParent Orientation

Kgtn/5th grade: 5:30-6:15pm1st/2nd grades: 6:15-7:00pm3rd/4th grades: 7:00-7:45pm (childcare available at Alamo)

Otsego Middle School6th grade orientation: 6:30pm

(students & parents)7th/8th grade Open House:

6:30-8:00pm

Otsego High School Freshman Orientation: 1-3pm

Open House: 6:00-8:00pm

Camp Read-a-Lotstepping into Camp read-A-Lot, the name of the elementary summer school, you wonder if kids realize they’re

learning. There are a lot of smiles and laughter along with focused faces. “They are excited to be here,” says Lisa Cur-rie, wse Administrative Assistant, “they are just running in the door every day.”washington and Dix street elementaries hold two summer school sessions; more than 100 students attended over-

all. It’s held for 3 weeks, Monday-Thursday from 9am-Noon.students start the day out in the gym with Mileage Club, they walk, jog or run for about 20 minutes to get their

bodies and brains moving and ready to focus on learning.The students, grades K-4, then go into their classrooms and work in groups on reading and math; there are also tu-

tors to conduct one-on-one sessions with students. They also have a recess break.They are reading and analyzing great books that will help

them retain information and ready themselves for the new school year in the fall.At 11:30 am each day, they gather around a makeshift camp-

fire in the Media Center and take part in a sing-along and group activities.At the June session, students made backpacks out of t-shirts,

and each day got a fun item to put in it, like rope bracelets, pencils and beach balls. In August, each student received a new backpack and each

day received school supplies so their backpack is ready to go for the first day of school.

Kindergarten Teacher Katie Eichler works with students on reading at Camp Read-A-Lot in June.

Happy Campers!From basketball to soccer, volleyball to wrestling, hundreds of students returned to campus

this summer to take part in our summer camps and had a great time learning new skills!

A softball camper gets ready to make contact with the ball and head for first base while fellow campers look on.

New Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach Tony Koshar demonstrates how to correctly shoot the ball.

A volleyball camp participant gets ready to bump the ball.

Two wrestling campers prac-tice take down techniques.

Girls get practice dribbling during soccer camp.

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www.otsegoPs.org 10

Safe & Drug Free Schools Act otsego Public schools and the Allegan Area educational services Agency recognize and abide by the

standards of the safe and Drug Free schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free workplace Act.These standards prohibit the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, sale, distribution, or concealment

of illegal drugs and alcohol in school programs, school vehicles, school premises, and at school sponsored activities on and off school property. Drugs include all controlled substances as defined by law, as well as “look-alike” drugs, steroids and alcohol.

These standards apply to all otsego Public schools and Allegan Area educational service Agency students and staff. The use or abuse of drugs and alcohol poses serious health and safety risks to students. we urge students, parents, guardians, and care providers to work hand-in-hand with our district to ensure that these important standards are upheld.

Weapons are prohibited The Board of education prohibits visitors from possessing, storing, making, or using a weapon in any setting that is under the control and supervision of the District for the purpose of school activities approved and authorized by the District including, but not limited to, property leased, owned, or contracted for by the District, a school-sponsored event, or in a District vehicle without the permission of the superintendent. state law establishes a “weapon-Free school Zone” that extends 1,000 feet from the boundary of any school property. The term “weapon” means any object which, in the manner in which it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented, is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health and safety of persons. weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms, guns of any type, including air and gas-powered guns (whether loaded or unloaded), knives, razors, clubs, electric weapons, metallic knuckles, martial arts weapons, ammunition, and explosives. The superintendent shall refer a visitor who violates this policy to law enforcement officials and may take any necessary steps to exclude the visitor from District property and District sponsored events.exceptions to this policy include: A. weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel; B. items approved by a principal as part of a class or individual presentation under adult supervision, if used for the purpose of and in the manner approved; (working firearms and ammunition shall never be approved.) C. Theatrical props used in appropriate settings; D. starter pistols used in appropriate sporting events. These restrictions shall not apply in the following circumstances: A. A parent or legal guardian of a student of the school, who is properly licensed to carry a concealed weapon may carry a concealed pistol while in a vehicle on school property, if s/he is dropping the student off at the school or picking up the child from the school. B. A county corrections officer, a motor carrier officer, a state Police Capitol security officer, a member of a sheriff ’s posse, a police or sheriffs reserve or auxiliary officer, or a state Department of Corrections parole or corrections officer, provided s/he is properly licensed to carry a concealed weapon and is on duty or in the course of his/her employment carry a concealed firearm on school property; C. A retired police or law enforcement officer, if properly licensed to carry a concealed weapon may do so on school property. The superintendent shall take the necessary steps to prosecute for a violation of the weapon-Free school Zone.

Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

In compliance with Federal regulations, otsego Public schools has established the following guidelines concerning student records. Melissa Koenig, Director of elementary Instruction, is the records Control officer for the District and is responsible for the processing and mainte-nance of all student records. she can be reached at 400 sherwood st., otsego, MI or (269) 692-6068. each student’s records will be kept in a confi-dential file located in each building principal’s office. The information in a student’s record file will be available for review only by the parents or legal guardian of a student, an adult student (18 years of age or older), and those designated by Federal law or District regulations. If not satisfied with the accuracy of the records or with the District’s compliance with the Federal education rights and Privacy Act, a parent, guardian, or adult student has the right to request a change or addition to a student’s record, and to:A. obtain a hearing with District officials, or B. File a complaint with the U.s. office of education. The District has established the following information about each student as directory information and will make it available upon a legitimate request unless a parent, guardian, or adult student notifies the records Control office in writing within 10 days from the date of this notification that they will not permit distribution of any or all information:A. Name, address, and telephone numberB. Date and place of birthC. PhotographD. Major field of studye. Participation in officially recognized activities and sportsF. Height and weight, if a member of an athletic teamg. Dates of attendance, date of graduation, and awards receivedH. Any other information the District considers would not be harmful or an invasion of privacy, if disclosed. A copy of the Board of education’s policy and the accompanying District regulations are avail-able at the superintendent’s office, 400 sherwood st., otsego. There will also be a person available to answer any questions concerning the policy or regulations.

Pesticide Control ActThe otsego Public school District utilizes

pesticide products from time to time at its buildings. The District has contracted with rose Pest solutions to have school buildings treated with pesticides when necessary. rose Pest solutions inspects the District’s buildings on the first Thursday of each month between 6 and 8 a.m. sometimes treatments are needed as part of the school’s regular pesticide treatment program. Food service areas and bathrooms are treated before or after school. Locker room treatment is scheduled during vacations. Classrooms are treated only in an emergency and outside grounds are treated before or after school, when needed.

Products like boric acid or baits may be applied in cracks and crevices, but rose never applies a liquid, spray, or aerosol insecticide during a regularly scheduled service. when spray is needed to control an infestation, it is applied during a weekend, holiday or during summer vacation when students and staff are not present. All pesticide applications are made in accordance with the Pesticide Act of 1976.

Pesticide Application Notificationotsego Public schools either contracts with

private vendors or applies its own pesticides within District facilities and on its grounds. Under PA 121 of 1993, parents and guardians have the right to receive prior notification of such applications, if desired.

Any parent, guardian, or care provider of an otsego Public school District student who wishes to receive prior notification should complete the following form and return it as soon as possible. If a form is not received, it is assumed that notification is not desired.

REQUEST FOR NOTIFICATION OF PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS

_____Yes, I would like to receive prior notification of pesticide applications scheduled during the 2012-13 school year.

________________________________________Parent/guardian signature

Date: __________________

Address:__________________________________

_________________________________________

student’s Name:____________________________

student’s school: ___________________________

grade: _____________

*Return To: Student’s Building Principal

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act Awareness Update DeLisle Associates completes a regularly scheduled inspection of all remaining asbestos-containing materials in otsego Public schools. These inspections and routine six-month inspections performed by District personnel are part of our Management Plan. All asbestos materials in floor and ceiling tiles were removed during the renovation work that was completed during the summer of 2006. Parents who wish to review the District’s Management Plan may do so by contacting rhonda Plumley, Director of Business, at (269) 692-6070.

Legal Notices

www.otsegoPs.org11

Student Use of Phones is LimitedA student may possess a cellular telephone or

other electronic communication devices (eCD) and electronic storage devices (esD) in school, on school property, at after school activities and at school-related functions, provided that during school hours the cell phone or other eCD remains off.

Cell phones or other eCD can be used for classroom purposes if permission has been granted by the teacher to do so. The unauthorized use of cellular phones and eCD/esD to communicate or access information during classes or testing, in locker rooms and restrooms is prohibited.

Possession of a cellular telephone or other eCD/esD by a student is a privilege, which may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action against the student.

In addition, portable music layers, MP3 players, DVD players, audio and video recording devices (including cameras) and other electronic enter-tainment devices are not allowed to be used in the building during school hours except in classes where permission has been granted by the teacher or an administrator.

students with a cellular phone or eCD/esD shall assume responsibility for its care. At no time shall the District be responsible for preventing theft, loss or damage to cell phones or eCD/esD brought onto its property.

Student Vehicle Registration and Parking

student vehicles must be parked only in the areas designated for student parking. each motor vehicle must be registered in the Principal’s office on the form provided before a student will be allowed to drive and park at otsego High school. Forms must be signed by a parent/guardian. Upon completion of the registration process, a sticker must be placed on the lower right-hand corner of the front window. Vehicle registration and permits are valid for the current year only and the cost is $1 per vehicle. Use of the school parking lot is deemed consent to a search if a violation of school rules is suspected. If this consent is withheld, all driving and parking privileges will be revoked.

Notice to Volunteer Drivers transportation for field trips and extracurricular activities is sometimes provided by volunteers in private cars. The district provides liability coverage for employees, but no insurance or liability coverage for the ownership, maintenance, operational expenses, or any injury or damages to people or property that may occur in any manner from the use of non-school vehicles. Drivers under the age of 18 cannot serve as volunteer drivers for school-related functions.

Title IX & Section 504 The federal government has made legal provisions to ensure that no person is discriminated against on the basis of sex or handicap. In order to protect these rights and assure compliance, Denny Patzer, superintendent, and Alice Hoekstra, special education Director, serve as the title IX and section 504 Coordinators respectively for otsego Public schools. Any parent or guardian of a student or an employee who feels that the rights of a male or female handicapped person may have been misused in relationship to the provision of equal opportunity in educational programs and activities or in employment may contact the school. Inquiries concerning the application of, or grievances for either of these regulations should be addressed to: Dennis Patzer, superintendent, or Alice Hoekstra, special education Director, otsego Public schools, 400 sherwood st., otsego, Michigan, 49078 or (269) 692-6066.

Important InformationNo Smoking in or Around Schools

All public school districts, including otsego Public schools, are tobacco free as of september 1, 1993, as mandated by Public Act 140 of 1993. This law was enacted to protect children, school employees and visitors from the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke.

The tobacco-Free schools Act bans the use of tobacco products at all times in all buildings and grounds owned by the otsego Public school District.

The environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a group A carcinogen. tobacco smoke is now considered as lethal as asbestos, benzene and radon gas.

eliminating the use of tobacco products by persons on school property is expected to provide a healthier environment in which children can learn and promote healthier behavior.

IMPORTANT! NEW LAW governor rick snyder recently signed into law a new bill that prohibits motorists from passing school buses that are loading and unloading students, no matter what. This new law voids a previous law that allowed drivers to come to a full stop behind a bus, then proceed past the bus at 10 mph “with due caution.”

Bus Route Information otsego Public schools provides bus service to students within our district boundaries, and arrangements can be made for school of Choice students by contacting Carrie Barnhart, transportation supervisor, at 269-692-6245. specific bus route information can also be obtained through that office.

Your Child’s Bus Information The otsego schools’ transportation Department will be mailing out a postcard to every student on our bus routes that will include their bus driver’s name, the bus number and animal as well as expected pick-

Lunch ratesBreakfast $1.10reduced Breakfast $0.40grades K-5 Lunch $1.60grades 6 -12 Lunch $1.85sub station $2.50grill station $2.00Pizza $2.25reduced Lunch $0.40Milk $0.40A la carte $0.25

All families should apply to receive benefits of the “Free and reduced Lunch” program and it is necessary to reapply every year. our application process remains the same, but income guidelines have changed from the 2011-12 school year. New guidelines remain in effect through June 30, 2013.You can find the application in the “Parents” section of our website.

up and drop-off times. Those postcards will be mailed out the week of August 20.

Reminder for Kindergarten Parents There is no bus pick-up for kindergarteners on the first day of school, september 4, as it is not a full day for those students, but rather an open house. Parents must provide transportation for kindergarteners on the first day of school. Bus service for kindergarteners will begin on the second day of school, september 5.

Patience, please There may be delays in pick-up and drop-off times for the first few days of school as everyone gets acclimated to a new school year.

Contact Us If at any time you have questions about bus service, routes, times, etc., contact Carrie Barnhart, transportation supervisor, at 269-692-6245.

Transportation Notes: What You Need To Know

To: Postal Customer **ECRWSS**

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDOtsego, MI

Permit No. 23

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

www.otsegoPs.org

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 Office. 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.

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Calendar of EventsOtsego Public Schools

Contact UsAdministration Office 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 Education 269-692-6233 Alice Hoekstra, Director Community Education 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 269-692-6088Athletics High School 269-692-6163 Middle School 269-692-6225Transportation Department 269-692-6245 Carrie Barnhart, Supervisor

OPS Website: www.otsegops.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/otsegops Twitter: @OtsegoSchoolsOPS Foundation Website: www.opsfoundation.org

August See page 8 for Orientation/Open House InformationSeptember 4 First Day of school (1st - 12th grades) 5 First full day for Kindergarten 10 Board of education Meeting, 7pm, Board room 13 Allegan County Fair Parade 14 Purple Community event, 4pm start 22 Creative Arts Festival Parade, 1pm 22 rockford Band Invitational 29 otsego Marching Band InvitationalOctober 6 gull Lake Band Invitational 8 Board of education Meeting, 7pm, Board room 8-12 Homecoming week 9 Powder Puff game, 8pm 12 Homecoming, Parade, 5:45pm 13 Homecoming Dance, 8-11pm 17 Fall showcase Choir Concert, 7pm, oHs Auditorium 20 Jenison & east Kentwood Band Invitationals 22 No school for oMs/oHs, Conferences 23 oMs/oHs evening ConferencesNovember 7 elementary students 1/2 day, Conferences 5-8pm 8 elementary students 1/2 day, Conferences 1-8pm 12 Board of education Meeting, 7pm, Dix st. Media Center 20 All students 1/2 day, last day of Fall trimester 21-26 No school, Thanksgiving Break