A Publication of Otsego Public SchoolsJune 2012 District NewsletterVolume I Issue 4

“Linking Students to the World...”

In This Issue:

Spotlight On... p. 2 Class of 2012 Top Ten

Community Connection p. 3 Veterans Projects

Focus on Fitness p. 8 Students take on spring challenges

From the Superintendent p. 4 Great things, Great leaders

Tech Talk p. 10 One-to-one digital learning

Spotlight On... OHS Top Ten 2012

2012 Academic Top Ten left to right: Emma Bomeli, Kara Kanwischer, Alexander Wolf, Tim Ruesink, Ronnie Knoll, Lydia Moyer, Matt

Chavez, Brian Cunningham-Rhoads, Gabriela Hawk, Megan Voisard

There are 158 students graduating in the Class of 2012; here is a closer look at the future plans

of the ten students who emerged at the top of the class academically. Each one wanted to thank their parents, friends and OPS staff for a great high school experience.

Emma Bomeli Emma Bomeli plans to attend Hope College in the

fall to pursue a career in social work, “I love spending time with children and making them

smile,” she says, “Our homecoming with Andrew and Make-A-Wish sealed the deal on my decision.” Before embarking on this journey, she’s going on a mission trip this summer to Ecuador. Kara Kanwischer Kara Kanwischer is heading to Grand Valley State University in the fall to major in Biopsychology with plans to go into the physical or occupational therapy program, “I loved AP Biology and studying the body, so I thought it would be something good to turn into a career,” she says. She did a career exploration at Agility Health and looked to her mom, as well, who is an ER nurse and who Kara says was her mentor through school. Alex Wolf Alex is heading to Michigan State University this fall to study Biomed. Throughout school, he was involved with Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA.) Tim Ruesink Tim Ruesink plans to attend Western Michigan University. While he hasn’t yet decided on a major, he is considering a career in engineering design technology, “I chose it as it combines creativity and math into a field of study,” he says. He points to his swim coach and teacher, Darryl Belton, as his mentor and inspiration throughout high school. He also thanks his teachers, coaches and parents “for pushing me to do my best.” Ronnie Knoll Ronnie Knoll is traveling north to attend Michigan Technological University and study Applied Geophysics because of his enjoyment of the outdoors and fascination with rocks and minerals, “I would love this career as it would offer a fun and rewarding job,” he says. He credits Mr. (Darryl) Belton as a contributor to his academic success, “His class showed me what hard work and determination truly meant.”

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Lydia Moyer Lydia Moyer will attend Grand Valley State University for nursing with a goal of becoming a neonatal nurse, “My inspiration for choosing the medical field is that I love to help people,” she says, “I enjoy knowing that someone is better off because of my help.” Her teachers were her mentors through school and she thanks her parents “for all the time and money they spent on me. I wouldn’t be the same person today if they hadn’t put as much effort into raising me as they did.” Matt Chavez Matt Chavez will be the second OHS graduate in two years

to head off to Yale University. He plans to major in Biomedical Engineering, “I am interested in the sciences and math, and I like coming up with unique solutions to difficult problems,” he says. A WMU graduate student with whom he did research was his inspiration into this field. Brian Cunningham-Rhoads Brian is attending Kalamazoo College in

the fall to pursue a career in biological research and health care. His AP Biology class solidified his field of choice. Brian says his parents were his high school mentors. He thanks them, his teachers, and OPS administration “for making Otsego High School such a marvelous place to grow and mature.” Gabriela Hawk Gabi Hawk is attending the University of Michigan in the fall to major in Biology and Pre-Med. She knows she wants to be a doctor, but is undecided on a what she might specialize in, “The medical field is really interesting to me and I want to help others and save lives,” she says. She thanks her teachers, family and friends, “especially my parents for being the best support system and motivators.” Megan Voisard It’s a high-flying future for this member of the top ten. Megan Voisard plans to attend Western Michigan University and go into the Aviation Flight Science program to become a pilot, “I chose this field because when I was 10 years old my mom signed me up to take a flight lesson, and I have wanted to be a pilot ever since.” Her parents have been her inspiration, “because they have always encouraged me to do my best and given me the tools I need to be successful.” Read more: www.otsegops.org/news/topten2012

CONNECTIONCommunity

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Students for Sylvia’s PlaceSeveral fundraising events focus on the women’s safe house

Springtime at Otsego Public Schools is a big fundraising time for Sylvia’s Place, a safe house for abused women and their children. The Otsego staff collects personal care items to fill Easter baskets for the women, and two other projects raise money to help the children who stay there.

For the second year, second graders across the district have chosen Sylvia’s Place for their spring community service project. They collect a variety of items, such as toys, school supplies, games, toothbrushes and books to fill a shoebox

that can be easily handed to children when they come into the house. This year, the district filled 92 boxes. One Girls on the Run team filled 8 for their GOTR service project.

For more than 10 years now, the middle school has held a friendly competition between strive classes to take in donations for Sylvia’s Place. This year’s “Clash of the Cash” raised $2,079.43. Sylvia’s Place plans to use the money for shoes and backpacks and to fund field trips for the kids.

Tribute to Veterans, Memorial OMS social studies students expanded on their winter donation drive, which raised money to buy bricks for the new memorial, and constructed a Path-way to Freedom, a brick wall which contains messages from each student, “we talked about what freedoms we have because these people had fought for us,” ex-plains teacher Lisa Eldred, “then the students picked a freedom important to them and said thanks for it.” The students were encouraged to bring in pictures of veterans from their families which were hung above and below the wall. The donation drive allowed the class to buy nine bricks for the new memorial. Students brought in names of veterans from their families and nine names

were drawn. Students were given the list before Memorial Day so they could locate them at the new memorial.

Veterans Honored by OMS project:

Walter Kilbourn U.S. Marines

Detlef Dieter Zander U.S. Army

Max Muecke Army WWII

MIA Eastern Europe

Scott Richardson Army, Mobile Engineers

Dale R. Morse Army Unit 122

Co. 3rd Armor Division

Lonny Smith 25th Infantry

Division Headquarters

George Joseph Foster U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam – 1966-69

Jason M. Wesaw U.S. Army Ranger

James Marciniak U.S. Army, Fort Knox

Otsego High School hosted the second Stars and Stripes Patriotic Concert/Fundraiser for the Otsego Area Veterans Memorial on May 19th. It was also a celebration of the completion of the memorial which was dedicated on Memorial Day.

From the Superintendent Dennis M. Patzer

Education Excellence Award

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As another successful school year draws to a close, I want to congratulate all of our stu-dents on a job well done. I also want to thank students, parents and family members for their unending support for Otsego Public Schools.

When looking back over the year, it is truly amazing to see the large number of student successes coupled with a high level of achievement. Every year, our students make an impact in academ-ics, athletics and the arts that is matched by few other schools of our size.

It is also very important to salute all of our elementary, middle and high school students for their char-ity and community service. Of this we can all be equally proud! Our students give of themselves over and over for a wide variety of causes. To name a few - Food Drives, the Veterans Memorial, Blood Drives, Cancer fundraisers, and Jump Rope for Heart. There are many more annual events that receive school support, as well. This past year, support for the Make a Wish Foundation of Michigan was outstanding and heartwarming and the creation of the “Clothes Closet” was the recipient of a Fox 17 Pay It Forward Challenge award that equalled a $5,000 award for the program.

Finally, I encourage you to take the time to send a note of thanks to our teachers and principals. They play a significant role in the success of your students. Due to their knowledge, guidance and dedication to the teaching profession, they build connections with your students and help all of them grow. Think about the impact they are having on your kids and consider telling them “Thanks” the next time you see them.

I hope you agree that it has been a remarkable year for Otsego Public Schools. While we also recognize there are focus areas, like math, science, writing and reading for us to improve on, we are glad to serve you and your families.

Have a great summer and see you in the fall!

High school math program honored by MASBThe Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB)

awarded Otsego High School a 2012 Education Excel-lence award for its Math Lab.

Math Lab is an intervention program that helps students in Algebra I stay on track and master the fundamental skills needed for the curriculum.

Since its full implementation in 2009-2010, student achievement has risen dramatically, even as benchmarks for passing were raised.

High School Principal Hervé Dardis, Math Teacher Kathryn Wideen, High School Asst. Principal/Dir. of Secondary Instruction Heather Kortlandt, Supt. Denny Patzer and members of the Otsego Board of Education traveled to the ceremony May 9 to celebrate the honor.

Read more online: www.otsegops.org/news/edex2012.

Otsego Public Schools News & Notes Don’t miss out on any of the great things happening at Otsego Public Schools!

Bookmark our website “Like” us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter @OtsegoSchools. Stay updated on student projects, achievements and awards as well as school closings/cancellations and

much more! Check out our online newsletter for more stories and links to more information!

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

Outstanding People for Education

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Common Core CurriculumThis has been a very busy year for curriculum and instructional work. Some high-lights include mobilizing for the new Common Core Curriculum for English and

Math. These are national standards that are very different from the current Michigan Standards. Common Core standards are designed to cover less breadth of content, but more depth. They are modeled after what other high achieving countries do. Along with numerous professional development opportunities attended by teachers, we also prepared for the new curriculum by developing two district vertical teams to examine Mathemat-ics and Writing education in our district. These groups have been reviewing the PreK-12th grade progressions and have met to brainstorm coehesive linear pieces for every child at every level. We believe that with the vertical team strategy and the implementation of the Common Core, our curriculum will have less repetition and be able to dig deeper into content making solid connections from grade level to grade level. We are very excited about these instructional teams and feel that there will be unifying themes to track data on from year to year. We would like to thank all of our teachers for their hard work and dedication to our students this year! Have a wonderful summer!

For the fourth year, the Allegan County School Boards Associ-ation sponsored the Outstanding People for Education awards. These awards can be given to up to three people in each district who are excelling in their field and/or making an impact in the quality of public education in Allegan County.

Here are the 2012 Recipients from Otsego:Gordy Boelman:

The Head Custodian at Washington Street Elementary, Gordy Boelman makes himself visible to the school’s 426 students. His nomination stated, “he has proven to be a dedicated, support-ive team player who provides service that goes beyond what is expected while staying sensitive to the varying needs of each individual.”

Gordy puts in the extra effort to make connections with the

kids and gets to know them individually. He also gets right in to help with winter gear, lunchtime and encouraging their independence.

He is known for making birthdays special. He quiets the lunchroom and leads them all in singing “Happy Birthday.”

Steve Long:Both an educator and a coach, Steve Long’s nomination points

out his “ability to accurately read students and understand how to best motivate them.”

As the Alternative Education Teacher at West Campus High School, Steve might be the one constant in a student’s life. He often steps outside his classroom role to help counsel students and provide some of their basic needs so they can better con-centrate on learning.

As a coach, he sets high goals for students, but teaches them life skills as well as athletic techniques.

Anna StarrAs the social worker for the district’s Kindergarten through

8th grades, Anna Starr teaches hundreds of students, “learn to be more compassionate and accepting,” her nomination states.

She works to build self-confidence in her students and has formed multiple social skills groups at both the middle and elementary schools.

She led her Dix Street Positive Thinking class of 3rd graders in forming a Clothes Closet for the district to provide students with clothing needs which won the FOX 17 Pay It Forward Challenge and $5,000.

A parent nomination came in to thank Anna for helping her out with clothing for her son, “She is kind and made me feel like I was still a good mom even though I had no money.”

From left: Supt. Denny Patzer, Gordy Boelman, Anna Starr and Steve Long

Congratulations, Class of 2012

National Honor Society: Nicole Back, Emma Bomeli, Brittany Chapman, Matthew Chavez, Samantha Clark, Eric Cornell, Maija Cota, Brian Cunningham-Rhoads, Ashley Dardis, Sierra Frasier, Gabriela Hawk, Kara Kanwischer, Daina Kaugars, Ronald Knoll, Paul McPherson, Danielle Molenaar, Lydia Moyer, Whitney Olson, Zachary Radcliffe, Caleb Rohr, Timothy Ruesink, Ellie Seelye, Megan Voisard, and Zachariah Williams

Raymond Malvitz Otsego Rotary Club Scholarship: Emma Bomeli

Jack Warner Otsego Rotary Club Scholarship: Brian Cunningham-Rhoads Otsego Chamber of Commerce Scholarship: Emma Bomeli Comet Scholarship: Emma Bomeli, Carly Farrell, Sierra Frasier, Brittany Gardner, Skyler Scott, Ellie Seelye, Megan Voisard, Melissa Weirick

Victors Scholarship: Paul McPherson

Robert Stewart Memorial Scholarship: Matthew Chavez

Otsego Public Schools Foundation Scholarship: Nicole Back, Emma Bomeli, Samantha Clark, Kara Kanwischer, Danielle Molenaar, Lydia Moyer, Rachel White, Benjamin Wieber, Zachariah Williams and (in memory of Dr. John Kingsnorth) Logan Brumley

Rod Morrison Scholarship: Emma Bomeli

Charles and Wilma Cushman Scholarship: Eric Cornell

The Barry Community Foundation Scholarship: Nicole Back

Dr. Jeff Chapman Memorial Scholarship: Celeste Webber

OEA Scholarship: Alyssa Davis

Student Council Scholarship: Emma Bomeli

Red Cross Scholarship: Ashley Dardis, Brooke DePauw, Lydia Moyer

Otsego Athletic Boosters Scholarship: Kara Kanwischer, Lydia Moyer, Caleb Rohr, Timothy Ruesink, Megan Voisard Departmental Awards: Art: Delaine Dugan Business: Ethan Weeldreyer English: Ellie Seelye Graphic Arts: Cameron AndrusInstrumental Music: John Philip Sousa Award: Sarah Edwards Arion Award: Sean WalkerLife Management: Ogden MehlerMathematics: Matthew ChavezPhysical Education: Jayson HillScience: Matthew ChavezSocial Studies: Megan VoisardVocal Music: Lydia MoyerWorld Language: Kelly Chui

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Graduates are all smiles as they receive their diplomas.

Retired Otsego teacher Ray Bomeli was the guest

speaker at this year’s graduation ceremony.

Senior Gabe Porter read a heartfelt thank you letter to his

classmates for their friendship at Swingout.

Did You Know...?OHS Art Club members created garden art for a

silent auction at the Otsego Chamber of Commerce

Annual Dinner. The money raised went

toward the Chamber Scholarship.

Scholarships & AwardsCharles & Emma Clapp Trust Scholarship: Kristi Blank, Brittany Chapman, Eric Cornell, Ashley Dardis, Alyssa Davis, Alayna Meert, Haley Reed, Ellie Seelye, Megan Voisard, Rachel White

Otsego Public Schools Foundation “O-Zone” Scholarship: Ethan Weeldreyer

Perrigo Scholarship: Gabriela Hawk, Ronald Knoll

Friends of the Otsego Library Scholarship: Kelly Chui

VFW Post 3030/Ladies Auxiliary of Otsego Scholarship: Allison Rohr

Don Knight Memorial Scholarship: Lydia Moyer, Caleb Rohr

Patti Sholler-Barber “The Power of One” Scholarship: Eric Cornell

P.E.O. Star Scholarship: Emma Bomeli

Otsego Running Club Scholarship: Bryan Harvey, Celeste Webber

Harry’s Foundation Scholarship: Alayna Meert, Ogden Mehler

O.H.S. Leadership Award: Hannah Larson, Whitney Olson, Harold Watkins

National Merit Finalist: Daina Kaugars

Athletes of the Year:

Male: Jared KleinFemale: Lydia

Moyer

Students Entering Military After High School: David Gaddis, Kaitlin Gross, Sarah Hanson, Brittany Keech, Nathaniel Kirkpatrick, Branden Pfau, Jacob Rose, Seth Rose

Allegan County Technical Education Awards

Perfect Attendance: Michael Bush, Victorria Hotchkiss, Reece Olrich, Celeste Webber

Perfect Attendance Two Years: Dustin Mitchell, Allison Rohr, Kori Seibert

National Technical Honor Society: Alexandra Leafdale, Taylor Stone

Student of the Year: Alexandra Leafdale

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Adult Graduation Ceremony Honors 35

High School diplomas were handed out to 35 graduates at a ceremony May 21st. The graduates come from West Campus High School, Starr Literacy programs from Plainwell and Fennville and the Otsego Adult Education Program.

Senior Class Presidents Lydia Moyer and Brian Cunningham-Rhoads announced Science Teacher

Kristin Alkire as the class’s Teacher Honoree.

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Focus on FitnessYoung Warriors

Take on New ChallengeBoyz on the Move

Expands in Year Two

Middle School Mileage Club This year, Middle

School students took the mileage club to a new level, travel-ing hundreds of miles while focusing on bet-ter health and getting their bodies and minds ready for the day, “It is proven that at least 20 minutes of activity ‘boosts’ the brain to start making new con-nections,” said Diane Hitchock, OMS Physi-

cal Education Teacher and OMS Mileage Club Coordi-nator, “The Mileage Club provides the students with an opportunity to ‘jump start’ their brains before their school day begins.” It was an 8-week program that ran from January to April. Students walked the middle school hallway loop for 20 minutes before school. About 145 students participated and walked 5-40 miles.

The two top walkers were Jacob Agy (left) with 38.5 miles and Dylan

Ingold with 38.25 miles.

Girls on the run keeps

Growing

Otsego had 78 girls participate in the 10th Annual Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run 5K event at WMU’s Waldo

Stadium. This is a 10-week program aimed to help their self-esteem, confidence and decision-making skills as they face

dificulties growing up, all while training for a 5K.

Washington Street Elementary students became warriors this spring in a new pro-gram focused on fit-ness and safety called “Young Warriors.” This 6-week program

ended May 30th with a bike, swim and run-ning event totalling 3.1 miles. Amy Nieuwenhuis,

WSE Phys Ed Teacher, organized this group

for boys and girls in grades 3-5. The group of 36 met twice a week after school; the “Warrior Leaders” held three ses-sions each on biking, swimming and running, stressing the importance of safety in each of these sports, and also incorporated team-building exercises. The program focused on three things: respect, setting

goals and encouraging others. “They amazed me with the effort they put forth,” Nieuwenhuis said, “and some of them doubted they could do all the activities, so I think they surprised themselves, too.”“I really like physical activity and I decided it would be

fun,” said Nate Misner, 4th grader. He said he learned a lot about how to better perform in each sport and had fun, “look at all these people I get to play with and adults to talk to.”For Heaven Watson, 4th grade, it was a perfect fit. She

likes to exercise and liked having an after-school activity, “It gives me something to do that’s athletic and fun,” she said. She added that she also met new friends.

Warriors ride their bikes after school.

In its second year, Boyz on the Move has grown and expanded to another school, Dix Street Elementary.

Alamo Elementary teacher Mary Reitenour started the program last year with 18 boys as an outlet to learn life skills, much like Girls on the Run does for girls. This year, almost 40 boys went through the 6-week curricu-lum focusing on Self Esteem, Positive Thoughts, Anger Management, Sportsmanship, Teamwork and Gentlemen Skills. They met two times a week, each time starting with a lesson on those character traits, then they ran to help train for their 5K triathlon at the end of the program.

“I learned to respect a lot of things more, control your actions, learn to be a gentle-man,” said 4th grader Owen Wat-son, “and it’s not all about you, let other kids get a chance.”

Boys at Dix Street write their character words in a mirror to later reflect upon when they might

need a boost.

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Otsego Public Schools Foundation Awards $29,105 in Scholarships, Grants

Twenty-five grants were given to Otsego teachers this year totalling $15,501. They fund a wide variety of purchases to

help in the classroom.

The Foundation itself awards eight, $1,000 scholarships to students and oversees the delivery of four other scholarships

developed by Otsego Alumni. Nine recipients are pictured.

The Otsego Public Schools Foundation Awards reached an all-time high for 2012. Twenty-seven teachers and 16 students received awards this year totaling almost $30,000. The Foundation, which began in 1986, has a mission to direct charitable contributions to benefit the students en-rolled in the Otsego Public School district. Teacher grants fund equipment or materials to improve student learning; from Physical Education equipment to SMARTBoard software, to art, Spanish, reading and math materials, this year’s grant recipients cover all curriculum areas. Students directly receive money to help with college expenses. The money to support these awards comes directly from donations. More at www.otsegops.org/news/opsfawards.

An English Language Arts teach-er with a passion for technology. That is how Sara Badiner describes herself and she’s looking forward to a new opportunity to mesh those two.

Earlier this year, the OHS teacher became a Certified STAR Discovery Educator through the Discovery Educator Network (DEN), a com-

munity of educators who incorporate digital media into their classrooms.

There are more than 5,000 STAR Educators, “DEN STARS are active members of the community, willing to share what they have learned with others,” explains Porter Palmer, Director of DEN Global Community.

To earn the certification, there is an application process where educators need to report what they have shared. As a STAR Educator, she will present two training sessions a year.

And she will soon have even more to share. She learned later in March that she was one of only 125 STAR Educa-tors selected to attend the week-long DEN Summer Insti-tute. This is a sought-after spot that hundreds of people apply for each year.

“I am overwhelmed that I was selected, I am thrilled,” Badiner says, “It is such a small group. To get some recog-nition outside the area reaffirms that I am doing some-

OHS Teacher Earns Certification, Chosen for Elite Summer Institute

Special Guest Wyoming Police Sergeant, and preschool dad, John McCaw, spoke to the Learn N’ Grow Preschool class at Washington Street Elementary about his job as a police officer and shared ways they can stay safe, like buckling up and asking for help. The students asked him questions about his job and re-ceived coloring books, sticker badges and temporary tattoos.

thing right.” The Summer Institute is an intense five days of classes

and workshops that will further detail the tools the Dis-covery Educator Network has available.

Badiner says it’s a way to become a better educator, learn new tools to use in class, network and hear about the successes happening across the country, “I really think it is just seeing how other teachers are integrating tech-nology into their classrooms in a meaningful way. “

The institute is July 21-26 at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.

TECH TALK

Director of TechnologyMichelle Triemstra

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College-Bound Athletes

Otsego High School enjoyed a tremendous year in athletics capturing Conference, District, Regional and State titles. These seniors will continue on with sports at the collegiate level. Back row from left: Jared Klein, WMU, Basketball; Harold Watkins, Thiel College, Baseball; Jerimiah Rutkowski, GVSU, Swimming; Eric Dennis, WMU, Football; Bryan Harvey, Ferris State University, Cross Country and Track & Field; Collin Ahrens, Albion College, Football. Front row from left: Alberto Selby-Lopez, John Carroll University, Wrestling; Alayna Meert, Spring Arbor University, Soccer; Kyle Cupp, Olivet College, Soccer; Jayson Hill, Olivet College, Football.

Otsego Athletic Boosters holds Golf Outing/Fundraiser

The Otsego Athletic Boosters is hosting its 30th Annual Golf Outing and Pig Roast.

When: June 22nd Where: Prairiewood Golf Course, OtsegoCost: $100 per personTime: Shotgun start at 9am.

Get a foursome together and get ready to have some fun! You can find the form online: www.otsegops.org/athletics/boosters.

New Technology Now, More ComingAs we end another school year, I reflect on so many great projects we did during the year. We imple-

mented iPads at our elementaries and “flipped” a couple of classrooms. We added SMART Board Interac-tive Whiteboards in several classrooms in the district. I am also very excited that Otsego Public Schools is now a district-wide wireless campus. Being wireless district-wide will dramatically increase our options for technology integration at every building.

While our teachers and students get ready for their summer vacations, our Technology Department gears up for a very busy summer. Over the summer we plan to install additional SMART Board interac-tive whiteboards so that almost every classroom in our district will be equipped with one when the new school year begins. We will be implementing iPads at the High School level but we are still research-ing how to best deploy them to students. Our ultimate goal is for our students to be in a 1:1 learning environment. The concept with a 1:1 environment simply means that each student will have their own technology device to utilize at school and at home. Research continues to show that a 1:1 environment enhances a students’ learning environment as well improves student engagement. To assist the district in reaching our 1:1 goal, we will also begin allowing students to bring their own device, also known as BYOD. Students will be allowed to use these devices as technology tools in the classroom.

While the technology is an important part of a 1:1 learning environment, there are other factors that we need to consider. Another key factor for a successful implementation is to ensure that our teachers are properly trained how to fully utilize the technology. I continue to provide Professional Development opportunities for our teachers so they can learn how to effec-tively integrate technology into their classroom. I will continue to offer classes throughout

the summer in preparation for the new school year. I hope you have a great summer and I look forward to what we

have in store for the Fall.

Administration Office, 400 Sherwood Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1281 Superintendent Dennis M. Patzer................................... (269) 692-6076Director of Elementary Instruction Melissa Koenig ................................................................. (269) 692-6149Director of Secondary Instruction Heather Kortlandt............................................................ (269) 692-6162Director of Technology Michelle Triemstra .......................................................... (269) 692-6222

Transportation Office, 560 Washington Street, Carrie Barnhart, Supervisor..............................................(269) 692-6245

Communications Director & Newsletter Editor Holly McCaw.......................................................................(269) 692-6073

Otsego High School, 550 Washington Street Principal Hervé Dardis .................................................. (269) 692-6166 Attendance ........................................................................ (269) 692-6170 Guidance Office ................................................................. (269) 692-6175 Athletic Director John Kubiak ......................................... (269) 692-6163

Otsego Middle School, 540 Washington Street Principal Bill Houseman .................................................. (269) 692-6199 Attendance ......................................................................... (269) 692-6203

Special Education, 540 Washington Street Director Alice Hoekstra .................................................... (269) 692-6233

Otsego Community Education & Adult Education 501 Grant Street Director Tim Syrek ........................................................... (269) 692-6225

Alamo Elementary, 8184 N. 6th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009-8808 Principal Melissa Koenig .................................................. (269) 692-6150 Attendance ......................................................................... (269) 692-6148 Learn N’ Grow Preschool ................................................. (269) 692-6152 B.A.S.E. Supervisor Amanda Stone ................................ (269) 692-6140

Dix Street Elementary, 503 Dix Street Principal Mark Rollandini ............................................. (269) 692-6099 Attendance ..........................................................................(269) 692-6110 B.A.S.E. Supervisor Lacey Stout ......................................(269) 692-6114 Learn N’ Grow Preschool ................................................ (269) 692-6099

Washington Street Elementary, 538 Washington Street Principal Heather Badders .............................................. (269) 692-6069 Attendance ......................................................................... (269) 692-6080 Learn N’ Grow Preschool ................................................ (269) 692-6092 B.A.S.E. Supervisor Kaleigh Hoisington ....................... (269) 692-6088

OPS Website ...................................................................www.otsegops.orgOPS Foundation Website .....................................www.opsfoundation.orgFacebook.........................................................www.facebook.com/otsegops

Who to Call

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Save the Dates 2012-13 School Year

First Day of School: September 4, 2012Thanksgiving Break: November 21 - 26Christmas Break: December 24 - January 4, 2013Mid-Winter Break: February 15 & 18Spring Break: March 29 - April 5Last Day of School: June 12, 2013

Sign up for a Summer Voyage!

Otsego Community Education plans great events to keep the kids busy throughout the summer. Below are the classes for summer 2012! Go to

www.otsegops.org/commed to sign up!June

Babysitting certification (Ages 11-14) June 18 &19, $85, 9am-12pm

Cookie/Cupcake Decorating (K-8) June 19, $8, 9-11am

Picnic in the Park (Yankee Springs) (K-8) June 20, $5, 10:30am-3pm

Create your own art supplies (K-8) June 21, $8, 9-11am

Putter’s Family Fun Center (K-8) June 22, $12, 11:30am-3:45pm

Tye-Dye T-shirts (K-8) June 18, $10, 10-11am

JulyWhite Caps Baseball Game (all ages, adults welcome)

July 9, $30, 9:15am-5:15pm

Jungle Joe’s (K-8) July 11, $10, 12:15-3:15pm

Art with Food (K-8) July 12, $8, 9-11am

Christmas in July (K-8) July 13, $8, 9am-12pm

Tye-Dye T-shirts (K-8) July 10, $10, 10-11am

AugustPicnic in the Park (Milham Park) (K-8)

August 6, $10, 11am-2pm

Minute to Win It (3-8) August 7, $10, 9am-12pm

Bowling at Snowden Sunset Lanes (K-8) August 8, $10, 12:30-3:30pm

Cookie/Cupcake Decorating (K-8) August 9, $8, 9-11am

Roller Skating @ Long Lake Roller Rink (K-8) August 10, $10, 12-4pm

CONNECTIONSMoreOPS Connection online supplement!

Dix Street Elementary third grad-ers looked at what was inside each of them as their inspiration for this year’s entries into the “Poetry That Ate Our Ears” contest sponsored by the Friends of the Kalamazoo Public Library. This year, two students became published poets. Daelyn Burd’s poem received an Honorable Mention, and Genevieve Gavitt was one of this year’s winners. In addition to being published in this year’s book, Genevieve received a free copy of the book and was featured at an event at the Kalamazoo Public Library on June 2nd where the contest winners read their poems aloud. Here is her poem:

Inside MeI feel like I have monkey’s

because I feel tingly inside.Inside me is a regular guitar, it

makes a melody that helps me fall asleep.

I’m happy I’m me, happy as can be.

Genevieve Gavitt holds her poetry book with Daelyn Burd. Both have their poems published in the book.

Published Poets Bullyinglearning classroom, life lessons in english classReal life can sometimes offer the best of topics for classroom lessons.

Freshman in English 1b tackled bullying this last trimester and not only took on new material, but are still thinking about all they learned.

As the trimester began, they discussed the controversy over the documentary movie “Bully,” which centered around its rating. It was rated “R” so many high school kids couldn’t see it without their parents’ permission.

The students wrote persuasive essays about who’s responsible for bullying - schools, parents, legal system - and followed that essay up with one on whether it should be rated R. As they followed the controversy, which ultimately ended in a PG-13 rating, they wrote a persuasive letter to OHS Principal Hervé Dardis, asking for permission to take a field trip to see the movie.

On Thursday, May 31, about 80 students went to Grand Rapids to see the movie.

When you ask the class what they thought, a resounding, “I liked it,” is given.“I almost cried,” admitted one student. Teacher Merry Beth Ruiz says you

could hear a lot of sniffling in the theatre. The movie documents several instances of bullying and what is done, or not done, around those incidents. Some students wrote in their character analyses afterward that they were surprised no one did anything.

“So much is true (in the movie) when they show that parents and teachers sometimes don’t notice it,” says student Lexi Glazier, “students act differently around teachers.”

Ruiz said the lesson left an impact, “everyone got something out of it.”

Spring Assemblies Address Bullying, Other Issues Facing TeensThis spring, two clubs at the high school organized assemblies to address bul-

lying and other tough issues high school students face.They presented honest stories and very bold facts as they urged students to

think about their actions and how they should treat each other. Not a topic was left out of the conversation - from alcohol and drugs and sex, to abuse, confidence and self image. You can read more in articles on our website.

Both groups saw a surge in participation after the assemblies.

“Dare to be Different” presented an hour-long assembly to just the girls at

the high school.

“Men With Integrity” put on an hour-long assembly for just the boys at the

high school.

Girls’ Club Focuses on Helping Others

It’s not uncommon for girls to form clubs in elementary school, but

what isn’t common, is the goal behind one of them formed by three fourth graders this year. It’s founder, Mina Bohl, named it the “Life Savers Club.”

“Last fall, Mina told me that when she was walking/runnin for Mileage Club, she would pretend she was walkin to save kids who were sick or dying to motivate herself to keep going and try harder,” says Mina’s mom, Rebecca Bohl, “The next morning I told her I would give her 10 cents for every stick she got this year and she could donate the money to a real organization at the end of the year. She asked if two friends could join her, so Jocee France and Maria Germain came on board.

The girls met once a month and learned aout different organizations that helped kids and animals - St. Jude’s

Children’s Research Hospital, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Kids Wish Network, Clean Water for the World, Jane Goodall Institute, The Humane Society and the World Wildlife Fund.

At the end of the year, they had 153.10 miles. With pledges per stick and onations from other family members, the girls raised $251.60. They decided to split their money and donated about $50 each to the World Wildlife Fun, Jane Goodall Institute, St.

Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Kids Wish network and Clean Water for the World.

“Maria really liked learning about the chimpanzees and the Jane Goodall Institute,” explains Rebecca, “Jocee liked Clean Water for the World and Mina was touched by the stories of kids that St. Jude’s has helped.” Clean Water for the World is an organization that Mina’s grandfather, Jerry Bohl, is involved with.

At the end, the girls said they were excited to have the opportunity to be part of a program like this, “They said they would like more of their friends to join their club next year, so they can help even more kids and animals.”

Maria Germain, Mina Bohl and Jocee France made up large checks to go along with the contributions from the

“Life Savers Club.”

From left: Rylee Zigterman, Art Teacher Vicki Salvatori, Emma Ouellette, Kalamazoo Assoc. of Realtors Rep. Chuck Kinnane, Chris

LaCourse and Dix Street Elementary Principal Mark Rollandini.

Poster Contest WinnersThree Dix Street 5th graders will have their artwork featured as

months in a calendar that focuses on fair housing. Their pictures were entries in a contest from the Kalamazoo Asso-

ciation of Realtors. Each year they ask 5th graders to create pictures depicting the seven protected Fair Housing classes such as race and gender.

All of Dix Street’s 5th graders participated and three will be in-cluded in the poster. The contest included hundreds of entries from schools all over the Kalamazoo area.

The winners and Mrs. Salvatori received $25 gift cards; the entire 5th grade got a pizza party for their participation.

Summer GiveawayTo thank you for your support of Otsego

Public Schools and for being a fan on Face-book, we will hold a giveaway of Otsego apparel (donated from Cronen Signs) each Thursday throughout the summer! Look for the prompts each Thursday morning, leave a comment and you’ll be entered into the draw-ing. We will reveal the winner in another face-book post. Let others know to become a fan of OPS

on facebook! www.facebook.com/otsegops. They can get in on the contest and see all the great things happening at Otsego Public Schools!The giveaways begin June 14th!

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Artwork off to ChinaEleven students’ artwork chosen to travel overseas

Otsego students’ artwork will be on display in China for the 11th year through the 4H Children’s Art Exchange - Art to China.

This year, 11 of the 74 art pieces from Michigan 4H are from Otsego students. More than 500 of the district’s elemen-tary students submitted artwork into the program. Each class selects 10 pieces to go on to the county level, then ten are chosen from each school to compete at the state level. The state then chooses its selections to send to China.

The partner school in China has been Binzhou City, Shandong Province since 2004. In return, artwork from students in China will be displayed in each winning school.

The students are asked to create something important in their lives, such as friends, family, pets, home, school, sports and holidays. The program is about more than creating a painting or drawing; through the Art Exchange, students learn about Chinese art, language and culture and what the two countries have in common.

See more of what this year’s students created online: www.otsegops.org/news/chinaart.

Alamo Elementary winners from left: Emma Owens, Samantha Krusinga, Nash

Smith, Kayla Krusinga

Dix Street Elementary winners from left: Kaitlyn Robinson, Alex Goodwin, Ashley

Goodrich, Logan Brown

Washington Street Elementary win-ners from left: Jean Angilque Podewell,

Heaven Leigh Watson, Carly Bowling

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, sex, color, national origin, or physical or mental handicap. Upon request to the Superintendent, the District shall make reasonable accommodations for a disabled person to participate in any building activity.