Today, we honor a legacy that continues to shape our community. 🧡

Our student podcast, The Round Table, just released a powerful new episode featuring members of the Tim Downey family, his wife Deb, and sons Shaun, Travis, and Drew sharing heartfelt stories about a coach, mentor, and leader whose impact still resonates across Otsego.

Coach Downey’s dedication to his athletes, especially in building opportunities for his pole vaulters, went far beyond the track. His influence lives on through the annual Tim Downey Invitational, happening tomorrow, May 1, right here on campus.

🎧 Take a moment to listen to this meaningful conversation:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0E8PQIKZRyAF5DK48Sqasm

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/808f5039-6a91-47a5-8380-6f9a836111af/episodes/cbd212ce-9380-447e-9336-12ee45aa6b4b/the-round-table-podcast-life-legacy-tim-downey-remembered

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-legacy-tim-downey-remembered/id1642778713?i=1000763448205

🏃‍♂️ Then come out and support our track team as we celebrate his legacy in action.

#OtsegoKnights #TimDowneyInvitational #StudentVoices #LegacyInAction

We’re excited to share a paws-itively awesome new opportunity for our students!

Our School Facility Dog, Dana, now has her very own student team called Paw Patrol, a group of 3rd graders who help care for her throughout the school day. Each student has a special role, including Hydration Hero, Treat Tracker, Fur Stylist, and Smile Specialist.

But that’s not all! Our therapy dogs, Cali and Oakley, each have their own Paw Patrol teams, too! With scheduled days and times, these students are learning responsibility, teamwork, and compassion while helping care for our furry friends.

Even more exciting, this opportunity will continue to grow! Our current 3rd graders will return next year and then step into leadership roles, training a new group of 3rd grade students halfway through the year.

We love seeing our students build confidence and leadership skills while making sure Dana, Cali, and Oakley feel loved every day. 🐶🐾🦴

At last week’s Board of Education meeting, we took time to recognize and celebrate a very special group of students: our military-connected children.

As part of April’s Month of the Military Child, students with a parent serving in the armed forces were invited to attend and be honored for the unique strength and resilience they demonstrate every day.

A highlight of the evening was a powerful and thought-provoking poem written and read by Savannah Williams, sophomore at OHS. Her words offered a deeply reflective perspective on freedom, sacrifice, and remembrance, capturing the weight and meaning behind experiences many of us don’t often stop to consider. It was a moving moment that resonated with everyone in attendance.

During the recognition, Mr. O'Shea shared remarks acknowledging the sacrifices military children make and the importance of supporting them in our schools, especially as all three Otsego buildings were recently named Purple Star Schools.

Each student in attendance received a certificate of recognition along with a “Military Kid” purple t-shirt as a symbol of our appreciation. Students who were unable to attend the meeting were presented with their shirts later in the week so that all could be recognized.

We are proud of our military-connected students and grateful for the strength, adaptability, and perspective they bring to our school community. 💜

#PurpleStarSchool #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #OtsegoKnights #PurpleUp

Math Camp is a dynamic, student-centered experience that brings mathematics to life through collaboration, creativity, and fun. This year, Otsego 5th and 6th graders took part in the camp, engaging in a variety of interactive activities designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. The camp blends teamwork, problem-solving, and friendly competition in an energetic, camp-like environment filled with music, movement, and hands-on learning.

Led by dedicated preservice teachers from BGSU, Math Camp fosters a positive and supportive atmosphere where students strengthen their mathematical thinking and develop a deeper appreciation for learning. It’s more than just math—it’s a community experience that inspires connection, encourages growth, and cultivates a lasting passion for discovery.

Two Otsego students are finishing the year with a meaningful accomplishment that highlights their commitment to leadership and personal growth.

Sophia Borer and Claire Lampe recently completed their year in the Toledo Youth Leadership program, a selective experience designed to develop leadership skills and connect students with opportunities across the region.

After being chosen through a competitive application process last spring, Sophia and Claire spent the year participating in monthly sessions, each focused on different aspects of leadership. Through these experiences, they built skills in communication, collaboration, and community engagement while gaining valuable insight into leadership in action.

We are proud of Sophia and Claire for their dedication and for representing Otsego so well. Their growth and commitment to leadership are great examples of what it means to be a Knight. 🧡🖤

The Elementary School gym was filled with energy and excitement this past Saturday morning as families gathered for the PTO’s third annual Mother Son Dodgeball event. With over 200 participants in attendance, the event continues to grow as a favorite tradition for students and their families.

This year brought an exciting change, as the PTO introduced inflatable attractions in place of the traditional obstacle course. While teams waited for their turn on the dodgeball court, students had the chance to jump, climb, and play, adding an extra layer of fun to the morning’s activities.

Of course, the highlight of the event remained the dodgeball games themselves, where mothers and sons teamed up for friendly competition, laughter, and memorable moments. The combination of high-energy games and engaging activities created an atmosphere that kept everyone smiling from start to finish.

Events like Mother Son Dodgeball showcase the strong sense of community within the school, bringing families together for a morning of connection, fun, and school spirit. With another successful year in the books, this tradition is sure to remain a highlight for years to come.
 

Otsego’s FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) students are making an impact both in and out of the classroom.

FCCLA is a student-led Career Technical Student Organization that provides opportunities for students to grow as leaders while exploring career pathways. Members can compete in Career Development Events (CDEs) at the regional, state, and national levels, building valuable real-world skills along the way.

This year, Otsego is represented by a strong group of students:

High School:
Sara Britton (Junior), Jane Balusik (Junior), Evelynn Smith (Sophomore), Elyza Anderson (Sophomore)

Junior High:
Kendal Mehl (8th Grade), Addy Holewinski (7th Grade), Aliyah Buchholz (7th Grade), Elayna Rokicki (7th Grade)

Our students have already competed at the regional level, with state competition just around the corner!

In addition to competing, FCCLA members recently gave back to the community by serving at the Senior Citizen Dinner before the Grease musical—even dressing in costume for the occasion. Their efforts helped create a welcoming and memorable experience for guests.

A special thank you to Elyza Anderson, Jillian Bower, Adalynda Doyle, Kraven Fausnaugh, Faith Henry, Brooklyn Martinez, and Evelynn Smith for their participation.

We also extend our appreciation to FCCLA Adviser Ms. Smithers, along with the Otsego Food Service Staff and Eva Vasher, for helping make the event a success.

We are proud of these students for their leadership, service, and commitment to our community. 🧡🖤