• Wednesday, 9/29 – Otsego Photo Day • Tuesday 10/5 – Otsego Evening Book Fair, 6:00pm • Tuesday, 10/5 – After School Workshop Registration • Wednesday 10/6 and Thursday 10/7– Otsego Book Fair • Wednesday, 10/6 – PTA Executive Committee Meeting,

6:30pm, General Membership Meeting, 7:30pm • Saturday, 10/16 – Fall Festival, 1:00pm

2010

Future Otsego Happenings

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A Message from the Principal Stacey Bernstein The 2010-2011 school year is off to a

great start! The children have been busy settling in to their new classes and getting acquainted with their teachers and their peers. They are already hard at work and excited about the learning that is taking place in their classrooms. It is wonderful for me to see their smiling faces! If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to check out the many wonderful resources available on the Half Hollow Hills and Otsego websites. I encourage you to visit teachers’ e-boards to learn about special classroom events and activities. Please also take a look at the Otsego Student/Parent Handbook, by choosing Otsego from the Schools tab drop-down menu, then choosing the handbook on

the left. This handbook will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know, from handy phone numbers, to all of Otsego policies. In the coming weeks, you will also be able to view slideshows of our students and after school activity and club schedules. As always, we encourage you to get involved in our school community. Join our PTA, stay in close contact with your child’s teacher, and attend the many wonderful events we have throughout the year. Working together, we can provide the best possible learning situation for your child. On behalf of the entire Otsego faculty and staff, I wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and productive school year.

This Week’s Agenda • Wednesday 9/22- Meet The Teacher

Grades 3-5 Grade 3- 7:30pm Grade 4 – 8:15pm Grade 5 – 6:45pm Special Areas – 7:00-8:00pm

• Thursday 9/23- Bus Seating Thursday 9/23- BUS SEATING Seats will be assigned to all students Thursday morning. Please make every effort to have your child ride the bus to school that day. PLEASE NOTE: There is a menu change for Monday, September 20th. Instead of pizza sticks, the cafeteria will be serving popcorn chicken.

Otsego is a child-centered, family-oriented place where humor is appreciated, camaraderie is apparent, and shared decision making is integral. It's a place where your children will grow and get the most out of their education.

Helpful Tips for

School Success 1.Set up a Study Area This is a specific area where your child can do homework without interruption or distraction. It’s a place where the student can leave his or her backpack, and get work done.

2. Make Materials Available Everything your child needs for homework should be within easy reach. It may be a dictionary or pencil crayons, but the less time that your child spends searching for needed supplies, the better focused she will be.

3. Remove Distractions Turn off the TV, log off the net, turn the radio down.

4. Offer Guidance Children will sometimes need your help, but avoid doing the work yourself.

5. Use an Agenda so that instructions, assignments, and due dates are not forgotten.

6. Stay Informed Ask the teacher about upcoming projects and assignments so that you know what is coming down the pipeline. Join the PTA!

Parent Talk Don't Leave This School Year to Chance

Like it or not, back to school is here. Other than loading up on new clothes and new school supplies, there are certain things in a new school year that are predictable: new teachers, increased homework, and more challenging subjects. But there is also the element of the unknown—Will she forget homework and assignments? Will his study skills not hold up under pressure? Will he procrastinate? Will this year bring rough waters or smooth sailing? Or will she be successful and get good grades?

Don't Wait, Anticipate! Like so much else, history can teach a lesson. Based on past

experience and performance, you can make an informed judgment about what this school year will bring. But why wait and see what the will happen this grade? Avoid unpleasant surprises by taking action! Develop a plan of attack, get prepared now, and don’t leave anything to chance. So don’t wait, anticipate… get prepared for the classroom early on—it is the best way to ensure that the school year starts off on the right foot.

Thank You! I would like to extend a very special thank you to our PTA Co-Presidents, Kay Gibbs and Maggie Chong, as well as the entire PTA Executive Board, for helping our students find their classes on the first days of school. They generously gave of their time to make sure every child was happy, safe, and comfortable. They also provided our faculty and staff with a fabulous welcome back luncheon.

Thank you also to Karla Hofsiss and the parent volunteers who organized our pre-packaged supply kits and delivered them to our classrooms. The children were thrilled to see their boxes on the first day of school!

Otsego Spirit Wear Otsego Spirit Wear is now on sale!! All items will be displayed and sold during Meet the Teacher Nights and the Fall Festival. Orders can also be sent in with your child and must be received by Oct. 18th. This is your only chance to order items for the 2010-11 school year. Questions can be directed to Abby Gardy at 254-9412 or Nancy Martin at 254-1227.

Oxford Learning

Please click the link below to access the complete article from Oxford Learning. Don’t Leave This School Year To Chance