From the Desk of Katrina Baughman, Otsego Elementary School Principal:

Otsego Elementary School is a great place to be! I can not express enough how thankful I am for our dedicated staff, caring students, and active parents.   Otsego is truly a family, and I am grateful to be a part of it!

This year we will be continuing the new math program called Bridges that we implemented last year.  We are excited to continue using the hands-on, inquiry-based exploration of math in all domains.  This program focuses on problem-solving and skill building and is composed of three distinct but integrated components:  Problems & Investigations, Work Places, and Number Corner.

Additionally, we will continue using the Phonics resource in grades K-3 call From Phonics to Reading that we implemented last year.  This program will provide students with more in-depth instruction on phonics and the appropriate early reading skills for each grade level.

This year we will also be focusing on including more instruction aligned with the Science of Reading.  This is a state initiative that is backed by research and focuses on the basics of how students learn to read.  We will continue integrating these practices into our instruction over the next few years.  “The science of reading” refers to two related concepts: the study of how the brain learns to read, and to methods for teaching reading that high-quality scientific studies have shown to be effective. A key component of scientifically based literacy instruction is instruction in phonological awareness and systematic phonics.

OES is also excited to continue PBIS this year. As a district, we officially rolled PBIS out during the 2017-2018 school year.  PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, and it is a framework for schools to provide consistent expectations across the building, common language the students understand, and instruction on how students are expected to behave. We are looking forward to continue improving our policies, procedures and routines to fully align with PBIS.

Our continued success is dependent upon communication. I welcome your input. Feel free to email [email protected] or call 419-823-4381 option 4 at any time you think I can be of assistance. I send a weekly update during the school year. Please contact me if you do not receive the elementary update on Fridays throughout the school year and would like to be added to the distribution list.

I am looking forward to another great year at OES!

Katrina Baughman

Principal