Paw Prints

I had a great conversation with a senior earlier this week - he is very appreciative of the new cell phone policy and the opportunities it gives him to socialize and connect with his friends during the school day. One of our goals here is to create a strong and supportive community of students, and this is one way that we're moving forward successfully.

It's going to be a busy few weeks here at OHS! We'll send out a Homecoming-specific newsletter that details events, themes, and dance information - look for this early next week. We also have our first delayed start day on Wednesday.

Enjoy the holiday weekend, and we'll see everyone on Tuesday!

- Mr. Reed

September 2 - No School

September 4 - First Delayed Start

September 13 - Homecoming

September 14 - Homecoming Dance

Tuesday - AM Tech Center students need to remain at OHS and report to the media center for NWEA testing. This is an excused absence from the Tech Center.

Wednesday - Our Tech Center delayed start schedule will be in place.

• AM students - Leave OHS at 7:40 AM from the bus loop. Leave the Tech Center at 10:30 AM. Take the first lunch at OHS, and report to the media center for the third hour.
• PM students - The bus will leave at 12:10 PM from the front of the building. Leave lunch or third period at 12:05 so you can catch the bus. It will return to OHS at the regular time.

This year, the OHS Student Support Team is working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. We are using a program called SOS Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help.

Through the program, students learn:

• that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help

• how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend

• to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend

• who they can turn to at school for help

• healthy coping skills

The OHS Student Support Team will deliver the lessons during one class hour. During the week of September 23.

We encourage you to visit www.mindwise.org/parents for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.

If you have any questions or concerns OR if you do NOT want your child to participate in this lesson, please contact Meg Takace, School Social Worker, at 269-694-7444 or at mtakace@otsegops.org by 9/16/24.

Attendance line: 269-694-7480

Athletic Office: 269-694-7405

Email: treed@otsegops.org
Website: ohs.otsegops.org
Location: 550 Washington Street, Otsego, MI, USA
Phone: 269-694-7400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otsegops