"Knightly" News

Washington Street Elementary - May 23, 2025

Upcoming Events

May

26: Memorial Day, No School
27: Kindergarten Celebration, OHS Auditorium - 2 pm
28: $175 Fun Run Prize - Trip to Urban Air
29: 1st Grade to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park
29: 5th Grade visits OMS
29: Warriors 5k Ultimate Fitness Challenge - 4:30 pm
30: $50 Fun Run Prize - Pool Party

June

2: $100 Fun Run Prize - Glow Party
3: 3rd Grade to John Ball Zoo
3: Conflict Manager Pool Party - 2-3:30 pm
3: Library Books Due (fines must be paid to participate in Field Day)
4: $75 Fun Run Prize - Inflatable Obstacle Course Party
4: 4th Grade to Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery
5: Field Day - 10 am - 2 pm
6: 5th Grade Recognition, WSE Gymnasium - 2 pm
9: Mileage Club Pool Parties
10: 2nd Grade to Memorial Park
10: Bulldog Buddies & Level 3 Pizza & Pool Party
11: 1/2 Day - Awards Assembly, WSE Gymnasium, 11 am
12: 1/2 Day - Last Day of School

No Delayed Start

Walking Trips to Otsego District Public Library

All classes will be walking to the Otsego District Public Library to learn about the Summer Reading Program!

Kindergarten - June 3rd, 9:30 am
1st Grade - June 4th, 9:15 am
2nd Grade - June 6th, 10:30 am
3rd Grade - June 9th, 9:15 am
4th Grade - May 27th, 2 pm
5th Grade - June 3rd, 11 am

Field Day at WSE

To help with team spirit and organization, please have your student(s) wear the following color shirt on Field Day:

Kindergarten - Tie Dye
1st Grade - Blue
2nd Grade - Red
3rd Grade - Yellow
4th Grade - Green
5th Grade - 5th Grade T-shirts

Awards Assembly

Our Trimester Awards Assembly will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 11:00 AM.

Parents are welcome to attend. Doors will open at 10:50 AM.

Please be sure to sign in at the office before heading to the gym.

Field Trip & School Event Parking

PLEASE park at the Middle School if you are attending a field trip or an event at WSE. This will ensure that we can have a normal dismissal. We have many upcoming events and we would like to avoid any added craziness at the end of each day.

Save the Date(s)

Parent Orientation/Meet & Greet: Monday, August 18th

Kindergarten Parent Orientation: 4:30 - 5:15 p.m.
New Family Information Session: 4:30 - 5:15 p.m.
1st - 5th grade Student Meet & Greet: 5:15 - 6:00 p.m.

First Day of School: 1st-5th grade - Tuesday, August 19th
Kindergarten Meet & Greet: Tuesday, August 19th
First Day of School Kindergarten: Wednesday, August 20th
First Delayed Start: Wednesday, September 10th

Otsego Student Health Center Opening Soon!

The new Otsego Student Health Center is opening soon! We are thrilled to share that the final Federal approval has been granted and we can now focus on this incredible service and access to healthcare for our students and families.

Over the next few weeks, InterCare will be finalizing staffing and hours for the facility. We will share those details as soon as we get them as well as our opening date.

We do already have dates set to provide sports physicals. Any middle school or high school athlete planning to participate in an MHSAA sport will need an updated physical for the 2025-26 school year. Dates and times are listed on the Health Center web page.

Physicals will be performed by Nurse Practitioners and cost just $20. You can make an appointment by calling 855-869-6900.

We are very excited for this news knowing that access to healthcare is an issue for many of our families. To re-familiarize yourself with the health center services for both medical and mental health, please check out our website at: https://www.otsegops.org/studenthealthcenter

Counselor's Corner

Understanding ADHD and Conflict-Seeking Behavior in Children

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often described as energetic, curious, and creative—but they can also face challenges that affect how they interact at school and at home. One common and sometimes puzzling behavior is conflict-seeking—a pattern where a child seems to provoke or engage in arguments more frequently than others.

Why Does This Happen?

Conflict-seeking isn’t about being “bad” or defiant. For many children with ADHD, it’s a way to cope with their internal state. Their brains are often in search of stimulation. When things feel slow, boring, or overwhelming, conflict can unintentionally provide a burst of adrenaline or excitement. In some cases, children may not even realize they're doing it.

For example, your child might start an argument with a sibling over a toy they weren’t even playing with, or suddenly talk back when asked to do a simple chore. These behaviors may come from a need for stimulation, difficulty managing emotions, or struggling to switch gears from one task to another.

What Can Parents Do?

Understanding the why behind the behavior is the first step. Here are some strategies that can help:

Stay Calm During Conflicts: Children with ADHD often respond strongly to emotion, especially anger. Keeping your cool helps de-escalate the situation and models calm problem-solving.
Notice the Triggers: Does conflict tend to arise during transitions, homework time, or when your child is tired? Identifying patterns can help you intervene early or adjust routines.
Teach Coping Skills: Practice calming techniques together—like deep breathing, counting to ten, or using a “cool-down” space when emotions run high.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Catch them doing the right thing. Praise, small rewards, or extra privileges for managing frustration or walking away from conflict can reinforce those behaviors.
Work with Teachers: Open communication with school staff can ensure your child has consistent strategies and support both at home and in the classroom.

If your child struggles with ADHD and conflict, you are not alone. These behaviors are not a reflection of your parenting or your child’s character. They are signals of an underlying need—and with the right tools, support, and understanding, children with ADHD can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Let’s continue working together to create environments where all children feel seen, supported, and successful.

Otsego Aquatic Club

Big Dawg Summer Sports Camps!

Registration is now open for our Big Dawg Summer Sports Camps! There are several camps to choose from for various age groups! Click on the link for all the details! https://www.otsegops.org/departments/communityed/big-dawg-summer-camps