One of About 600 Schools and Districts in the US and Canada to Receive This Honor
Owego Elementary School was recently recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process was a major factor in improved student achievement.
PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:
Focus on learning.
Build a collaborative culture.
Create a results orientation.
Responding to news of the recognition, Mrs. Silvestri, OES Principal, said, Being recognized as a Model PLC School is a testament to the relentless dedication and collaborative spirit of our teachers. Day in and day out, our educators work side by side to continuously improve their teaching, analyze student growth, and ensure every child reaches their highest potential. I couldn't be more proud of our staff for their unwavering commitment to student success.
Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture and submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.
According to the Champions of PLC at Work®, educators in the schools and districts selected for this recognition have shown “a sustained commitment to helping all of their students achieve at high levels. They have been willing to alter the structure and culture of the organization to reflect their commitment. We applaud them and congratulate them for achieving this very significant milestone on the never-ending PLC journey.”
Recognized model PLC schools are listed on allthingsplc.info, where they share implementation strategies, structures, and performance with other educators interested in improving their schools. Tools for team collaboration, articles and research about PLCs, blog posts, and other related resources are also available on the site. The site was developed and is maintained by Solution Tree, a leading provider of educational strategies and tools that improve staff and student performance. For more than 25 years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed.
Click here for a PDF version of the press release: https://aptg.co/q1D3Jy
#OESRiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
Owego Elementary School was recently recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process was a major factor in improved student achievement.
PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:
Focus on learning.
Build a collaborative culture.
Create a results orientation.
Responding to news of the recognition, Mrs. Silvestri, OES Principal, said, Being recognized as a Model PLC School is a testament to the relentless dedication and collaborative spirit of our teachers. Day in and day out, our educators work side by side to continuously improve their teaching, analyze student growth, and ensure every child reaches their highest potential. I couldn't be more proud of our staff for their unwavering commitment to student success.
Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture and submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.
According to the Champions of PLC at Work®, educators in the schools and districts selected for this recognition have shown “a sustained commitment to helping all of their students achieve at high levels. They have been willing to alter the structure and culture of the organization to reflect their commitment. We applaud them and congratulate them for achieving this very significant milestone on the never-ending PLC journey.”
Recognized model PLC schools are listed on allthingsplc.info, where they share implementation strategies, structures, and performance with other educators interested in improving their schools. Tools for team collaboration, articles and research about PLCs, blog posts, and other related resources are also available on the site. The site was developed and is maintained by Solution Tree, a leading provider of educational strategies and tools that improve staff and student performance. For more than 25 years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed.
Click here for a PDF version of the press release: https://aptg.co/q1D3Jy
#OESRiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
Art seniors from Owego Free Academy visited the Corning Museum of Glass for an immersive day of art appreciation and hands-on creation. Students spent the day touring the museum's world-class collection before heading into the studio to design and craft their own unique glass art pieces. #OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
Student Profile: Donovan McClintock
“I’ve always been a music lover, and playing music with an instrument, and your memory and skills, is always some of the best things to do.” Senior flute player Donovan McClintock tells us why he’s so passionate about music and pep band. Learn more about Donovan here in this student profile on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/csdJY-7PyjQ
“I’ve always been a music lover, and playing music with an instrument, and your memory and skills, is always some of the best things to do.” Senior flute player Donovan McClintock tells us why he’s so passionate about music and pep band. Learn more about Donovan here in this student profile on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/csdJY-7PyjQ
Upcoming Post-Season Event and Ticket Information
GIRLS AND BOYS SOCCER CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP - OCTOBER 29TH
UNION-ENDICOTT HS
GIRLS @ 5:30 PM (MAINE-ENDWELL VS. OWEGO)
BOYS @ 7:15 PM (MAINE-ENDWELL VS. OWEGO)
TICKET GATE OPENS 4:30 PM
GoFan Digital Tickets only - $7.30
NO CASH TICKETS WILL BE SOLD
Children 10 and under are free with a parent
Section IV Passes & NYSPHSAA Passes accepted
GIRLS CLASS B SWIMMING PRELIMS - NOVEMBER 4TH @ 5:00 PM
MAINE ENDWELL HS
TICKET GATE OPENS @ 3:30 PM
GoFan Digital Tickets only - $7.30
NO CASH TICKETS WILL BE SOLD
Children 10 and under are free with a parent
Section IV Passes & NYSPHSAA Passes accepted
SECTION IV CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS - NOVEMBER 5TH
CHENANGO VALLEY STATE PARK
TICKET GATE OPENS @ 9:00 AM
GoFan Digital Tickets only - $13.60
NO CASH TICKETS WILL BE SOLD
Children 10 and under are free with a parent
Section IV Passes & NYSPHSAA Passes accepted
GIRLS DIVING ALL CLASSES CHAMPIONSHIPS - NOVEMBER 6TH @ 4:00 pm
ELMIRA HS (ERINE DAVIS POOL)
TICKET GATE OPENS @ 2:00 pm
GoFan Digital Tickets only - $7.30
NO CASH TICKETS WILL BE SOLD
Children 10 and under are free with a parent
Section IV Passes & NYSPHSAA Passes accepted
Section 4 Athletics uses GO Fan digital ticketing for spectators to purchase tickets for postseason events. (Children 10 and under are FREE.)
You can see all Section 4 events and buy tickets here: https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAAIV.
Please contact the athletic office with any questions via Onflo (formerly Let’s Talk!): https://www.oacsd.org/page/onflo-lets-talk.
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition
GIRLS AND BOYS SOCCER CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP - OCTOBER 29TH
UNION-ENDICOTT HS
GIRLS @ 5:30 PM (MAINE-ENDWELL VS. OWEGO)
BOYS @ 7:15 PM (MAINE-ENDWELL VS. OWEGO)
TICKET GATE OPENS 4:30 PM
GoFan Digital Tickets only - $7.30
NO CASH TICKETS WILL BE SOLD
Children 10 and under are free with a parent
Section IV Passes & NYSPHSAA Passes accepted
GIRLS CLASS B SWIMMING PRELIMS - NOVEMBER 4TH @ 5:00 PM
MAINE ENDWELL HS
TICKET GATE OPENS @ 3:30 PM
GoFan Digital Tickets only - $7.30
NO CASH TICKETS WILL BE SOLD
Children 10 and under are free with a parent
Section IV Passes & NYSPHSAA Passes accepted
SECTION IV CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS - NOVEMBER 5TH
CHENANGO VALLEY STATE PARK
TICKET GATE OPENS @ 9:00 AM
GoFan Digital Tickets only - $13.60
NO CASH TICKETS WILL BE SOLD
Children 10 and under are free with a parent
Section IV Passes & NYSPHSAA Passes accepted
GIRLS DIVING ALL CLASSES CHAMPIONSHIPS - NOVEMBER 6TH @ 4:00 pm
ELMIRA HS (ERINE DAVIS POOL)
TICKET GATE OPENS @ 2:00 pm
GoFan Digital Tickets only - $7.30
NO CASH TICKETS WILL BE SOLD
Children 10 and under are free with a parent
Section IV Passes & NYSPHSAA Passes accepted
Section 4 Athletics uses GO Fan digital ticketing for spectators to purchase tickets for postseason events. (Children 10 and under are FREE.)
You can see all Section 4 events and buy tickets here: https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAAIV.
Please contact the athletic office with any questions via Onflo (formerly Let’s Talk!): https://www.oacsd.org/page/onflo-lets-talk.
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition
Principal Spotlight: Tom Beatty
“I work with some amazing people, and I learn something every single day.” AES Principal Tom Beatty recently celebrated with his staff after they had received the Promising Practices Award. Learn more about Tom Beatty and his passion for being a principal and for education in this Principal Spotlight on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/vxACgHLErw0
“I work with some amazing people, and I learn something every single day.” AES Principal Tom Beatty recently celebrated with his staff after they had received the Promising Practices Award. Learn more about Tom Beatty and his passion for being a principal and for education in this Principal Spotlight on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/vxACgHLErw0
Four Questions: Jana Nikulich
“One of my favorite memories is definitely the state qualifier tournament with my best friend Mary last year.” Jana Nikulich made the switch from volleyball to tennis. Learn more about Jana and what some of her goals are for this season as she answers four questions on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/AuBzdjc70co
“One of my favorite memories is definitely the state qualifier tournament with my best friend Mary last year.” Jana Nikulich made the switch from volleyball to tennis. Learn more about Jana and what some of her goals are for this season as she answers four questions on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/AuBzdjc70co
OA REMINDER: The Board of Education will hold a Regular Meeting tonight, Monday, October 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the Board of Education Room in the OA District Office, 5 Sheldon Guile Boulevard, Owego, NY 13827.
The meeting will be streamed on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/Aa45feiAjdM.
Board meeting agendas are posted on Board Docs at www.oacsd.org. We encourage anyone with questions or comments to use Onflo (formerly Let’s Talk!): https://www.oacsd.org/page/onflo-lets-talk. Your questions and comments will be addressed by the appropriate district personnel or members of the Board of Education.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #ThisIsOA
The meeting will be streamed on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/Aa45feiAjdM.
Board meeting agendas are posted on Board Docs at www.oacsd.org. We encourage anyone with questions or comments to use Onflo (formerly Let’s Talk!): https://www.oacsd.org/page/onflo-lets-talk. Your questions and comments will be addressed by the appropriate district personnel or members of the Board of Education.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #ThisIsOA
On Wednesday the OA Career Center hosted a Business Pathway Panel event for students interested in business careers. Thank you to Dr. Sabrina Henriques from the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce, Jacinto Maratea from Raymond Hadley and Bob Jenson from Rome Bath. We had over 30 students attend during their SOAR period to learn from these business professionals#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA
River Hawks XC taking flight for championship season! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
Check out this drone view of the River Hawks XC team getting in their final tune-up at Hickories Park right here in Owego!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMWfZ-8sJ9I
The hard work is paying off as we head into the postseason with four runners seeded in the TOP 10 of the Small School Races!
🏃♀️ Top 10 Girls Seeds: #2 Sarah Heath – 19:50.80 and #8 Ella Goodrich – 22:25.60
🏃♂️ Top 10 Boys Seeds: #7 Vitaliy Sirotkin – 17:41.50 and #9 Levi Saunders – 17:59.10
🗓️ Mark Your Calendars:
📍 Divisional & STAC Championships: Saturday, 10/24 at Fortin Park in Oneonta
📍 Sectional Championships: Thursday, 11/5 at Chenango Valley State Park
🔗 Full STAC Championship info and schedule:
https://www.stacshowcase.com/o/stac/article/3206915
Good luck, River Hawks XC!
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
Check out this drone view of the River Hawks XC team getting in their final tune-up at Hickories Park right here in Owego!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMWfZ-8sJ9I
The hard work is paying off as we head into the postseason with four runners seeded in the TOP 10 of the Small School Races!
🏃♀️ Top 10 Girls Seeds: #2 Sarah Heath – 19:50.80 and #8 Ella Goodrich – 22:25.60
🏃♂️ Top 10 Boys Seeds: #7 Vitaliy Sirotkin – 17:41.50 and #9 Levi Saunders – 17:59.10
🗓️ Mark Your Calendars:
📍 Divisional & STAC Championships: Saturday, 10/24 at Fortin Park in Oneonta
📍 Sectional Championships: Thursday, 11/5 at Chenango Valley State Park
🔗 Full STAC Championship info and schedule:
https://www.stacshowcase.com/o/stac/article/3206915
Good luck, River Hawks XC!
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
In the Classroom: Clay Monster Art Project
“I kind of just been assembling the clay. I’m about to start carving out the insides, like a pumpkin.” Amelia Parker breaks down how she has been putting together her clay monster in 3D art. Learn more here on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/gcBM2GCL1a0
“I kind of just been assembling the clay. I’m about to start carving out the insides, like a pumpkin.” Amelia Parker breaks down how she has been putting together her clay monster in 3D art. Learn more here on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/gcBM2GCL1a0
Congrats to our career center coordinator Mr. Westcott for being recognized as one of SUNY’s College Access Ambassadors program. Here’s a story from SUNY about the position. https://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/9-26/9-18-26/college-access-ambassadors-program.html
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA
We are excited to share video progress reports provided by Smith Site Development, highlighting recent milestones on our district's Capital Projects.
Take a look at the latest work being done at Owego Free Academy and Apalachin
Elementary School:
Owego Free Academy Multi-Purpose Field Construction:
Progress Report 1: http://www.smithsitedevelopment.com/100826-owego-progress-report
Progress Report 2: http://www.smithsitedevelopment.com/101326-owego-csd-progress-report
Apalachin Elementary School Playground Installation:
Playground Progress Report: https://www.smithsitedevelopment.com/101326-apalachin-elementary-playground-progress-report-final
Thank you to Smith Site Development for their continued work and dedicated efforts toward enhancing our school facilities.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
Take a look at the latest work being done at Owego Free Academy and Apalachin
Elementary School:
Owego Free Academy Multi-Purpose Field Construction:
Progress Report 1: http://www.smithsitedevelopment.com/100826-owego-progress-report
Progress Report 2: http://www.smithsitedevelopment.com/101326-owego-csd-progress-report
Apalachin Elementary School Playground Installation:
Playground Progress Report: https://www.smithsitedevelopment.com/101326-apalachin-elementary-playground-progress-report-final
Thank you to Smith Site Development for their continued work and dedicated efforts toward enhancing our school facilities.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
We had students participating at BT BOCES’s ConTech event a few weeks back. It was a fantastic and hands-on event for our students to experience a number of construction and technology based careers.#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA
It was fun to host college visits on Monday from Buffalo, Oneonta, Rochester and Nazarath Monday. We have plenty of other colleges stopping in to visit. Check out our poster posted here to register#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA
Teacher Spotlight: Kristin Hodges
“Seeing the kids every day and learning to be creative alongside them, learning from them every single day, is definitely the biggest benefit.” Kristin Hodges shares her passion for teaching and the goals she sets for herself. Learn more about Kristin Hodges in this teacher spotlight on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/T2Llpz1HWyY
“Seeing the kids every day and learning to be creative alongside them, learning from them every single day, is definitely the biggest benefit.” Kristin Hodges shares her passion for teaching and the goals she sets for herself. Learn more about Kristin Hodges in this teacher spotlight on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/T2Llpz1HWyY
Four Questions: Grady Morse
“I hope to just keep getting better and play through college.” Grady Morse shares with us how he got his start in the band and some of his favorite memories he’s made along the way. Watch as Grady answers four questions on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/kcqUN1FTqGc
“I hope to just keep getting better and play through college.” Grady Morse shares with us how he got his start in the band and some of his favorite memories he’s made along the way. Watch as Grady answers four questions on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/kcqUN1FTqGc
Four Questions: Emma Dixon & Shatha Alotaibi
“End it strong, end it with a win. Get better at our strategies, do everything we can to become better tennis players.” Emma and Shatha have been best friends since middle school and started their tennis journey together. Learn more about the two of them as they answer four questions on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/sz6NGsMmZzE
“End it strong, end it with a win. Get better at our strategies, do everything we can to become better tennis players.” Emma and Shatha have been best friends since middle school and started their tennis journey together. Learn more about the two of them as they answer four questions on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/sz6NGsMmZzE
Catch a River Hawks’ Eye View of the OA Hometown Tailgate 2026! Soaring over Owego Free Academy to capture all the energy, red-and-blue spirit, and community pride from Homecoming. 🎥 https://youtu.be/E7nIOIdoAzE
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition
🚌 National School Bus Safety Week: Oct 19-23 🛑
This week, we join districts across the country in focusing on the safety of our students. We are incredibly grateful to our community for always helping to keep our students and staff safe on the roads.
Please be aware of a special enforcement day: Operation Safe Stop is on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. NYS Police will be out on the roads, actively following school buses and monitoring high-priority areas. They are ensuring drivers stop for the flashing red lights to protect children as they board and disembark.
Let’s all do our part. Remember: 🔴 Red Lights Flashing = STOP (from either direction). 🟡 Yellow Lights Flashing = SLOW DOWN; a stop is imminent.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our kids safe!
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek #OperationSafeStop
This week, we join districts across the country in focusing on the safety of our students. We are incredibly grateful to our community for always helping to keep our students and staff safe on the roads.
Please be aware of a special enforcement day: Operation Safe Stop is on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. NYS Police will be out on the roads, actively following school buses and monitoring high-priority areas. They are ensuring drivers stop for the flashing red lights to protect children as they board and disembark.
Let’s all do our part. Remember: 🔴 Red Lights Flashing = STOP (from either direction). 🟡 Yellow Lights Flashing = SLOW DOWN; a stop is imminent.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our kids safe!
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek #OperationSafeStop
OA Parents, Athletes, and Community,
Important dates and reminders:
Winter 2026-2027 Season
Family ID Registration Opens for:
All Varsity/JV Sports: Monday 10/19/2026
All Other Modified Sports: Monday 11/2/2026
*Registration dates are based on the start date for each level/sport. Health updates cannot be submitted more than 30 days prior to the first practice. This is why there are different registration open dates for different sports/levels.
Register here: https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/owego-apalachin-athletics-winter-26-27-varsity-jv-and-modified-sports-registration
Official Winter Season Start Dates:
All Varsity/JV Sports: Monday 11/16/2026
All Modified Sports: Monday 11/30/26
Please contact the athletic’s office directly with any questions by calling (607) 687-7302 ext. 7061
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
Important dates and reminders:
Winter 2026-2027 Season
Family ID Registration Opens for:
All Varsity/JV Sports: Monday 10/19/2026
All Other Modified Sports: Monday 11/2/2026
*Registration dates are based on the start date for each level/sport. Health updates cannot be submitted more than 30 days prior to the first practice. This is why there are different registration open dates for different sports/levels.
Register here: https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/owego-apalachin-athletics-winter-26-27-varsity-jv-and-modified-sports-registration
Official Winter Season Start Dates:
All Varsity/JV Sports: Monday 11/16/2026
All Modified Sports: Monday 11/30/26
Please contact the athletic’s office directly with any questions by calling (607) 687-7302 ext. 7061
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
