We are thrilled to share that Erik Tofte (OFA Class of 2015) will be returning to the Southern Tier as a featured professional baritone with the Binghamton Philharmonic in the upcoming performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9: Ode to Joy.
Don't miss this chance to see a local alum performing one of the most powerful masterpieces in music history on the big stage.
🎤 "Coming Home to Joy"
Want to hear about Erik's journey from OFA to the professional stage? Check out this fantastic interview where he discusses his return to the area for this performance:
https://binghamtonphilharmonic.org/news/blog/7722258/coming-home-to-joy-an-interview-with-baritone-erik-tofte?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQVwuhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe7C5qTYmKH5rJ1z6YIF11cQZcVzynyhXuwVKTdOFgdmwA6nOA-XxAoab6e2M_aem_6ByxQFc4S6ylx3JoMOrXYw
📅 Event Details
What: Ode to Joy (Beethoven’s 9th Symphony)
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Where: Broome County Forum Theatre, Binghamton, NY
Featuring
Professional Soloist: Erik Tofte, Baritone (OFA Alum!)
🎟️ Ticket Info
Kids 17 & under are FREE thanks to M&T Bank!
Call the Box Office at 607-723-3931 to claim free youth tickets or contact Mrs. Burrell at OFA directly through email at burrellm@oacsd.org.
Get more information here: https://binghamtonphilharmonic.org/m-t-bank-2025-2026-symphonic-series
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #ThisIsOA
Don't miss this chance to see a local alum performing one of the most powerful masterpieces in music history on the big stage.
🎤 "Coming Home to Joy"
Want to hear about Erik's journey from OFA to the professional stage? Check out this fantastic interview where he discusses his return to the area for this performance:
https://binghamtonphilharmonic.org/news/blog/7722258/coming-home-to-joy-an-interview-with-baritone-erik-tofte?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQVwuhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe7C5qTYmKH5rJ1z6YIF11cQZcVzynyhXuwVKTdOFgdmwA6nOA-XxAoab6e2M_aem_6ByxQFc4S6ylx3JoMOrXYw
📅 Event Details
What: Ode to Joy (Beethoven’s 9th Symphony)
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Where: Broome County Forum Theatre, Binghamton, NY
Featuring
Professional Soloist: Erik Tofte, Baritone (OFA Alum!)
🎟️ Ticket Info
Kids 17 & under are FREE thanks to M&T Bank!
Call the Box Office at 607-723-3931 to claim free youth tickets or contact Mrs. Burrell at OFA directly through email at burrellm@oacsd.org.
Get more information here: https://binghamtonphilharmonic.org/m-t-bank-2025-2026-symphonic-series
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #ThisIsOA
Good Morning, OA School Community. Due to the inclement weather, OACSD will now be CLOSED today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Thank you.
Good Morning, OA School Community. Due to the inclement weather, OACSD will operate on a Two-Hour Delay schedule today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Please note that there is no SOAR period to start the day at OAMS and OFA on a two-hour delay. Students report directly to their first-period class.
Review the OAMS and OFA Delay Bell Schedule here: https://5il.co/13zvy.
Thank you.
Please note that there is no SOAR period to start the day at OAMS and OFA on a two-hour delay. Students report directly to their first-period class.
Review the OAMS and OFA Delay Bell Schedule here: https://5il.co/13zvy.
Thank you.
Practice Makes Perfect: Takedowns
“To us, takedowns, which is the neutral position, is the most important part in wrestling; it’s where you win championships on your feet.” Watch the boys wrestling team work on their takedowns in this segment of Practice Makes Perfect on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/dV3Flhbxzww
“To us, takedowns, which is the neutral position, is the most important part in wrestling; it’s where you win championships on your feet.” Watch the boys wrestling team work on their takedowns in this segment of Practice Makes Perfect on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/dV3Flhbxzww
Thank you to the Owego Elks for dropping off another shipment of supplies helping to ensure our students have what they need!
#OACareerCenter #OARiverHawks #oacsd #SOAR #hawkpride #SchoolCommunityOne
Musician Tip with Destynii Harding
Learn from Destynii Harding in this week’s musician tip video on the importance of practicing and carving out time during a busy school week to play your instrument. Learn more from Destynii here on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/_ZEzg3jRF2A
Learn from Destynii Harding in this week’s musician tip video on the importance of practicing and carving out time during a busy school week to play your instrument. Learn more from Destynii here on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/_ZEzg3jRF2A
The Owego Free Academy River Hawks have officially claimed the throne as the 2026 FCCB Scholarship Challenge Champions!
In a high-stakes championship match against Towanda, the River Hawks soared to a 170-110 victory, bringing the coveted Kwasnoski Cup back home to Owego for the first time since 2008!
Meet the Winning Team
Students: Connor Sipe, Stella Palladino, Jaelyn Chrysler, and Callie Deming.
Coaches: Luke Kaczynski and Maria Pawlak.
Not only did they earn the trophy and bragging rights, but the team also secured $1,500 for OFA!
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #ThisIsOA
In a high-stakes championship match against Towanda, the River Hawks soared to a 170-110 victory, bringing the coveted Kwasnoski Cup back home to Owego for the first time since 2008!
Meet the Winning Team
Students: Connor Sipe, Stella Palladino, Jaelyn Chrysler, and Callie Deming.
Coaches: Luke Kaczynski and Maria Pawlak.
Not only did they earn the trophy and bragging rights, but the team also secured $1,500 for OFA!
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #ThisIsOA
The Apalachin Elementary School Mathalon team competed against 5th-grade teams from Tioga County, and they officially brought home FIRST PLACE! 🥇
The competition consisted of five fast-paced, high-pressure rounds. It was a literal "math marathon" that came down to a thrilling, nail-biting tie-breaker round against Waverly.
Join us in celebrating our Mathletes: Walter Grizzle, Logan Roberts, Patrick Ousterout, Blake Waite, Abe Valdes, and Lucy Baker.
We are beyond proud of your dedication and the way you represented AES.
#AESRiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
ICYMI: Owego Free Academy Senior, Sydney Shoen, was celebrated as the Broome-Tioga BOCES Career Development Center CTE Spotlight as part of the Culinary Arts program.
Sydney is currently doing a CO-OP (internship) in the Owego Elementary School cafeteria.
After graduation, Sydney hopes to continue to work for BOCES Food Services.
Congratulations, Sydney!
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
Sydney is currently doing a CO-OP (internship) in the Owego Elementary School cafeteria.
After graduation, Sydney hopes to continue to work for BOCES Food Services.
Congratulations, Sydney!
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA
Four Questions: Vitaliy Sirotkin
“I started in seventh grade. I had a pretty good year, my first year, I’m going to keep working hard. It’s a lot of fun.” Sophomore on the Boys Wrestling team, Vitaliy Sirotkin, shares with us why he loves the sport of wrestling so much. Learn more about Vitaliy as he answers four questions on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/6iu5Qfxirtc
“I started in seventh grade. I had a pretty good year, my first year, I’m going to keep working hard. It’s a lot of fun.” Sophomore on the Boys Wrestling team, Vitaliy Sirotkin, shares with us why he loves the sport of wrestling so much. Learn more about Vitaliy as he answers four questions on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/6iu5Qfxirtc
OA REMINDER: There will be NO SCHOOL on Thursday, March 12th (Superintendent’s Conference Day) and Friday, March 13th.
Some Upcoming Events:
3/17 - St. Patrick’s Day
3/20 - OAMS Winter Dance
3/23 - Modified Spring Sports Start
3/24 - District Choral Festival
3/31 - Board of Education Meeting - 2nd Review Of School Budget
4/3-4/10 - NO School - Spring Recess
Stay up-to-date with OACSD events:
The single-page calendar is on our website: https://5il.co/38q0c.
The year-long printed calendar can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF here: https://aptg.co/GdsP5H.
Events are subject to change. The most up-to-date event calendar will be on our website and the district app: https://www.oacsd.org/events.
Please contact us directly using Let’s Talk! - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk to ask questions about school district events.
Go RIVER HAWKS!
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition
Some Upcoming Events:
3/17 - St. Patrick’s Day
3/20 - OAMS Winter Dance
3/23 - Modified Spring Sports Start
3/24 - District Choral Festival
3/31 - Board of Education Meeting - 2nd Review Of School Budget
4/3-4/10 - NO School - Spring Recess
Stay up-to-date with OACSD events:
The single-page calendar is on our website: https://5il.co/38q0c.
The year-long printed calendar can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF here: https://aptg.co/GdsP5H.
Events are subject to change. The most up-to-date event calendar will be on our website and the district app: https://www.oacsd.org/events.
Please contact us directly using Let’s Talk! - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk to ask questions about school district events.
Go RIVER HAWKS!
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition
We had a great experience at the Tioga State Bank Panel! A huge thank you to the representatives from each department for informing our students on their background, experience, and advice on moving forward in their careers.
#OACareerCenter #OARiverHawks #oacsd #SOAR #hawkpride #SchoolCommunityOne
Four Questions: Ryan Denton
“I like working on cars. I’m working on two demolition derby cars now for myself for this summer. I just like working on cars. I find it interesting, and it gives me something to do in my free time.” Ryan Denton shares how he became interested in the Winners Circle Project. Learn more about Ryan as he answers four questions on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/oS3hTDA9pfM
“I like working on cars. I’m working on two demolition derby cars now for myself for this summer. I just like working on cars. I find it interesting, and it gives me something to do in my free time.” Ryan Denton shares how he became interested in the Winners Circle Project. Learn more about Ryan as he answers four questions on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/oS3hTDA9pfM
Behind the Scenes: Jazz Two
“It’s great to be in an environment like that where everybody is interested in the same things as you, and goals to progress as a musician, so it’s a very great environment to be in.” Owego Free Academy is lucky enough to have not one but two jazz bands. Hear from the students on how the ensemble is going and how they came to love music so much here on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/ii9JL7N9Msw
“It’s great to be in an environment like that where everybody is interested in the same things as you, and goals to progress as a musician, so it’s a very great environment to be in.” Owego Free Academy is lucky enough to have not one but two jazz bands. Hear from the students on how the ensemble is going and how they came to love music so much here on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/ii9JL7N9Msw
OACSD 2026-2027 Proposed School Budget Update
Dear OA School Community,
As we enter the 2026-2027 budget season, we want to provide opportunities for the entire school community to stay informed, not only on the school budget, but also on the significant change in our district’s tax base as the Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage Company LLC (formerly CNYOG) Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) agreement has expired.
Tonight, Monday, March 9, 2026, the Board of Education will hold a workshop after the regularly scheduled BOE meeting at 6 pm, for the Initial Review of the 2026-2027 Proposed School Budget. This meeting is open to the public to view in-person, or on the live stream, on our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Rg2lflTn_Z8.
The next BOE meeting will be on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 6:00 pm.
Upcoming Budget Calendar & Deadlines
We invite you to join us for our upcoming workshops and meetings to learn more about the budget process:
March 9: BOE Meeting & Initial Budget Review Workshop - OA District Office
March 31: BOE Meeting & Second Budget Review - OA District Office
March 31: BOCES Prospective Board Member Session - More Info: https://aptg.co/ql8r30
April 20: BOE Meeting & Final Budget Review - OA District Office
April 30: School Budget Information Session - Apalachin Elementary
May 11: School Budget Public Hearing - OA District Office
Voting Information
Budget Vote & BOE Election: May 19, 2026 (Noon – 8:00 PM)
Locations: Apalachin Elementary or OACSD District Office (based on residency).
Eligibility: Must be 18+, a U.S. citizen, and a resident for at least 30 days. Valid photo ID is required.
Absentee Ballots: Contact the District Clerk at (607) 687-6215 or email vote@oacsd.org. Ballots must be received by 5:00 PM on May 19.
For more details, please visit our Budget Information Page - https://www.oacsd.org/page/school-budget-information or reach out via Let’s Talk! - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether
Dear OA School Community,
As we enter the 2026-2027 budget season, we want to provide opportunities for the entire school community to stay informed, not only on the school budget, but also on the significant change in our district’s tax base as the Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage Company LLC (formerly CNYOG) Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) agreement has expired.
Tonight, Monday, March 9, 2026, the Board of Education will hold a workshop after the regularly scheduled BOE meeting at 6 pm, for the Initial Review of the 2026-2027 Proposed School Budget. This meeting is open to the public to view in-person, or on the live stream, on our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Rg2lflTn_Z8.
The next BOE meeting will be on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 6:00 pm.
Upcoming Budget Calendar & Deadlines
We invite you to join us for our upcoming workshops and meetings to learn more about the budget process:
March 9: BOE Meeting & Initial Budget Review Workshop - OA District Office
March 31: BOE Meeting & Second Budget Review - OA District Office
March 31: BOCES Prospective Board Member Session - More Info: https://aptg.co/ql8r30
April 20: BOE Meeting & Final Budget Review - OA District Office
April 30: School Budget Information Session - Apalachin Elementary
May 11: School Budget Public Hearing - OA District Office
Voting Information
Budget Vote & BOE Election: May 19, 2026 (Noon – 8:00 PM)
Locations: Apalachin Elementary or OACSD District Office (based on residency).
Eligibility: Must be 18+, a U.S. citizen, and a resident for at least 30 days. Valid photo ID is required.
Absentee Ballots: Contact the District Clerk at (607) 687-6215 or email vote@oacsd.org. Ballots must be received by 5:00 PM on May 19.
For more details, please visit our Budget Information Page - https://www.oacsd.org/page/school-budget-information or reach out via Let’s Talk! - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether
Yesterday’s Lunch & Learn was one to remember! A huge thank you to the Rumble Ponies Staff; Richard Tylick (General Manager), Amy Fancher (Director of Community Relations) and Reuben Simonds (Kitchen Manager of Concessions). Our students enjoyed learning about your organization and potential job opportunities.
#OACareerCenter #OARiverHawks #oacsd #SOAR #hawkpride #SchoolCommunityOne
We had an awesome morning at the Tioga County Sheriff's Department yesterday! Thank you to Officer Watkins for facilitating this experience, Sgt. Spangenburg for leading the tour and answering questions and Sgt. Allen for sharing his expertise. #OACareerCenter #OARiverHawks #oacsd #SOAR #hawkpride #SchoolCommunityOne
River Hawks Athletics Reminder:
Arbiter Sports/Family ID Registration IS OPEN for:
All Modified, JV, and Varsity Spring Sports
*Registration dates are based on the start date for each level/sport. Health updates cannot be submitted more than 30 days before the first practice. This is why there are different registration open dates for different sports/levels.
Use the following link to register: https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/owego-apalachin-central-school-district.
Official Fall Season Start Dates:
Varsity and JV Sports: 3/9/26
All Modified Sports: 3/23/26
Spring Sports Parent Letter: https://aptg.co/Mp8JxL
Additional River Hawks Athletics Information can be found on our website here: https://www.oacsd.org/page/riverhawksathletic.s
Please contact the Athletic Department directly with any questions.
Phone: (607) 687-7301 ext. 7061
Let's Talk! - Contact Athletics - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether
Arbiter Sports/Family ID Registration IS OPEN for:
All Modified, JV, and Varsity Spring Sports
*Registration dates are based on the start date for each level/sport. Health updates cannot be submitted more than 30 days before the first practice. This is why there are different registration open dates for different sports/levels.
Use the following link to register: https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/owego-apalachin-central-school-district.
Official Fall Season Start Dates:
Varsity and JV Sports: 3/9/26
All Modified Sports: 3/23/26
Spring Sports Parent Letter: https://aptg.co/Mp8JxL
Additional River Hawks Athletics Information can be found on our website here: https://www.oacsd.org/page/riverhawksathletic.s
Please contact the Athletic Department directly with any questions.
Phone: (607) 687-7301 ext. 7061
Let's Talk! - Contact Athletics - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether
Tomorrow the Rumble Ponies will be in the OA Career Center for a lunch and learn event! They will be presenting what they do as an organization as well as inform students on job opportunities. If you are interested in attending please email Mr. Westcott.
#OACareerCenter #OARiverHawks #oacsd #SOAR #hawkpride #SchoolCommunityOne
Theater Tip with Kaylie Cote
“It’s a lot of communication skills, you have to know what's going on, you have to be quick with it, so wearing good shoes and also stretching because it involves a lot of movement.” Kaylie Cote breaks down some helpful tips for working on the stage crew for High School Musical. Learn more here on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/AQWp7-yBKIs
“It’s a lot of communication skills, you have to know what's going on, you have to be quick with it, so wearing good shoes and also stretching because it involves a lot of movement.” Kaylie Cote breaks down some helpful tips for working on the stage crew for High School Musical. Learn more here on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/AQWp7-yBKIs
