We had a blast Monday and Tuesday presenting to “Redefining Ready New York” Superintendents from all over the state. We were able to show them some of our schools' new/innovative programs that are offered K-12. We specifically touched on the functions of our student working program and career center.
#OACareerCenter #OARiverHawks #oacsd #SOAR #hawkpride #SchoolCommunityOne
Yesterday we worked with a great group of 6th grade Agriculture students. We focused on learning the difference between a job and a career, as well as hearing what students want to do after high school.
#OACareerCenter #OARiverHawks #oacsd #SOAR #hawkpride #SchoolCommunityOne
“As we started going on, I started to love the practices, we’d meet in the mornings, and it was always so much fun to talk and share our knowledge and see what we all know.” The Owego Free Academy River Hawks just recently won the FCCB Scholarship Challenge Championship. Find out more about Stella Palladino, one of the members of the winning team, as she answers four questions on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/Fy8MvQO0L8E
A huge thank you to Jeff at Newclear Studios for hosting Vincent Kneller for an awesome career shadow experience! It was so great to be able to learn from your years of experience in the music production industry.
#OACareerCenter #OARiverHawks #oacsd #SOAR #hawkpride #SchoolCommunityOne
Some Upcoming Events:
4/5 - Easter
4/15 - Tax Day
4/16 - OFA Dessert Concert
4/20 - Board of Education Meeting
4/30 - OFA Spring Band and Jazz Concert
5/19 - School Budget Vote and BOE Election
Start planning for the 2026-2027 school year, as the school calendar was approved at the last BOE meeting. The single-page calendar for 2026-2027 is available on our website here: https://aptg.co/D5Kk8-.
Stay up-to-date with OACSD events:
The single-page calendar for 25-26 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
It takes a lot of grit and talent to step up and showcase technical skills under pressure. We are so proud of the hard work and dedication shown by every one of our regional competitors who represented us on February 6, 2026, at SUNY Morrisville.
Regional Competitors
Evan O’Hara
Shane Shumway
Connor Riegel
Connor Teeter
Kylie Singer
Erica Gillooly
Leah Teeter
Madison Kinney
Elizabeth Williams
The journey doesn’t end here! We are thrilled to announce the students moving on to represent OFA at the SkillsUSA New York State Leadership & Skills Championships.
The competition will take place from April 22 to April 24, 2026, at the Syracuse Fairgrounds. Join us in wishing the best of luck to:
Shane Shumway
Kylie Singer
Erica Gillooly
Leah Teeter
Madison Kinney
Elizabeth Williams
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #SkillsUSA #ThisIsOA
“I think our greatest strengths are that we’ve known each other since Little League. We’ve all grown up together, so we know each other pretty well.” Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Boys Varsity Baseball team and their excitement level for this season. Watch here on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/98qQWgbr3QE
As a part of the Career Center’s career shadow event, students got the chance to visit with the owners of Confection Connection. Find out more about what they learned here on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/VDpt3lDfcH0
Cornell Cooperative Extension - Parent Classes: 3/31/26 - https://aptg.co/vXm3Jg
Renewal Ranch - Food Giveaway: 4/4/26 - https://aptg.co/8FrqsF
Apalachin Library - Pokemon Club: 4/4/26 - https://aptg.co/y06Dtt
Children’s Home - Foster and Adoption Info: 4/15/26 - https://aptg.co/5xTs5q
OFA Key and Interact Club’s - Family Movie Night: 4/17/26 - https://aptg.co/cfJT3m
Good News Club - Registration: 4/21/26 - https://aptg.co/n0ZHvp
Apalachin Library - Comic Book Workshop: 4/25/26 - https://aptg.co/yXK-q0
Do Rad Things - Workshop: 4/29/26 - https://aptg.co/5mclmK
OA Youth Running Club - Registration: 5/4/26 - https://aptg.co/0ydbcX
Charles H. Bassett - America 250 Celebration Contest: 5/14/26 - https://aptg.co/rb7C9z
Food Bank Of The Southern Tier - Food Assistance - https://aptg.co/GJ2mm_
Food Bank Of The Southern Tier - Food Assistance - https://aptg.co/1zD4KS
Cub Scout Pack 37 - 2025-2026 Events - https://aptg.co/nTd_FR
Animal Care Sanctuary - Shelter Buddies Reading Program - https://aptg.co/rcYXXX
WIC Income Guidelines 25-26: 6/30/26 - https://aptg.co/phv7kz
OES Green Team Donations 25-26 - https://aptg.co/zxt2C8
Find more Community Fliers here: https://www.oacsd.org/documents/community-fliers/237411.
If you are involved in an organization that would like to share a flier with the OA school community, please submit it through Let’s Talk! for approval. Select ‘Digital Flier Distribution Submission’ under Communications here - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition
The meeting will also be streamed, viewable only on our YouTube channel, here: https://youtube.com/live/k9g1T0GDAog?feature=share.
Board meeting agendas and meetings are posted on Board Docs on our website at www.oacsd.org. We encourage anyone with questions or comments to utilize Let’s Talk! - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk. Your questions and comments will be addressed by the appropriate district personnel or members of the board of education. #OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #ThisIsOA
Head coach of the girls wrestling team, James Benjamin, breaks down the importance of live wrestling and getting in practice that simulates an actual match. Watch here on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/7uv9EzqaY4E
“Knowing that as long as you don’t stop, you will get better, and that there are people who believe in you.” Hear from Michaela Daly on how she got her start in wrestling and why she has such a passion for the sport. Learn more about Michaela as she answers four questions on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/KTEdBOPsudE
The Owego Apalachin School District is working to define a shared vision for what it means for every student to graduate River Hawk Ready. The Portrait of a Graduate reflects the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we believe students should develop during their time in our schools so they can thrive in college, careers, and civic life.
This draft portrait builds on the thought exchange completed last spring, where students, staff, families, and community members shared their perspectives on the most important skills for the future. The emerging framework organizes these priorities into three core areas: Cognitive Skills, Interpersonal Skills, and Life & Career Readiness.
Cognitive Skills emphasize how students think and solve problems. We want River Hawk graduates to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, enabling them to analyze information, develop innovative ideas, and approach challenges with curiosity and persistence.
Interpersonal Skills focus on how students work and interact with others. Graduates should be effective communicators who can share ideas clearly, collaborate with diverse teams, and demonstrate emotional intelligence in both personal and professional settings.
Life & Career Readiness reflects the practical knowledge and habits students need to successfully navigate adulthood. This includes life and career skills, civic awareness and independence, financial literacy, and media literacy so students can make informed decisions, engage responsibly in their communities, and manage their futures with confidence.
Together, these competencies support the OA Portrait of a Graduate, which envisions every River Hawk as a:
Critical Thinker who solves problems
Effective Communicator who shares ideas
Collaborative Teammate who works with others
Responsible Citizen who leads with integrity
Life & Career Ready Graduate who owns their future
This portrait is intended to guide curriculum, instruction, and student experiences across the district as we continue preparing every student for their future.
This remains a draft, and we welcome continued input from our community.
As you review the Portrait of a Graduate, please consider the following questions and give us answers in the attached ThoughtExchange Survey:
Does this reflect the skills and qualities we want every future River Hawk to develop?
Are there important competencies missing?
Does the framework clearly communicate our expectations for graduates?
Your feedback will help ensure that our final Portrait of a Graduate represents the collective vision of our entire Owego Apalachin community.
This survey is open now through April 10th, 2026.
Participate Now: https://tejoin.com/scroll/366536030
Click here for a PDF version of the letter: https://aptg.co/XRjDkZ
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OAisYOU #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition
“It seemed like a fun opportunity, so I decided, why not do it, and I’ve had a lot of fun with it, so I’m very grateful.” The Owego Free Academy River Hawks just recently won the FCCB Scholarship Challenge Champions. Find out more about Jaelyn Chrysler, one of the members of the winning team, as she answers four questions on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/q4lqWG0G8Ec
A huge thank you to Owego Rotary Cub for coming in and touring our school. It was wonderful to have you visit, and check out all of our programs. Shout out to Mr. K, Stella, and Jaelyn for conducting a wonderful tour!
#OACareerCenter #OARiverHawks #oacsd #SOAR #hawkpride #SchoolCommunityOne
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition
A huge thank you to The Phoenix Barber Lounge for hosting Shamus for an exceptional career shadow experience!
#OACareerCenter #OARiverHawks #oacsd #SOAR #hawkpride #SchoolCommunityOne
“My goal is to be a STAC champion next year; unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do that this year, but I feel like I can work through and push myself to accomplish that.” Learn more about John Cornwell and why he took to the sport of wrestling in this week’s athlete profile on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/wr-IWQclrTI
