Ottumwa Schools invites the entire community to celebrate what it means to be a Bulldog during “Paws-itively Ottumwa: Where Bulldogs Belong Week,” January 26-30. The week has been endorsed by the City of Ottumwa through a mayoral proclamation. Throughout the week, the district will host events and activities that promote a sense of belonging for each and every student, staff member and the community.
The week kicks off on Monday with Mayor Tom Lazio proclaiming the week as “Paws-itively Ottumwa” in a proclamation he will present to the Board of Education at their monthly work session. Sweets and Sounds, a performance at Bridge View Center, will start serving desserts at 5:30 p.m. The show features students from Evans Middle School and Ottumwa High School who participate in jazz band and show choir.
Every school will participate in themed dress days throughout the week. At the elementary schools, themes include Team Day Monday, Mismatch Tuesday, Dress Your Best Wednesday, Hat Day Thursday, and Bulldog Day on Friday. Secondary student themes include Mismatch Monday, Team Tuesday, Tie Dye Wednesday, Black and White Thursday, and Bulldog Friday.
Elementary students will have paw prints displayed throughout the community. Students responded to the prompt, “Best Thing About Being an Ottumwa Bulldog.”
Athletic events will take place throughout the week for the bowling, basketball and wrestling teams. On Friday, OHS will host a pep rally at 2:30 p.m. Teacher Appreciation Night will be held during half time of the basketball game against Indianola. In its third year, OHS senior basketball players and cheerleaders will recognize Ottumwa teachers who had a significant impact on their life. The event will recognize 15 teachers from buildings across the district, including the Ottumwa Preschool, Eisenhower, Liberty Elementary, and Ottumwa High School.
“There will be activities at every school throughout the week,” said Eidahl. “We have been recognized by Character Counts of Iowa and the Urban Education Network for school culture. Paws-itively Ottumwa lets us celebrate the pride we have in our students and schools.”