Welcome to Otter River Elementary

MISSION

The mission of Otter River Elementary School is provide a rigorous comprehensive academic program for all students in a safe and supportive environment.

VISION

Otter River Elementary School staff is dedicated to teaching all students skills which will enable them to reason critically, utilize technology effectively, and contribute to their school, community, and the world.

SCHOOL NEWS

2026-2027 Pre-School Application

Preschool application intake will take place both in person and online starting on Monday, February 23,2026. For more information regarding in-person application opportunities throughout the county, please visit the BCPS Preschool Website. Applications will be accepted beginning February 23, 2026. PowerSchool Enrollment will open for 2025-26 preschool students on June 1, 2026.


2025-2026 School Calendar Update

Due to the unpredictable winter weather this year and the number of snow days already accumulated, Bedford County Public Schools is taking proactive steps to ensure students receive meaningful, face-to-face instruction without extending the school year. Although our division has banked instructional time throughout the school year, we are also utilizing built-in calendar flexibility to make up missed in-person learning days. As a result:

  • Monday, February 9, which was previously scheduled as a professional development day, will now be an in-person instructional day for students.
  • Friday, March 13, originally designated as a teacher virtual workday, will also become an in-person instructional day for students.

Updated school calendars are available on the divisions website. Click here to view the updated school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.

Kindergarten Registration 2026-2027 School Year


Kindergarten registration begins March 23, 2026, from 12:00-7:00 p.m. Families register at their assigned elementary school. Any child who will be five years old on or before September 30, 2026, may enter kindergarten.

Documents Needed for Kindergarten Registration include:

  • Original birth certificate
  • Updated physical
  •  Immunization record

  • Proof of residency (copy of lease agreement, mortgage statement, or real estate tax document)

Forms to obtain these records are available on the BCPS Preschool and Kindergarten Website and are also available at each elementary school. All forms must be completed and returned to the school before the child can begin class in the fall.

Registering for school on time helps every child, teacher, and school to be ready when school begins.


Elementary Family Life Education Guides

The new Elementary Family Life Guide for BCPS was approved on September 11, 2025. You may review a paper copy in the main office or click on the following links for the version you need:

 

School Calendars

The Bedford County School Board has approved the calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. To view current school year calendars, please visit the Bedford County Public Schools website.

 

Otter River Teacher of the Year 2026-2027

Mrs. Lyle wearing a blue sweater holds a bouquet of purple and white flowers, smiling warmly. Classroom walls feature motivational posters.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Lyle, our school guidance counselor and our 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year nominee! Mrs. Lyle is an invaluable member of our school community as she provides unwavering support  and fosters positive relationships with staff, students and their families. Congratulations, Mrs. Lyle!

2025 -2026 Student Registration

New Student Registration
For students new to Bedford County Public Schools in the 2025-2026 school year.
2025-2026 New Student Registration Link.

Returning Student Registration
For students who attended Bedford County Public Schools in the 2024-2025 school year.
2025-2026 Returning Student Registration Link.

If you have NOT received a Snapcode, contact the schools main office.