Oshki Ogimaag Community School
July 29, 2024
Giiwe-niibin - It is after mid-summer, it is late summer
Boozhoo Oshki Ogimaag Community School Families and Community Partners!
We hope everyone is enjoying a lovely summer! We can hardly believe there are only five more weeks of summer break! Things have been bustling at Oshki Ogimaag this summer preparing for a new school year! There have been many projects on-site; cleaning, organizing, and decluttering. Removing clutter and opening up spaces has been energizing, helping spaces to breathe and feel lighter, creating a calmer environment, for collaborating and engaging in creative learning experiences.
Staff have spent more time on-site this summer in preparation for the beginning of a new school year. Staff have been making plans involving academic and instructional approaches, professional development, cultural and environmental learning experiences, and support systems for students and families.
The Oshki Ogimaag Community School Board of Directors has also spent a great deal of time this summer engaged in planning for the upcoming school year; completion of Board development training and engaged in strategic planning processes, looking at short and long-term goals for Oshki Ogimaag Community School. Part of this planning has included developing a strong and effective foundation of support for students, staff and families. The planning has included leadership, moving Ms. James from an Interim Director role to Director. Our current plan includes Ms. James continuing to be our Ojibwe Language and Culture Instructor. Ms. Tina has joined the leadership team as Assistant Director. Miss Tina will continue to teach Special Education as our Special Education Coordinator and continue to work with students as an Interventionist providing support to all students at Oshki Ogimaag Community School. Ms. Yanne is working closely with our Business Manager, Pam who serves us remotely, focusing on financial oversight.
This is an exciting time for Oshki Ogimaag Community School representing a new beginning. OOCS staff and Board of Directors are invigorated by the positive changes and momentum at school, with individuals passionately dedicated to serving the students and families of Oshki Ogimaag Community School and serving the Grand Portage Community.
What We've Been Working on this Summer
This summer, Ms. James and Ms. Tina have been working closely with our authorizer Osprey Wilds and our Board of Directors, on end of year reporting, developing plans for a new school year, training, updating policies, and professional development plans..
Ms. James, along with Ms. Kat and Ms. Jeana have been working on the great decluttering project. Clearing out many years and loads of clutter infusing our spaces with new and positive energy!
Ms. Tina, Ms. Jeana and Ms. Kelsey have been researching curriculum, choosing updated MDE approved curriculum, that is culturally inclusive, to adopt for structured literacy as well as updated math curriculum. We've also chosen new classroom furniture that allows for students to be grouped in circles, so that our classroom environments can be more reflective of and in alignment with our mission of teaching rooted in Anishinaabe cultural traditions.
Expect to see some Back to School info in the mail next week!
Teachers will be scheduling in-take conferences with families to take place between 3:30-5:30 on Tuesday, August 27, Wednesday, August 28, and Thursday, August 29. These meetings will be a time to check-in with your child's teacher, have any questions answered, and develop goals for your student!
Reminder: We are serving grades Kindergarten through 5th grade for the 2024-2025 School Year (this is not subject to change regardless of yet to be filled positions).
Ms. James and Ms. Tina will be on-site during in-take conferences and available to meet as well! However, if you have any questions, please reach out any time!
Ms. Kat continues to work with youth over the summer caring for the Grand Portage Community Gardens!
Construction of the Grand Portage Community Center Playground is almost complete!
It has been SO exciting to observe the building of the new playground over the summer! How lucky Oshki Ogimaag Community School students will be to get to use this wonderful playground every day! This impressive playground is filled with interactive large and fine motor skill building opportunities, it is beautiful and whimsical to spark the imagination during free play. What a wonderful space in Grand Portage to encourage outdoor active play for young people! We are so excited for the Grand Opening on Wednesday, August 7th at 5pm! Hope to see you there!
Oshki Ogimaag Community School Open Positions for the 2024-2025 School Year:
We are seeking:
- 1 licensed Elementary School Teacher - $40,000-$50,000 annually, DOQ
- FT Home School Liaison $23-$25 per hour, DOQ
- Nutritional Services Director, $20-$23 per hour, DOQ
- PT Custodian, $20 per hour
Band members encouraged to apply.
Please reach out if interested in any of the positions! For interested applicants that would be a good fit to our school, we are able to work you with to coordinate trainings and pathways to meet the requirements of all open positions. For the right candidates, we are also able to allow for some flexibility with scheduling.
Come work with us! Make a difference in the world, working alongside a supportive group of creative, collaborative, and dedicated educators, serving inspiring young New Leaders, in a community-focused educational environment, with a mission rooted in preserving Anishinaabe language and culture through integrating traditional Ojibwe teachings across content areas. This is an exciting time of growth for Oshki Ogimaag Community School, join our Team and contribute to the meaningful work of our school's mission! Please share!
