Oshki Ogimaag Community School
August 20, 2025
Aanin Oshki Ogimaag School Families and Community Partners,
We hope each of you had a restorative summer filled with time in nature, time spent with family, and filled with the many joys and adventures that summer brings! We are looking forward to welcoming our students back for a year of exploring the beauty of their cultural roots, the wonders of nature, and the endless possibilities of growing together as lifelong leaners.
We’ve spent the summer reflecting on our growth and path and preparing our path forward to best meet the needs of our current students and forge a path of continued growth for Oshki Ogimaag that meets the needs of the Community. The Oshki Ogimaag Community School Board of Directors has continued to work with Strategic Planning Consultant Peter James, Director, Cherie James, Assistant Director, Tina Gatzke, and Business Manager, Pam Zahn, as well as gathering feedback from the Grand Portage Community, to develop our strategic plan going forward.
Miigwech for your feedback, support, and trust as we journey together through the changing seasons, guiding Oshki Ogimaag toward a future rooted in culture, learning and Community.
A New Instructional Model at Oshki Ogimaag
Charter schools are created to provide innovative approaches to teaching and learning. This year we are excited to introduce a new instructional model designed especially for our small school community. At Oshki Ogimaag, our instructional model is structured to maximize the benefits of our small school environment while giving students rich, well-rounded educational experiences.
Students will start their day in homerooms (Kindergarten–2nd grade in one room, and 3rd–5th grade in the other) and then rotate through three learning spaces:
• Ms. Jeana Isaac will guide students in math, science, environmental education, and gym.
• Ms. Megan Heikes will lead literacy, social studies, and art.
• Ms. Cherie James will teach Ojibwe language and culture. and lead instructors in integrating Indigenous knowledge and language throughout the day
• Ms. Tina Gatzke will provide special education services and targeted reading interventions to support individual student growth.
Instead of staying in one classroom all day, students will move between teachers in small groups. These groups are aligned with students’ academic levels so that each child gets the right balance of support and challenge.
Key Benefits of This Model
- Innovation in action: By specializing teacher focus areas, we are able to provide greater depth in instruction, and more creativity across content areas
- Instructional expertise: Teachers can concentrate on fewer subject areas, allowing them to build stronger expertise in our curriculum and design engaging lessons tailored to student needs.
- Small-group benefits: Dividing into tree instructional groups means students are learning in very small class sizes and receiving interventions 1:1. This increases individual attention, reduces distractions, and allows for stronger relationships between students and instructors.
Why This Model Benefits Students:
• More individual attention: With only about 20 students in the whole school, small groups mean teachers can give every child more focused guidance.
• Learning that meets students where they are: Students receive extra help when needed and are stretched with greater challenges when they are ready.
• Teachers teaching what they love: Each teacher focuses on the subjects they are most passionate about, which makes learning more engaging and meaningful.
• Balanced, whole-child education: Every child experiences STEM, literacy, social studies, art, physical education, and Ojibwe language and culture. This balance nurtures academic skills, creativity, identity, and well-being.
• Variety and movement: Changing classrooms and teachers throughout the day keeps energy high, builds flexibility, and helps children form positive connections with more adults.
We believe this model will give our students the best of both worlds: the close-knit feel of a small school and the rich, well-rounded experiences of a larger one.
At Oshki Ogimaag, all classroom materials and supplies are provided for students. Families are asked to ensure that students bring a backpack to school each day and have weather-appropriate shoes and clothing for outdoor play and hikes.
If your family needs assistance in providing a backpack, outdoor shoes, or clothing, please reach out to us—we are here to support you.
We extend a heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Jeana Isaac and her husband E.J., as they welcomed a new addition to their family at the beginning of the summer!!!
Easton Isaac was born on Wednesday, June 11 at 2pm, weighing 6lbs and 2oz, 20 inches long, with a full head of hair!
Little Easton is already surrounded by the love of all that are part of the Oshki Ogimaag Community, and we are so happy for Ms. Jeana and her husband!!! Easton has already visited school, he is adorable beyond words and we are hoping his first words will be in Ojibwemowin.
We are excited to announce that Sam Zimmerman has joined the Oshki Ogimaag team, serving as our Director of Special Education!
Zimmerman also currently serves as a Supervisor in Academic Standards, Instruction and Assessment Division at MDE (Minnesota Department of Education), where he supports academic standards implementation and Indigenous contributions into K-12 instruction and collaborates with educators statewide. Previously Zimmerman served as the Deputy Director of Special Education (overseeing special education across 255 schools and 130,000 students) and contributed to statewide policy through the New York State Department of Education.
Zimmerman has Professional Administration credentials that include a District Superintendent License and a Director of Special Education license. Zimmerman is a direct descendent of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and expresses enthusiasm for serving the students of Grand Portage. Beyond K-12 education, Zimmerman is an accomplished Ojibwe artist and author, leading community arts events, reflecting deep cultural engagement, including working on a large mural at the Co-Op in downtown Grand Marais over the summer!
Boozhoo to the New Members of the Oshki Ogimaag Team
As we begin the new school year, we are thrilled to welcome several new staff members to the Oshki Ogimaag team. Each brings unique strengths, experiences, and connections to the Grand Portage community, along with a shared dedication to supporting our students. We are excited to introduce Jake Peterson Paro, Megan Heikes, and Emma James, and we look forward to the many ways they will enrich our school.
Boozhoo, Jacob Paro
We are excited to welcome Jacob Peterson Paro to the Oshki Ogimaag team. Jacob is a resident and Band member of Grand Portage, and he brings with him a deep commitment to community and service.
Jacob’s experience includes working at the Grand Portage National Monument, serving Elders with care and respect through the Grand Portage ENP, and most recently preparing meals for children as the Grand Portage Community Summer Camp cook. Through these roles, Jacob has strengthened his connection to the community and deepened his dedication to serving others.
Jacob values strong communication and enjoys working with people from all walks of life. He brings valuable cultural knowledge and insight into the traditions of the Ojibwe people, and he is committed to serving, supporting, and acting with cultural integrity in all that he does. Jacob will be working with us as a Special Education Paraprofessional. We are grateful to have him join our school community.
Jacob’s bio: I am Jacob Paro, I am 21 years old, and currently live in Grand Portage, Minnesota. I spent the past one and a half years living in Eastern Kentucky and recently moved back to the reservation. I am excited to begin this new journey. I enjoy gaming, spending time in nature, and hanging out with my three pets, Sage, Jamie, and Myrtle.
Boozhoo, Megan Heikes
We are delighted to welcome Megan Heikes to the Oshki Ogimaag team. Megan is a licensed elementary school teacher with many years of experience and strong connections to the Grand Portage Community. Most recently, she has served as a reading interventionist at Sawtooth Elementary, where she specialized in supporting literacy development.
Megan is deeply dedicated to education and brings both expertise and heart to her teaching. She is known for her empathy, her love of children, and her calm, positive energy that radiates in all she does. At Oshki Ogimaag, Megan will be teaching literacy, social studies, and art. We are excited for the many ways she will enrich our school community and support student growth. Look for Megan’s bio after our Workshop Week!
Boozhoo, Emma James
We are pleased to welcome Emma James as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Oshki Ogimaag. Emma is a direct descendant of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and has many strong family ties to the Grand Portage Community.
Emma is known for her kindness, calm presence, and caring spirit. She looks forward to supporting our wonderful students and contributing to the nurturing, student-centered environment at Oshki Ogimaag. We are grateful to have her on our team. Watch for Emma’s bio after our Workshop Week!
Looking Ahead Together
Together, our new and returning staff form a strong, caring team devoted to nurturing every child’s growth. With the addition of Megan, Jake and Emma, Oshki Ogimaag enters the new school year with renewed energy, cultural strength, and a deep commitment to learning, community, and the future of our students.
We are thrilled to announce our new food service program!
This year, under the guidance of our Board, Strategic Planning Consultant, and Business Manager—and researching practices of other small charter schools in rural areas—we have reimagined our school meal program. Because of our school’s size, we found that shifting from a full-time on-site cook to catered meals allows us to both increase quality and decrease overhead costs.
We are excited to announce that Andrew (of the popular local Timber Wagon) and Marideth Duhaime will be providing meals for our students each day. Their offerings will include a light breakfast, a minimally processed and nutritionally balanced lunch, and a small snack. Andrew is passionate about crafting delicious, artisan foods that prioritize organic, fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Marideth is well known in the community for her scrumptious baked goods, which add warmth and care to each meal.
Research consistently shows that when children have access to whole, clean, and nutrient-rich foods, their ability to learn, focus, and sustain energy throughout the school day improves. With this in mind, our partnership with the Duhaimes is more than just about meals—it is an investment in our students’ well-being, growth, and success and in our local Community.
Andrew will provide menus on a weekly basis. We look forward to this collaboration and the nourishing impact it will bring to our community of learners!
Oshki Ogimaag Community School is seeking 1–2 parent/guardian representatives to serve on our Board of Directors.
Per our bylaws, we are required to maintain a non-majority board structure, and at least one more parent/guardian member is needed to remain in compliance.
Serving on the Board is a meaningful way to support our students and Community. Parent/guardian board members play a vital role in the stewardship of the school, helping guide decision-making, ensuring cultural integrity, and shaping the future of our learning environment. It is also a powerful opportunity for parent/guardians to have a direct voice in the governance of Oshki Ogimaag and to contribute to the well-being and success of all children we serve.
If you are a parent or guardian of a currently enrolled Oshki Ogimaag student and are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact our Board Chairperson, Tesha Dickenson at tdickenson@oshkiogimaag.org.
Your perspective and commitment can make a lasting difference!
Next Board Meeting: Wednesday, September 17, at 4:30pm, located in the OOCS Conference Room.
In accordance with new state requirements, Oshki Ogimaag Community School has established a Finance Committee to review school financials and provide recommendations to the Board. The committee is advisory (non-voting), meets at 4:00 p.m. prior to each regular Board meeting in the OOCS conference room, and is subject to Minnesota Open Meeting Law.
We warmly welcome parents, families, community members, and partners to participate. Serving on or attending the Finance Committee is a meaningful way to support transparency, stewardship, and the long-term strength of our school. Parent involvement is especially valued, as it ensures family voices are at the center of financial decision-making.
Please contact OOCS Board Secretary, Tina Gatzke at tgatzke@oskiogimaag.org if you have any questions or join at the next Finance Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 17 at 4pm, located in the OOCS Conference Room to learn more!
Oshki Ogimaag Community School is preparing a warm, supportive space for nursing mothers.
To make this area as comfortable as possible, we are seeking the donation of a glider rocker. If you have one you are no longer using and would like to share it with our school community, your gift would be deeply appreciated and will help support our families and staff.
If you glider you would like to donate, please reach out to Director, Cherie James at: cjames@oshkiogimaag.org.
Miigwech for helping us care for our families and staff with comfort and dignity!
As we head back to school, re-establishing sleep routines helps students arrive ready to learn. Pediatric sleep experts recommend 9–12 hours of sleep for most elementary students and 8–10 hours for teens. Adequate sleep is linked with better attention, behavior, and academic performance, while too little sleep is associated with health and learning challenges.
Quick tips:
• Begin shifting bedtimes and wake-ups a week or two before school starts so mornings feel natural again.
• Keep a consistent routine (regular sleep/wake times), even on weekends.
• Power down screens at least 1 hour before bed to support melatonin and healthy sleep.
Family-friendly resource: The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Back-to-School Tips for Families offers clear, practical guidance on sleep routines and more.
