Tuesday marked the 1st day of spring! Wednesday, students returned to the Sugarbush to collect sap. Students have been recording observations in their nature journals , tracking weather conditions, measuring how much sap is collected, and hypothesizing factors that can contribute to the quantity and quality of sap collected. Weather permitting, we have a tentative plan for one more trip to the Sugarbush! All of these steps support OOCS meeting the Environmental Education Goals we have set with our Charter School authorizer, Osprey Wilds.

Students have been guided by Ms. James and Miss Kat, alongside Community Members on our trips to the Sugarbush. In Ojibwe with Ms. James, students learn new vocabulary words related to Sugarbush. This week after data collection and sap collection, students played games in the woods and circled around the campfire to warm-up and reflect before returning to school.

These activities align with the mission of OOCS to prepare students to be lifelong learners who reach their personal and academic potential, through hands-on, community-based projects, preserving Anishinaabe language and culture, and the passing down of these teaching contributes to the wellness of future generations.

All of our Teachers, along with Miss Kat, collaborated on curriculum mapping so that our Sugarbush curriculum is also targeting MN standards for writing, reading, math, social studies, science, art. and meeting goals of Ms. James' Ojibwe Language and Culture curriculum as well as meeting Social Emotional Learning standards. For example; in Ms. Ryden's classroom students are working in small groups, creating three dimensional projects that highlight the history of Sugarbush, differences in tools and conditions from the past to present. We are living the mission of the school, increasing collaboration amongst staff members and Community Members and meeting the academic standards through this work together. While things certainly have been busy, there's been a sense of joy in coming together and collaborating in so many ways!

Boozhoo OOCS Families and Community Partners!

I am excited to take on my new role of Interim Director. My head and heart are invested in this school, and its students and families. Oshki Ogimaag is vitally important to our Community, and our staff is dedicated to this wonderful school.The mission of this school is deeply meaningful to me and in my role, I will honor this mission to the best of my ability. Our OOCS staff is working collaboratively as a Team and it feels wonderful! I am appreciative of the Team of Staff and Teachers, things feel lighter as we are all carrying some of the extra workload. There is much work to be done, but in our school building it feels joyful and hopeful! We feel the support of the Community and have gratitude for this. Chi-Miigwech to all of our families and Community partners for your continued support!

Our aim is to increase communication and collaborations with families and the Community! Please stop by, call, or email me with questions, concerns or if you would like to connect!

Oshki Ogimaag Community School Special Board Meeting

• Tuesday, March 26th, 2024
• 4:30pm
• Located in the OOCS Conference Area

No School Friday, March 29

No School April 01-05

Now that it is officially spring, a snowstorm is expected early in the week! If a late start or school closure is required for the safety of students and staff we will alert you via email, our website, Facebook page, it will be reported to 90.7 FM, WTIP Radio, Boreal News, and KBJR and WDIO news stations. We do not currently have access to the automated call system for alerts.

Woodworking is on Wednesday 3:15-5:30pm. Families of woodworkers are encouraged to come to school on Wednesday at 4:45pm, so students can demonstrate and show what they've learned in Woodworking class!

Oshki Ogimaag Community School is hiring for the following positions:

• 2 Licensed Elementary School Teacher positions open for the 2024-2025 School Year

• Indian Home School Liaison (open immediately)
• Custodian Part-Time (open immediately)

Ideal candidates will have knowledge and understanding of Ojibwe language and cultural traditions, and the traditional seasonal activities of the Anishinaabe.

Oshki Ogimaag Community School is an equal opportunity employer. Oshki Ogimaag will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment due to race, color, creed, religion, national origin gender, gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family, leave care act status, or veteran status.

See our website for more details. Email resumes and applications materials to Ms. James at the emal below!

March

• 26 - Oshki Ogimaag Community School Special Board Meeting at 4:30pm, located in the OOCS Conference Area
• 27 - Last Day of Woodworking Class. Families of Woodworkers encouraged to come to school at 4:45
• 28 - Reading Buddies rescheduled for after Spring Break
• 29 - No School, Spring Break

April

• 1-5 - No School, Spring Break
• 17 - OOCS Board Meeting at 4:30pm (OOCS Conference Area)
• 22 - No School, Staff Workshop Day

Tuesdays

• Reading with Elders Tuesdays 12:30-1pm