Red Lake Schools Newsletter
Family Edition

November 2026
Message From Interim Superintendent- Amanda Norman
Boozhoo gakina awiya!
During Binaakwii-giizis (Leaves Falling Moon/October), I had the opportunity to present at our district’s American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) meeting and at the Red Lake Nation Tribal Council meeting. At AIPAC, I shared information about state and federal funding that supports the integration of Ojibwe language and culture (OLC). At the Tribal Council meeting, I introduced myself and received updates about Red Lake Nation current events.
Our next AIPAC meeting will be held on November 4 at 5:00 p.m. in Ponemah. It would be great to see you there!
Gashkadino-giizis (Freezes Over Moon/November) is Native American Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we will place extra emphasis on honoring and recognizing our culture. Our district-wide themes will be:
- Week 1: Who We Are
- Week 2: Our Language
- Week 3: Our Culture and Ways of Knowing
- Week 4: Our History, Resiliency, and Future
During the week of November 16, we will have district-wide days to “rock” our culture:
11/16
Ishkwaa-anama’e-giizhigad. (It is Monday.)
Rock Your Moccasins
11/17
Niizho-giizhigad. (It is Tuesday.)
Rock Your Beadwork
11/18
Aabitoose. (It is Wednesday.)
Rock Your Ribbons – Shirts/Skirts
11/19
Niiyo-giizhigad. (It is Thursday.)
Rock Them All Together
- Wear any of these clothing items that you. You are also welcome to wear your own heritage clothing.
Click the links for each day of the week to hear an Elder pronounce the words. The source is the Ojibwe People’s Dictionary: https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu
Miigwech to our football and volleyball teams and coaches for their commitment and dedication this season. We hope to see many students sign up for winter sports and activities.
Zhawenimigoom omaa! We love you here! ❤️
The Seven Teachings- Mr. Wes
Family & Community Survey
Please click the link below or scan the QR code with your phone's camera to complete an anonymous, short survey. Your feedback will help guide future improvements.
Miigwech for your time!
Celebrations Across Our Schools
Targeted Services
All things pumpkins!
Principal: Heather Forseen
Second Grade
Estimating pumpkin seeds!
Halloween Fun at RLEC
Students and staff had lots of fun with Halloween festivities!
The Makwa and Nigig Team answered, "Aaniin ezhiwebak agwajing?" dressing up as weather words in Ojibwe.
Principal: Stephanie Amberg
Intermediate Chats
New! Weekly episodes for families and learners- watch the Red Elementary Facebook page at 3:00 PM on Sundays.
Pumpkin Patch Visit
K-1 in Ponemah took a field trip to Fuller Farms to visit the pumpkin patch.
The photo is of Ponemah 1st grade on the field trip.
Principal: Aaron Jabs
Student Leadership Team
Student Leadership team members leading team building activities with 4th grade in Ponemah. They led activities for all grade levels on the afternoon of October 14.
Every Child Matters Day
September 30, 2026
Students created this amazing poster to hang in the gym during our weekly Circle.
Principal: Tracy Olson
Morning Circle
Elders led the dancing at Circle.
ALC- Project Based Learning
Warren Truss Bridge Project
Principal: Shelly Fredriksen
ALC- Project Based Learning
Tiny Turt Geometric Sculpture Project
Every Child Matters
Dr. Smith helped the middle and high school recognize Every Child Matter/Orange Shirt Day.
Principal: Delana Smith
Orange Shirt Day
This year focused on how we are resilient.
7 Mindsets- Social Emotional Learning
The first theme of 7 Mindsets was 'Everything is Possible'. Watch this short reel featuring our RLSD students and staff to learn more.
Red Lake Schools ECFE
Family and Community Engagement
RLSD Open House
Miigwech families for attending the Red Lake School District Open House at the start of the school year.
There was a 6% increase across the district for family participation compared to the previous school year!
Our 'Come See Us' reel had nearly 20,000 views!
Red Lake Fire Department at Little Warriors
The Red Lake Fire Department visited Little Warriors ECFE, giving children the opportunity to explore a fire truck and meet firefighters.
RLSC- Fall Conferences
Miigwech families for attending the Red Lake Secondary Conferences on October 8.
RLMS had a 5% increase, RLHS had a 3% increase, and RLHS-ALC had a 29% increase in family participation!
Miigwech for partnering with us for your child's education!
Families READ at Ponemah School
The Games to Go activity, “Can You Find It?” was shared with families at Ponemah School’s Fall Family Event.
These activities make learning fun by encouraging children to search for and find items in books or their surroundings.
Families Engage
Red Lake Schools is partnering with Oshkiimaajitahdah and Ombimindwaa to offer Families Engage sessions.
These sessions provide families with tools and strategies to support their role as their child’s first and most important teacher.
AIPAC Participation
Miigwech to the 41 participants from the first two AIPAC meetings of the year! Join any time- all are welcome.
American Indian Parent Advisory Council (AIPAC)
WHAT IS AIPAC?
The purpose of AIPAC is to share input on school programs, honor cultural values and traditions, and support the academic and social needs of American Indian students.
Meetings are open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend - family and community members, school staff and anyone else who is interested!
If you would like more information, call Dr. Giniwgiizhig (218-407-2412) or Stacie Parkos (218-209-0712).
District Assessment Information for Families
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