Oshki Ogimaag Community School
September 12, 2025
Aanin Oshki Ogimaag School Families and Community Partners,
Our Instructional Model: Learning Together in Community
At Oshki Ogimaag, our instructional model is designed to honor the way children learn best—through community, connection, and culture. Students learn in both homeroom groups and learning groups, with each structure playing an important role in their growth.
Homeroom Groups: Belonging at the Center
Each student belongs to a homeroom group:
• Zhaawanong (South) – Kindergarten through 2nd grade with Ms. Megan
• Giiwedinong (North) – 3rd through 5th grade with Ms. Jeana
Homeroom groups gather daily for Morning Meeting and Closing Circle, two key Responsive Classroom practices proven to increase engagement, build strong teacher–student relationships, and strengthen school climate
Throughout the week, homeroom groups also stay together for Art and Theme (with Ms. Megan) and Physical Education and Environmental Education (with Ms. Jeana). This balance of consistency and variety allows students to build a strong sense of belonging while experiencing rich, specialized instruction.
Learning Groups: Smaller Communities for Core Learning
After Morning Meeting, students join their learning groups:
• Noodin (Wind)
• Nibi (Water)
• Ishkode (Fire)
These mixed-age groups rotate through Literacy (Ms. Megan), Math (Ms. Jeana), and Ojibwe Language & Culture (Ms. James) in the morning. After lunch, they continue rotating through Literacy, Science, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with Ms. Jeana or Ms. Tina.
Smaller group sizes allow teachers to individualize instruction and encourage collaboration across ages. Research shows that multi-age groupings foster peer learning, confidence, and flexibility in thinking.
Aki: The Ojibwe Language and Culture Classroom
At the heart of our model is Aki (Earth), our Ojibwe Language and Culture classroom. Students spend dedicated time here with Ms. James each morning, learning language, traditions, and worldview in ways that are woven into academic learning. This space reflects our school’s mission to preserve and strengthen Anishinaabe language and culture while preparing students for the future.
A Collaborative Teaching Team
• Ms. Megan: Homeroom teacher for Zhaawanong; Literacy and Art/Theme instruction
• Ms. Jeana: Homeroom teacher for Giiwedinong; Math, Science, PE, and Environmental Education
• Ms. James: Ojibwe Language & Culture instruction in Aki each morning until 11am; Director duties in the afternoon
• Ms. Tina: Social Emotional Learning, Special Education, and Reading Interventions throughout the day, Assistant Director duties 2-3pm
This model allows each teacher to focus on their strengths while ensuring every student benefits from multiple teaching approaches.
Forest Fridays: Learning on the Land
On Friday afternoons, all students come together for Forest Fridays, led by Ms. Jeana, our Environmental Education Coordinator. Land-based learning is a powerful way to connect children to nature, improve well-being, and deepen academic learning.
Why This Matters
Research consistently shows that children thrive when they feel connected to their teachers, peers, and culture. Our model provides:
• Consistency and belonging through homerooms.
• Collaboration and flexibility through learning groups.
• Cultural grounding through daily Ojibwe language and traditions.
• Holistic growth through academics, SEL, art, and outdoor learning.
At Oshki Ogimaag, students are not just learning subjects—they are growing as whole people, rooted in culture, community, and connection to the land.
Next Friday, September 19, our students will join in harvesting manoomin (wild rice) at Eagle Marsh, weather permitting.
We will depart school at 9:00 a.m. and return by 2:00 p.m. The experience will be guided by Ms. James, Dr. Erik Redix, Grand Portage Ojibwe Language and Environmental Education Coordinator, and Erik Carlson.
Harvesting manoomin connects students to the local land, strengthens Ojibwe language and culture, and reflects our school’s mission of learning through tradition, community, and environment. Research shows that land-based learning fosters resilience, cultural identity, and deep engagement.
Families are warmly invited to meet us at Eagle Marsh and join the experience. Please reach out to Ms. James with any questions.
This week, Noodin practiced naming their feelings, mindful breathing, and community norms—being kind, pausing before interrupting, and thinking it through—then explored identity through art (drawings of feelings, self-portraits, and family portraits).
Research shows that explicitly teaching emotion identification and mindfulness builds self-regulation and attention, leading to better behavior and academic gains. Creating a classroom culture of belonging and community is also linked with stronger motivation and well-being—right in step with our mission to nurture the whole child in community and with care.
This week, our students welcomed John Morrin, Oshki Ogimaag Board member and one of the school's founders, who shared sacred teachings.
He spoke of the four medicines—sage, cedar, tobacco, and sweetgrass—and how they came to us. He guided students in understanding the meaning of smudging and the path of Mino Bimaadiziwin, Living the Good Life.
When Elders share their language, stories, and gifts, our children are rooted more deeply in who they are—learning not only with their minds, but with their spirits, in harmony with the land and our mission.
This fall week, students were treated to cozy, homemade meals—freshly baked focaccia with tomato soup, creamy mac and cheese with bacon toppings, and comforting spaghetti with meat sauce alongside organic spring greens.
Each day begins with a warm, protein-rich breakfast to fuel students’ brains and energy for learning.
Research shows that diets rich in lean proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed foods support stronger concentration, improved memory, and healthier energy levels throughout the day. At Oshki Ogimaag, providing nourishing meals is more than meeting a need—it is part of Mino Bimaadiziwin, Living the Good Life together, where health, community, and culture come to the table.
Best of all, the meals have been receiving rave reviews from students! Families will be glad to know that even the students with the most discerning palates have been diving in and enjoying every bite!
This week we enjoyed our first yoga session of the school year with Ms. Carly, and students were thrilled to welcome her back!
Yoga helps children strengthen their bodies through balance and movement while also calming their minds through breathing and mindfulness. Research shows that practicing yoga in schools supports focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being, nurturing both health and learning.
At Oshki Ogimaag, we believe that coming to school each day, on time, is part of Mino Bimaadiziwin—Living the Good Life together.
Daily attendance nurtures steady routines, friendships, and learning. Research shows that students who attend regularly are more likely to thrive academically and socially, while even a few missed days can make it harder to catch up.
If your child will be absent, please email Ms. Tina or call the school office at 218-475-2112. If we don’t hear from you, we are required to record the absence as unexcused. Miigwech for helping us honor the importance of each day, supporting your child’s growth and the strength of our whole community!
To keep all students safe, each child will be dropped off at the destination designated by their parent or guardian.
Any changes to your child’s regular Go Home plan must come directly from a parent or guardian—students may not decide their plan at school.
Families can share changes in these ways:
• A note in your child’s Go Home Folder
• An email to Ms. Tina
• A phone call to the school at 218-475-2112
• If text is the best option for you, please reach out so we can make arrangements.
Whenever possible, please let us know earlier in the day rather than shortly before the bus leaves . This helps ensure smooth transitions for students and supports Mr. Fish, our Transportation Director, in getting everyone to their destinations safely.
Miigwech for partnering with us in following these important safety protocols for our elementary students!
Do you have a child enrolled at Oshki Ogimaag? If so, you are eligible to serve on our school board—and we need at least one more parent/guardian member to comply with our bylaws and ensure family voices are always part of decision-making.
Joining the board is a powerful way to support your child’s school, help guide its future, and strengthen our community. No special experience is needed—just your perspective as a parent or guardian, your voice, and your commitment to our students.
If you’d like to learn more, please reach out to Board Chair, Tesha Dickinson or Board Secretary, Tina Gatzke.
Miigwech for considering this important way to serve and lead with us.
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, 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!
