Congratulations to our September Board Salute recipients for going Above and Beyond. Brock Holman, Erin Clary, and Brenda Martin for their remarkable efforts that have not gone unnoticed for their pursuit of excellence, willingness to lend a helping hand, passion for students, and volunteering. They consistently exceed expectations and set a shining example for others to follow. Your efforts are recognized, valued, and deeply appreciated.
Tomorrow we celebrate High Five Friday, with emergency responders here as our guests. DON'T BE ALARMED if you see flashing lights at the school, that's just how we roll when the emergency responders are the High Five Friday guests at OMS.
Please make plans to attend a public forum with candidates running for a seat on the Okoboji Community School Board. The forum will be held on Tuesday, October 26th beginning at 6:30 PM in the Okoboji High School Auditorium. Candidates will field questions read by moderator Brad Simington and have the chance to share their views, goals, and opinions.
A recording of the event will be shared on the Okoboji Community Schools Facebook Page for those who are unable to attend.
We are excited for our 2023 Homecoming Parade this afternoon at 2:15! Here is the map of the route! We hope to see you there! Bundle up and join in the fun!
Okoboji Schools has been recognized by the Iowa State Auditor’s Office for efficient use of public funds. Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand has announced the 2023 Public Innovations and Efficiencies, or PIE, Award recipients. Okoboji Community School District was recognized as the state-wide runner-up among Class 3A schools. The awards are given to schools and public entities that are implementing the largest amount of money-saving practices laid out in a 10-page checklist from the state auditor’s office. Created in 2019, the PIE program encourages public entities across the state to explore different ways to save public funds and allows the State Auditor’s Office to highlight local entities doing the right things across the state.
Today is a special day as we honor and appreciate the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our schools are clean, safe, and conducive to learning. Happy Custodian Appreciation Day!
Our custodians play an integral role in our school community. They are the first to arrive and the last to leave, dedicating their days and often nights to the upkeep and maintenance of our schools. Their hard work often goes unseen, but it is felt by all of us who enjoy the clean classrooms, shiny hallways, and well-maintained facilities. Their commitment to their work has gone above and beyond to ensure every nook and corner of our schools is sanitized and safe for all of us.
Thank you, custodians, for all that you do! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment do not go unnoticed. You truly make a difference.
'Boji Battle' is the theme for next week's dress-up days. These will be a blast! Let's have some fun as we showcase our Pioneer Pride!
Our 8th grade students did some deep work today as they reviewed feedback they gave each other as team members to reveal strengths and areas for growth. This is really hard work as students need to vulnerable and authentic, and our students handled it so well! Great job, Pioneers!
We are looking forward to welcoming staff members from West Marshall CSD tomorrow. They are coming to learn more about our many student pathways, including our expansive electives, NoBoMS, Curious Minds, Explore Lab, Midmester Academy, Capstone, and more. Our staff has worked hard over the years to develop these paths for students and we are grateful to share with our colleagues from West Marshall CSD! #PioneeringPathways
In Okoboji, we love having student teachers as it's a great experience for our students and we know there is a need to help train up the next generation of teachers! Miss Ruesch has joined our staff for the ENTIRE YEAR, working with Mrs. Patterson, Mrs. Duvall, and Mrs. Mueller. Today was her first day teaching a full afternoon on her own, and she is already doing a great job! Welcome, Miss Ruesch, we are grateful to have you!
Students in 8th grade language arts will be honing their speaking and listening skills as they put on a mock trial later this week. Mr. Cunningham was a guest speaker today and helped the students understand the procedures and process of how their trial will work.
Students in 5th grade science are learning how light works through a teamwork activity. Hands-on learning at its best!
Congrats to Mrs. Simington and Mrs. Vander Wolde for being selected as winners of our first PBIS teacher appreciation drawing. They were entered based on the high fives they recently handed out to students and they each won either duty or class coverage to earn a well-deserved break. Way to go!
Check out these productive
students utilizing the collaborative spaces in our school this morning. Every inch of our school is designed to support learning and these students are doing of great job of capitalizing on these great learning spaces!
This year’s Homecoming Grand Marshall has been an outstanding individual in the community and school district. Helen Alexander is a driving force in her family and throughout the community advocating for the arts, higher education, and hard work.
Helen has been the definition of a model community member and has spent countless hours dedicating her time to her children, Okoboji students, educators and coaches with a significant impact. You may often see her with her big camera capturing the smiling faces of Okoboji students and teachers at sporting events, music performances, and teacher conference lunches. Her excitement at seeing everyone never wavers!
Helen started her career owning an import export business at the age of 26, traveling the world, and speaking 5 languages. She took the experiences from being an international businesswoman, world traveler, and a first-generation immigrant to be the best parent and community member she could be. Helen and her late husband Doug have lived in Okoboji for the last 23 years. They raised their three sons, David, OHS Class of 2019, John, OHS Class of 2020, and William, OHS Class of 2021, in Okoboji. All three have used their memories and lessons from Okoboji Schools to become successful young men and have made their parents very proud!
Helen is a proud figure of Okoboji Community Schools and continues to support, love, advocate, and volunteer for the students and teachers. Her genuine care for the community is always visible with her bright big smile and constant photos! That is why the honor of our 2023 Grand Marshall has been awarded to Helen Alexander!
The OMS Mock Trial team had virtual coaches today as former Okoboji Mock Trial members Haley Harms and Connor Cunningham connected with the team to help them understand the importance of jury instructions. It's so cool to see former Pioneers giving back for the good of our students!
7th grade students in Mr. Allen's class are studying rocket science and have built their own water rockets designed to save their eggs from utter destruction! Some survived, some did not, but all had fun in this great learning unit! #PioneeringPathways
Hello Pioneer Family,
We want to inform you that, under Federal guidelines, schools are to notify families that breakfast and free/reduced lunches are available to all eligible families. Ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals is our commitment. To learn more and apply for the fee/reduced lunch program, please get in touch with Danni Bockman at dbockman@okobojischools.org or call 712-338-4757.
Thank you for your partnership in promoting the well-being of our students.
In the Okoboji School District, we genuinely care about the overall well-being of our students AND their families. That's why we are thrilled to offer our FREE Student and Family Assistance Program! This amazing service is confidential and provided by masters-level counselors, ensuring top-notch support for all our students and their families.
Whether you're facing academic challenges, personal issues, or just need someone to talk to, our Student and Family Assistance Program is here for you! Available both in and outside of school, this service is paid for by the district to assist families in prioritizing mental health. Simply dial the number on our flyer, and you will be connected with a counseling professional for up to 6 FREE sessions to lend a helping hand, providing the support you need to thrive.
Remember, your well-being matters to us and Pioneering Pathways includes mental health support. There's no need to face challenges alone. Reach out today to our Student and Family Assistance Program and experience the caring, confidential support that is just a call away! Please see the flyer for the contact information and for more information.
We appreciate Judge Walleck coming to talk to the middle school mock trial team this morning to help bring to life the similarities between what happens in mock trial and our local courtrooms. #PioneeringPathways
