🍁 OMS HAPPENINGS | FALL 2026 🍂
Okoboji Middle School Community Newsletter
🎙️ A Note from Principal DeWitt
Our school year is off to a wonderful start! Fall testing is wrapped up, our sports seasons are in full swing, and our students are settling into a fantastic rhythm.
Middle school is a time of incredible growth, and our dedicated teachers are committed to supporting every student's success. Thank you for your partnership—we’re looking forward to an amazing year ahead!
— Lucas DeWitt, Principal
🏛️ 7th Grade Takes on Des Moines!
Our 7th graders had an unforgettable learning adventure visiting the Iowa State Capitol! Students connected classroom social studies lessons to real life by touring where the three branches of government assemble and exploring Iowa’s rich history. They capped off the day cheering on the Iowa Cubs! ⚾
A huge thank you to the Okoboji School Foundation for making this experience possible!
🏈🎉 Homecoming Week 2026: Sept 28 – Oct 2
Get ready to show your Pioneer Pride! Middle school students are invited to join the fun with daily dress-up themes, our pep rally, and the community parade:
Mon, Sept 28: 🛏️ *Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go* (Pajama Day)
Tue, Sept 29:🏄♂️ *Surfin' USA* (Beach or Red, White & Blue)
Wed, Sept 30:⚡ *Glow Big!* (Neon Day)
Thu, Oct 1: 🤠 *Should’ve Been a Cowboy* (Western Wear)
Fri, Oct 2:🖤 *Back in Black / Pioneer Spirit Day*
1:00 PM: Pep Rally
2:15 PM: Community Parade
👕 Homecoming Shirts: Deadline to order is Sunday, September 20th!
👉 [Order your 2026 Homecoming Shirt here!](https://ccscreenprint.chipply.com/ohshomecoming/?action=viewall)
📸 Mark Your Calendar: Picture Retakes
Date:Thursday, October 15th
For any students who missed picture day or need a new photo!
📋 Pioneer Athletics & Activity Eligibility (7th & 8th Grade)
Extracurriculars build character, teamwork, and leadership! Here are two key reminders to keep our student-athletes eligible:
⏰ Game-Day Attendance: Students must arrive at school before 12:00 PM on game day to participate (pre-approved exceptions: medical, funeral, etc.).
📚 Academic Checkpoints: Grades are checked every 2 weeks. If a student receives a failing mark, they receive a warning period. Consecutive failing checkpoints result in missing one competitive event. Students are encouraged to use WIN time, study halls, and teacher check-ins before school to keep grades strong!
#OkobojiProud #PioneerPride #OMSFall2026 #OkobojiMiddleSchool
Hey Pioneers!!
Get your Homecoming shirts ordered, the deadline to order is Sunday, September 20th.
Show your Pioneer Pride on Homecoming Friday by wearing your 2026 Homecoming shirt - Friday's theme will Black out. Use the link below to order!
Here is the link to order.
Okoboji Pioneers Mockups.png
Okoboji Schools is HIRING!
Okoboji Schools is hiring!
School Calendars Are Here!
The 2026–27 Okoboji Community Schools calendars for Pre-K and K–8 are posted here and on okobojischools.org.
Keep an eye on your email - information to sign up for Pre-K thru 8th In-Take Conferences will be coming soon!
We’re getting closer to another great year of being Proud to be a Pioneer!
Okoboji Community Schools Year at a Glance!
Want to stay in the know this school year? We’ve got you covered! Our Year at a Glance has important dates and reminders all in one handy place. Save it, screenshot it, share it - and keep it close!
Here’s to a GREAT year, Pioneers!
Want to stay in the know this school year? We’ve got you covered! Our Year at a Glance has important dates and reminders all in one handy place. Save it, screenshot it, share it - and keep it close!
Here’s to a GREAT year, Pioneers!
Here is the menu for Summer Meals for June 8-12!
Sign up today for the 20th annual T.R.A.W.L sponsored by the Okoboji FFA.
Today we celebrate National School Nurse’s Day! A huge thank you to our amazing nurses, Kaylee Heinrichs and Katie Thompson, for their tireless dedication to the health and well-being of our students. From ice packs and band-aids to keeping our community safe and healthy, we couldn’t do it without you! 🩺💙
Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 🌟
Today, we are celebrating the incredible team that keeps the Okoboji Community School District running smoothly every single day. From the front offices of our schools to the District Office, these dedicated professionals are the heart of our buildings.
Please join us in thanking:
Missy Baschke & Kelly Kuehler (District Office)
Kizze Hromatko & Amanda Fuhrman (High School)
Lenae Rubis (Middle School)
Lisa Harman (Elementary School)
Whether they are greeting students with a smile, managing complex schedules, or supporting our staff, their hard work and kindness make our district a better place for everyone. We couldn't do it without you!
Today, we are celebrating the incredible team that keeps the Okoboji Community School District running smoothly every single day. From the front offices of our schools to the District Office, these dedicated professionals are the heart of our buildings.
Please join us in thanking:
Missy Baschke & Kelly Kuehler (District Office)
Kizze Hromatko & Amanda Fuhrman (High School)
Lenae Rubis (Middle School)
Lisa Harman (Elementary School)
Whether they are greeting students with a smile, managing complex schedules, or supporting our staff, their hard work and kindness make our district a better place for everyone. We couldn't do it without you!
We have more than 30 area businesses signed up to participate in the 10th Annual Okoboji Summer Job Fair! Is yours signed up? If not, there is still time to join us for this FREE event that gives you the chance to meet over 200 area 14-18 year-olds looking for summer and year-round work! The fair takes place from 8:30-11:30 AM on Friday, April 10th at the Roof Garden at Arnolds Park! Sign up at the banner at the top of our website www.okobojischools.org
Did You Know?
Okoboji Community Schools has been one of the fasted growing schools in Northwest Iowa and in the top 10% in growth statewide over the last 15 years?
Despite a recent leveling off due to local housing constraints, Okoboji’s growth since 2010 is a remarkable 19.2%. We remain the 3rd fastest-growing school district in Northwest Iowa, proving that families continue to make Okoboji their top choice for the long haul!
*Sources: Iowa Department of Education Certified Enrollment Reports
Okoboji Community Schools has been one of the fasted growing schools in Northwest Iowa and in the top 10% in growth statewide over the last 15 years?
Despite a recent leveling off due to local housing constraints, Okoboji’s growth since 2010 is a remarkable 19.2%. We remain the 3rd fastest-growing school district in Northwest Iowa, proving that families continue to make Okoboji their top choice for the long haul!
*Sources: Iowa Department of Education Certified Enrollment Reports
Spring Break is almost here! ☀️🏖️😎
No school for all Okoboji Community School buildings March 16-20! Whether you are traveling or staying local, we hope you get a chance to relax and recharge!
We look forward to seeing you back on Monday, March 23!
Due to the forecast weather for late this evening, our Inclusion Carnival has been shortened to run from 5-7 PM at Okoboji Middle School. There will be lots of great activities, games, and of course food! Come out to support our Special Olympics program!
Sign ups are open for Spring Conferences at all OCSD buildings! Conferences will be held for grades PK-6 on Tuesday, February 24th and Thursday, February 26th and for grades 7-12 on Thursday, February 26th! The sign up links have been emailed to all parents today. We look forward to this opportunity to partner with you to Pioneer Pathways for EVERY Student!
Happy National School Counseling Week!
From helping students navigate friendships and future plans to offering calm in stressful moments, our school counselors do it all. We are so grateful for the heart, patience, and dedication they bring every single day. School counselors are an important part of every school team and we at Okoboji are blessed with some of the best! Thank you to OES Counselor Carrie Stauss, OMS Counselor Eric Thompson, and OHS Counselor Emily Schaefer (as well as Counseling Intern Jaydn Barnett!) for everything you do!
From helping students navigate friendships and future plans to offering calm in stressful moments, our school counselors do it all. We are so grateful for the heart, patience, and dedication they bring every single day. School counselors are an important part of every school team and we at Okoboji are blessed with some of the best! Thank you to OES Counselor Carrie Stauss, OMS Counselor Eric Thompson, and OHS Counselor Emily Schaefer (as well as Counseling Intern Jaydn Barnett!) for everything you do!
Okoboji Basketball for tonight, Dec. 9 is postponed.
Okoboji's Wrestling Tournament for Saturday, Dec. 6 is cancelled due to weather.
Happy Thanksgiving from Okoboji Schools!
Happy National Substitute Teacher Appreciation Day! Today we celebrate the incredible substitute teachers who step in with flexibility, kindness, and a willingness to support our students and staff at a moment’s notice. Your adaptability and dedication keep our school running smoothly, and we are truly grateful for all you do. Thank you for being an essential part of our Okoboji Schools family!
