We encourage all eligible voters in the Okoboji Community School District to cast their vote in today's election! Polls are open from 7 AM - 8 PM.
A reminder of our OCSD Board Candidate Forum tonight at 6:30 in the OHS Auditorium! This is your chance to hear from all of our board candidates this year. If you are unable to attend, a recording of the forum will be made and shared on our district social media tomorrow.
We will have a send-off at ALL THREE buildings on Friday afternoon to send our State-Bound Cross Country Teams off in style and wish them luck! They will walk through the halls of OES at 2:40, OMS at 2:55, and OHS at 3:10 before boarding the bus for Ft. Dodge! If any parents or community members want to join the send-off, please come to OHS via the main entrance before 3:10 on Friday!
The tailgate for tonight's football game, sponsored by Central Bank and Central Insure, will be moved into the upper commons at OHS!
Congratulations to our September Pioneer Student recipient, Caleb Simington, for his outstanding work with youth. His commitment to helping them grow into confident individuals and his efforts to shape future generations are invaluable. This is a testament to Caleb's character and positive influence.
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!
