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
This week the Algona community was rocked by the death of Police Officer Kevin Cram. Officer Cram was shot and killed in the line of duty. Officer Cram was a 10-year law enforcement veteran and also a husband and a father to young children.
In an effort to support Officer Cram's family in this difficult time, the Okoboji Pioneer Booster Club will be collecting free-will donations in buckets at the concession stand at tonight's Okoboji/Estherville football game. All donations raised will be given to Officer Cram's family.
If you are attending tonight's game, please consider donating to help Officer Cram's wife and children.
If you were at the middle school football game on Tuesday night, you may have noticed a group of extremely enthusiastic and energetic students in front of the stands cheering on the Pioneers and helping the crowd get into the game. We're not sure who the best middle school cheerleading squad in the state may be, but our OMS cheer squad has our hearts and did an amazing job! We were so busy cheering we didn't grab a picture of the team, but here's one from last week from some of the team in the OMS Commons. If you have a picture of the team from the game, please share it in the comments. #PioneeringPathways
Hey OMS Football Families: Rosters can now be found in the Bound app so you can identify the athletes by jersey number and not have to wait until they remove their helmets to tell who is who during games! Just go under 'Teams' within the Bound app and scroll down to Level 5 (8th Grade) and Level 6 (7th Grade) and under the Football teams you can find the rosters. Enjoy!
Students in Mrs. Umscheid's program had a pretty amazing day at the Clay County Fair!
School pictures will be taking place in two weeks. OHS will take pictures on Monday, September 25th, OMS on the 26th, and OES on the 27th! Nothing needs to be done ahead of time and ordering details will be coming soon from Split Rock Photography. Mark your calendars and bring your best smiles on picture day!
Life at OMS - Let's Go Pioneers!
Hello 7th Grade Parents and Families: An email was just shared with the details and guidelines for our trip to the State Capitol and Iowa Cubs Game this Wednesday. Please see the email for details and please make sure your student arrives prepared at OMS by 5:15 AM Wednesday morning. Thanks!
A little photo fun to end the week and share our Pioneer Spirit!
