Jessica Hutchison LCO School Director
Boozhoo! We are now in our second week of the second quarter of school and students are engaged in academic pursuits covering everything from the Student SpaceFlight Exploration Program to a high school work group focusing on advocating for a legislative bill addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Our goals are to push students not only to achieve academically but to also become more engaged in local causes of interest and importance. We are excited to report that our overall school enrollment is up by 16 students from this time last year and our overall attendance rates for students in the k12 is also up slightly from the same date a year ago. We recently recognized Red Ribbon Week with activities in support of a Drug and Alcohol Free lifestyle including guest speakers, activities and dress up days. We ended the week with a Fall Harvest Feast and Powwow, where we also crowned our 2019-2020 school royalty.
With the winter weather season upon us, we are asking parents and guardians to update contact information as needed in order to guarantee that school closure or cancellation notices are received. Parents and families are also encouraged to use the School Facebook Page to receive updates and information. We also ask that parents and guardians contact the school as soon as possible in the event of a student absence.
Upcoming dates of importance:
November 11: Veterans Powwow-No School; Grand Entries at 1 and 7, meal served at 5 pm
November 12: Veterans Day Observed
November 22: Early Release Thanksgiving Dinner
November 25-28: Thanksgiving Break
December 4: Parent Advisory Committee for parents 3rd – 5th grade students k5 library 4 to 5 pm
December 11: Early release for parent teacher conferences and school board meeting
December 20: Christmas Program and early release
We are collaborating with the Grants Department on a few upcoming projects including a solar energy initiative as well as pursuing funding for a secure access entry system. We consistently receive donations from the local Elders groups to provide coats, sleds and fresh snacks for students. We are working with the Prevention Coalition, the Great Lakes Intertribal Task force and the Boys and Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles to bring interventions to various classrooms on a range of topics (diabetes prevention, meth prevention/awareness, nutrition, vaping, teen dating, and healthy lifestyles). On November 14th we will have a trafficking presentation for grades 6-12.
Our staff professional development is currently focusing on our new math curriculum in the k-5, Literacy Intervention strategies and support, and leadership coaching.
Our facility has undergone a number of updates this year, with our new playgrounds open, the gym floor and bleacher project nearly complete, the purchase of individual storage units, and the completion of an external fencing project. Future projects will include the replacement of the k-5 roof as well as upgrades to the concrete work around the exterior of the building.
Parents and families are encouraged to visit the school website at www.lcoosk12.org and the school Facebook page at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School to stay current with news and activities throughout the school.