Superintendent Report Highlights

National School Psychology Awareness Week - In recognition of School Psychology Awareness week, Superintendent Osei expressed gratitude for all of the work being done by our School Psychologists, Crystal Gross, Dan Phillipe, and Katie Lail. He highlighted aspects of their role which includes partnering with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They are also important members of school safety and crisis teams. Katie, Dan, and Crystal, thank you for your dedication to supporting our students, staff, and families!

Tales of Laughing Fox - As a part of American Indian Heritage Month, this week 4th and 5th grade students all of our elementary schools had an opportunity to hear stories and music from Michael Laughing Fox Charette. Michael Laughing Fox Charette is a gifted Native American storyteller, poet, and member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (located in Northern Wisconsin). As a self-taught Native flute player he enhances his stories with beautiful flute and drum performance. Growing up surrounded by the beauty of Lake Superior and the woods led him to dedicate his gifts as an artist to gently teaching about Native history, culture, and spirituality. His work as both a visual and performance artist is varied and tied together by the traditional wisdom of the Anishnaabe people, which is respectfully incorporated into his work. Michael captivates audiences with his authentic, relaxed style. We would also like to thank our American Indian Parent Advisory Council for their collaboration and helping us to coordinate this event for our students.

November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month - November is Children's Grief Awareness Month, dedicated to addressing the unique needs of grieving children and youth. As we approach the holiday season, Children's Grief Awareness Month arrives at a time when many bereaved children and families are facing the holidays without their loved ones.

Park Nicollet Growing Through Grief is feeling grateful to be your community-based partners providing specialized school-based grief support. Their commitment to student’s well-being and making a difference for those needing death related grief counseling is stronger than ever. It’s important that our school community feel supported and are not alone in responding to grief. The program offerings include:

• Grief group for students that have experienced the death of a close family member or friend
• Individual grief support sessions
• Death related crisis support