Panther Tracks

Cass Lake-Bena High School

15308 State 371 NW

Cass Lake, MN 56633

Phone: 218-335-2203

Fax: 218-335-7649

www.clbs.k12.mn.us

The mission of Cass Lake-Bena Schools is to provide a comprehensive, quality

education in a safe

environment for all.

Spring 2016

Inside this issue:

Important Dates

Career Exploration

Accelerated Reader

Seniors/Yearbook

FACS Consumer Science

Indian Ed

Special Ed

Social Worker

Resource Officer

Technology Education

Health Information

Guidance Counselor

Student Council

Ojibwe Teacher

Honors Breakfast

Senior Feast

School Calendar/Activities

Info

Principal’s Highlights Bryan Hackbarth May 5, 2016

Greetings to all Cass Lake-Bena High School families and friends,

Wow!!! Every year I find myself wondering where the school year went and the 2015-16 school year,

is no different. Even though we have most of May and part of June ahead, the warm weather and the

excitement of graduation and summer are on all of our minds.

I’m very happy to report that things at the high school continue to head in the right direction, with

the understanding that we have some work to do yet. Our expectations remain very high at our

school and there are some areas we will be looking at for improvement next year. One of those are-

as is how we can best keep our students focused, engaged, and reaching the learning goals in the

classroom. With the explosion of smart phone technology and social media, come some very delicate

issues to manage at school. I think the realization that students might be more distracted in school

and learning less is very real, quite complicated, and deserves our full attention. The HS Leadership

team has been discussing this phenomenon for some time now and we are looking at the latest re-

search available for guidance in helping us make some recommendations for the 2016-17 school

year.

That being said, I am very optimistic we are on the verge of something great at our high school. I

feel this way for a number of reasons such as our growing enrollment and programming, higher stu-

dent retention and graduation rates, and a hint of stability and momentum currently happening at

each of the schools in our district. I am very excited about the possibilities and I look forward to

doing my part at the HS. Our school remains a “thing of beauty” and we have some of the finest peo-

ple I have encountered working with your students. We have an excellent school culture that repre-

sents one of respect, support, and opportunity to name just a few. Our students are hopeful and

proud individuals and the HS staff will continue to help them realize their goals and dreams!

As some of you might know, we have been quite busy at our school administering MCA Math, Read-

ing, and Science tests that started on April 6th. As in years past, I am so very thankful of the way our

entire HS staff has stepped up to make sure that our students were prepared and testing in the best

environment we could provide. I also want to thank all of our students who were focused on trying

their best, never giving up, and representing our school and our community admirably.

Besides testing, our staff has been working tirelessly on planning for next year. One of the high-

lights in preparation for next year is the ongoing development of a 9th grade Academy at the HS. We

understand that the transition from middle school to high school is no easy task and we want to do

more to support our 9th graders. We know that students that have success in 9th grade are much

more likely to stay in school and have success. We also know that a successful student is a happier

and healthier student. Ultimately, we know that these students are much more likely to have a mean-

ingful high school experience; one we hope leads them on the right path into adulthood.

Panther Tracks

Continued from page 1

As the end of our school year approaches, I always hope to be mindful enough to extend my sincere apprecia-

tion and thanks to all of our student’s families and friends in doing your part. Your involvement in our stu-

dent’s life is paramount to all others. I also want to thank all of the HS staff for providing our students and fam-

ilies all the things that make our school a special place.

Now let’s all finish the school year the way we started it back on September 1st…with high expectations, eyes

wide open, and optimism that the future is bright ahead of us! I look forward to seeing you on June 3rd as we

celebrate the graduating class of 2016 together! In the meantime, please do not hesitate to call, email, or stop

by our school anytime. Wishing all of you the very best this summer!

Respectfully,

Bryan Hackbarth, HS Principal

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Wednesday, May 11th CLB MS/HS Music Progran

@ the High School 2:15 - 3:15

Wednesday, May 18th Honors Breakfast 8:30-10:00

Wednesday, May 18th CLB Senior Feast 5:30pm

Tuesday, May 24th CLB Royalty Contest 5:00pm

Friday, May 27th CLB School Powwows

10am - 12:00pm @ CLBHS

1pm - 2:30pm @ CLB ALC

Monday, May 30th No School - Memorial Day

Thursday, June 2nd Last Day of School / Early Release @ 1:30

Friday, June 3rd CLBHS Graduation 7:00pm

Spring 2016

Career Exploration Gina Olson

CAREER EXPLORATION

Teacher: Mrs. Gina Olson May 2016

The students in Mrs. Olson’s 11th grade Career Exploration class

have been very busy planning for their future careers. Students

have each prepared a resume and list of references; they’ve

learned how to write a cover letter for a job, and they have filled

out job application forms from area businesses. Students are now

practicing job interviewing skills and will experience a mock job

interview the week of May 9-13. The interview will be videotaped so that each student can

watch themselves and see their strengths and weaknesses as related to job interviewing.

The unit will conclude when we learn the proper steps for leaving a job, gracefully.

Next on the agenda is a unit on Financial Responsibility. On April 27th we took a bus load of

juniors and seniors to the Leech Lake Tribal College for a presentation on Finance & Credit.

Students were exposed to key strategies of starting their own business as well as learning

about credit worthiness. In class, we will learn how to prepare a household budget, apply

for a bank loan, and maintain appropriate use of a credit card.

When students complete the Career Exploration course,

they will take with them their “Career Portfolio.” The

portfolio holds all of the student’s research on career and

college opportunities, the necessary steps for getting a job,

and the principles of being financially responsible.

As always, I extend an invitation to parents/guardians to

be a guest speaker in our Career Exploration classroom and tell students about your

occupations and how you got to where you are today. Feel free to email me at

golson@clbs.k12.mn.us so we can set something up!

Panther Tracks

Accelerated Reader Theresa Higman, District Media Specialist

E-books Have Come to the Media Center

As of April 14th, we have had e-books available at our media center. This is very exciting for

us, and hopefully, it will be well received by the students.

As we all know, everywhere your child goes, their cell phone goes, also. The e-books that I have

purchased for the library are available on their phone, as well as computers, i-pads, learn

pads, and certain kindles.

The students will all be attending a presentation, in which I am going to walk them through, step

-by-step, how to set up their technology devices to receive the e-books that we have available.

We only have 60 e-books at the moment, but I have 120 additional e-books which we should

have available very soon.

So, if your teen is not checking out print books because they have lost one or say they do not

want to carry a book around, they can check out an e-book and read it on their phone, comput-

er or i-pad. I see e-books as a great way of getting our students to read more than they have

ever read before.

Theresa Higman

District Media Specialist

Spring 2016

Purchase a 2016 Cass LakePurchase a 2016 Cass Lake--Bena Bena

High School Yearbook !!!High School Yearbook !!!

Limited copies, Don’t be left out!

The cost is $40.00 per book.

Ask Paula Smith at the front desk for an order envelope.

The Yearbooks will be here at the high school next week.

Any questions call Deb Ross at ext. 1359

Yearbook Deborah Ross

Panther Tracks

Family and Consumer Science Leslie Downs

Basic Foods and Foreign Foods Classes

On April 19 we were fortunate to have Chef Ray and Chef Amber from Con-

cordia Language Villages in Bemidji visit our class for a second time. On the

first occasion they were here we learned about knife safety and practiced cut-

ting onions. The students used the onions to make Pico de Gallo, a Mexican

dish. At the April presentation, the Chefs assisted the class in making General

Tso’s Chicken and Spicy Noodles. They used some unusual ingredients and the

students learned how to substitute ingredients if what the recipe called for was

unavailable. Our classroom smelled wonderful and everyone must have en-

joyed it because there was very little left! This opportunity was part of the

BCBS Grant.

Spring 2016

Indian Education LuAnn Frazer & Sydney Harper

Cass Lake-Bena School Powwow

A Powwow or Celebration, is a time for people to get together, sing, dance, renew old friendships, and make new ones.

It is that time of year again! The Cass Lake-Bena School Powwows will be held on Friday, 5/27/2016. The morning session will be 10A-11:50A for Middle School and High School Students at CLBHS. The afternoon session will be 1P-2:30P for Elementary and ALC students at CLB ALC. The Cass Lake-Bena Royalty Contest will be held Tuesday 5/24/2016. The contest will be at the CLBHS, and starts at 5PM with a meal. The out-going royalty will have a giveaway to thank their family, friends, teachers, anyone who has helped them in the past year. The contest will follow after. This year, there are six titles being offered: Little Princess/Little Brave- CLB Pre-k* to 3rd gr Jr. Princess/Jr. Brave- 4th Grade to 7th Gr Sr. Princess/Sr. Brave- 8th Grade to 11th Gr Applications were accepted up until 5/6/2016. We want to wish every candidate good luck!

Last Call for JOM Seniors!

If you are a JOM Senior, you are eligible to have some of your senior expenses (up to $500) paid for by the Johnson O’Malley Program. The JOM Program is provided through self-governance funds that are managed by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. You do not need to be a Leech Lake enrollee to qualify. To be a consid-ered a JOM student, you must be at least 1/4 American Indian, whether you are enrolled with a tribe, eligi-ble to be enrolled, or have a combined blood quantum equaling 1/4 or more. The 2015-2016 approved senior expenses are: - Senior Pictures - Senior Announcements - Class Ring/Necklace

- Yearbook - ACT Fees - Letterman’s Jacket

Please see Sydney in Indian Education ASAP to start the process! Good luck with the rest of the school year!

Panther Tracks

Special Education Paul TarutisThe Cass Lake/Bena Panthers Special Olympics team participated in the team’s first competition on record.

Special Olympics is an international organization founded in the 1960’s by Eunice Kennedy. The mission of

Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type

sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Giving them continuing opportunities to develop

physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship

with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. The athlete oath provides our focus.

“Let me win… But, if I cannot win… Let me be brave in the attempt…”

On Thursday, May 5th, nine CLB Middle and High School students, along with a group of coaches and volunteers

attended the Area 2 Special Olympics Track and Field Competition held at Bemidji State University!

We were joined by five parents and grandparents who came to watch their athletes compete in a variety of

events.

When we arrived we were warmly welcomed by hundreds of athletes, coaches and volunteers from our region.

After a formal opening ceremony including, Native American drum and singing, the national anthem, and the

presentation of colors, the games began.

CL/B Panther athletes competed in a variety of individual events including; The 50 meter dash, the shot put,

the softball throw, and the standing long jump. The team also completed a 4X100 Relay. The team earned

many top place ribbons including a first place finish in the 4X100 relay.

It was a learning day, a growing day, a successful day, and a SUPER fun day. We are looking forward to bowling

in the fall, Basketball in the winter, and next year’s Track and Field day, with even more CLBS participants!

A special thanks to the people who helped make Special Olympics at Cass Lake/Bena a reality. Coach Missy

Freeman, Coach Paul Tarutis, and Cass Lake/Bena’s athletics and activities director Pat Rendle. And additional

thanks to all the school board, volunteers and parents who help support the process.

Spring 2016

Special Education Paul Tarutis

Members of the original Cass Lake/Bena Panther Special Olympics team Tyrone Hamlin, Mary Ann

McGuire and Keevin Whitefeather. Coaches Missy Freeman, and Paul Tarutis and Joy Tader.

Student support Mijakwad Whitefeather Johnson and Robert Smith. Missing from the pictures Tyler

Jones who was involved in opening ceremonies at the time.

Tyler Jones was given the honor of being the first Cass Lake/Bena Panther Special Olympian to carry the torch

during opening ceremonies. He is escorted by two Bemidji State University Beaver football players.

Social Worker - Lana Schultz-Julin Transitions & Life Changes

When we leave a place where we have invested in friendships, learned to belong and built a “home” saying

goodbye is one of the hardest things people learn. Transitions are part of everyone’s life.

Cass Lake-Bena students experience this in some of the following ways: beginning school, entering and leaving

each grade and school year, end of summer months, transferring to or from another school district, moving physi-

cal homes even if not community, missing favorite teachers/staff, departure of family members and friends, hav-

ing different learning style(s) than classmates, end of extra-curricular activity season, expressing independent

thinking, beliefs and decision making which might be separate of family teaching, etc.…

Tina Quick, cross-cultural trainer, international speaker, transition expert and author of The Global Nomad’s

Guide to University Transition states: leaving may never be easy but “making the time for proper farewells is

something no one has ever regretted. Proper closure and forward thinking help pave a smooth road to transi-

tion and reduce the stumbling blocks of adjustment…”

What might closure look like? In their book “Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing up Among Worlds”,

David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken suggest, building a R.A.F.T.

R for Reconciliation Throughout the leaving stage we tend to deny or avoid confrontation with those we had

disagreement. We think we won’t see this person again and since we are going to leave anyway, why bother?

Fact is that unresolved problems will stick with us like emotional baggage.

Avoiding reconciliation is an unhealthy habit because it can cause bitterness and our discontent can affect our

future relationships. It is important to resolve any problem and to forgive and be forgiven before moving. And

so do our children! They might need a mediator to do this.

A for Affirmation The key is to leave in peace. Many fear the tears and the sad feelings that begin. We

have the choice to focus on positive moments shared together and to solidify our relationship. Closure doesn’t

mean we have to say goodbye forever rather goodbye; to this phase of our life specific others were a part of.

We can help our children to do the same by letting their favorite friends, teachers, neighbors know that they like

them and they want to remain in touch. Affirmation is important among siblings and parents. When a child

leaves for college or moves out of the family environment, siblings need reassurance they’ll still keep in touch.

F like Farewells Most of us try to avoid the word “goodbye”: it hurts since it marks an end. It’s the end of

the chapter in our life. It’s important to take the time to pay attention to things we’ve enjoyed. Taking pictures

of places, doing things we’ve enjoyed, meeting friends: every member of the family will benefit from gradually

saying goodbye to the “4 p’s” people, pets, places and possessions.

T like Think destination What do we need where we’re going? What potential drawbacks and benefits

can we expect? How will our life look like in the new place? While saying goodbye, it’s also important to focus

on the future and to prepare ourselves and our family for the approaching transition.

We can avoid goodbyes by ignoring them or we can consider them instead as a chance to re-center ourselves

and focus on what is also important in our life. Allowing ourselves and our family to create closure in whatever

way will help each to say happy and healthy hellos in the next phase of our life.

Goodbyes create closure which allows one to move forward. Good-byes are hard for leavers and stayers!

Panther Tracks

School Resource Officer Officer Erickson

Making Good Choices The choices you make today are setting the foundation for your future. Staying on a positive path – and join-

ing the majority of teens who don’t drink – will help you reach your ultimate goals and dreams.

Successful teens report that one of their biggest challenges is resisting peer pressure and the desire to “fit in.”

Some of these pressure tactics may sound familiar:

“Come on, everyone has tried drinking.”

“If you won’t drink with us, then why are you hanging out with us?”

“We drank once before, so what’s the problem now?”

“We’ve been working hard. We deserve to party.”

In order to stay true to your own values, sometimes it is helpful to be prepared for uncomfortable situations.

Here is some of their advice for making good choices.

Resisting Peer Pressure Have some simple answers ready so that you can resist peer pressure

without making a big scene or issue about it. If you answer in a natural tone of voice, your friends may not

even notice. Try practicing:

Simple one-liners: “It’s just not for me; it’s not what I want,” “I don’t drink,” or “no thanks.”

Offering an alternative: “I’d rather have soda.”

Making an excuse: “I have a test to study for tomorrow.”

Giving a short explanation: “I really just don’t like the taste.”

Changing the subject

Here’s something else to think about: If your friends are pressuring you to drink, are they really good friends?

Friendship should be based on respect, caring, and trust. A true friend is someone who wants you to be safe

and happy.

The Future Is In Your Hands Remember, not everyone is drinking. Less than 30 percent of teens have had a drink in the past month. And

only 20 percent of teens binge drink. That means the majority of teens don’t do it.

As a teen, you have so much to look forward to – graduating, pursuing a career, having a family. High school

is only a few years. The choices you make today will impact your entire life. Take a stand against underage

drinking to give yourself, and the people you love, the best head start.

Panther Tracks

Technology Education Matt Wendland, Jesse Frost and Greg Kosbau

Cass Lake Times Robotics Regional Write-Up

Robotics Teams Excel

Cass Lake-Bena High School is the only school in the world with separate girls and boys robotics teams. Having

one team for a school so small is quite the feat but having two is exceptional. Two teams requires hard work from the

staff and students at the high school. The dedicated students work on building a robot in six weeks to compete in a chal-

lenge game that changes every year. The game has three robots on each team and the teams change every round. This

requires students to strategize with other schools and practice Gracious Professionalism (motto for FIRST Robotics) to be

able to win their matches. This sport is unlike any other because the game changes every year and your team changes

every match. Additionally, the divisions are not based on the size of the school. The richest, biggest school in the state

competes on the same field as the smallest.

The team has four mentors from the school, Jesse Frost, Linsey Ness, Matt Wendland, and Jeff Jones; one commu-

nity member, Chris Nyberg; one mentor from Air Corps Aviation, Steve Cotton. The team members of the girls team 3134

are Danicka White, Cierra Wittner, Jenna Fairbanks, Astelle Jones, Camie Fineday, Norvis Losada, and Cassie Wright.

The members of the boy’s team are Ryan Baird, Austin Jensen, Rusty Frank, Martin Raines, Dylan Wilson, Carlos Ortega,

Emillio Ortega, and Nate Yates.

These challenges to overcome require students with different skill sets to contribute to the team. The robotics

team has a scouting team that talks to every team at the regional and watches matches to find out what robots can and

can’t do. They also have a build and drive team that operates and drives the robot during the matches. These students

built the robot and can fix it if anything goes wrong. The main builders of the robots and captains of the teams were

Danicka White (3134) and Ryan Baird (3275). The girl’s captain, Danicka White on Thursday night told the group, “it is

going to get hard, but keep going, push through being tired and it will be worth it.”

This year both teams represented Cass Lake exceptionally well. At the end of the qualification matches the boys

team, 3275 was ranked 1st. Yes, first place out of 63 teams that came from all over Minnesota state and surrounding

states. The students were all smiles and so proud to be from Cass Lake and they proved that if you work hard and never

give up you can reach your goals. Ryan Baird, the Boys team captain and the student that has logged the most hours this

season and the past three seasons as well told the teams, “I have never felt so supported at a competition” and thanked

the other team members for taking responsibility for each of their jobs. They would not have been in first without every-

one doing their part. By the end of day two they were in the top eight and able to pick robots to be on their alliance.

The girl’s robot was ranked so high at the end of day (23rd) two that they were an alternate for finals. This is the highest

the robotics program has ever been ranked and the best the program has performed since it started.

The teams competed at Marcucci Arena on the University of Minnesota Campus. On Wednesday, before the

matches the teams had an exclusive tour with the engineering department at the university. They met with the AISES

(American Indian Science and Engineering Society) department and participated in three hands-on activities that focused

on virtual reality, robot development, and pneumatics.

The teams wanted to thank the community for their support and the hundreds of people that watched on

thebluealliance.com. If you would like to be apart of the team or make a sponsor please email casslakerobot-

ics@gmail.com. Any help is appreciated!

Spring 2016

Technology /Robotics Matt Wendland

Panther Tracks

Health Information Melissa Jenson, District Nurse

Once again, another school year is almost over. There are several important

announcements and reminders that I would like to bring to your attention:

Northwest Indian OIC is offering Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aid

classes over the summer for students 18 years and older. Classes are typically Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for approximately six weeks.

Students can earn four college credits and scholarships are available. If

interested, contact Northwest Indian OIC at (218) 759-2022 or visit Melissa in the Health Office.

Scrubs Camp at BSU June 14-17, 2016-offers high school students an opportunity to explore a variety of health science careers. Applications and more

information is available in Mrs. Brown’s office or online at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/2016/02/22/bemidji-scrubs-camp-2016/.

“Bike the Bay is Back”-Ride the tarred Migizi Trail with your own bike or bikes available at the fitness center-(218) 335-2081. Event is held on the 1st Thursday

of every month. Group will leave from Leech Lake Fitness Center parking lot at 9:00AM (arrive at 8:30AM to get your bike and helmet ready).

Please remember to pick up all student medications from the health office, as they

will be discarded on the last day of school.

If your child needs medication next year, please bring the completed and signed

paperwork to school prior to the first day of the new school year. Remember to sign

the parent permission form, obtain a doctor’s signature for all prescription

medications, and fill in the dosage, frequency, and symptoms for administration.

All medication must be brought to school in the original container by a parent or

guardian. If your child has a special diet or health concern, please list these on the

Annual Health Form so that a health care plan can be created for the new school

year. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me by calling the school

health office.

Visit the Cass Lake-Bena’s website and select Health Services for school

health information.

Have an active, fun, and safe summer – and treat your brain to a really good book!

Sincerely,Melissa Jenson, RN District Nurse

Spring 2016

Guidance Counselor Rose Brown

NEWS FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICE

While going about your summer activities please keep in mind that summer holds opportunities to visit colleges, explore careers, learn new things and do volunteer work. Students should have a notebook to document work duties, length of employment and names of supervisors. When volunteer-ing students should write down what kind of volunteer work, dates and how many hours they served. Documentation of jobs and volunteer work are important when applying for other jobs, colleges and scholarships. With documentation you will be acknowledged for what you have done.

Looking toward the upcoming school year, I am identifying students who need to make up credits in order to be on track to graduate. The sooner credits are made up the more options a student has to take classes they want. It is also much less stress on students, families and staff. With this in mind, families who have students with credits to make up through semester 1 of this school year, have or will receive an ALC Summer Enrollment Re-ferral Form and ALC referral information. For students who do not pass classes semester 2, I will mail out information shortly after school is out. Wishing students and families a safe and enjoyable summer, Rosalee Brown

Panther Tracks

Student Council Joe Cherney

United Blood Services is a nonprofit community blood center,

providing blood and blood products for local area hospitals

throughout our region. United Blood services exists to make a

difference in people’s lives by bringing together the best peo-

ple, inspiring individuals to donate blood, producing a safe and

ample blood supply, advancing cutting-edge research and em-

bracing continuous quality improvement to communities in our

region.

Here at Cass Lake-Bena Schools we have been affiliated with

United Blood Services for the past sixteen years. The whole process was started by Amy Tapper, who as a stu-

dent of Cass Lake-Bena Schools and a 2001 graduate, organized and held the first blood drive here at our school

with the help of her fellow student council members and advisor Tricia Gray. We continued to give back to our

community by hosting not one but two blood drives per year, annually collecting and average of 80 units of

whole blood.

At our most recent event held on the Thursday April 28, 2016, we had a goal of 29 people to donate and col-

lecting 34 units of whole blood. We exceed our expected goal and had 31 donate and collected 36 units of

whole blood. Of the 31 donors, 14 where first time donors, we end up with a total of 79 units of whole blood

collect for the school year when combining the two blood drives for the school year.

Our students do not only benefit from the feeling they get knowing they are helping save lives, but they also are

recognized at graduation for their efforts. They will each receive a red cord to wear at graduation to

acknowledge their efforts. To receive a red cord a graduating senior must participate in three blood drives by

donating blood or working the registration desk. The seniors of the Class of 2016 who will be receiving a Red

Cord are as follows: Gabi Schmidt, Andi Jones, Tia Dahmen, Sonia Lucio, Jazzmin McGhghy, Dale Goggleye, and

Shiela DeVault. Along with the all of the seniors who have helped and donate over the years, the high school

student council would like to thank everyone who has taken the time out of their busy schedules to donate. If

you’re not yet of age to donate please keep it in mind when you become old enough, because chances are good

someone close to you will need a donation sometime in their life, if not you yourself.

Thanks,

2015-2016 Cass Lake-Bena High School Student Council

Spring 2016

Ojibwe Language Teacher Charles Grolla

Ojibwemowin Classes: Boozhoo Gakina wiiya! (Greetings everyone!)

Our Ojibwe language students have worked hard this year. Linguistically speaking, the Ojibwe language is the

most complex language in the world and I give our students a lot of praise for learning what they do in our

Ojibwe language and culture classes. Languages of the world are categorized into tiers that are numbered one

through four based on their average ability to learn. The category one languages are the easiest to learn due to

their basic complexity. Category one languages are languages like Spanish and French which are the easiest to

learn because they are both 28% English. Meaning 28% of the time when you hear Spanish or French spoke

you will recognize what they are saying because it is English. Category four, the hardest and more complex

than most, are languages like Russian and Japanese. Russian is the only similar language to Ojibwemowin in

the respect of being a verb based language, and that is the only way Russian is similar to Ojibwemowin. These

category four languages are harder to learn and it is recommended that the time allotted to learn is double or

tripled that of the time expected learn Spanish or French. Ojibwemowin is so complex because it is mainly

made up of verbs and it is not categorized for this reason. Ojibwemowin would be categorized as a five, six,

maybe even a seven if these categories existed. Thus making the time allotted to learn Ojibwemowin would

surpass category four languages by some extent. This is the reason I give our Ojibwe students praise and credit

for learning the indigenous language of our area (Ojibwe country).

Beginning Ojibwe students are currently working on expanding their Ojibwe protocol and working on simple

dialog conversations. Intermediate Ojibwe students are in the middle of making their own Moccasin Game sets. Our schools teams competed in a tournament that was sponsored by the White Earth Tribal Council. This

moccasin game tournament was held at Mahnomen event center with Circle of Life Academy and Sisseton

Wahpeton schools competing also. Our Cass Lake Bena teams took the first, second and third places in the

tournament but due to time we were cut short and will finish the championship games here at school on Monday

May 9th

with Chase Johnson and Angelo Reese facing Mike Reyes, David Jones, and Isaiah Delapaz for third

place. The winning team will compete against Alvin Wind, Eddie Robinson, and Martin Wind for first place,

having to beat them twice to take first place. All three places are awarded a trophy with first place receiving

sweaters and second place receives t-shirts.

Our intermediate and beginning Ojibwe classes have gained much respect in their abilities to learn and play

moccasin game and perfect this complex game. Moccasin game is a traditional Ojibwe game that is older than

most indigenous games and involves complex counting. The game instills and promotes positive sportsmanship

conduct while incorporating complex counting, extreme focus, fun, while instilling identity, and above all

promotes learning and using Ojibwemowin. Our students possess the skill and knowledge to teach and promote

the game in our communities and are the Oshkaabewisag (traditional helpers) to the ongoing survival of the

moccasin game and the Ojibwe language.

Also, our school has a newly formed school drum group. The drum group is under the guidance of a local drum

chief and Leech Lake Band member John Johnson. Every Monday morning our schools’ sings an honor song to

start our week. Several staff and students agree and have commented that our drum group is sounding better

and better as our school year goes on.

Mii I’iw, miigwech bizindawiyeg!

Ogimaagiizhig (Charles Grolla) Ojibwemowin Gekinoo’amaaged (Ojibwe language teacher)

5:30PM - 8:00PM

Wednesday May 18, 2016

Cass Lake-Bena High School Commons

15308 State Highway 371 NW

Cass Lake, MN

The Senior Feast is a time when we all come together to honor our graduates in more of a traditional format. We start the evening with a pipe ceremony and with our drum. The students are recognized for their achievements and their families are also honored for their commitment to helping get their kids to this very important stepping stone in their lives.

You are cordially invited

to the CLB Senior Feast

to honor the graduating

Class of 2016

If you have any questions, please contact Indian Education Secretary Sydney Harper at 218-335-2203 ext 1206.

Cass Lake-Bena High School Senior Feast

Cass Lake-Bena High School Senior Feast

www.northlandconference.org

All activities and events will be posted on this site. If there are any questions, please call the Activities office:

Activities Director: Pat Rendle

335-2203 ext 5013

Activities Secretary: Corinne Neururer

335-2203 ext 6000

Published by: Paula M. Smith / Administrative Assistant