Dear Big Lagoon Families and Staff,
Thank you all for a wonderful Fall Harvest Dinner last night! It was such a joy to come together as a school community, share a delicious meal, and celebrate the connections that make Big Lagoon so special.
A very special thank-you to Two Feathers Native American Family Services for providing such a wonderful meal! We are also incredibly grateful to Brooke and Roger for the delicious cookies and for taking care of all the dish cleanup. Your generosity and willingness to pitch in make these gatherings possible. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success!
🎃 Halloween Fun Tomorrow!
Tomorrow afternoon, beginning at 12:50 p.m., we will celebrate Halloween with a Yurok Language Cake Walk, games, and other fun activities!
Families are welcome to join us, and if you are able, please send in cupcakes to help make our celebration extra special. We look forward to a fun-filled afternoon of learning, laughter, and community!
📅 Important November Dates
Monday, November 2: No school for students - Staff Inservice
Wednesday, November 11: No school in observance of Veterans Day
Friday, November 13: End of the first trimester
By Friday, November 20: Teachers will send home report cards
Monday-Friday, November 23-27: No school - Fall Break
🌿 Staff Learning: Culturally Sustaining Practices
On November 2, our staff will begin a professional learning series using materials developed by Maggie Peters, Native American Youth and Culturally Sustaining Practices Learning Specialist. These resources draw on the Native American Studies Model Curriculum (NASMC) Best Practices Series and highlight the expertise of Indigenous educators, scholars, and community leaders.
Together, we will explore ways to strengthen belonging, build meaningful relationships, honor students' identities and cultures, and create affirming learning environments for Native students. Topics include culturally sustaining teaching, social-emotional learning, restorative practices, wellness, and student-centered approaches. Maggie will join us on campus in December and January to continue this important work.
We are grateful for this opportunity to reflect, learn, and continue strengthening the educational experiences of our students and families.
❤️ A Few Friendly Reminders
As we head into November, please remember to read with your children every day! Reading together, even for a short time, helps build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, nurture curiosity, and create wonderful opportunities to connect.
Most importantly, enjoy every day! Take time to appreciate the little moments, celebrate your children's discoveries, and enjoy the time we have together as a school community.
Thank you for making Big Lagoon such a welcoming, caring, and connected place to learn. I am grateful to work alongside such wonderful families and staff!
With appreciation,
:)Cathie
