June 9th, 2025

Our EME Focus

  • Tier 1 Instruction
  • Belonging
  • Define what it means to be an Integrated Arts School

Thought of the Week

Giga-waabamin minawaa…

Alright, so a little explanation might be needed. Giga-waabamin minawaa is Ojibwe or Anishinaabe for “I’ll see you again.” There is actually not a word in the Ojibwe language for goodbye. Rather, the standard phrase is Giga-waabamin minawaa or I’ll see you again. So it does seem fitting to end my last blog post with this.

As the time comes for me to say giga-waabamin minawaa, I want to share how deeply grateful I am to have worked with each of you. This team isn’t just a group of colleagues, you’ve become a true family to me, and leaving is bittersweet.

Thank you for your hard work, your creativity, and the kindness you’ve shown me and each other every day. Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated wins, and grown in ways I’ll always remember. Your dedication has inspired me more than words can say.

I leave with a heart full of appreciation for the friendships I’ve found and the times we’ve shared. I believe in every one of you and the meaningful work you do! Keep supporting each other and remember; don’t ask anybody to do something you are not willing to do yourself, everybody does everything, culture is what you allow and always put your family first…

Though I’m moving on, I’ll carry these memories and the spirit of this Elk Meadow with me. I wish you all the very best, and I hope our paths cross again someday.

With warmest thanks and all my best,

So… I this is a quote I have always loved

Don’t be sad it is ending… be happy we lived it.



THE COMING WEEK:

  • Monday
    • Meet with Peter 2:30
  • Tuesday
    • ICCL Meeting 2:30-3:15
    • 5th Grade Move Up/Music Performance
  • Wednesday
    • Office Admin Meeting 7:00-7:30
    • SIW Teacher Prep 1:00-2:30
  • Thursday
    • The Last Day of School!
  • Friday
    • Finish Up

UPCOMING DATES:

  • June 15 – Father’s Day!
  • June 17 – Nicole Garroutte Birthday!

Updates from Downtown

From Tammy and Karen

Thank You! Thank you does not seem enough for all the hard decisions, conversations, and support you are providing your staffs right now. Know that we appreciate you all so much. These are not fun times, but working with an amazing elementary leadership group like you makes it a little more tolerable. You’re the best and we wish you all a fun and smooth last week of the school year!

Save the Date! Last week we indicated that there would be a training later this month in lieu of the All Admin SIW that was canceled this week. The day for that official training is Monday, June 23. It will be a 4 hour training, but which half of the day you attend depends on who has and has not read the book, ” Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity”, so block out the whole day to be safe! Look for more to come on this from Lisa. If there is a problem with you attending this day, please reach out to your level leader to let them know.

Important Links

Notes from our Team:

From HR Classified Team:

We are excited to share that the start dates for the 2025-26 school year are now available and posted on the Portal here. Complete work calendars for all classified employees are nearly finalized and will be uploaded to the Portal as soon as they are ready; we appreciate your patience as we put the finishing touches on them.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support and dedication – wishing you an enjoyable wrap-up to the end of the school year!

Check out the above trainings with the Culture of Care this August. You can register here. (Just remember that our Elementary Admin Welcome Back will be August 11).

Action Items

  • Save the Date–June 23! For an All Admin PD
  • Check out the classified calendar for the 25-26 year. Stay tuned for the rest
  • Check out and sign up for any of the Culture of Care trainings in August you (or your team) may be interested in attending.
  • and…All the many things you do to make the end of the year joyful and memorable for your staff and students!

Important Dates

  • June 12: Last Day students—half day
  • June 13: Last Day staff
  • June 23: Belonging Training—half day, but stay tuned to which half you need!

And finally…Caption this…text Tammy with your caption to be entered into a drawing for something fun!