New Option for a New Start

By Brett Larson

Oshki-maajitaadaa — ”Let’s start new together” — is a program offered by Nay Ah Shing Schools to help young community members earn their high school diploma.

The program is the brainchild of the Nay Ah Shing School Board, Principal Lehtitia Weiss, and former Assistant Principal and new Executive Director of Education Byron Ninham.

Sarah Pylvanen, who replaced Byron as Assistant Principal, said the concept has been in the works for a long time as leaders have realized that traditional classroom education does not work for everyone.

”They recognized that there had to be another way to help students earn their diploma and find success after school,” said Sarah. ”They dreamed about this project for a while, and it’s come in stages until they hired the teacher.”

That teacher is Paula Hoffman, an experienced educator with a background in workforce development, post-secondary education, and the transition from high school to two-year college. Paula has run her own consulting business and has worked closely with schools in East Central Minnesota. She is completing her dissertation in education and workforce development. ”My passion has been building bridges culturally to access education,” said Paula.

”Paula jumped in with both feet and has started the program already,” Sarah said.

”The program is not willy-nilly,” said Paula. ”It’s based on other successful programs, but it’s Mille Lacs Band flavored.”

Oshki-maajitaadaa offers two alternatives: a day program held Monday through Thursday during the regular school day, and an evening program that includes more remote and hybrid learning and is designed for those who have daytime jobs and/ or children to care for.
Students will work with Paula to determine how many credits they need, and in what areas. They will design their own programs based on their interests and will be able to receive credit for work, volunteering, and cultural activities. One of the current students has already earned credit for lifeguard training and a blanket-making workshop.

”The plan will be based on where they’re at, where they want to go, and how to get them there,” Paula said.

The classroom will include a ”living room” area, a coffee corner, a quiet space, adjustable standing desks, a collaborative work zone, and a ”graffiti board” for students to share positive messages. There is also a separate hallway with more study areas. The main rule is simple: respect yourself and everybody else.

Paula is grateful to other programs like Empower Learning Center in Hinckley and the Cloquet Alternative Learning Program, which have shared ideas and advice.

Paula also points out that the program is not for everyone; some students require more regular help and hands-on instruction. ”If you need structure, this may not be your best choice,” she said. ”You’re going to have to want to be here.”

The ultimate goal is to help students who may have struggled to get a fresh start — as the name ”Oshki-maajitaadaa” indicates.

”Just because you’ve struggled in the past, that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed,” said Sarah. ”It is hard work to get through school, and some of our students have more challenges than others. We want to meet them where they are.”

Paula said, ”We want Nay Ah Shing students to be proud of the fact that they’ve earned that diploma and are ready to contribute to their communities. They own this. The success is in their hands. All I have to do is hand them some work gloves.”