Cass Lake-Bena Public Schools - #CLBSPANTHERS

On November 15, 2024 Studio Space for Students will be open to all students ages 12+ every Friday from 4pm-7pm at the ALC in the Nelsons Nest Room. Students 12-17 will need to provide a registration forms completed by their legal guardian in order to participate. Please see the flyer for the list of activities each Friday. If you have questions or would like to teach any studio workshops please call Esther at 218-335-6007 Please contact Esther to request a registration form. *Planning is in the works for workshops for families and parents.

This is a reminder that there is no school for students on Friday, November 1. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Markis and Brayden carry themselves in a laid-back and pleasant way, but don’t be fooled- There is not an ounce of housecat in these two. Eighth graders Markis Washington and Brayden Dahl took on the challenge of running with the varsity "big boys" for the first time at the 8A Cross Country Championship. While many kids their age might prefer unwinding at home, these two PANTHERS embraced the opportunity to push themselves against a field dominated by juniors and seniors. It was a championship atmosphere at the Section 8A Championship meet. 24 schools would be competing for both individual and team titles as well as trips to the State Cross Country Championships. For Markis and Brayden, at just 13 years old, it was a leap into the deep end—no longer facing middle school rivals but now competing against the area’s top high school athletes over a longer distance. At the section meet, area teams bring their 7 best runners to compete. There were no “house cats” here, only true competitors. While Brayden and Markis naturally felt some apprehension before tackling their first 5K (most JH races are 3.2k), they were ready. Coach Ellyssa and Coach Voge assured them that they were in this race for a reason, that they deserved to be there, and everything they needed was WITHIN them. The day before, they watched an inspirational video about Billy Mills, the Oglala Sioux runner who overcame incredible odds to win Olympic gold in the 10,000 meters, a feat no other American has since matched. Mills once said, “The subconscious mind does not know the difference between reality and imagination.” With this in mind, Coach Ellyssa led the boys through a visualization exercise, guiding them to see themselves running their best race. Throughout the season, Markis and Brayden had put in the miles and proven their talent; now it was time to trust themselves and give it everything. The boys lined up amongst 115 other competitors, excitement buzzing through the crowd. With a bang, Brayden and Markis charged ahead with the rest of the field. 3.1 miles stood between them and the finish line. The duo was told to come through the first mile in 6:25-6:30 pace but coach Ellyssa also told them to trust their gut and to run THEIR race. As the starting gun fired, they took off, hitting the one-mile marker together at a strong 6:20—faster than advised but a pace they felt confident holding. In true Panther fashion, they went for it. Both surged forward, determined to show they belonged. Markis surged ahead and began passing older, more experienced runners over the next two miles. TWENTY-FIVE other runners would see him pass them by after the first mile, including a number over the final few hundred meters when he unleashed his “Panther Kick”. Cass Lake-Bena runners are known for their final sprint (known as a kick) to pass other runners on their way to the finish line. Markis finished in an incredible time of 19:47 , averaging 6:21 per mile. Despite having knee pain, Brayden stayed resilient. He held his place among seasoned runners, navigating hills and headwinds with determination. He already had an excellent race, battling hills, headwinds, and the competition. With 400 meters left, he could have settled, but that wasn’t his style. He pressed forward, using his own Panther Kick to gain another position and finished with a strong time of 20:49, averaging 6:41 per mile. These two eighth graders sent many “house cats” back through the cat door. Markis finished 45th, and Brayden 70th, out of 117 runners, proving they could more than hold their own on the varsity stage. Afterward, both boys admitted to feeling “cooked” by the older competitors, but a proud, reluctant smile revealed a quiet pride. Brayden said his lungs “burned,” and Markis mentioned a “ringing” in his ears—powerful reminders of the grit they’d shown. Coach Voge and Coach Ellyssa could not help but smile. These two athletes could have taken it easy; they could of went home and played video games but chose to pour every ounce of heart into the race. While their speed is undeniable, it’s Markis and Brayden’s SPIRIT that truly sets them apart. As Brayden and Markis walked from the finish line back to camp together, their bodies showed the effort of giving everything you have over 3.1 miles, but also the joy and accomplishment of taking on and conquering a challenge. Billy Mills once said, “The ultimate is not to win, but to reach within the depths of your capabilities and to compete against yourself to the greatest extent possible. When you do that, you have dignity, you have pride.” Billy Mills would be proud of Brayden and Markis. Markis and Brayden, we are incredibly proud of you. This season, you’ve shown not only your talent but also your HEART. You worked for this, earned it, and deserved this moment. Thank you for representing Cass Lake-Bena with such pride. This success is YOURS.

Team 3275 had a great weekend in Bemidji at the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference Championship and Open events! Our boys were picked up Friday by the number 4 alliance captioned by team 4181 from Blackduck and joined by Team 5913 from Pequot Lakes. They fought their way through the bracket and ended up with a 2nd place finish in the Championship. On Saturday Team 3275 seeded 4th after qualifications and captioned their own alliance where they selected team 9576 from Loretto and team 5913 again. This time they could not be stopped and went through the entire bracket without a loss and on to a first place finish in the Open.

Coming Soon!! Creative Space for students. Each Friday from 330-6:30pm at the ALC Keep an eye out for details. If you would like to share idea or wish to present/teach please contact Esther at 218-335-6007 or email ehumphrey@isd115.net

The fall Book Fair is taking place next week, November 4th through the 8th, at the Cass Lake-Bena Elementary Library. Set up an e-wallet for your child, so they do not have to carry cash to school. Go to the website listed below: https://scholastic.com/bf/clbes

Drum Class with Jerry Morgan will start on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. High School, Middle School and ALC students. Time will be 330 - 5, students have to be picked up OR sign up and take the late bus by 5 PM. Permission slips can be found at front office of all schools. This is not for Elementary at this time, watch for this in November. Miigwech

Want to give a huge thank you to Mr. Arnold Dahl Wooley on his presentation yesterday here at Cass Lake Bena Schools! It was very well receptive by staff and students!

What to give a shout out to Mr, Charles Grolla and his moccasin game class! Charles has been teaching our students the Moccasin Game for a few years now here at Cass Lake Bena. Charles also puts on a Moccasin Game Tourney in the Fall and Spring, our first one will be on November 12, 2024 here at CLB! Come support the teams, students and just observe. Miigwech

Hello Mr. Arnold Dahl-Wooley will be here at CLB on Wednesday October 23, 2024 to present to the Middle School, High School and ALC. The event will start at 9 AM and end around 2 PM. This is an optional event for students to attend, students who do not wish to attend will be in class as normal. Parents and Guardians who do not wish their student to attend please contact the office. Call the office if you have any questions or concerns.

The Cross Country Team is putting on a 1 Mile Fun Run (see attached) this Wednesday to promote running and our sport. Here are the Highlights: 1 Mile Run Open to All MS and HS Boys and Girls (grades 5-12). Medals to top 10 MS Girls, MS Boys, HS Girls, HS Boys Gatorade and Water at the Finish Wednesday Oct 23 4:00 at Athletic Fields It's FREE!

The 5:30 AM departure on MEA Saturday didn't stop these Panthers from letting their voices be heard at this season's initial Congressional Debate at DGF HS. No one broke finals, but they worked hard on prep on the ride, spoke their truths, and still enjoyed the day. #CLBSpeech

Section 5A volleyball playoffs start today! #8/#9 seed matchup between the CLB Panthers and Verndale Pirates The game will be held in Verndale game time is 7pm! Here is the link to stream the game! https://fan.hudl.com/usa/mn/verndale/organization/126216/verndale-high-school

October 17, 2024 Dear Members of the Cass Lake-Bena Community, It is with heavy hearts that we write this letter to inform you that Cass Lake-Bena/Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig Schools’ football team will be ending its varsity season as of today. We will not be playing in the section playoffs. This decision was made after discussions with the team captain, coaching staff and administration. There have been multiple significant injuries that are severely impacting the team’s depth across the board. This decision has not been made lightly, but we must put the safety of our student athletes first. As it stands right now, we would be jeopardizing the future of our student athletes in upcoming seasons if we continue to play, and we simply cannot do that. Our football players have portrayed the “next man up” mentality all season, with players stepping into unfamiliar roles when needed. We have had students playing football for the very first time this year, and students who have worked extremely hard since the beginning of the season. We are proud of their perseverance and the strength of character that they have displayed throughout the season. And, we are looking forward to the start of next season. There will be a team meeting on Monday, prior to the end of school. Sincerely, Cass Lake-Bena Administration Cass Lake-Bena Football Coaching Staff

The Panthers are traveling to Blackduck. The game starts at 7 PM. Hope to see everybody there for the last game of the regular season.

Tonight!

Volleyball is on the road traveling to WHA! 7th 5pm 8th 6pm JV 6pm V to follow

Families of Fall Youth Sports player! We are hosting a end of the year pizza party on 10/16 at the Elem School ! The party is starting at 4:30pm! We are doing end of the year awards for the kids as well! This is open to all K-6th fall sports players and their families. The Elem students can stay after school we will have some activities for them. Make sure they bring a note into the school to stay after school! "The Cass Lake-Bena ISD #115 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) is fully funded with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education using federal funding, ALN 84.287, 21st Century Community Learning Centers. The contents of this publication does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the Minnesota Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal or state government".

Join other CL-B families, and community folk at the CL-B Elementary School on October 15 from 5-7pm for the monthly 21st Century Community Learning Centers Advisory Group meeting. The agenda will be: Welcome and Introductions Updates on the 21stCCLC of CL-B and the CL B&G Club What has worked and what hasn't in the past How to get more students and families involved Family Fun Night/Family Engagement events/ Saturday Night Live events Partnerships-Planning Open Discussion Next meeting November 19 at the ALC-Nelsons Nest Room

The cross country team is on the road today! They are traveling to the Green Wood Golf Course in Bemidji. Meet starts at 4:30pm.