School Board

Four Directions Charter School has an outstanding leadership group serving on its school board. The following individuals, meet bi-monthly during the school year to make the overriding decisions that ensure the school’s ongoing success. The following currently serve on Four Direction’s board:

Roxanne Flammond, President
Randy Gresczyk, Vice Predident & Teacher Member
Candace Aldun, Secretary & Teacher Member
Carold Peirce, Community Member
Shonal Lajeunesse, Parent Member

School Board Meeting Dates for 2011 - 2012 School Year
September 20, 2011 @ 3:30 PM
November 29, 2011 @ 3:30 PM
February 21, 2012 @ 3:30 PM
May 22, 2012 @ 3:30 PM

All meetings are open to the public. The board meets at 1035 West Broadway, 2nd Floor Classroom, Upper Midwest American Indian Center.

Staff

Four Directions Charter School has a highly qualified staff that are ready to to meet the diverse learning needs of its students. We welcome you to read about those who work hard to ensure each and every student receives an outstanding education.
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Ronald Buckanaga - Program Manager / Social Studies


Ron and his mother, Gertrude Buckanaga, founded the Four Directions Charter School. Prior to converting to a charter school in 1999, Ron was the Program Coordinator for PYC-Upper Midwest, which was a successful Alternative Learning Center for 8 years. Ron enjoys teaching Social Studies and likes to challenge his students to go unto college. In his spare time Ron coaches both the girls and boys varsity basketball teams. He has a winning record of 118 wins 57 losses with the boy’s basketball team. Ron obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Bemidji State University in 1985 and his teacher certification from Concordia University in St. Paul in 1987. Ron received his Masters in Education from the University of Minnesota in 1990. Ron is an enrolled member of the White Earth band of Ojibwe. He also enjoys fishing, deer and turkey hunting and attending ceremonies and powwows.

Email: buckanaga@yahoo.com
Phone: (612) 588-0183 ext. 101

Candace Aldun - Special Education







Candace Aldun is a Four Directions' Special Education Instructor. She teaches Basic English and Basic Math. She has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas. Ms. Aldun is licensed by the Sate of Minnesota in Elementary Education, and Special Education (K-12), with Certification in Emotional/Behavior Disorders (EBD) and Learning Disabilities (LD) from the University of St. Thomas. A few of her favorite interests include camping, barbecues, and listening to music.

Email: craldun.fdcs@gmail.com

Neil Buckanaga Sr. - Special Education





Neil Buckanaga is Four Directions' Special Education Instructor. He teaches Basic English and Basic Math. His hobbies/interests include hunting, softball, fishing, and reading. Neil obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978 and his Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. He also holds licenses in Special Education with certification in Learning Disabilities (LD) and Emotional Behavior Disorders (EBD). All of his degrees and certificates are from Bemidji State University. He is a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe.

Email:nbuckanaga@yahoo.com

Phone Number : (612) 522 - 4436, ext. 137

Sharon Buckanaga - Nutrition Specialist


Sharon Buckanaga has been working as the school's Nutrition Specialist since 2009. She oversees the school lunch menu, and supervises the preparation of school meals for the student population.

Daisy Dang - Receptionist

Daisy Dang is the receptionist for FOur Directions CHarter School. She is helpful, always has a smile on her face and can answer almost any question you have about the school. Parents should call her when trying to contact their child, or if they aren't sure what staff member to speak to about a concern or opportunity. You can reach Daisy by calling this number: (612) 588-0183

Samantha Doluweera - Math Teacher



Hi, I am from Sri Lanka, a beautiful island in Indian Ocean. I used to teach math and physics there before I migrated to America in 1996. I visit Sri Lanka often to see my mother and two sisters. In my spare time, I love to read, paint and watch movies. I have completed a B.S in math and physics from a Sri Lankan university and a B.A in film making at Wayne State University, Detroit. My dream is to travel around the world and to help Sri Lankan students from low income families.

Jolene WIllms - Science Instructor

Jolene has always had a love for science and is excited for her first full time teaching position at Four Directions Charter School. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelors in Zoology and then went on to earn her high school life science teaching license at Hamline University where she is also completing her Masters of Arts in Teaching this year. Other than learning and teaching science, Jolene enjoys traveling, being outdoors, spending time with friends, family and her pets, playing soccer and reading.

Lee Goodman - Chemical Health Specialist / Educational Assistant



Lee Goodman, Sr., is a Chemical Health Specialist and Educational Assistant. His hobbies include sports, pow-wows, reading and travel. Through the Minority Training Program, in 1999 Lee became a registered Alcohol and Drug Counselor of the Wisconsin Certification Board. Lee became certified in Minnesota as a prevention specialist in 2000 through the Institute for Chemical Dependency Professionals. Currently, Lee is working towards certification as a Drug and Alcohol counselor at Upper Midwest Indian Council on Addictive Disorders. He is a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe.

Email: goodman@fourdirectionsschool.org

Phone Number : (612) 522 - 4436, ext. 142

Kathy Gresch - Language Arts Instructor




Kathy Gresch is Four Directions Charter School's English teacher. She earned her English teaching degree from Winona State University in Winona, MN. She has since taught high school English in the Winona area, in Arizona, and most recently here in Minneapolis. She has also taught in a junior college in Arizona and in an adult education English as a Second Language program in Brooklyn Center, MN.

Randy Gresczyk - Ojibwe Language and Culture Instructor


Randy Gresczyk has returned to Four Directions Charter School for his second year. He was brought in mid-year during the 2009-2010 school year. He also taught at Four Directions from the fall 0f 2001 - spring of 2003. Randy graduated with a bachelor's degree in American Indian Studies from the University of Minnesota in 2001. He has been teaching high school since the fall of 2001. He worked as the American Indian Program Coordinator for the Osseo School District from 2003-2006. He worked as the Social Studies teacher at Center School from 2006-2009. He has been involved in learning and teaching the Ojibwe Language for over twelve years. Randy is an enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe.

Shannon Hartwig - Educational Assistant


Shannon has been employed at Four Directions Charter School since 2009. She assists the school with many of its diverse needs including classroom support, tutoring, and meal services.

Niibin Headbird - Title I Tutor

waiting for biography
Phone: (612) 588-0183 ext. 110

Elizabeth Saunby - MARSS Coordinator

Elizabeth Saunby is Four Directions' MARSS Coordinator, she also handles student enrollment, transcripts, lunch applications, submits lunch information to MDE and completes various office tasks. Elizabeth has been with Four Directions since 2007. Elizabeth graduated from St. Paul Johnson High School in 2006. While she participated with the Indian Education programs in Anoka and St. Paul Public Schools Elizabeth was involved in the Student/Parent Committee and was a Mentor. She has previous experience as a Tutor and Classroom Aide in St. Paul Public Schools Indian Education Program Phone Number: (612) 588-0183 ext. 102

In Progress Digital Arts Team



In Progress is a non-profit digital storytelling organization that partners with schools and communities throughout the United States to provide digital arts learning opportunities in video, photography and music creation.

In Progress provides support services to teachers and students at Four Directions that enhance the academic curriculum and help students build confidence in their ability to speak publicly about their culture and history.

To find out more about In Progress you can visit their website at www.in-progress.org

The artist team is led by Kristine Sorensen. She has twenty-five years experience developing digital arts curriculum for schools and communtiies across the United States. The team also includes Neil Buckanaga Jr., Chase Monchamp and Aaron Rosenblum - all experienced artists and arts instructors.

Kristine Sorensen is a media artist and the Executive Director of In Progress (a non-profit media arts group). She has been working in the field of media arts education since 1987 and has trained young media artists throughout the United States. Kristine has written curriculum, developed multi-year media arts programs, and taught in diverse classroom and community settings. She currently partners with local and reservation based groups including Four Directions Charter School (Minneapolis), Ogichidaakweg (Leech Lake/Boise Forte Nations), Project Preserve (Red Lake), and Nett Lake.

Email: inprogress301@gmail.com