October Newsletter
Districtwide Support Staff in Enrollment
Jennifer Graff
jennifer.graff@mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-1814
I am descended from Chief Maangozid (Loon’s Foot) of Fond du Lac through my mother, Joyce LaPorte. My pride and joy is my grandson Thane Cuoi Makwa and his dad, my son, Mykl, is my greatest accomplishment. MPS has been my employer since August of 2000. Various roles withing the Special Education arena but did have positions in North HS and Stadium View which were both very meaningful positions/places to work.
Do you know someone who is interested in attending MPS or do you personally need assistance in transferring schools? MPS now has Jennifer Graff, Student Enrollment & Retention Specialist, American Indian Liaison, who is available to work with any American Indian family that has enrollment, student placement questions or would like to request a new school for next year.
If you would like to explore school options click here
If your student is already attending a school in MPS and you are interested in moving schools, please complete this form
Districtwide Support Staff in Early Childhood
Melody Iron Eaglefeather
melody.ironeaglefeather@mpls.k12.mn.us
Han mitakupaye,
My name is Melody Iron EagleFeather and I'm an enrolled member of Standing Rock Tribe. I was born and raised in Minneapolis. I grew up going to Minneapolis Public Schools and have always wanted to contribute to my community in some way. I work as an Associate Educator in the Early Childhood and Family Education program. I invite all my Native relatives to join me and my amazing colleague, Teacher Priya, Thursday nights for our Families of Tradition class where we share a hot meal and discuss important topics regarding raising our children and their development. We also have fun activities for the children, including gym time.
I look forward to continuing my work for Minneapolis Public Schools and plan on getting my license soon.
Districtwide Support Staff in Family Engagement
Aliya Rivera Sullivan
Engagement, Education & Outreach Specialist
aliya.rivera-sullivan@mpls.k12.mn.us or call/text 612-462-2660
Questions, concerns, or looking to connect with District staff but unsure where to start? Aliya Rivera is a resource within the District to provide navigation and district wide engagement support for American Indian families!
Districtwide Support Staff in Office of the Ombudsperson
Mitchell Roldan
Director of the Ombudsperson
mitchell.roldan@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-668-0234
An ombudsperson is someone who listens to and investigates complaints or concerns about an organization. The Office of the Ombudsperson can assist families who have questions, concerns or complaints against MPS schools, programs, offices, and staff. The Ombudsperson is a neutral party who does not take sides.
They work with families, community members, and MPS to investigate complaints, clarify and resolve questions, and address concerns in an impartial and timely manner. The services of the Ombudsperson are free. The Ombudsperson is an objective third-party whose goal is to work with people who have a problem with MPS to find a solution.
Please click HERE if you would like to submit a concern.
American Indian Education
Family Engagement Coordinator
White Earth Nation
christine.wilson@mpls.k12.mn.us or call/text 612-715-0864
Want to learn more about how to get engaged with the Indian Education Department? Christine Wilson is an expert in the district wide support services in Indian Education. She is a key lead for several initiatives including the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), American Indian Awareness & Family Involvement Week and the Attendance work group.
American Indian Education
Aquila Tapio
District Program Facilitator (Focus on Special Education supports)
Oglala Lakota
Aquila Tapio, Oglala Lakota, joins the American Indian Education Department as the District Program Facilitator (DPF) focusing on Special Education and MDE’s Dream Catcher Project. Since 2012, she has been at South High School as a Reading Intervention Teacher and Special Education Resource Teacher. Aquila graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1999 and went on to earn her special education teaching licenses and Master’s Degree in Education from Augsburg University. She and her husband have three children and live in South Minneapolis. Aquila enjoys creating beadwork, quillwork, and dentalium earrings, as well as, sewing ribbon skirts and star quilts. She is excited to begin her new position and to support students and families in MPS.
Welcome our new SSPA, KRIS!
Kris Winkelman (Lower Sioux Community)
He/Him/His
School Success Program Assistant, Indian Education
My name is Kris Winkelman. I grew up in South Minneapolis and attended Minneapolis Public Schools, graduating from the All-Nations Program at South High School.
I have been Dean at Roosevelt High School for the 2023-24 school year. Previously I was a paraprofessional for 5 years, the last four at Bdote Learning Center, a Dakota/Ojibwe Charter Immersion School in Minneapolis.
My tribal affiliation is with the Lower Sioux Community in Morton, MN.
In my free time I enjoy doing home improvements, spending time with my two dogs, video game collecting, football and cooking meals for family.
I am excited to start my School Success Program Assistant position with the Minneapolis Public Schools Indian Education Department. I like working within the Native American Community and feel I can identify with the many challenges students may have.
