Roll Call - March 7, 2025

A Kayenta Community School student works at the computer

The Bureau of Indian Education is conducting a Tribal consultation on March 14, 2025, to seek input from Tribes and stakeholders on mechanisms that could allow families of eligible students to use Federal funding for educational options of their choice, including private, faith-based, or public charter schools. For more information and to register, click here.

Students in Cove Day School’s 21st Century After School Program recently engaged in cultural storytelling and artistic expression. They listened to the winter story Coyote and the Laughing Butterflies, which teaches the importance of diligence, obedience, and hard work. Afterward, Kindergarten through 5th-grade students created artwork depicting their interpretations of the story.

Another featured story recounted a fire threatening the First Village of First Man and First Woman. First Woman sought help from various beings, but only Frog volunteered. With the help of Crane, who carried Frog soaked in water to the mountain, the fire was extinguished. In recognition of their bravery, First Woman renamed Crane as Rainbird and granted Frog the power to call the rain. These storytelling and art activities provide students with valuable lessons rooted in cultural traditions.

Pine Hill Schools celebrated National Native American Heritage Month under the theme "We live with our ancestral strength and resilience." Students participated in daily Diné language instruction and cultural activities, including Indigenous songs and dance, art and crafts, games, and traditional foods.

The month featured performances by the Dinétah Dancers, Tabaaha Nez Family Hand Drum Group, and Apache Crown Dancers. Special guests Nataanii Means and Joshua Fournier encouraged students to embrace their heritage. The celebration concluded with the Miss & Mr. Warrior pageants, honoring student leaders.

Through these activities, Pine Hill Schools fostered cultural identity, resilience, and community pride.

March’s Harvest of the Month features the sweet potato, a delicious and nutrient-rich food packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) encourages schools and families to include sweet potatoes in meals to promote healthy eating.

Sweet potatoes support heart health, boost immunity, and provide long-lasting energy—perfect for active students. This month’s resource includes fun facts, health benefits, and easy recipes to enjoy.

Explore ways to bring sweet potatoes to the table: Harvest of the Month – Sweet Potato.

The National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education (The Fund) grant program is dedicated to improving academic outcomes, including through expanding access to Native Language instruction for students enrolled in BIE schools. To advance this mission, in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), the Fund is excited to announce the availability of $6,500,000 in grant funding for BIE-funded schools. These grants are aimed at enhancing existing language immersion programs or establishing new initiatives that broaden access to Native language instruction and improve academic outcomes. The Fund will award between six to twelve grants to support the expansion of language immersion instruction.

Attention School Leaders!

We’re looking for stories and photos to feature in our weekly Roll Call and on social media! Highlight the incredible things happening at your schools and celebrate your students, staff, and community with us.

Here are some exciting new opportunities to share:

📚 March 2-6, 2025 – Read Across America Week: Celebrates the joy of reading and encourages literacy for all ages through engaging activities and book events.

🧠 March 2 – World Teen Mental Wellness Day: Raises awareness about the mental health challenges teens face and promotes support and resources.

🔢 March 14 – International Day of Mathematics: Highlights the importance of mathematics in everyday life and encourages appreciation for its role in science and technology.

🔬 March 14 – Science Education Day: Promotes quality science education and inspires curiosity and innovation among students of all ages.

🚫 March 15 – National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence: Encourages communities to stand up against bullying and create safer environments for everyone.

🚜 March 23-29 – National Ag Week: Recognizes the vital role of agriculture in our daily lives and honors the hardworking farmers and ranchers who sustain us.

🎨 March – Youth Art Month: Encourages creativity and self-expression in young artists while highlighting the importance of arts education.

🥦 March – National Nutrition Month: Promotes healthy eating habits and informed food choices to support overall well-being.

BIE Safety and Occupational Health Webinars

• Hearing Conservation – March 11
• Hearing Conservation – March 13
• OSHA 10 Courses – March 12
• Hazard Communications – March 13
  
  

BIE Environmental Trainings

• Environmental Management Assessment & Performance Audit Awareness – March 12
  
  

Tribal Consultation

• Executive Order on Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families – March 14
  
  

NASIS Trainings (Native American Student Information System)

• New Look & New Features – March 11
• Requests & Rosters – March 11
• Scheduling Part 3 – March 12
• Scheduling Part 4 – March 13
  

View all upcoming events and learn more at the BIE Event Calendar.