January Newsletter

To support and strengthen increased educational outcomes for American Indian students by promoting culturally responsive instruction, family and student engagement and partnerships with MPS departments, schools and the broader community.

American Indian students are empowered to reach their full potential through educational experiences that value their cultural identities.

The MPS School Board Oath of Office Ceremony will Monday, January 6th, 2024 at 5PM located at the John B. Davis Education and Service Center, 1250 W. Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411. MPS will swear in re-elected members Kim Ellison, Sharon El-Amin and Adriana Cerrillo, recently appointed member Lucie Skjefte and newly elected member Greta Callahan.

Join us at the Davis Center or watch the livestream here: https://mps.eduvision.tv/LiveEvents.

Jourdain is a member of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe, and spent most of his eight years on the board as the only American Indian member of the board. Jourdain is a Minneapolis Public Schools parent and advocate with a background in social services. Minneapolis Public Schools District 6 Board of Education Director Ira Jourdain’s last school board meeting on Dec. 10. He served two terms on the board. Jourdain was first elected in 2016, and was re-elected in 2020.

Jourdain spoke with Minneapolis Schools Voices about his time serving on the Minneapolis Public Schools school board. A transcript of that interview linked below has been edited for length and clarity. Please click HERE to read more.

Requests will be accepted in person and via ExploreMPS.org ending on January 31st, 2025.

For any questions or concerns please contact Jennifer Graff, Student Enrollment and Retention Specialist American Indian Liaison, at jennifer.graff@mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-1814.

City Wide/Magnet Schools

Spanish Dual Language (PreK-12): Emerson Dual Language, Green Central Dual Language, Sheridan Dual Language, Andersen United Middle School (Dual Language Magnet within), Roosevelt Spanish Dual Immersion

STEM/STEAM (PreK-8): Hall STEM, Franklin STEAM Middle School, Sullivan STEM

Other citywide programs: Anishinabe Academy (American Indian MOA), Heritage Academy, Longfellow (pregnant and parenting teens), South All Nations, South Open, Wellstone International, Minneapolis Academy and Career Center (MACC)

American Indian MOA/Best Practice Sites: Anishinabe Academy, Northeast Middle School, Sanford Middle School, Edison High School, South High School including All Nations and contract alternative schools Takoda Prep, and Nawayee Center School. These sites offer Ojibwe/Dakota language courses. Transportation provided, please reach out for specific questions. The MOA can be found HERE.

Your student has a bright future. A great school makes it possible. Find that school that meets your child’s individual needs. Join us on January 11th at the Minneapolis School Finder Fair!

What: Minneapolis K-12 School Finder Fair

When: Saturday, January 11, 2025, 10AM-2PM

Who: Families and students seeking a Minneapolis School

Where: Minneapolis College (formerly MCTC) Plaza – T Building, 1415 Hennepin Ave

RSVP: Click HERE

Transportation: Download Your Metro Transit Free Ride Pass!

This is the MPS 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR for you to keep up to date with days off, holidays and breaks for your student/s.

Please click the LINK to view lunch menus for your student/s. It is organized by Preschool, Elementary, Middle School and High School.

Are you or someone you know interested in volunteering at a MPS School?

Please click the LINK to get started!

THURSDAY JANUARY 16TH @ 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Meal served at 5:00 PM

LOCATION: Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

These meetings are open to ALL students, families and community members to attend. We welcome all to come talk about how we can create better opportunities for our American Indian students within MPS. Please contact Christine Wilson, Family Engagement Coordinator, at Christine.wilson@mpls.k12.mn.us If you have any questions, concerns, need assistance or would like to engage with other families OR for more information OR with any questions.

AIPAC running agenda click HERE.

This year the American Indian Education Department created a calendar for the 2024 - 2025 school year. This calendar will reflect events that are going on within the department and the broader community. This calendar is updated daily. Please click the link for most recent information.

Indian Education currently has ten School Success Program Assistants located at Elementary Schools, Middle Schools and High Schools. They provide American Indian Affinity & Culture groups. If you would like to connect with any of the SSPA's please click the corresponding link for contact information and which school they are located:

To see a full list of site specific American Indian affinity groups click HERE

Boozhoo Gakina Awiya, (Hello everybody)

We had a short month for December due to winter break. Our elementary team focused on grief, loss, and how to process those thoughts and feelings. We read the book “Rainbows in December,” by Jesse Taken Alive-Rencountre. The story about a small girl that loses her family pet and father. Her Grandmother helps her see the loss in a different light. The kids made rainbow clouds and wrote the names of people they’ve lost on each color. We are beginning another book named “ The Forever Sky,” by Thomas Peacock. Two brothers learn about the connection of the spirit world though the stars in the night sky. We also decorated star constellation sheets. We continue to smudge and integrate Lakota/Dakota and Ojibwe languages into our spaces. We are honored to work with these tiny humans every day. They fill our lives with so much love and gratitude.

Miigwech! Thank you!

- Mr. Gary, Ms. Alexis, Ms. Alyssa, Ms. Amanda and Ms. Ally

Boozhoo Giinawaa!

First, we would like to say Happy New Year! This month our groups have focused on the importance of the Red Willow and its many uses. During our lessons we created hoops to make dream catchers. Students made or are working on traditional dreamcatchers to bring home. We also made Kinikinik or Cansasa. Every year during this time we make enough Kinikinik to last us the year. This is important so we can use traditional tobacco instead of modern tobacco. We have many more exciting projects to finish this school year, and I am looking forward to the continued work with your students.

- Mr. Dennis, Mr. Patrick and Ms. Ally

Hau Mitakuyepi!

Across the district, our three High School liaisons have been leading various group activities with students. On the South and Northeast side of the district, Madison has been busy working on murals and community representation within school buildings with her students. On the North and Southwest side of the district, Justis has been finishing medicine pouches and facilitating various group discussions. In our Contract Alternative Program schools, Kris has been finishing his beading projects with students and discussing the 1862 US Dakota War. As we begin the new year, our team is eager to start making Dream Snares with the students. Phidamayayapi for all of your support across the district!

- Mr. Justis, Ms. Madison and Mr. Kris

Boozhoo Gakina Awiya (Hello Everyone)!

Hope you all are doing well and are looking forward to the 2 week Winter break. We have been very busy this year in our Ojibwe language classes at Northeast Middle School, Edison High School and MPS Online. Here are some of the topics we have covered to date:

Basic Protocol Greetings

Weather-Aaniin ezhiwebak agwajiing? How is the weather?

Colors-Aaniin ezhinaagok? What is the color?

Numbers - Aaniin Minik? How many?

Seasons-Aaniin ezhi-andakiiwang? What is the Season?

Days of the Week- Aaniin ezhi giizhigak? What is the day?

Moons/Months - Awenon a’aw giizis egoojiing? Who is that in the sky? What is the moon?

Feelings - Aaniin ezhi ayaayan? How are you doing?

We have also been listening to “Where the Wolves’ Don’t Die” Novel by Dr. Anton Treuer

When we return from break we will be learning about Dibaajimowin (Story) and Aadizookaanag (Traditional Stories) that can only be told during the winter months when there is snow on the ground. January will also be a time for NEMS Parent Affinity group to start with a Date to be determined. Any questions please feel free to contact, Matt LaFave at matthew.lafave@mpls.k12.mn.us

The MPS American Indian Youth Council has kicked off the school year strong! We have representation from six different high schools across the District they may have different experiences but all leave with the same goal and that is uplifting and bettering the American Indian student experience across the District. This year the Youth Council is focusing on collaborating with the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee to strengthen the curriculum for Indigenous Peoples Day, Elder in Residency, and a mentorship program from the high school to middle school students. For more information contact Madison Smith at 612-990-0642 or madison.smith@mpls.k12.mn.us.

For transportation click HERE.

Please see the LINK to sign up for the Hennepin Tech Tour on February 28th, 2025.

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

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.

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!

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.

Christine Wilson

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.

Aquila Tapio

District Program Facilitator (Focus on Special Education supports)

Oglala Lakota

aquila.tapio@mpls.k12.mn.us

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.

If you or someone you may know have a interest in sharing a opportunity on this section please email Aliya Rivera -Sullivan at aliya.rivera-sullivan@mpls.k12.mn.us.

Now taking emails to be featured in the newsletter for February until January, 31st, 2025.

Click HERE for contact information for White Earth Urban Office Programs and Events.

Register HERE via Zoom!

Click HERE to join now.