February Newsletter
Our Mission
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.
Our Vision
American Indian students are empowered to reach their full potential through educational experiences that value their cultural identities.
February 2024 IMPORTANT information:
AMERICAN INDIAN PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AIPAC) MEETINGS:
When: Tuesday, February 6th, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Google Meet Log In: https://meet.google.com/tsq-cqxa-cgh
Dial In: +1 415-737-9711 PIN: 797 518 510#
If you have any questions, concerns, need assistance or would like to engage with other families please attend these meetings or contact Christine.
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 for more information or with any questions.
ALL meetings will be held VIRTUAL from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM for the remaining of the year. Here are some dates to future meetings:
Tuesday March 5th
Tuesday April 2nd (Tentative)
Tuesday May 7th
Tuesday June 4th
ENROLLMENT WITH MPS
Are you looking for a new school for your student 24-25 school year?
MPS now has Jennifer Graff, Student Enrollment & Retention Specialist, 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. You can contact her via email at jennifer.graff@mpls.k12.mn.us or work phone 612-668-1814.
Please click the LINK if you would like to enroll or change your students school. Open enrollment closes January 31st, 2024.
Achievement Celebration Nominations now OPEN!
Attention Families:
Each year MPS American Indian Education Department hosts an event to highlight achievements of American Indian Students districtwide where the students, families, staff and administrators within Minneapolis Public Schools are invited to attend. This year, we will gather to celebrate students from grades High 5 through 12th/transition for their hard work and dedication on the evening of Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
We know that many American Indian students in MPS are doing great work both in and out of the classroom. Students are excelling in the classroom and/or involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural activities, performing arts and leadership in the community. We invite and encourage teachers and staff across the district to submit one or several nominations for student/s whom they know/are working with who they feel should be recognized for their achievements at this annual event.
Please share and remind your students teachers and staff at the school they attend to submit nominations to help us recognize MPS American Indian students doing great work. Note that all staff across MPS received this information along with the nomination link to their mpls email address.
Nominations will be accepted until the last day of February 29, 2024 by 4:00 PM.
Freedom School
MPS is offering American Indian Freedom School again this summer!! NO COST TO OUR FAMILIES!!!
Breakfast & lunch provided, & transportation by school bus for those within the city of Minneapolis.
Dates: June 24th - August 8th (no programming will be held on July 4)
Programming will happen 4 Days a week Monday through Thursdays
Time: 9:15am-3:45pm
Location: Seward Elementary School (2309 28th Ave S, Minneapolis)
We have space for 100 students who are entering grades 1st – 9th in the fall 2024.
First come, first served. Families will be placed on a waiting list after the first 100 spaces are filled.
NOTE that registration OPENS on Sunday, February 25th at 5PM.
To register, go to this link: qrco.de/Seward (Note the link will NOT work until February 25th at 5PM and thereafter)
AMERICAN INDIAN FAMILY SUPPORT
Districtwide Staff
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, Monday 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 Staff
Aliya Rivera
Engagement, Education & Outreach Specialist
aliya.rivera@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
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.
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.
AMERICAN INDIAN STUDENT SUPPORT
Elementary, Middle School and High School Supports
Indian Education currently has twelve 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
MPS NEWS/EVENTS
Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams to Serve as the Next Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent
The Minneapolis Board of Education (School Board) is pleased to announce it has completed its search for the next superintendent. Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, Superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools in Minnesota, will serve as the next MPS superintendent beginning February 5, 2024, following Board approval of her employment contract.
“This is a full-circle moment for me,” said Sayles-Adams. “I began my career in education working as a teacher in North Minneapolis and that’s where I learned that strong schools make a strong community. I am honored and thank the School Board for their vote of confidence in my commitment to serve as the next superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. I look forward to partnering with teachers, students, staff and the community to make sure every student gets the high-quality education they deserve.”
MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY EDUCATION
AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATION NEWS/EVENTS
Please note that ASL interpreters will be available.
MMIW LOVE February Event
FREE FAMILY FITNESS HAPPENING NOW!
Address: John B. Davis Center
1250 West Broadway Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411
Phone: 612-668-0610
Fax: 612-668-0615
Website: https://indianed.mpls.k12.mn.us/title_vii