Native American Education Program celebrates success, plans for future

The MUSD Native American Education Program, under the direction of Parent Liaison June Shull, ended the 2009-2019 school year by adding 98 additional students to its Title VII program count.

Collaboration with both the Ak-Chin and Gila River Indian Communities has increased, as has parental involvement. A summer science camp, tutoring sessions and a fall cultural night attended by 150 parents were part of the program

“I hope this year you continue to be involved either through attending the family nights, volunteering for the PAC or simply volunteering at your child’s school,” Shull told parents in a recent communication.

However, the year-end assessment found the majority of families reporting that their child struggled in at least one area and would benefit from additional tutoring. The majority felt their child had access to adequate educational resources, but were either neutral or disagreed that their child’s school was sensitive to their student’s cultural differences. In addition, the majority felt the Parent Liaison offered unique opportunities for them and kept them informed of district happenings, but many did not receive materials that were sent home with students.

“We have tried to address each issue through our program goals for the upcoming school year,” Shull said. Those goals include a Cultural Family Night in November, communication with parents through newsletters and the district website, cultural training awareness at school sites and quarterly Family Nights.

The first Back to School Family Night is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Saddleback Elementary School. The topic will be literacy. Each child in attendance will receive a grade level appropriate Scholastic book, and children will have the opportunity to create bookmarks, a reading log and calendars for the upcoming school year.

Nominations for officers of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) will take place prior to the literacy night. A short presentation called “Raising a Reader – Tips for Parents” will focus on the evening’s literacy theme.

For questions or additional information, contact Shull at 520-568-5100, ext. 1035.

Photo by Joyce Hollis