Smoke Signals
News & Updates From The SPPS Indian Education Program
St. Paul Public Schools Indian Education Program
Our mission is to assist American Indian students in graduating from high school with a quality education and a positive cultural personal identity.
Email: indianeducation@stpaul.k12.mn.us
Website: https://www.spps.org/indianeducation
Location: 65 East Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: (651) 293-5191
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StPaulndianEducation/
Welcome To The First Online St. Paul Public Schools Indian Education Program Newsletter
Boozhoo St. Paul American Indian Families,
These days are certainly anything but normal. I know that each of you face a variety of challenges in adjusting to educating your children at home with distance learning. Some students are thriving in this new educational environment, others are just getting by, and some are struggling. As parents, we are taking on new roles in our children’s education, we serve as the class bell, the tutor, the hall monitor, the school nurse, the lunch staff. These new roles may be difficult, but you can do it and do it well. Remember, you are and have always been your child’s first teacher.
The Indian Education Program is here to assist you and your family. We are finding new and exciting ways to serve the community in a virtual format. We cannot connect with students, parents and the community in person as we have in the past, and just like you, I wish we could meet in person. I miss seeing everyone at our powwows and community events. But, I know that this pandemic will not last forever. We will once again have the opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate.
Until that day comes, I encourage you to reach out to our office, keep an eye on our website for information, resources, and support. You will find individual contact information for staff, calendar of events and our online Newsletter. Staying connected is essential to ensuring our children are successful while in distance learning.
Remember, we are in this together.
John Bobolink, Program Supervisor
Introducing Indian Education Program Staff
Education Assistant II & Sewing Society Lead
Indian Education Program Updates
Maadaadizi School Counseling Program
Kerrie Troseth, the Indian Education Program Licensed School Counselor, is facilitating virtual groups through Walking In Balance During Distance Learning, which is designed to provide Social & Emotional (SEL) strategies to our students with a cultural focus.
Mondays: Drumming for Success, Participants learn how to sing and drum using their own Hand Drum. Traditional Ojibwe and D/Lakota teachings are explored.
Tuesdays: Career Exploration and Dream Catcher Making, Participants begin to discover their cultural & career purpose in life. Students will explore career options that can help an entire tribe/community. Students are making a Dreamcatcher.
Wednesdays: Loom Beading Tutorials to Make Your Own Bracelet, Participants learn how to use a loom to create their own beaded bracelet. Teachings around the artform are shared, this is a great way for students to learn relaxation using cultural art.
Thursdays: Indigenous Nutrition, Food Teachings & Cooking, Participants learn about Indigenous nutrition and food teachings, explore recipes and cook.
Friday: Fun Day, Each Friday an engaging drop-in activity is provided for students, examples include Guest Speakers (past students, college reps & community partners), Games, and Discussions on topics important to our youth.
Kerrie is also available for individual student appointments, To schedule an appointment session with Kerrie, please click https://calendly.com/kerrie-troseth.
On October 12, 2020 Indian Education Program staff and special guests gathered at Mounds Park in a celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day. The event was live streamed through our Facebook page to allow viewers to watch from the comfort and safety of their homes.
The Indian Education Program partners with community organizations, other Indian Education Programs and community members each fall to bring colleges, universities and training programs to Twin Cities Native Youth and their families.
We have provided a setting that allows students to have meaningful conversation with representatives about college life, courses and admission & financial aid requirements, adapting the college fair each year to meet the needs of those students. This year in order to protect everyone’s health the 2020 Native American College Fair took place in the form of an informational website, with information and videos from colleges, universities, financial aid opportunities, current Native college students and Native professionals.
Offering a virtual college fair allowed us to reach Native youth, families & community members not only throughout Minnesota, but across the country, and internationally. We were also able to offer information on a variety of colleges and universities who may not have been able to travel to an in-person event.
Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan created a welcome message for the 2020 Native American College Fair explaining the importance of post-secondary education and sharing her educational and career experiences.
Murdered And Missing Indigenous Women, Responding To A Crisis
MMIW; the fight has become real with the recent passing of two pieces of legislation, Savannas Act and Not Invisible Act, signed into law Oct. 10, 2020.
In 2017 I had very little connection of the growing tragedy of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women. Prior to 2017, my niece was one of them, missing and after clues, searches and more searches, found, I can’t even say it, leaving behind children, a mother, grandfather and many, many more relatives. I was shocked and silent, burying emotions and questioning much more. Then in 2017, I was called by trusted people and asked to assist with a pick-up (later learning it was a rescue) of a young girl who was from out of state. I had no idea of the story, just that her mother was on her way. Long story short, she was rescued, the young man went to prison and 2017 doesn’t end for me there. Shortly after, I received a call about Savanna LaFontaine Greywind and I wanted to drive up and join a search party. It ended before I could get there, and then I was informed she was right here in at the Ramsey County coroner’s office so we organized a prayer vigil for her and her family there. Later in 2018 I traveled to northern California and along the way seen a missing poster of Khadijah Britton, still missing today and the list goes on.
In 2017 there was a reported 5,646 American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) women missing per the FBI Nat’l Crime Information Center and according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for AI/AN women only 19 years old and YOUNGER. Our future generations are at risk by the deaths of our young women.
What does the Savanna Act and Not Invisible Act do for our people, for our women?
The Savanna Act requires the US Justice Department to report statistics on missing or murdered Native Americans, create guidelines for responses to cases of missing or murdered Native Americans, outreach to tribes and Native American organizations, and provide training to law enforcement agencies on how to record tribal enrollment for victims in federal databases. The Not Invisible Act complements Savanna's Act by aiming to increase coordination efforts to reduce violence against Native Americans. In particular, the bill mandates that the Department of the Interior "designate an official within the Bureau of Indian Affairs to coordinate prevention efforts, grants, and programs related to missing Indians and the murder and human trafficking of Indians." Also, the Interior and the Justice Department must establish a joint commission that will develop recommendations on how to combat violence against Native peoples. (harpersbazaar.com)
In Minnesota we have the MMIW Task Force that was established in 2019 and has been meeting and hosting listening sessions and is expected to present its report to the MN State legislature this winter.
Now to smudge….
Lisa Bellanger, Lead Teacher
Tips For Creating A Routine For Distance Learning
Are you sleeping more than usual? Do you feel that you have less energy? Does your Netflix keep asking, “Are you still watching?” If so maybe it is time to create a new routine. You’re not alone, people's sleep patterns have been thrown off since the pandemic began.
That does not mean we can’t get back on track and make some changes. Students and parents need to keep a healthy routine. This will make improvements for physical and mental health. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean you have to be trapped doing the same thing every hour of the day.
One of the first things to ask yourself is, “What do I want to accomplish today or even within the week or month?” Some of us may want to finish some moccasins we have been working on, others may want to help their kids go through their bedrooms and clean some things out, maybe you want to change your whole perspective on life. This is totally up to you. Now make sure that each day you're taking time to reach your goal. Be purposeful about scheduling these things. Once you reach your goal, come up with something new to keep you motivated each day.
All family members play an important role in a child’s learning. Many of us have struggled with Distant Learning. We weren’t all born to be teachers overnite. Problems may arise whether it be attendance, work completion, anxiety, stress or technical difficulties. Here are some tips that may help everyone in the home.
Get ready for your day just like you’re getting ready for work or school.
Find a space at home to do school work that is quiet and has few distractions.
Keep a list of things to get done each day.
Parents help your child come up with a daily schedule which would include school work.
Stay connected with friends & family. Set up a Zoom chat or other form of virtual meeting. Play a game online with a friend, have lunch together.
Working out is important for physical and mental health: go for a walk or run outside. There are a lot of free YouTube workouts or gyms that are offering free online workouts.
Make learning fun. If you are cooking for example have your child measure out ingredients. This can help with math.
Find books that will interest your child. Reading daily is very important.
Always communicate with your child’s teacher and school. Attend conferences.
Miigwetch, stay healthy, positive and don’t forget to smudge!
Nicole Other Medicine & Renae Davis, School Social Workers
Resources:
St. Paul Public Schools - Use this website to find Tools for Parents if you are having difficulty with iPads, Schoology, Seesaw, etc.
How to Build Daily and Weekly Routines as Shelter-in-Place Drags on
Reclaiming our Traditions Chemical Health Prevention Program
Boozhoo to all my relatives!
I would like to share with you, some thoughts and information on substance use. Substance use includes all drugs, i.e. alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, opiates, just to name a few. Studies have shown that the earlier one starts using chemicals, the more likely they are to become an addict and walk down a very dangerous and harmful path.
Do you suspect your child might be using drugs or alcohol? If so, please contact me, Kay Urich at kathryn.urich@spps.org or 651-328-3629. I can answer any questions, make referrals to get help and support, provide individual counseling for your child or just speak with them as an on-going support.
Kay Urich, Chemical Health Teacher
Families of Tradition Talking Circles
This year is looking different than anything we have done before. Instead of in person groups I am working on hosting talking circle style Zoom events and activities. The Indian Education Program is working to adapt our programming to best serve you during this challenging time. I am interested in hearing from you about topics or activities that interest you and your family and attending our Zoom event would be a great place for you to share. Please send me an email (kerri.rosebear-channer@stpaul.k12.mn.us) or call me (651-744-4016) if you have questions or if I can be of other assistance to you and your family. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Families of Tradition on Zoom dates: November 12th and December 10th. 6:00pm-7:00pm.
Please look at our Facebook page or Indian Education webpage for the Zoom link.
Kerri Rosebear-Channer, Family Intervention Specialist
Sewing Society
Happy November! The past 7 months have definitely been something else. It has been life changing for all of us. The way we look at the world can be very different now. It may be hard to pull yourself out of feeling lost in current times but remembering we come from creative and resilient people could help balance some of that out. To get lost in a beadwork project or drawing out a new regalia could help ease the stress and help look to the future. I look forward to when our people are able to come together again and dance as one. Having the creative energy flowing now can help with positivity. I will admit is has been hard to get used to being so distant from the sewing room and the people that used to visit. I am still available to be contacted by phone or please request a video call to share some creative things you have done during this distance learning time. Seeing other people being creative also helps me, please send project photos if you’d like. Please call or text at 612-723-1922. Email me at dianna.johnson@spps.org. I am trying to get the online sewing room going. I have been having fun with helping a loom beading project with students. Take care all and try to keep the creative energies flowing!
Dianna Johnson, Education Assistant II & Sewing Society Lead
Language Learning
Andrea Fairbanks, Ojibwe Language Specialist
Exploring New Foods: Maple Roasted Squash
One group that our school counselor, Kerrie Troseth, facilitates during distance learning is Traditional Foods & Cooking. High school students learn more about our traditional foods and then have an opportunity to cook a recipe using those foods. Our community partner, Dream of Wild Health, supports our group through teachings and cooking guidance. Recently, the group learned about squash and made Maple Roasted Squash. The recipe is provided for your family to use.
Virtual Families of Tradition
Reclaiming our traditions through cultural activities. Meet with other families, and connect with your community.
St. Paul Public Schools Indian Education Program will be holding it's Virtual Families of Tradition events on the second Thursday each month. Families will virtually gather using Zoom to meet each other and some of our Indian Education Program staff.
We are looking forward to meeting will everyone virtually. If you have any questions please contact Kerri Rosebear-Channer at kerri.rosebear-channer@spps.org or (612) 751-0571.
Thursday, Nov 12, 2020, 06:00 PM
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Board Of Education Meeting
The St. Paul Public Schools Board of Education will be meeting at 6:05pm.
Members of the public will be able to monitor the meeting online at https://eduvision.tv/l?RygytL or tune to Saint Paul Cable Channel 16 (for cable subscribers).
An agenda and additional information regarding the St. Paul Public Schools Board of Education is available at https://www.spps.org/boe .
Tuesday, Nov 17, 2020, 06:00 PM
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No School, Parent Teacher Conferences (Pre-K)
Thursday, Nov 19, 2020, 12:00 AM
Saint Paul, MN, USA
No School, Parent Teacher Conferences (PreK - 12th Grade)
Friday, Nov 20, 2020, 12:00 AM
Saint Paul, MN, USA
American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Nov 24, 2020, 05:00 PM
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No School, Holiday (PreK - 12th Grade)
Thursday, Nov 26, 2020, 12:00 AM
Saint Paul, MN, USA
No School, Holiday (PreK - 12th Grade)
Friday, Nov 27, 2020, 12:00 AM
Saint Paul, MN, USA
Virtual Families of Tradition
Reclaiming our traditions through cultural activities. Meet with other families, and connect with your community.
St. Paul Public Schools Indian Education Program will be holding it's Virtual Families of Tradition events on the second Thursday each month. Families will virtually gather using Zoom to meet each other and some of our Indian Education Program staff.
We are looking forward to meeting will everyone virtually. If you have any questions please contact Kerri Rosebear-Channer at kerri.rosebear-channer@spps.org or (612) 751-0571.
Thursday, Dec 10, 2020, 06:00 PM
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St. Paul Public Schools Resources
Academic Support Center
The purpose of the Academic Support Center (ASC) is to provide in-person academic and/or social-emotional learning support for Pre-K-12 grade students and their families during distance learning. The first site opened at Washington Technology Magnet School on October 12. A team of Educational Assistants, Teaching Assistants, SPPS temporary staff, retired teachers, contractors, community partners, and volunteers with a background in education and teaching, provide the support to all students visiting the ASC. Areas of support include: math, reading, writing, science, social studies, bilingual, immersion, technology help to support Distance Learning 2.0, and social-emotional support.
Learn more: spps.org/asc
Additional Pre-K Support
SPPS is partnering with the Saint Paul Public Library to provide additional academic and social-emotional learning support for Pre-K families. One-on-one appointments are available at Rondo Community Outreach Library, Riverview Library and George Latimer Central Library.
Learn more: sppl.org/family-distance-learning-support
Extended Day For Learning / Extended School Support
K-8 students who qualify for Area Learning Center (ALC) services or attend specific school programs are eligible for one of two new Extended Day for Learning (EDL) / Extended School Support (ESS) programs. Both programs offer afterschool support at the Academic Support Center, and include bus transportation, a snack, and instruction from certified teachers and specialists. Families are asked to register by Friday, October 16; the programs begin on November 4.
Learn more:
• Grades 3-8 Program https://www.spps.org/Page/40758
• Freedom Schools Express K-2 Program https://www.spps.org/Page/31373
Health Start Clinics
Health Start Clinics at seven SPPS high schools are open for student appointments. Health Start serves students ages 11 and up for urgent in-person mental health care, medication management for depression and anxiety, sexual health concerns, check-ups and vaccines, non-respiratory illness, injuries and asthma follow-up. Students do not need to attend the school that the clinic is located in, and walk-in appointments are also welcome.
Learn more: spps.org/Page/38688
Meal Service
SPPS continues to provide free meals to students while they are in distance learning. Families can sign up to have meal boxes delivered to their homes once a week. Free meals are available for any Saint Paul children 18 and under, and those with a disability enrolled in a school program. Curbside pickup is also available Monday-Friday at select schools.
Learn more: spps.org/fallmeals
Community Resources & Events
Additional resource information and a weekly list of resource events are available on the St. Paul Public Schools Indian Education Program Facebook page.
Department of Indian Work Emergency Services Food Shelf
1671 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
Schedule your visit for next week delivery or pick up!! Call (651) 789-3856 to schedule your visit.
https://www.facebook.com/DIWSTPAUL/
Neighborhood House Food Markets
Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St E, St Paul, MN 55107
Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 12:00pm and 2:00pm – 4:00pm.
Food market is open for drive-up or walk-up curbside pickup from Located in the rear of the building.
Francis Basket
Sibley Manor Apartments, 1293 E Maynard Dr #410, St Paul, MN 55116
Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 11:30am, and 1:00pm – 3:30pm.
Food market is open for drive-up or walk-up curbside pickup.
Delivery is available Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 11:30am, and 1:00pm – 3:30pm for those in Ramsey County, call 651-789-2534.
http://neighb.org/food-and-housing-help
Ramsey County Home Meal Delivery
Meal delivery is available to residents who are confined to their homes due to health conditions, transportation barriers and other reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ramseycounty.us/HomeMealDelivery
COVID-19 Community Testing Sites
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) works in partnership with communities to provide safe and free on-site COVID-19 testing in areas with outbreaks, increasing cases, or other barriers to access existing test sites.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/.../testsites/index.html
COVID-19 Saliva Community Testing Site
Monday – Friday 12:00pm – 7:00pm, Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Roy Wilkins Auditorium (175 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102)
Saliva testing is free and available to all Minnesotans who believe they need to be tested, with or without symptoms. Identification is not required. You do need to have an email address and phone number to receive your results. Insurance is not required. If you do have insurance, you will need to show your card. The test is completely free whether or not you have insurance, and you will not receive a bill. Saliva testing may not be right for those with low saliva production, such as children under age 4 or someone who has suffered a stroke. Free parking is available on the roof of the RiverCentre ramp. If that is full, metered parking is available in Rice Park.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/saliva.html
Community Events
Free Turkeys For Families In Need
Monday, November 16th
9:00am
Hope Breakfast Bar (1 S Leech St, St Paul, MN 55102)
Hope Breakfast Bar will be giving out turkeys for any family in need this holiday season.
Culture Is Prevention Online Youth Summit
November 16th – 20th
Hosted by Ain Dah Yung Center through their Facebook page
Over 20 different presenters from various tribes and backgrounds talking about: CD Prevention, Tobacco Prevention, Suicide Prevention, Quilling, Lakota & Ojibwe Language, Horse Teachings, and Healthy Relationships. This is event is for youth ages 8-21. All material presented will be for this age group.
Wednesday, November 18th
10:00am – 2:00pm
Native American Community Clinic (1213 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404)
Native American Community Clinic will be distributing winter coats, hats, gloves, blankets, and shelf stable food items. Sizes are toddler to adult. This is a distribution event, no donations please.
3rd Annual Free Eastside Thanksgiving To-Go Dinner
Thursday, November 26th
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Karibu Grocery and Deli (719 Payne Ave, St. Paul, MN 55130)
In partnership, Bourne Strategies and Minnesota Rapid Response Coalition will provide free Thanksgiving dinners to-go for community members. Come meet your neighbors and help build a better community!