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/
Introducing Indian Education Program Staff
Kay Urich
Chemical Health Teacher
I am a Licensed Alcohol/Drug Counselor with the State of Minnesota. I received my training at the Hazelden Foundation and graduated in September, 1997. I am also a Licensed Teacher in Ojibwe Cultural Traditions and Language.
I have worked in our Native communities for the past 23 years. My experience includes halfway houses, in out-patient and in-patient treatment programs, Hennepin County Workhouse for Women, Native American Women's Recovery Groups, Shakopee Women's prison, and community programs such as Early Childhood Family Education.
In my free time, I enjoy sewing Native American traditional dance regalia, picking our cultural medicines, doing beadwork, and cooking.
I am a member of the Lake Superior Bank of Chippewa - Red Cliff, Wisconsin. I am the tenth child of eighteen children. I have ten sisters and seven brothers.
I am so very grateful for the chance to work with our families in St. Paul Public Schools. Our students deserve all we can do to help them become our future leaders.
As our wise elder Chief Sitting Bull states: "Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children".
Indian Education Program Updates
The St. Paul Public Schools Indian Education Program Resource Room contains materials available for check-out and cultural items that promote knowledge regarding the unique political, sovereign, cultural, traditional, and spiritual values of American Indian Nations.
SPPS Indian Education Program staff have been organizing and cataloguing materials in our Resource Room. Additional materials were purchased during the 2020-2021 school year with funds from the Minnesota History Bookshelf and funds from the Minnesota Office of Indian Education. Students and staff will be able to check out materials, including books, DVDs, games, kits, posters during the 2021-2022 school year. Materials in the SPPS Indian Education Program Resource Room reflect a variety of subjects, including fiction, history, language and more.
A list of items located in the SPPS Indian Education Program Resource Room can be found by viewing the American Indian Program List (https://mylibrary.spps.org/cataloging/servlet/presentbooklistform.do?listID=19215342) in the SPPS Library Catalog. Additional items will be added to this list as they are added to our Resource Room. Details regarding our Resource Room will be added to our website.
The SPPS Indian Education Program received a Minnesota History Bookshelf from the Minnesota Historical Society, which allowed us to purchase some new materials for our Resource Room.
“The Minnesota History Bookshelf covers all aspects and eras of Minnesota history. These books will encourage your patrons to look at your local history in a larger statewide and regional context, leading them to look at their own local history in a new light.” https://www.mnhs.org/preservation/legacy-grants/funded-projects
We purchased five classroom sets (The Porcupine Year, Chickadee, Makoons, and the Game of Silence by Louise Erdrich, and The Creator's Game: A Story of Baaga'adowe/Lacrosse by Art Coulson), in addition to a classroom set of The Birchbark House, these will allow teachers to teach the entire The Birchbark House series. We also purchased 71 additional titles that will be available to check-out starting during the 2021-2022 school year.
As a part of the Minnesota History Bookshelf, Kerrie Troseth created three kits (a Bandolier Bag Kit, a Smudging Kit, and a kit to teach The Grass Dancer by Susan Power), with lesson plans in Schoology, that can be used by SPPS teachers. We also added items created by Native artists to our Resource Room that can be used by SPPS staff while teaching students.
This publication was made possible in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Any views, findings, opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Historical Society, or the Minnesota Historic Resources Advisory Committee.
Sewing Society
Good month of May to you all. I have been busy beading and helping Indian Education keep up on the graduation gifts for seniors. More news, it sounds like there will be some powwows happening this summer. Get your regalia ready and your beadwork finished! If your family is busy beading a graduation cap for your senior, I just want to encourage you to keep beading and in no time you’ll be done. It is an awesome site to see your senior in a beaded cap, full of pride and accomplishment. Sit outside on one of these nice days and work on some beadwork in the sun. Please, if you signed up for the Jackie Bird Fabric Painting Class take a look at the rescheduled dates on the new flyers. We’ve had some technical difficulties but we are set to get these instructional classes started, thank you for your patience. Keep in touch with the Sewing Society, dianna.johnson@spps.org or call and leave a message 651-744-4219.
Fabric Painting with Jackie Bird
Exploring New Foods: Dump Cake
This is a simple recipe to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 can pineapple
- 1 white cake mix
- 1 stick of cold butter
Put cherry pie filling on bottom of cake pan. Then add the pineapple. Pour dry cake mix over the top of the fruit. Cut up butter in small slices and put on top of dry cake mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 –60 minutes. When serving top with whipped cream.
Renae Davis, School Social Worker
American Indian Parent Advisory Committee
Dominic Good Buffalo, Cultural Specialist (American Indian Families), Family Engagement and Community Partnerships, Office of Family Engagement
SPPS American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
Advisory to the district
- Conducts regular open meetings
- Approves application and amendments in Title VI and MWBW programs
- Approves Title VI and MWBW budget allocation
- Abides by reasonable by-laws
- And conducts an annual public hearing to gather input from American Indian students and families
The AIPAC shall act as a voice in representing the Indian students and their parents in the district and align our values with the district's purpose and that is to “inspire students to think critically, pursue their dreams and change the world.”
Details and meeting information can be found on the SPPS AIPAC webpage.
For more information and to receive an invitation to the meeting please contact Dominic Good Buffalo, the American Indian Cultural Specialist at the Office of Family Engagement and Community Partnerships, at dominic.goodbuffalo@spps.org or 612-297-9374.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 05:15 PM
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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 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.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5946005478
Meeting ID: 594 600 5478
Passcode: FOT1
You can join by phone using the Meeting ID and Passcode listed above by calling (646) 568-7789.
We are looking forward to meeting will everyone virtually. For up to date details please view our Facebook event listing. If you have any questions, please contact Kerri Rosebear-Channer at kerri.rosebear-channer@spps.org or (612) 751-0571.
Thursday, May 13, 2021, 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, May 18, 2021, 06:00 PM
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Mental Health 101
Thursday, May 20, 2021, 06:30 PM
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Senior Recognition
Friday, May 21, 2021, 12:00 AM
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No School, Holiday (PreK - 12th Grade)
Monday, May 31, 2021, 12:00 AM
St Paul, MN, USA
St. Paul Public Schools Resources
Summer Learning Programs 2021
Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) offers Summer Learning Programs for students in grades K-12. Students will have opportunities to learn new things and strengthen current academic skills; prepare for the upcoming school year through active, fun and hands-on activities; and make progress toward graduation. All programs are FREE.
SPPS Summer Learning Programs Include:
Academic Support
Students will be inspired to learn new skills and grow current understanding in reading, math and other subjects.
Breakfast and Lunch
All students receive two free healthy meals daily that include entrees, salads, baked goods, and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Transportation
Transportation is available to most students who live in Saint Paul (within transportation guidelines, https://www.spps.org/Page/41692). Use the School Finder at spps.org/apply to find your Area (A-F1/F2).
Summer Learning Programs for Grades 9-12
Students in grades 9-12 can stay on track for graduation through credit recovery during Summer Session 1 and/or Summer Session 2. To register, students should meet with their school counselor.
Register Now
Additional information and registration can be found at https://www.spps.org/Domain/12661 .
Summer 2021 Meal Information
The last day for meal box pickups this school year is Friday, June 11. Information about community food resources for the week of June 14 will be posted on our website spps.org/2021meals.
There is no cost to families for meal boxes, which are available for all Saint Paul children age 18 and under, and those with a disability currently enrolled in a school program. Children do not need to be present to receive meal boxes.
The weekly meal boxes will contain a variety of healthy, nutritious and fun meals.
Home Delivery – June 21-August 26
Families interested in receiving home meal box delivery this summer must register. The registration form will be available at spps.org/2021meals starting May 3. Each child in the household, including non-school aged children, can receive a meal box, but only one registration per household is necessary. There is no cost for home delivery.
Families that currently get home delivery will be automatically enrolled in summer meal delivery and DO NOT have to re-register.
Families that currently participate in meal box pickup must register if they would like meal box delivery this summer.
Curbside Pick Up – June 21-August 26
There will be seven locations for curbside meal box pickup this summer. No registration is required to pick up at these sites.
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tuesdays
- Harding High School (1540 6th St. E.)
- Mississippi Creative Arts School (1575 L’Orient St.)
- Wednesdays
- Open World Learning/Humboldt (640 Humboldt Ave.)
- Washington Technology Magnet School (1495 Rice St.)
Thursdays
- Hazel Park Preparatory Academy (1140 White Bear Ave. N.)
- Highland Complex (1015 Snelling Ave. S.)
- Benjamin E Mays/Capitol Hill (560 Concordia Ave.)
SPPS Students Apply To Join The Student Engagement And Advancement Board
- Bring student voice to district-wide decision making
- Grow as a leader
- Great dinners & end of year stipend
Apply If You Are
- An SPPS student who will be in grades 10-12 during the 2021-2022 school year
- You want all students to thrive and have ideas about how to make that happen
- You can commit to 2-3 meetings per month at a time determined by the facilitator
Deadline Extended To June 1st
Learn more about what the Student Engagement and Advancement Board is about, what we do and get the application at spps.org/seab .
Questions? Email seab@spps.org
Community Resources & Events
550 Rice Street, St. Paul, MN 55103
Mondays & Thursdays, 11:30 – 12:30, Free bag lunches
Sundays, 5:00pm – 7:00pm, Free Community Meal, currently offered as a takeaway
2nd & 4th Saturday, 10:00am – 11:30 am, Supplemental Food Shelf, please bring photo ID & proof of address
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and 1st Saturday, 10:00am – 2:00pm, Clothing closet available by appointment only, has clothing, coats, shoes, boots and personal hygiene items, everyone is welcome, call 651-222-0712.
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Available by appointment during other days/times.
(270 N Kent Street, St Paul, MN 55102)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have modified our operations to follow the State of Minnesota and the Center for Disease Control guidelines. We are not able to allow clients and community members to shop for themselves in our food shelf, however, we will shop for you. You can still make an appointment via phone, or you may use the Hallie Q. Brown Food Shelf Request Form by clicking on the link (https://forms.gle/Z3y8u2CMKzRMbgQNA) and we will fill your request and have it ready for curbside pick up or delivery (Priority is given to be seniors and health-related homebound persons).
Twin Cities Free Food Events & Resources Facebook Group
This group is the place to post free food share events happening throughout the Twin Cities metro area and to post updates on more specifics about these events. Members may also post extra food items they have to give away to others.
COVID-19 Vaccination Site at Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Vaccinations will begin at the Fairgrounds on April 14 and serve Minnesotans living in the highest Social Vulnerability Index zip codes near the Fairgrounds. Appointments will be available to Minnesotans 16 years of age and older who live in the following zip codes: 55454, 55103, 55130, 55411, 55404, 55117, 55428, 55119, 55107, 55106, 55407, 55430, 55412, 55102, 55429, 55421, 55104, 55114, 55432, 55118, 55420, 55413, 55402, 55109, 55406, 55423, 55415, 55405, 55408, 55425, 55112, 55111, 55403, 55101, 55344, 55435, 55113, 55458.
The site will be by appointment only. Minnesotans living in the zip codes listed above can sign up for the Vaccine Connector (https://vaccineconnector.mn.gov/en-US/) to be selected for an appointment.
Language Matters: How to Talk about Native Nations
Are you interested in taking action to support Native nations? Do you ever feel hesitant when searching for the right language to use to talk about Indian Country?
Join us on Wednesday, May 12 from 3:30-4:30 PM CT for our free virtual event, "Language Matters: How to Talk about Native Nations." You'll learn terminology basics (what's ok, what's not ok) and hear about the wide range of opinions on terminology in Indian Country.
This free event will take place on Zoom (closed captioned) and will also be livestreamed on Facebook.
Hosts: Dr. Twyla Baker and Apryl Deel-McKenzie
Panelists: Bryan Pollard, Margaret YellowBird, Wizipan Little Elk
Registration information is available at https://www.facebook.com/events/108274811259815
Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 03:30 PM
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Indigenous Voices: Authentic Children's Literature in the Classroom & Library
Tuesday, May 25th
- 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Debbie Reese
- 1:15pm – 2:15pm: Tracie Sorell
- 2:30pm – 3:30pm: Christine Day and Dawn Quigley in conversation with Patricia Buckley
Wednesday, May 26th
- 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Anton Treuer
- 1:15pm – 2:15pm: Darcie Little Badger and Arigon Starr in conversation with Naomi Bishop
All sessions are open to the public and free of charge. Registration is available at https://sdcoe.k12oms.org/eventdetail.php?id=201019 .
Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 12:00 AM
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Artist in the Gallery: Denise Lajimodiere & Angela Erdrich
Join us for a conversation hosted by Collections Outreach Specialist Rita Walaszek Arndt (White Earth Ojibwe) with author Denise Lajimodiere (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) and illustrator Dr. Angela Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) as they share their new children's picture book, Josie Dances.
In this Ojibwe girl’s coming-of-age story, Denise highlights her own daughter’s experience at powwow. Elegant artwork by Angela features not only Josie and her family but also the animals, seasons and heartbeat of Aki, Mother Earth, and the traditions that link Josie to generations past and yet to come.
Additional details available at https://www.facebook.com/events/927167698072295/.