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SMOKE SIGNALS - March 1, 1996 Page 9
Head Start program prepares local kids for kindergarten
It's half way through the school year, and
the children at Head Start are excited.
Today is the day they will take a field
trip to the local Fire Department as part of
fire safety and prevention month. The chil
dren already know what to do in case of an
emergency at their house, and they know
they shouldn't play with items that might
cause a fire, like matches.
The staff at Head Start knows they have
to make learning a fun experience for the
three and four year olds, many of whom will
enroll in kindergarten next year. The daily
schedule is based on participation, sharing,
and focuses on activities with a cultural
slant. The 2 1 students, (nearly half of them
tribal members) attend school Tuesday
through Thursday.
In addition to this month's focus on fire
safety, the class has also been learning about
nutrition, and attended a field trip to the
Corner Store in Willamina, to go shopping
for salad items. Each child got a chance to
create his or her own healthy salad.
"We really appreciate food donations we
receive from the Corner Store," said
Michael Laatz, the Head Start teacher.
"They have been very supportive of our pro
gram." In addition to field trips and daily activi
ties, the class receives special visitors on a
regular basis who gives talks about safety
and nutrition. Linda Mann, the hygienist at
the Tribe's Dental Clinic, visits regularly
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The Head Start class took a field trip to the Grand Ronde Fire Station as part of Fire Safety Month.
and talks to the class about the importance
of brushing and flossing as part of the
"Bright SmilesBright Future" program
sponsored by Colgate toothpaste.
Also, Jill Jeffers from Wellness visits and
talks about the differences between medi
cines and candies, and other items
around the house that might be unsafe
to eat.
Assistant teacher Shari Shell said that
the cultural emphasis of Head Start in
cludes Native American stories, and ac
tivities in the dramatic play area. Special guests
include the youth drum group and teachers of
Chinook jargon.
The Head Start staff also includes June
Olson, Family Advocate; Donna Marner, Head
Start Cook; and Leann Bateson, Bus Driver.
Tribal Education Departments to gather data
During Fall 1995 to present, members of the Oregon Tribal Education Contractor's
Association (OTECA) have been successful in gaining meetings with the Chancellor of
Higher Education to address tribal higher educational issues and concerns.
In June 1996, members of OTECA will conduct a presentation to the Oregon State
System of Higher Education, the Presidents of OSSHE Institutions, the Chancellor, and
Oregon Tribes. OTECA has been asked by the Chancellor's Office to compile a tribal
profile of our educational programs and services. Oregon Tribal Education Departments
are being asked to provide data regarding our tribal college student population, class levels,
scholarships (tribal, private and institutional), numbers of students receiving Under
represented Minority Achievement Scholarships, numbers of graduating students, and
types of degree programs.
Additionally, Tribal Education departments are asked to provide recommendations to
determine three need areas both tribes and OSSHE can address during the next year. The
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde's Education Division will be compiling data for the
June presentation.
A thank you from Education Program
The Education Division offers our heart felt thanks to tribal elder Marilyn Portwood
and to first year college student Janis Duddles.
In December, Ms. Portwood received a $100 Christmas check from the Tribe and has
donated this gift to the Education Division to aid college students for incidentals or to
contribute toward the Scholarship Fund.
Ms. Duddles, who is a freshman majoring in social science at Evergreen State College in
Washington State, received a $10 Christmas check from the Education Division. She has
returned this gift and asks that this be used to aid a student toward the purchase of books.
Marilyn and Janis, a BIG THANK YOU! Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
MARCH
8: Oregon Indian Education Council & Oregon Indian
Education Association Board Meetings, Warm Springs, Kah
Nee Ta
1 1 : Grand Ronde Tribal Education Committee Meeting, 6 to
9 p.m., Chemeketa-Salem
16-17: Indian Youth Assoc. Conference, U.of O. Eugene
APRIL
2-5: NW Indian Youth Conference, Seattle, WA
9: Oregon Native American Language Forum, Warm Springs,
Kah Nee Ta
10-12: Oregon Indian Education Association State
Conference, Warm Springs, Kah Nee Ta
24-26: National Coalition for Indian Education & National
Tribal Education Contractor's Association Annual Conven
tion, Albuquerque, New Mexico
MAY
22-24: NW Indian Education Summit, Red Lion, Pendleton