Indigenous Education Newsletter
Knowing Who We Are Connecting Our Community
Helpful Links
Supervisors Minute
As we wrap up another incredible school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate all that our students have accomplished. This year, our students and families participated in cultural events, leadership opportunities, and academic programs that strengthen our youth. From our Indigenous Fashion Show to the Alaska Federation of Natives Elders and Youth Conference, we have seen our students grow, thrive, and connect in meaningful ways.
As we head into summer, I encourage you to take time to rest, recharge, and spend time with family.
To our graduates- Congratulations! Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this moment, and the Indigenous Education department is so proud of you. We wish you all the best in this next chapter of your lives.
Thank you, families, for your continued support. We look forward to another great school year ahead!
-Jaime Galvan
Native Advisory Committee Yearly Elections
Join Us for Our Annual Elections in May!
Our yearly elections will be coming up in May, and we would love to see our families there! This is a great opportunity to get involved, share your voice, and help shape the future of our Indigenous Education programs. We will also have student seats up for elections as well!—we hope to see you there!
Barnes & Noble End of Year Book Fair!
The Indigenous Education department is offering each eligible student to choose up to $40 in books at Barnes & Noble. If you are interested in attending with your student please CLICK HERE to register or use this link: https://forms.gle/bgzyJJteYmAHRxtS9
Date:
Thursday, April 17th
12:00-6:00PM
Friday, April 18
12:00-7:00PM
Location:
Barnes & Noble. 200 E Northern Lights Blvd.
Students must have a 506 form on file and be enrolled into the Indigenous Education Program
Students can choose up $40 worth of books (no games or toys)
When you arrive, you will sign in with a staff member, get your tickets, and turn your ticket in to the register when checking out.
Indigenous Education/ Cook Inlet Tribal Council Celebration
ASD Indigenous Education is hosting an end of the year celebration with Cook Inlet Tribal Council. We hope to see the house full of Indigenous students ready to go into summer break! Please fill out the Google Form to RSVP, we hope to see you all there 🎉
Summer Enrichment Program
Check out last years video of the Indigenous Education Summer Enrichment Program
The theme for this year is "Salmon, Streams and Strength".
*PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE FOR THIS YEAR'S PROGRAM
Summer Enrichment Program (K-8) will operate, Monday-Thursday, from 9:30 am-3:30 pm with the exception of the week June 16th.
Session I: June 2nd-12th
Session II: June 16-26 (no program 6/19)
Wendler Middle School
Title VI Summer Interns
We are excited to announce that we are looking for six student interns to join our Summer Enrichment Program! This is a great opportunity for students in grades 10-12 to gain valuable experience while supporting Indigenous education initiatives.
Eligibility Requirements:
✅ Must be enrolled in the Indigenous Education Program
✅ Must be in grades 10-12
✅ Must be at least 16 years old
Interns will assist with program activities, mentor younger students, and help create a fun and engaging learning environment.
If you know a student who might be interested, please encourage them to apply! Stay tuned for more updates.
Click Here to fill out our Interest form.
Click Here to view the Job Description.
Chickaloonies Author Visit
If your student is enrolled in the Indigenous Education program and is in grades 4-12, there is an opportunity for them to meet the authors of Chickaloonies and participate in a workshop with them. We are capping registration at 40 for each session.
Elementary has two sessions. Middle and High School will share an evening session.
Please use this link to sign up today!
Indigenous Education Public Forum
What is a Public Forum?
The Public Forum is held by the Local Educational Agency (LEA) and is a required element of the Title VI Formula Grant which provides services and supports for Alaska Native/American Indian students and families. The LEA will share information regarding the grant and provide an opportunity for the public to share views on next year's Title VI Grant.
Date: April 24, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Location: ASD Education Center Blue Room or Via Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://asdk12.zoom.us/j/96088137715?pwd=n0CQ4yAgx7biRZIIovoBW2TKHNY99u.1
Meeting ID: 960 8813 7715
Passcode: 544534
NYO Senior Games
Many ASD Indigenous Education students attended tryouts and made it on either the Anchorage A or B team. Please take a look at the schedule of events and times in the flyer. We hope to see you all there cheering on the athletes.
Mt. Spurr Information
If school is NOT in session and ashfall is on the way, ASD will close schools.
After-school activities and community rentals will be cancelled.
If school IS in session and ashfall is imminent, we’ll dismiss early so everyone can get home safely.
Bus routes may change to avoid hazardous roads.
After-school activities and community rentals will be cancelled.
Keeping Students & Staff Safe:
Schools will check in with students and staff who have respiratory conditions and take extra precautions.
Families, if your child has a condition we don’t know about, please let your school know.
Emergency Plans in Place:
Every school has a volcano response plan with shelter-in-place procedures and air quality measures.
We’re working closely with local, state, and federal partners to stay on top of the situation.
Protecting Indoor Air Quality:
We’ll take steps to keep ash out, including shutting down HVAC exterior vents and limiting when exterior doors are opened.
Schools have specialized air filters, and we have extra replacements ready to go.
Ventilation systems will be adjusted as needed, and our crews will start cleaning up ash when it’s safe.
Stocking Up on Supplies:
We have 22 emergency connex units across the district filled with N95 masks, first aid kits, and essential supplies.
New volcano web resource page https://www.asdk12.org/Page/21131
Latest updates and safety tips
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Follow ASD on Social Media
West High Family Night
Join West Anchorage High School for the Multicultural Family Night.
Enjoy food trucks, cultural performances, community resources booths, student cultural booths, face painting, cultural art and prizes!
When: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 6pm- 8pm
Where: West Anchorage High School
1700 Hillcrest Drive, Anchorage, AK 99517
Alaska Strong "Atauchikun"
Elementary (K-8) Cohort - Diana Boggess
Atauchikun AK STRONG is launching a new cohort and we invite you to be part of it! This is a unique opportunity for fathers and co-parents to connect, learn, and engage in cultural activities.
✅ Free Food
✅ Childcare Available
✅ Financial Incentives for Completion
📅 Sign up today using our Parent Interest Form: bit.ly/akstrong1
Questions?
boggess_diana@asdk12.org or 907-744-223
baker_saramichelle@asdk12.org or 907-742-4449
High School (9-12) Cohort - Ralph Elook
Join us for family centered activities rooted in Alaska native traditions! This cohort starts April 17th and includes parenting support as well as a welcoming community that celebrates heritage and strengthens families.
✅ Free Food
✅ Childcare Available
✅ Financial Incentives for Completion
📅 Sign up today using our Parent Interest Form: bit.ly/akstrong2
Questions?
elook_ralph@asdk12.org or 907-538-8776
baker_saramichelle@asdk12.org or 907-742-4449
Gui Kima Summer Intesive - Save the Date
The Gui Kima Program will be facilitating a Summer Intensive from July 29th to August 1st on APU campus available to 9th-12th grade Indigenous students. This program utilizes indigenous knowledge and practices for high school students to express themselves, engage in school, and to prepare students with college, career, and life skills.
Click here to sign up for the Gui Kima Program and express interest in the Summer Intensive. The Summer Intensive registration form will be available to families at a later date.
Questions?
reeves_cyndi@asdk12.org or 907-5383825
baker_saramichelle@asdk12.org or 907-742-4449
Upcoming Dates
April 2 - West Anchorage High School Multicultural Family Night
April 17 & 18- Barnes & Noble Book Fair
April 18- Closure Day (No School)
April 24- ASD Indigenous Ed. Public Forum
May 1- Indigenous Ed/CITC End of Year Celebration
May 21- Last day of School for students
Do you follow us on social media?
Don't miss any important dates or events. Be sure to "like" and "follow" our pages on social media for all of the latest updates and news from the Indigenous Education Department!
If you received this email and are unsure if your child is enrolled in Title VI Indian Education, or you would like to enroll them, please reach out to our office using the email or phone number below.
907-742-4445