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MANIDOO GIIZOONS
MANIDOO GIIZOONS
✨🌕
✨🌕
( Little Spirit Moon)
December 2024
December 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES
ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES
Boozhoo! Behneh!
As the year draws to a close, we would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to your child's school experience. This is a time of reflection, growth, and vision. In our program, this next part of the school year we are looking forward to cultural learning experiences for our elementary and secondary students. From exciting projects to meaningful experiences, we aim to make them memorable and enriching for your children.
Occasionally, students wish to share a token of appreciation with their Indigenous Education TA. We wanted to help, take out some of the guessing, and provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the amazing people who work with your kids. Check out their "A few of my favorite things" list by clicking here. When the TAs created their lists, some students provided input as well. With their input, we created a program wishlist; click here.
Before we conclude this calendar year we would like to ask for your help on a few items:
Last month was a scheduled Parent Committee Meeting in which the election of officers and discussion of funding for student needs were to be addressed. Unfortunately, we did not meet a quorum of parents/guardians in attendance and we were not able to elect officers or identify how families would like to see our student needs funding be utilized. We are asking you to take a moment to complete a short Google Form to provide us feedback on how you would like our program to expend student needs funds.
We have plans for each of our Indigenous Education elementary programs to have their own school snowsnake they will design. We are looking for a volunteer(s) to help cut down the wood we have. If this sounds like something you can help us with please call (231) 933-5897 or email baldwinsu@tcaps.net
Our office will be closed during winter break, with that, we are sending warm wishes to you and your family for a joyful and cozy winter break! Miigwech for your continued support and partnership!
Respectfully,
Summer Baldwin
TCAPS Indigenous Education Coordinator
Elementary
Elementary
Welcome Lydia, Henion, Indigenous Education Elementary Teaching Instructional Assistant!
We are thrilled to welcome Lydia Henion as our new Indigenous Education Teaching Instructional Assistant for TCAPS elementary schools! Originally from Traverse City, Lydia is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is excited to contribute to the growth and success of youth in our community. She is undergoing training and is preparing to meet students. She will begin making a positive impact with students in January.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Ms. Lydia!
❄️ Anishinaabemowin Winter Break Activities
❄️ Anishinaabemowin Winter Break Activities
Elementary students enrolled in our program received a copy of this worksheet from their school the week of December 16th. Please check their backpack.
Download Anishinaabemowin Winter Break Activities sheet
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES & SUCCESSES
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES & SUCCESSES
🌱👏🏽 Student Successes
🌱👏🏽 Student Successes
Lililili! Gna-gi-ji-too-naa'aa (You did good)!
We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the following middle school and high school students for their hard work and dedication. Every experience and accomplishment can contribute toward growth and well-being, we are proud of you!
🏫 Academics & Attendance
Isabella Manzano: Perfect attendance!
WSH 3 or less missed days of school
Tayen Petoskey
George McClellan
Dominic Miller
Andrew Burtt
Evie Burtt
Jonah Dorsch
Quentin Leask
Roman Leask
Marleigh Santigo
Max Vaughan
Matthew Burtt: model student in honors ELA. Matthew's teacher shared, "he is a great leader and participates in class, doing all his work. He takes responsibility for his work. I really enjoy having him."
Rexton Price: Excelled on the Informational Reading Post Test
🦅 Culture & Community
Brady Vaughan: Kiwanis Senior of the Month (November)
Roxy McClellan: Student Senate Governor. Acknowledged by Assistant Principal Johnson for one-of-a-kind professionalism, kindness, and drive. The school Registrar shared she is doing a great job!
Cooper Santigo: Acknowledged by his teacher for being honest, forthright, and a good friend to his peers
Isabella King: Acknowledged by Assistant Principal Johnson for exceptional honesty and kindness. She helps staff and works every day to make her school a better place.
William Temoke: Recipient of Habits of Mind Recognition. Ms. McDaniel shared, "Compassion, kindness, and his subtle enthusiasm are three traits that I see day to day from William. He is attentive and pretty quiet in class, but he has these “aha” moments and excitement in what he does or when we speak about his artwork. He always comes into class ready to sketch & simply enjoys what he does. He is respectful & always trying to do his very best. I appreciate you, William, keep it up!
🏅 Athletics
Brady Vaughan: All Conference Football Honorable Mention
Brady Vaughan: West Senior Wrestling Team
Sawyer Caldwell-Poertner: West Senior Wrestling Team
Aiden Hendges: West Senior Bowling Team
Jaquori Shelvin: recognized for his athleticism, kindness, and diligence
Andrew Wittveen: Coach Neveau shared that Andrew earned a starting position at Center and Guard. He was a leader of the offensive line group for this football season. Coach Neveau also shared that Andrew has a great work ethic and a sense of humor.
🎨🥁 Arts & Music
Mr. Jones, Orchestra Director shared that the following three students did a fantastic job at their December 10th concert! They are all good players and fantastic contributors to their groups.
Elijah Ollila: Orchestra
Jacob Scheiding-Day: Orchestra
Aiyana Steele: Orchestra
Elaina Chippewa: Choir and Vocal Majority Group.
Arleena Antoine: Honors Choir
Makayla Sanchez: Orchestra - Recognized by Mr. Jones, Orchestra Director, for doing an excellent job in pit orchestra for Seussical. She's reliable and a skilled player.
Parents/Guardians, please share your student's successes with us! We want to celebrate them in everything they do.
Email: baldwinsu@tcaps.net
✨ Opportunities
✨ Opportunities
Biboon (winter) book reviews!
Who can submit? TCAPS Indigenous Education Students
What to submit? Provide a book review. Submissions can be written, video, or audio. (Check out the book list in this newsletter for some book ideas)
When to submit? Winter 24/25
Multiple book reviews are welcomed and encouraged!
An anonymous and fellow bookworm donor sponsored two $10 gift cards!
Winners will be selected and notified on the first day of spring, March 20, 2025.
For more information and to submit click here! 👈
TCAPS Indigenous Education Powwow Dance Group - Update
TCAPS Indigenous Education Powwow Dance Group - Update
Our office will coordinate a powwow dance series following winter break with dates to be determined. Those who have signed up at the link below will be provided with the dates and locations through the email provided. Additional information can also be found here in our newsletter in the coming months.
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ORIGINAL POST:
TCAPS Indigenous Education program is interested in creating a powwow dance group of students in the Title VI program. We are seeking interest from program participants. If your child would be interested in this opportunity please take a moment to complete this Google Form.
Who: TCAPS Indigenous Education Students
What: The group will provide students the opportunity to celebrate and educate about Indigenous culture through dance. In addition, students will have the opportunity to connect in community, enhance leadership skills, practice public speaking, and have access to mentor opportunities.
LANGUAGE LEARNERS
LANGUAGE LEARNERS
Download the word list.
Anishinaabemowin Word list
Bboon ... Winter
Waawaatewin niwaabamaa ... I see the Northern Lights
Gego gwiishkwiishiken waawaateg ... Don't whistel at the Northern Lights.
Giizhoo'on! ... Dress warm!
Besho namadibin jig-gizhaapikiziganing ... Sit near the wood stove.
Minikwen gegoon gaa-gizhaagimideg ... Drink something warm.
Biiwan ... There is a blizzard.
Gegaa nigii-zhaashin ... I nearly slipped.
Phrases to use in the winter by Gilbert Deschamps and Mona Cormier, Red Rock Indian Band.
www.anishinabek.ca
BOOKS
BOOKS
American Indian Children's Literature Year in Review: 2024
American Indian Children's Literature Year in Review: 2024
Check out American Indian Children's Literature in review recommendations and books read for 2024. This list is not the complete list but a snapshot of each category. :
Comics and Graphic Novels
📚 Little By Little You Can Change the World by Ballantyne, Sonya (Swampy Cree) and Michael Redhead-Champagne (Shamattawa First Nation).
Reading Age: 9 -12
Grade Level: 4 - 6
📚 The Rez Doctor by Crazyboy, Gitz (Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot)).
Reading Age: 12 years and up
Grade Level: 7 -12
📚 Little Moons by Storm, Jen (Couchiching First Nation Cree)
Reading Age: 12 - 18
Grade Level: 7- 12
Board Books
📚 On Powwow Day by Sorell, Traci (citizen, Cherokee Nation), illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw).
Reading Age: baby to 3
📚 We are Grateful Otsaliheliga: Seasons by Sorell, Traci (citizen, Cherokee Nation)
Reading Age: baby to 3
Note: this is a boxed set of four board books.
Picture Books
📚 Boozhoo! Hello! by Pawis-Steckley, Mangeshig (member of Wasauksing First Nation), illustrated by the author, translation by Mary Ann Corbiere (Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory).
Reading Age: 3 - 6
Grade Level: pre-k to 1
📚 This Land by Fairbanks, Ashley (White Earth Anishinabee), illustrated by Bridge George (Anishinaabe from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation)
Reading Age: 4 - 8
Grade Level: pre-k to 3
📚 Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills by Mills, Billy (Oglala Lakota) and Donna Janell Bowman
Reading Age: 4 - 8
Grade Level: pre-k to 3
Early Chapter Books
📚 Tana Cooks With Care by Wells, Stacy (member of the Choctaw Nation)
Reading Age: 6 - 8
Grade Level: 1 - 2
📚 Jo Jo Makoons: Rule School by Quigley, Dawn (citizen, Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe)
Reading Age: 6 - 10
Grade Level: 1 - 5
4th book of a series
For Middle Grades
📚 Buffalo Dreamer by Duncan, Violet (Plains Cree and Taino from Kehewin Cree Nation)
Reading Age: 10 -12
Grade Level: 5 - 6
📚 On a Wing and a Tear by Smith, Cynthia Leitich (citizen, Muscogee Creek Nation)
Reading Age: 8 - 12
Grade Level: 3 - 7
📚 Boarding Schools: Racial Justice in America, Indigenous Peoples series by Bruegl, Heather (citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and first-line descendant of Stockbridge Munsee)
Reading Age: 10 - 13
Grade Level: 5 - 8
For High School
📚 Where Wolves Don't Die by Treuer, Anton (Ojibwe). Cover and interiors drawn by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (member of Wasauksing First Nation)
Reading Age: 10 - 16
Grade Level: 5 - 11
📚 The Art Thieves by Rogers, Andrea L. (citizen of the Cherokee Nation)
Reading Age: 12 - 18
Grade Level: 7 - 12
📚 Looking for Smoke by Cobell, K. A. (enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation)
Reading Age: 15 +
Grade Level: 10 +
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Tribal Events & Gatherings, December 2024
Tribal Events & Gatherings, December 2024
MONDAY TO THURSDAY: Digwaagin (Fall) Virtual Anishinaabemowin Classes from 11 am to 12 pm
WEDNESDAYS: Anishinaabemowin In-Person Classes at the GTB 3-Mile office from 5 pm to 7 pm
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2 -3: Nenaandawe'iwejig Traditional Healing with Joe Syrette at GTB 3-Mile Office
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10: Anishinaabemowin Jeopardy - In-Person & Zoom! at 6 pm
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10: Heritage Library Decorate Goon Ginebig - Snow Snakes from 5 pm to 7 pm at the GTB 3-Mile Office
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12: Series of Elders Sharing Their Knowledge on Zoom from 10 am to 12 pm
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17: Series of Elders Sharing Their Knowledge on Zoom from 10 am to 12 pm
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31: New Year Sobriety Round Dance at 8 pm at the Strongheart Center, Peshawbestown, MI.
All events listed above are free and open to the public.
Local/Regional Tribal Event Calendars:
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa events website
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians event website
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians event website
Traverse City Area Public Schools Indigenous Education
231.933.5897 (office)
231.499.2421 (cell)
Indigenous Education Office
Traverse City High School
3962 Three Mile Road North
Traverse City, MI 49686
We want to hear from you! Please share your Newsletter Feedback
Title VI / Indigenous Education Calendar
Visit our flowcode page which contains multiple links to information and resources.
TCAPS District Newsletter
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