MKWA GIIZIS 🐻🌕
( Bear Moon)
February 2025
( Bear Moon)
February 2025
Boozhoo (greetings - Anishinaabemowin)!
Behneh (greetings - Shoshone)!
January with students has been excellent! Indigenous Education Elementary students completed a Boozhoo activity to foster connections and have a point of reference for introducing themselves in Anishinaabemowin. They continued working on language through gamification with Miss Lydia. Middle School students gathered for Cultural Connect to learn about the 7 Grandfather Teachings and West Middle School received a bonus get-together to learn about round dance. High School students at Traverse City High School met during club time and started the discussion of coordinating an upcoming inaugural student-led round dance.
West Senior Native American Club will discuss the round dance during February and Central High School's Trojan Indigenous Community Club will coordinate a time to meet. February we will bring the 7 Grandfather Teachings activity to elementary students, a ledger activity to West Middle School, a Round Dance lesson and Jeopardy to East Middle School, and continue student-led club meetings with high school students.
Outside of cultural enrichment at school this month we look forward to Indigenous Education Powwow Dance Group Practice on Wednesdays in February and a Parent Committee Meeting on February 10th at 6 pm. Details for both of these gatherings can be found in this newsletter.
Oose, miigwech for your time and participation in our initiatives to support and enrich our up-and-coming generation.
Respectfully,
Summer Baldwin
TCAPS Indigenous Education Coordinator
Date: Monday, February 10, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Locations: West Middle School Library and Google Meet
Google Meet joining info:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/cbc-pmma-snu
Or dial: (US) +1 662-434-4951 PIN: 346 395 385#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/cbc-pmma-snu?pin=3916455301035
Discussion:
Election of Officers (roles & descriptions)
24/25 Student Needs
Please complete the TCAPS Indigenous Education student needs and evening event feedback Google Form by February 9.
Discuss the results of the above-referenced form
IPC Bylaws
The TCAPS Indigenous Education Parent Committee was established to provide input and assistance with the program. All parents and guardians of TCAPS Native American students are encouraged to attend these informative meetings and to share their thoughts and opinions.
TCAPS Indigenous Education: Powwow Dance Group Practice
What: TCAPS Indigenous Education Powwow Dance Group Practice
When: Wednesdays in February
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 (Traditional dance) (Special guest for Men's Traditional dance style)
Wednesday, MARCH 5*, 2025 (Grass dance) (TCAPS Indigenous Ed students will help lead and mentor)
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 (Jingle dance)
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 (Fancy dance)
Each class will focus on a different dance style, discuss the background of each style, and practice introducing ourselves as if we were performing. Please feel free to attend all, a few, or one of interest.
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm
Where: West Middle School Weight Room, #505 (signage will be outside the door)
Door access: Athletic Door #3 or Door #5
What to bring: bottled water and be ready to dance!
What to wear: moccasins/shoes to dance in and clothes students can move in
* rescheduled
👉🏻👉🏼👉🏽👉🏾👉🏿 Questions? Contact Summer Baldwin at (231) 933-5897 or email baldwinsu@tcaps.net
TCAPS Indigenous Education: 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!
Heard Museum Youth Art Show & Sale, Indian Fair & Market
The Heard Museum calls for artist submissions from students 7 - 12th grades for the Youth Art Show & Sale, Indian Fair Market. This is a fantastic opportunity for young artists to have original artwork judged by a professional panel, compete for ribbons, and earn over $10,000 in cash awards. Best of all, work will be displayed and available for sale to the public!
Registration Deadline: February 14, 2025
Artwork Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025
Event Dates: March 1-2, 2025
For more information and to submit click here! 👈
Recruiting Youth for OPEN's Youth Board
OPEN is recruiting passionate, diverse youth throughout Michigan who are interested in creating resources for teens and adolescents regarding opioid use, pain management, and substance use disorder.
Requirements for the Youth Board are:
High school age up to age 24
Virtual collaboration
Time commitment: 2 hours per month
Compensation will be provided
The first Youth Board last year and approximately six youth informed the information and resources for the OPEN TEEN initiative. Please check out the OPEN TEEN webpage to get an idea of what OPEN is hoping to continue to develop for youth substance use disorder prevention.
For more information about OPEN Youth Board click here! 👈
Click here to apply for the OPEN Youth Board.👈
The American Indian College Fund’s (College Fund) scholarship application season for the 2025-26 academic year opens on February 1. There are hundreds of scholarship opportunities available for all fields of study, including special opportunities uniquely available for students enrolled in tribal colleges and universities. Any U.S. citizen who is an enrolled member or descendant of an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe may apply. Applicants must also have a minimum 2.0 grade point average and plan to enroll as a full-time student at a nonprofit, accredited college or university.
Visit the American Indian College Fund website.
The Cobell Scholarship is now accepting applications for 2025/2026 Undergraduates. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025.
Visit their website for additional information.
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation has over 50 unique scholarships available that support secondary education pursuits of graduating high school seniors, current college students, and vocational/trade school students from across the region.
There are more than 40 scholarship opportunities available specifically for graduating seniors from Traverse City West, Traverse City Central, and Traverse City High School.
Invited to apply: Students from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau County and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
Visit the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation website for more information.
The Golden Apple Scholars program in Michigan is a program for aspiring educators who have the determination and drive to be outstanding teachers in Michigan Pre-K-12th grade schools. They support and prepare future teachers for immediate and lasting success in the most challenging teaching environments.
Eligibility Requirements
Entry Points
Michigan High School Senior (Class of 2025)
Michigan College Freshman or Sophomore
General Requirements
US Citizen, Eligible Non-Citizen, or DACAmented student
Academic Requirements
Strong Academic Performance
Every application receives a holistic review meaning all pieces of the application are considered to make a decision.
Completion Requirements
Maintain a 2.5 GPA
Participate in Golden Apple Scholar Institutes
Comply with Scholars Code of Conduct
Earn a bachelor’s degree in education from a Michigan university
Earn a Michigan teaching licenses
Teach for five years in a Michigan school-of-need within seven years of graduation
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025.
Visit the Golden Apple Scholars Program website for more information and to apply!
Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Families, We are pleased to share a free and confidential website for parents and families, ParentGuidance.org. This site was developed by licensed therapists and provides trusted and specialized courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents to learn how to support their child. Parents can find answers to a wide range of mental health questions, including anxiety, depression, self-worth, grief and loss, suicide ideation, family challenges, and more. Popular courses you might consider exploring include:
Parenting with a Purpose"
"Unlocking Your Inner Parent Superhero"
These courses, along with other resources on ParentGuidance.org, are designed to equip you with tools to strengthen the bond between you and your children.
Click the logo on our district website at www.tcaps.net/parents to access this resource at anytime.
Through a partnership with Northwest Michigan Health Services Inc (NMHSI) the Student Health Center provides convenient and affordable primary care and behavioral health services to TCAPS students ages 3-21. Whether serving as your child’s sole primary care provider or as supplemental care for urgent needs and injuries, we look forward to helping students feel their best, right at school.
The TCAPS Student Health Center is open year-round and is always accepting new patients.
Health insurance or not, everyone is welcome here.
What Services Are Available?
Medical Services
Physical exams for school, sports and camp
Comprehensive wellness exams – medical & behavioral health
Well Child Visits
Treatment for acute and chronic illness and injuries
Vision/hearing screenings and follow-up
Immunizations
Basic laboratory services and tests
Behavioral Health Services
Crisis Intervention
Risk Assessment
Social and emotional health screenings
Referrals for specialty services
Substance use counseling and education
Behavioral Health Assessment, diagnosing, and counseling
Individual or group community education
Patient Support Services
Health Insurance Enrollment and Sliding Fee Program
Connection to Community Resources
Health Education
Interpreters / Translation
Coordinated Care with Specialists
Telehealth visits, if needed
Student Health Center Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
TEEN HOURS ONLY: Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Student Health Center Contacts:
3954 Silver Lake Rd
Located on the campus of West Middle School
Schedule an Appointment
231.642.5291
Visit the TCAPS Student Health Center website for more information.
This month's word list (heart) is brought to you by the Ojibwe People's Dictionary.
📚 The Just Right Gift: A Story of Love by Katherena Vermette (Michif (Red River Métis))
Reading Age: 3 -5
Grade Level: Preschool
📚 Raven's Ribbons by Tasha Spillett (Cree/Trinidadian)
Reading Age: 4 - 8
Grade Level: Preschool - 3
📚 Circle of Love by Monique Gray Smith (Cree, Lakota and Scottish)
Reading Age: 4 - 8
Grade Level: Preschool - 3
📚 Coyote In Love With A Star by Marty Kreipe de Montano (Prairie Band Potawatomi tribe from Kansas)
Reading Age: 7 -9
Grade Level: 2 - 3
📚 Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance by Charlene Bearhead & Wilson Bearhead (Wilson - Nakota Elder and Wabamun Lake First Nation member in Treaty 6 Territory)
Reading Age: 9 - 12
Grade Level: 4 -7
📚 Surviving the City (series) by Tasha Spillett (Cree/Trinidadian)
Reading Age: 12+
Grade Level: 7th +
Tribal Nations of authors are noted to showcase the diversity of Indigenous authors and for program participants that are interested in reading literature specific to a Tribal Nation, they are a part of or familiar with.
Monday- Tuesday- Thursday: 2025 Virtual Anishinaabemowin Classes from 11 am to 12 pm on Zoom
Monday- Tuesday- Thursday: Winter Music Lessons (by appointment) at Heritage Library and Online Via Zoom from 10 am to 5 pm, Children 3 pm to 5 pm
Wednesdays: Anishinaabemowin In-Person Classes at GTB 3-Mile office from 5 pm to 7 pm
Saturday, February 1: Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek Maawnjidowin - Round Dance at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa from 2 pm to 1:30 am
Monday, February 3: Interlochen in Town Presents: Anangong Miigaading, Anishinaabemowin Version of Star Wars: A New Hope at the State Theatre at 7 pm -- Student or Tribal Members are free
Saturday, February 8: LTBB Winterfest: Exploring Snow Snake Tradition at 7500 Odawa Circle, Harbor Springs from 10 am to 2 pm
Tuesday, February 11: Growing Anishinaabe Families Together: Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development at GTB 3-Mile office at 6 pm
Saturday, February 15: LTBB Round Dance: Waawiiyaa Niimiwin at Odawa Casino Resort, Petoskey from 3 pm to 11 pm
Saturday, February 22: LTBB Ice Fishing Community Workshop at Springvale Township Park, Channel Road from 3 pm to dusk
All events listed above are free and open to all.
Local/Regional Tribal Event Calendars:
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa events website
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa 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
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