American Indian Education Program

Biindigan | Mitakuye | Welcome.

The American Indian Education Program is supervised via the Office of Federal and State Programs, working in collaboration with the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), and the Equity & Engagement Department for White Bear Lake Area Schools (WBLAS). The goal is to provide meaningful, intentional, effective academic/non academic services and opportunities to every WBLAS American Indian student, while fostering cultural identity and pride.

American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) Meeting Schedule 2021-2022

The AIPAC meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:30pm. All American Indian parents, students, and staff are encouraged to attend. For more information on the AIPAC, its' purpose, members, and history - please refer to the Parent/Guardian tab below.

October 20, 2021
November 17, 2021
December 15, 2021
January 19, 2022
February 16, 2022
March 16, 2022
April 20, 2022
May 18, 2022

Resources

Student

Nation to Nation Indigenous American Indian Culture/Education Clubs

Nation to Nation Indigenous American Indian Culture/Education Clubs are offered to primary and secondary Native American students at WBLAS. The purpose of American Indian Education Clubs are to bring our American Indian students together for cultural enrichment and community building while focusing on student achievement. As the American Indian Education Program continues to expand, we continue to implement new culturally-relevant curriculum regarding community growth for all grades. Led by Baswewe, American Indian Education Program Specialist

Contacting Baswewe (English name, Sheri Gayle), the American Indian Education Program Specialist

Please contact Baswewe with any of your questions as a Native student, Native family, or staff in the WBLAS district. Topics may include the following, but are not limited to these bulleted points:

Cultural enrichment
Academic advocacy/mentoring
Social emotional support
Navigating WBLAS resources and activities
Navigating community resources
Hybrid/distance learning support

Appointments

Appointment can be used by all students, families, and staff and serve as a platform to engage with and support the needs of our Indigenous community during this time. To schedule a 1 on 1 appointment with the American Indian Program Specialist, please click this button below.

Schedule an Appointment

Parent/Guardian

Parent Involvement

The White Bear Lake American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) is a collective of elected members comprised of parents, teachers and students who meet regularly throughout the school year. It is a parent driven initiative working collaboratively with representatives of the White Bear Lake Area Schools toward better outcomes for all self-identified American Indian students. The AIPAC's purpose is to identify and address areas to improve academic achievement of American Indian students through positive self-identity and to enhance knowledge of culture in broader school communities. AIPAC initiatives and events are supported by White Bear Lake Area Schools with a grant provided by the Minnesota Department of Education and the Title VI grant provided by the Department of Education Office of Indian Education. Provision of an Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee in each Minnesota school district is required by Minnesota Statutes, Sec. 124D.78.

Contacts/Committee Members

Baswewe (Sheri Gayle)

American Indian Education Program Specialist

651-407-7647

sheri.gayle@isd624.org

Parent Advisory Committee Members

○ Andrew Adams III, Chairperson/parent

○ Raymond Cermak, Vice-chairperson/parent

○ Christine Cermak, parent

○ Danielle Delong, parent

○ Victoria Leoni, parent

○ Dennis Olson Jr., parent

○ Kelly Sam, parent

○ Brianna Tahdooahnippah parent

○ Forrest Tahdooahnippah, parent

○ Timothy Whalen, Teacher - North Campus

○ Nancy Vogt, Teacher - South Campus

○ Baswewe Sheri Gayle, American Indian Education Program Specialist

○ Tiffany Dittrich, Teacher Union President

○ Angela Thompson, School Board Member

○ Laura Wright, Parent

○ Shauna Coons, parent

○ Deanna Heutmaker, parent

Meeting Schedule

2021-22 American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule

October 20, 2021
November 17, 2021
December 15, 2021
January 19, 2022
February 16, 2022
March 16, 2022
April 20, 2022
May 18, 2022

506 Form

Proclamation

FAQ

I. How is the American Indian Education program funded?

The White Bear Lake Indian Education Program is partially funded through Title VI of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. In order to apply for these funds, the district needs to document the number of American Indian students enrolled in White Bear Lake Area Schools. This is done through the Title VI Student Eligibility Certification (506) form (link below).

II. Who is eligible for services?

Parents/guardians of American Indian students who are members of a tribe or band or who are descendants of a parent or grandparent who is a member of a tribe or band, are asked to consider completing this form. A completed form makes students eligible to receive services that the Title VI federal funding will provide. Completed forms should be returned to your child’s school or directly to:

III. What is the cost for services?

The American Indian Education program is a federally and state funded program. Program services are available to all American Indian students enrolled in the program free of charge.

IV. Location?

We are a part of the Office of Federal and State Grants Program, located at the White Bear Lake Area School District Center. 4855 Bloom Ave. Suite 301 White Bear Lake, MN 55110

V. How do I enroll my children in White Bear Lake Indian Education?

To enroll in our program, you must fill out a 506 Form and send it to our office. To receive a form or for more information contact Baswewe (Sheri Gayle).

VI. Why should I fill out a 506 form for my children?

The Federal Government requires ISD 624 to have on file a signed 506 form for each student eligible student, before funding this program.

VII. What services are currently available for my children?

The following are free services offered this year:

· Cultural enrichment classes for families and students

· Academic advocacy - monitoring grades and attendance

· Tutoring for high school students

· Information for post-secondary planning, financial aid and scholarships Students must be enrolled in the program to participate.

For additional information or help filling out your 506 Form call Baswewe (Sheri Gayle) at 651-407-7647 or by email at sheri.gayle@isd624.org.

Add'l Resources

Staff

Activities

American Indian Education Program Activities

The White Bear Lake American Indian Education Program Activities are presently being planned and coordinated. Please visit this section again soon for updated information.

Drum and Dance 2021-2022

Drum and Dance welcomes all levels of experience/exposure to Indigenous cultural events. Drum and Dance meets Monthly on the second Thursday, from 6:00-7:30pm, we will be rotating our location every two events to a different school. All WBLAS community members are welcome, including all ages. Registration is not required in advance, however we request you sign in at the event, and encourage completion of our feedback form. We especially encourage Native youth and their families to participate. This activity is free and children must be accompanied by an adult. (*indicates a variation in scheduling). (*indicates a variation in scheduling).

October 14, 2021
- Otter Elementary
  1401 County Rd H2, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
  
  651-653-2831
November 11, 2021
- Otter Elementary
  1401 County Rd H2, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
  
  651-653-2831
December 9, 2021
- Willow Lane Elementary
  
  3375 Willow Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110
  
  651-773-6170
January 13, 2022 POSTPONED
- Willow Lane Elementary
  
  3375 Willow Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110
  
  651-773-6170
February 10, 2022
- Location TBD
March 10, 2022 (*date will change due to spring break)
- Location TBD
April 14, 2022
- Location TBD
May 12, 2022
- Location TBD
June 9, 2022 (*date will change due to the end of the school year)
- Location TBD