Diversity Committee Meeting
November 11, 2011
November 11, 2011
Members: Arturo Gonzalez, Andrea Drake, Despina Kipelidis, Erlinda Suarez, Janet Tran, Linda Carter, Erynn Acree, Jennifer Torgerson
Members Present: Arturo Gonzalez, Andrea Drake, Despina Kipelidis, Erlinda Suarez, Janet Tran, Linda Carter, Greg Farias
Janet-
ODA’s monthly meeting was November 3, 201l. There are many upcoming events: 1) November 19, 2011 is National Day of American Indian & Indigenous People 11:00-5:00. What is the best way to inform staff about the events? In past years, a link was created on Carson’s Website. The list of events could be sent electronically to administration from ODA. We will ask Denette for an electronic copy. This information will be run on the electronic announcement board Carson’s main office.
Linda-
Linda Carter will share at the next Wednesday CT meeting about Native American activities and resources for the classroom. Linda will contact Beth Bestrum and reserve Native American kits to share with the staff. Linda will also share about resources available to Native American families in our district through the Indian Education Program.
Information about Gift Makers was also given to Janet to share with the staff.
Arturo-
We wanted an update on the status of the grants that we applied for. Greg Farias came our meeting today to give an update on the grant work. The Puyallup Tribe of Indian Nations reviewed the paper work for the $13,800 grant to be shared between six elementary schools. Each school will receive $2,300. Greg is requesting that the Tribe writes six checks. The next step: Tribe of Indian Elders will review the application and it could go through as early as next week. This will have a positive impact 6000 students in our district.
Greg Farias- Native American Diversity Celebration
Many departments in our district are involved in this effort: Food Services, ODA, CAO Amy Eveskcige, etc. On one in the evening in the spring all six schools to be together to celebrate Native American culture. Food services is committing to serve from May 31- June 8 Native American food item on the menu and other ethnic food items in honor of Diversity. We are planning to invite school board members. Chief Leshi’s Dance & Drum Group performance will be recorded and viewed at each of the six schools.
Arturo-
How will we spend our $2,300 dollars? We need to talk to Gerald Denman of ODA and ask for funds prior to receiving our grant from the Puyallup Tribe of Indian Nation. Perhaps we will receive matching funds from ODA.
Diversity Team Field Trip-
December 14, 2011 LIC (I) the Diversity Team will go on a fieldtrip to the Children’s Interactive Museum. Features: Hands on Activities, Interaction with museum exhibits, Make & take crafts, Storytelling & plays
Kiwanis Grant-
Three groups in Puyallup applied for the a grant. Applications that are not honored have a second chance through the Kiwanis fund.
Flags-
Flag holders have been permanently mounted on the light post in front of the school. American flags were donated and hung in front of the school for Veteran’s Day activities. Arturo is working on getting Native American Flags in honor of our Native American focus this year.
