VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3

MARCH/APRIL 2008 Title VII –Indian Education Newsletter Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

TITLE VII TUTORS & CAREER COUNSELORS

SPECIAL POINTS OF Meet the Title VII tutors and High Schools: Coordinator for the Kenaitze INTEREST: career counselors at the middle Indian Tribe and Randy Ash- Winter Games, Yellow- and high schools. Soldotna - Randy Ashford ford is the Social Services Co- knife ordinator . These folks can be Middle Schools: Skyview - Kelli Sponholtz Local students spotlight and contacted at the Kenaitze In- dian Tribe office at 283-3633 biographies attending Arctic Seward - Leslie Fogg Kenai - Gina Wilson Winter Games

Nikiski - Bridgett Gillis Peninsula Optional - Randy Ashford

Homer - Joyclyn Graham The Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s Kenai - Sarah Shearer Cultural and Education De- INSIDE THIS ISSUE: partment Director is Sasha Soldotna - Patti Truesdell Lindgren . Michael Bernard is the Cultural Youth Program YAGHANEN YOUTH 1 COUNCIL ANNOUNCMENT YAGHANEN YOUTH COUNCIL

February 21st thru April 17th Thursday’s Sponsored By: TEACHING MONEY 2 2008 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM MANAGEMENT SKILLS ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Kenaitze Indian Tribe— Native Youth Student Council With two Saturday Cultural & Education IMPROVEMENT 2 Activities HOMEWORK Students will be working Salamatof Tribal Council with: Kenai Peninsula Borough Kenaitze Head Start Family School District—Title VII TUTOR REPORTS 3 Native Elders Community Members House Indian Education Program ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT 4 Culture & Knowledge 120 North Willow Nakenu Family Center Encourage involvement in Kenai, AK Elder Mentors Contact: Rural Human Services MIDDLE/HIGH 5-6 Positive Alaskan Native SCHOOL SURVEY Youth Leadership Activities Kenaitze Indian Tribe Program 283-6693 10 WAYS TO HELP 7 YOUR CHILD DO BET- TER ON A TEST NATIVE YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES—ANCHORAGE, AK SPOTLIGHT ON ATH- 8 LETE—WINTER NYO—Native Youth Olym- Kneel Jump, Wrist Carry, Games at (907) 793-3265 or GAMES pics is an annual athletic event Alaskan High Kick, Eskimo toll free (877) 985-5900. which takes place in Anchor- Stick Pull, Toe Kick, One age. The senior NYO games Hand Reach, Two Foot High are April 24th—April 26th at Kick, Indian Stick Pull, One the Sullivan Arena in Anchor- Foot High Kick and the Seal age, . Hop.

Some of the events that senior If interested in watching the girls and boys will be compet- competition, contact the Cook ing in are: Inlet Tribal Council—NYO TITLE VII –INDIAN EDUCATION NEWSLETTER PAGE 2

TEACH MONEY MANAGEMENT TO IMPROVE YOUR TEEN’S MATH SKILLS

A recent study showed that 62% of teen- teen how to figure out the best deal credit card interest and fees worked. agers believe they’re prepared to deal in the supermarket. Which is a bet- Use a real-life example to explain with the adult financial world after high ter deal-the 16 ounce can of soup or this. ―If you buy a $50 jacket on your school. It’s great that today’s teens are so the 36-ounce can? Use a calculator credit card now, can’t pay the bill confident about their money managing at home to find the best deals in cata- this month, and have a 20% interest skills. But does your teen really know logs or advertisements. rate, how much enough to survive in the real world? will the jacket 41% of teens said they knew how to really cost you?‖ The surveyed teens were less confident budget money. Work with your teen when it came to specific money manage- to develop his own weekly budget. Source: ―Charles Schwab ment areas. Here are the facts-and ways Include categories for spending, such Teens and Money 2007 Survey you can teach your teen about these im- Findings: Insights into Money as lunch money or clothes, and also Attitudes, Behaviors and portant areas (and improve math skills set aside some money in a savings Concerns of Teens,‖ Charles along the way!): account. Show him how you make Schwab, www.aboutschwab.com/ your budget. 57% of teens knew how to compare teensurvey2007.pdf prices for the best deal. Teach your Only 26% of teens understood how Parents Still make the difference! February 2008

DENE TEAM, TEAM ALASKA FOR 2008

Yvonne Waskey, a 7th grader at Kenai in her school. This will be the first trip Middle School has been selected as a out of Alaska for the 13 year old Team Juvenile participant for games in Alaska recipient! the Arctic Winder games, in , Canada. She is part of the Kenaitze In- Good Luck Team Alaska at dian Tribe’s Ggugguyni Native Youth Yellowknife, Arctic Winter Olympics Team and has competed at the Peninsula Winter Games -Native Youth Games, 2008!! Olympics Games where she placed 2nd in the Seal Hop. While she has been in Drumline under Ms. Sounart, she partici- pated in Jr. Varsity team and Yvonne Waskey in 2nd string band plus also attends choir

STUDY SUGGESTS ATTENTION TO BASICS CAN IMPROVE HOMEWORK PERFORMANCE By Randy Ashford One finding was that students some- emerged in relation to the student’s lack times were at a disadvantage because of awareness that homework had been Getting students to complete their of a poorly developed prior knowledge assigned at a given moment, incorrect homework can be tricky; yet turning base, which impaired their ability to readings of these assignments, and dif- homework in can make all the differ- answer subject-based questions, and ficulties reading their assignments later ence between passing and failing required students to invest additional on¹. grades. One study¹ by Dr. Billie Eilam learning efforts in hierarchically struc- Although these skills may be consid- involving homework performance tured subjects. A second finding was ered essential to homework tasks, the found that students that transition from that students exhibited cognitive skill study found that students were not spe- homogeneous elementary schools to deficits, indicated by a lack of infor- cifically instructed in their application integrated high schools are at risk for mational processing skills. In other in school. These findings suggest that anxiety, adjustment difficulties, aca- words, they lack experience in the ba- homework performance can be im- demic problems, positional disadvan- sic mechanics of critical thinking and proved by teaching students these fun- tages, and even failure or school drop- problem solving. The third and most damental skills. See Eilam, B.(2005) in the out. The study found that students typi- significant finding was that students in American Educational Research Journal. 1. Eilam, B. (2005).Primary strategies for promoting homework cally encountered difficulty with the study lacked technical/ performances. American Educational Research Journal, 38, 691- homework in three learning areas. management skills. These deficits 725 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 PAGE 3

SOLDOTNA MIDDLE SCHOOL

By Patti Truesdell dent of the month for each named cate- 3. Study Skills—Ashley McCamon and gory: Heath Healy Several Title VII students participating in Patti Truesdell’s tutoring program have 1. Physical Education—Heath Healy A round of applause for those out- won school awards. The following stu- standing students! dents have been declared February stu- 2. Foods and Nutrition—Jay Phipps

SKYVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

By Kelli Sponholtz performance: Sophia Taeschner was hon- Congratulations also go out to Hunter ored for her outstanding performance in Jackinsky and Yuzhyn Evanoff for their On Thursday February 21, 2008, Sky- the Performing Arts, and Kelli Sponholtz outstanding performances during the view’s Student of the Month program was honored as the Skyview Staff person cross-country ski season. Hunter and held its monthly luncheon. The National of the month. Sophia is a junior National Yuzhun were members of the Skyview Honor Society, and the Administration in Honor Society student, and Kelli Spon- cross-country ski team that placed 9th at conjunction with the Culinary Arts class holtz is the Skyview Title VII Career state, while Hunter placed 34th overall! sponsored the luncheon. Two Title VII Counselor. participants were honored for outstanding

KENAI CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

By Gina Wilson the nation’s northern-most university. important event. Ms. Wilson will be bringing back this KCHS Title VII Career Counselor Gina information to share with her college- Wilson has been selected to attend a bound students. Gina will also be co- weekend conference at UAF in March to hosting a spaghetti dinner for families learn about the educational programs that are participating in the Title VII pro- and learning opportunities that exist for gram at KCHS. See the Youth Council Alaska Natives and American Indians at announcement for more details on this

DENE GAMES AND THEIR HISTORY AND MEANING The and Dene games are a true According to the Arctic Winter Games Pole Push: Two teams of four grab oppo- premier sport especially for spectators. web page, ice buckets are always on hand site ends of a long pole and try to push These games are now mainly focused for the competitors to plunge their hands their opponents out the ring. The pole on youth but the Inuit (Eskimo) and after each round for relief. must stay between the shoulder and the Dene (interior Native) cultural games hip. The team is not allowed to let go of have maintained their adult competition Snow Snake: Throwing a stick under- the pole or move up on the pole at any status. handed along a snow field the farthest is time. The best two out of three tries the purpose of this game. wins. The Dene games include five events: the finger pull, pole push, stick pull, Stick Pull: Competitors have three Information gathered from the 2008 Arctic snow snake and the hand games. The chances to pull a greased stick out of Winter Games, Yellowknife, Canada web- first three events are tests of strength their opponents hand, without twisting or page. and strategy. turning the stick. The stick must be kept horizontal at all times. Finger Pull: The object of this game is to straighten the opponent’s finger or to Hand Games: These are games built en- force the opponent to concede. If nei- tirely upon deception. Two teams of four ther concedes the competitor who is take turns hiding tokens in their hands. designated the defensive player prior to The object is to make the opposite teams the match is the winner..This event is incorrectly guess the location of tokens. painful both to watch and as a partici- pant. TITLE VII –INDIAN EDUCATION NEWSLETTER PAGE 4

BRIANNA GOINS ~ THE ARCTIC WINTER GAMES 2008 COUNTDOWN !

Stick Pull, Snow Snake and Hand Native Youth Olympics. After four years Games. of competing in NYO and winning multi- ple medals in the Scissor Broad Jump, the The Arctic Winter Games 2006 were Alaskan High Kick, the One Foot High hosted on the Kenai Peninsula and our Kick, the One Hand Reach and the In- Juvenile Dene Game Team brought dian Stick Pull at the Peninsula Winter home a bronze medal for the Pole Push Games competition, as well as, the State and a bronze medal for Hand Games. NYO Competition, the AWG coach Looking back on AWG 2006...we had so recognized my dedication and hard work. much fun! I would encourage all students to participate in educational opportunities When I am away from my NYO and

away from home because not only is it a AWG extended family, I also participate great life experience but you get to meet in sports, future problem solvers, and I new friends, too. (Did I mention loads of am currently researching law school. fun?) In fact, it actually gives you a sense of responsibility… living on your own, I am proud to be representing Alaska at

Brianna Goins competing handling your own finances, making the Arctic Winter Games 2008 in Yellow- knife, Canada. Please join us! in the stick pull good choices, all of which are great life skills that every student needs to have to www.awg2008.ca or Hi, my name is Brianna Goins and I am a be successful in life. (Plus, these types of 10th grade student at Ninilchik School. I experiences will make leaving for college www.awg.teamalaska.org have been selected to participate in the in two years seem like just another adven- Arctic Winter Games 2008 in Yellow- ture.) knife, Canada. My team, the junior Dene Games Team, will compete in the follow- My interest in competing in the Arctic ing events: Pole Push, Finger Pull, Indian Winter Games originally began with the

CHRISTINA GLENZEL— LOCAL GIRL TRAVELS TO YELLOWKNIFE

My name is Christina Glenzel and I am also took 1st in the Indian Stick Pull at in the 6th grade at Kenai Middle School. the 2008 Peninsula Winter Games and I started NYO when I was in the first 2nd in the 2007 PWG. I love cultures and grade and was on the Ninilchik NYO have been involved with drumming and team. When I was in 2nd grade I took dancing over the years. I currently make 4th place in the Eskimo Stick Pull at Intertribal Drums with my dad out of JNYO State Competition. I am currently cotton wood trees. I am very excited to on the Kenai Peninsula NYO team and I be on Team Alaska representing the practice three days a week. I have placed and look forward to travel- 2nd in the Eskimo Stick Pull for 2007 ing to Yellow Knife, Canada. and 2008 Peninsula Winter Games. I Christina Glenzel

DENE TEAM, TEAM ALASKA FOR ARCTIC WINTER GAMES 2008 Samantha E. Georges is a and a Junior Leader for the her Spanish teacher, Ms senior at Kenai Central High Kenaitze Yaghanen Youth Sievert in the summer of 2006. who will be competing in Winter and Summer Pro- She is also in the Unity Drum Dene Games at Yellowknife grams beginning in 2005. Af- Group which is located in Canada for the Junior team. ter attending Alaska Federa- Soldotna. Samantha also has Samantha joined Native tion of Natives as a Sopho- been in Youth Council in Youth Games in 8th grade more in Anchorage, she was 2007 and she has been se- and she has been active ever selected as the AFN Youth lected as one of the Native since. She was also in Jabi- Representative for the Kenai Youth Leaders for the Youth la’ina Dance Group in 2004- Peninsula Area for the year. Council for 2008 06, a Chuda Kuya/Delumi For her Spanish class, she has Samantha E. Georges Youth Drummer until 2006, traveled to Costa Rica with VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 PAGE 5 Middle School and High School programs To assist us in the planning for the 2008-2009 school year, please complete the following questionnaire for your middle school and high school students. School ______Grade ______I would like to have the following Title VII opportunities for my child. Prioritize please; first, second and third priorities ______After school tutoring ______After school enrichment (art, music, culture) ______After school Youth Leadership ______In school tutoring ______Travel assistance for after school programs ______I would like to be contacted by the Title VII staff regarding my child. (Please list your name and contact information such as phone number or email address) ______Career and financial aid planning ______Transition help to middle school or high school ______Other needs to be considered ______

Name and Contact information: ______

Please fold and mail this survey by April 1, 2008.

Middle School and High School Programs To assist us in the planning for the 2008-2009 school year, please complete the following questionnaire for your middle school and high school students. School ______Grade ______I would like to have the following Title VII opportunities for my child. Prioritize please; first, second and third priorities. ______After school tutoring ______After school enrichment (art, music, culture) ______After school Youth Leadership ______In school tutoring ______I would need travel assistance for after school programs ______I would like to be contacted by the Title VII staff regarding my child. (Please list your name and contact information such as phone number or email address) ______Career and financial aid planning ______Transition help to middle school or high school ______Other needs to be considered ______

Name and Contact information: ______

Please fold and mail this survey by April 1, 2008. TITLE VII –INDIAN EDUCATION NEWSLETTER PAGE 6

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Title VII—Indian Education 148 North Binkley Street Soldotna, Alaska 99669

TO: Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Federal Programs & Small Schools Attn: Rochelle Hanson 148 North Binkley Street Soldotna, Alaska 99669 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 PAGE 7 10 WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD DO BETTER ON TESTS

By Bridgett Gillis 6. Suggest that your child do deep Measure all your child can do. 1. Review the subject matter together breathing exercises to relax before for upcoming tests. the test begins. Remember: Children who love learn- 2. Make sure your child gets a good 7. Tell your child to follow directions ing are more likely to do better on tests. night’s sleep before every test. carefully, and ask questions if Instill a positive attitude about school. something is not clear. 3. Serve your child a light, healthy These tips obtained from the web at breakfast on test day. 8. Advise your child to do the easiest http:// che.dare.k12.nc.us/parent- parts of the test first, then the rest. student/guidance /10-ways-to-help-your 4. Have your child dress comfortably -chil.shtml. and arrive at school on time. 9. Remind your child to check over answers before turning in the test. 5. Send your child off to school with words of praise and support. 10. Encourage wanting to do well, but stress that one test won’t

USE COMMUNITY SERVICE TO TEACH YOUR TEEN THREE CRITICAL LESSONS.

Too often, teens get a bad rap. Adults 3. They are generous. Volunteering criticize their dress, their music and helps shape the way teens view their attitudes. In fact, today’s teens themselves forever. Teens who may be the most idealistic generation learn to give now will keep giving ever. Nearly 60 percent of teens do throughout their lives. some sort of regular volunteer service. And many schools today require stu- dents to volunteer.

While teens are volunteering, they’re also learning important lessons. Here are three big lessons that teens learn from their service.

1. They can make a difference. A Source: Kenneth R. Ginsburg, Martha, teen who serves meals in a soup Jablow & Marilee Jones, Less Stress, kitchen sees that her efforts matter 2. There are things more important to people who may otherwise go than things. We live in a material without food. A teen who volun- world. Teens spend a lot of time teers in a children’s hospital ward worrying about whether they have sees the faces of patients light up the right shoes or blue jeans or when she walks in. But teens can jackets. Volunteering helps put all also learn this same lesson close to that in perspective. When she sees home. If an elderly neighbor needs a mom who took her kids out of help, have your teen volunteer to abusive home with only the clothes run errands and then spend time on their backs, she may worry less just listening. about having the ―right‖ brand name on her own jeans.

KPBSD Title VII ~ Indian Education

Federal Programs and Small Schools Phone: 907-714-8892 ext. 8866 Title VII - Indian Education Fax: 907-262-6354 Kenai Peninsula Borough School District E-mail: [email protected] 148 North Binkley Street Soldotna, Alaska 99669

CHELSEA RIA MARROW ~ TRUE LOVE OF DENE Hi, my name is Chelsea Ria Morrow. I I will be attending the 2008 Arctic Winter My whole life has been doing native am Koyukon Athabascan and Tlingit Games on the Dene Team for Team games or being around them. I love the Indian. I was born in Fairbanks and Alaska in Yellowknife, Canada. I partici- games and look forward to representing raised all over Alaska. My tribe is Huslia pated in the 2006 Arctic Winter Games, Team Alaska. I plan on doing my best which is located on the Koyukuk River. I for the Dene Team. That year we got 3rd that I can at the games! Thank you to all now live in Kenai and attend Kenai Mid- place in the hand games and pole push. my sponsors and supporter of the games. dle School. Dene games were originally a man’s game and since 2004 women were able to My mother is Amanda Attla of Fair- participate in them. From the time I was banks. My grandparents are Ron and in 1st grade I’ve been involved in Native Karen Rifredi, of Kenai and Nulato. My Youth Olympics. In 2005 I received the great grandparents are Bob and the late sportsmanship award. And for the last 5 Carol Dolan of Kenai, Agnes Ostland years I have participated in Job Corps and the late Phillip Huhndorf of Nulato. Annual, and Kenai Peninsula Winter My grandfather is George Attla of Huslia. Games. I have received medals in all My great grandparents are the late competitions but there are too many to George and Eliza Attla of Huslia. My name. My mother and father have been father is Faustino ―Tino‖ Morrow of taking me to the World Eskimo Indian Juneau. My grandparents are Margaret Olympics since I was born, and I finally Keebler of Whittier, and the late Carl got to participate in 2007. Two of my Morrow of Washington. favorite events there are the ear pull and Chelsea Ria Marrow the blanket toss.