Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1067015
8 Winter 2018 | wyoea.edu Wind River Reservation: Our Schools, Our Voices by Elise Robillard Local leaders from Arapahoe, Riverton, Ethete, Lander, and Ft. Washakie are continuing their eff orts to engage educators, community members, and students in creating the schools and learning opportunities our students deserve. Using the opportunities available through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and grant funding from the National Education Association, outreach eff orts have reached all school districts on the Wind Reservation as well as Lander and Riverton schools which also serve students from the reservation. On November 1, candidates for elected offi ce Sergio Maldonado and Andi Cliff ord joined teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents for a community dialogue on the theme "Our Schools, Our Voices." The event was hosted by Wyoming Indian Schools. Discussion included recruiting highly qualifi ed teachers, learning enrichment at all levels, restorative student discipline, improving graduation rates, and improving parent/guardian involvement. While experts have often been paid to bring training and new ideas to schools on the Wind River Reservation, there are also many educators serving our students who have advanced degrees, unique areas of expertise, and who are willing to invest their time and energy in making a diff erence for their students. Dr. Johnna Nunez, who is a WEA member and counselor at Arapahoe Elementary, led the discussion and shared her own expertise in working with at-risk youth. She attended the NEA Women & Minority Leadership Training in San Diego in early December to learn more about resources available from NEA and to build relationships with other Association leaders from around the country. Kelly Goede made signifi cant contributions to the discussion. She taught for 20+ years in Arapahoe before retiring. She is now a member of WEA-Retired and an adjunct instructor at Central Wyoming College where she teaches aspiring educators. Kelly was involved in an NEA grant eleven years ago that funded community engagement and dialogue ; the work WEA members are doing today picks up that work and will hopefully bring resources, training, and meaningful progress to educators, students and their communities. Planning is now underway to secure additional funding for student engagement activities similar to last summer's Wind River Youth Conference and Festival. Parents and educators agree that we need students to take ownership of their educational opportunities. WEA members are Dr Johnna Nunez (left) and Bianca Singh, NEA Organizer who came to participate in the community dialogue on Nov 1. Dr Johnna Nunez leading discussion at the ESSA Community Dialogue at WY Indian School District on Nov 1.