Title:
Orange County Schools’ Native American Program

Word Count:
499

Summary:
Orange County Schools have taken an active role in the developing quality programs for all their members of their diverse student population. One program that has been developed is aimed at aiding student performance and improving instructional opportunities for students of Native American heritage. In order to better achieve these aims the Orange County School’s Native American Parent Advisory Committee was created.

Keywords:
orange county schools

Article Body:
Orange County Schools’ Native American Parent Advisory Committee

Orange County Schools have taken an active role in the developing quality programs for all their members of their diverse student population. One program that has been developed is aimed at aiding student performance and improving instructional opportunities for students of Native American heritage. In order to better achieve these aims the Orange County School’s Native American Parent Advisory Committee was created. The Native American Parent Advisory Committee acts under Title VII federal guidelines. It is composed of eight members; six elected members and two non-elected positions. The elected positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Teacher Representative, and Student Representative are elected at the beginning of each school year and a nominated by parents of Orange County Schools. The non-elected positions currently are Chris Eslick Coordinator, Title VII-Native American Program and Oryden Gould, Title VII Community Liaison/Secretary, who is of Cherokee decent. The program is intended to support Native American students in attaining high marks in reading, language arts, and mathematics. It meets this goal: by providing services in helping Native American students to meet Orange County Schools’ performance standards; by ensuring that Native American students partake in their school's Federal, State and local programs as considered necessary; by providing recruitment activities and family liaison services to meet the culturally related academic needs of Native American students; and by providing professional development opportunities to ensure that staff are properly trained and prepared to do work with Native American students.

Native American Parent Advisory Committee’s Senior Recognition Night

Every year the Native American Parent Advisory Committee recognizes graduating seniors from Orange County Schools. The event includes refreshments, speakers, donations, community sponsorship and a Native American dance demonstration. A new sponsor for this year’s program is the L.A. Dodgers baseball team. Senior Recognition Night honors those students of Native American heritage who have worked to excel in academic achievement within Orange County Schools. Senior Recognition Night is also a way for the Native American Parent Advisory Committee to recognize the families of these students and connect to the community.

Orange County Schools Connect to the Native American Community.

Orange County Schools actively encourage connection with the Native American community. There are several opportunities for those interested in the Native American community in the area. One event is The Children Of Many Colors Powwow held every July. This event lasts three days and is sponsored by Redbird. Redbird is non-profit Native American charitable group. It strives to aid in education of Native Americans and improve the quality of life in the whole community. Redbird began through a series of exhibits titled “Spirits In The Material World – Native Americans Today” which was shown at over 100 locations throughout Southern California, and which was also exhibited in the state of Ohio in 1995. Another area event is the Annual Indian Fair that celebrates Native American culture. The Annual Indian Fair is held every June at the Museum of Man in San Diego.