The Navajo Nation
Department of Diné
Education Newsletter
January — February — March 2015
Second Quarter
Department of Diné Education
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
Fiscal Year 2015
U.S. Department of the Interior Fiscal Year 2016 Proposed Budget
Includes Replacement School Construction for Two Schools on the
Navajo Nation
Replacement school constructions for
Little Singer Community School and Cove
Day School, both on the Navajo Nation.
These schools have been on the priority
list and waiting for replacement since
2004
Window Rock, Arizona. On December 19, 2014, the U.S. Department of
Interior issues a News Release in which
Assistant Secretary Kevin K. Washburn
releases a statement on the “FY 15 Omnibus Bill Increased Funding for Bureau
of Indian Education Reforms.” In the
News Release, the Assistant Secretary
Washburn states: “The school replacement funding completes the requirements for the school construction project started in fiscal year 2014 and covers design costs for the final two
schools on the 2004 priority list.” These
schools are Little Singer Community
School and Cove Day School.
At
http://www.doi.gov/budget/
index.cfm, the Fiscal Year 2016 U.S.
Bureau of Indian Affairs’ proposed
budget includes: $25.3 million increase
for replacement school construction to
complete construction of the final two
schools on the 2004 replacement school
construction priority list: Little Singer
Community School and Cove Day
School.
Communities can benefit from
schools and students’ education.
Dr. Lewis said: “BIE Schools are very
important. Communities need to see
the building process. Using the education as a leverage to bring in other services, other service amenities are key to
get to that level, so that’s the way we’ll
have health services right down the
Dr. Tommy Lewis, Superintendent of Schools, talks about the importance of
school in a community.
school and we’ll have a laundry mate. We may
even have a gas station and we might even have
other social service programs to support the
school’s mission.” “So, overall it benefits the
whole community. We need updated knowledge
citizens. So that community can see that improvements need to be made and the reason for
improvements.”
On January 25, 2016, on a quiet Sunday afternoon around 3:00 PM, a dozen Congressional representatives visited Little Singer Community
School.
Etta Shirley, Principal at the school,
recalled, “In the afternoon around 3:00 PM, Congressional representatives came and visited class
rooms, rode the bus, interviewed school board
members and staff and took photos of classrooms,
buses and playgrounds.”
The congressional representatives were
joined by Dr. Tommy Lewis, Superintendent of
Schools on the Navajo Nation, Department of Diné
Education, and Council Delegates Amber Kanazbah
INSIDE
Cont./ USDOI FY 16 Budget
2
Superintendent
Dr. Lewis’ Message
3
Navajo Nation Board
of Education
4
Standing Committees
5
HEHSC Orientation
6
Science Fair
8
World language
Standards Policy
11
Self-governance in
Education
12
January — February — March 2015
Department of Diné Education
Little Singer Community School
Crotty and Walter Phelps.
Little Singer Community School,
which is a U.S. Department of Interior
Bureau of Indian Education grant
school, is located between Birdsprings
and Leupp, Arizona, in the Western part
of the Navajo Nation. This school year,
the school has 86 students, four teachers, four classrooms, and two school
buses.
On the morning of January 25,
2016, before heading to Little Singer
Community School, congressional rep-
resentatives met with Council Delegate
Amber Kanazbah Crotty, four Cove Day
School board members, Cove School
Administration, Cove Chapter officials,
and several Cove community members
in Window Rock, Arizona. The discussion covered basic information like the
history of the school stemming from
1957 and school deficiencies and
dilapidated conditions.
Cove Day School is located in Cove,
Arizona, near the New Mexico state border, and on the North Eastern side of
Cove Day School
②
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
the beautiful Chuska Mountain overlooking the Shiprock Peak.
Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah
Crotty, representing Beclabito, Gadiiahi/
To’Koi, Red Valley Tse’alnaozt’i’I’, Sheepsprings, and Toadlena/Two Grey Hills
Chapters, who is very happy and excited
about the new school said: “The school
facility is 50 years old and needs
replacement. Cove is a beautiful community which is a reflection of the
students. The Chapter passed quite a
few resolution supporting the replacement of the school.”
About the school replacement, Mr.
Lee B. Roy, School Board President, said:
“Cove Day School is a 1-5 grade, has 45
students, four teachers, four classrooms,
a playground, and one bus. We requested five modular buildings to use in 2016
while the construction activity is ongoing. The new school will have a gym,
paved parking lot and new playground
equipment. Last year, there was a public hearing for the replacement of school
which more than 300 people came to
support a construction of a new school.”
According to Mr. Roy, the School
Board approved a resolution to have the
U.S. Department of Interior Indian
Affairs Office of Facilities Management
and
Construction
complete
the
construction of the replacement school
project.
http://www.doi.gov/budget/
appropriations/2016/highlights/upload/
BH087.pdf)
January — February — March 2015
Department of Diné Education
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
Dr. Tommy Lewis’ Message
“Education is the cornerstone of the Navajo people, the Navajo traditions, and the Navajo society.”
THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
The best thing about getting an education is
the ability to learn new things and to have
wisdom and understanding. Life is very important and too precious. Education is
strengthening and preparing the mind which
in turn will prepare youth to gain selfconfidence, respect, compassion, ability to
manage, have self-reliance and economic
stability. The root of the Navajo culture is
K’e. It is inevitable that education and K’e
go together hand in hand. In our culture,
we learn that the relationship between the
Holy People and first man and first woman is
based on education. The Holy People taught
first man and first woman many mysteries
and these mysteries are about enjoying life.
The Holy People established the importance
of education. We must continue the admonition of the Holy People. Likewise today,
the Navajo Nation law (Navajo Sovereignty
in Education Act) is to have Navajo children
and youth get an education and to seek
knowledge. Education is important.
YEAR
February 26, 2015, Window Rock, AZ. Dr. Tommy Lewis, Jr., addresses the 2015 Navajo Nation Science Fair participates, teachers, and parents, at the Red Rock State Park,
Gallup, New Mexico. The 2015 Navajo Science Fair had over 845 entries from Kindergarten to 12th grades representing over 55 schools. 40 judges help evaluate and score
science projects.
DESCRIPTION
STATUS
Navajo Sovereignty in Education Act
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

Adopted by Navajo Nation Council
Codified in Title Ten, NNC
Implemented
Accountability Workbook





Draft by consultant
Required by ESEA/ NCLBA. Federal SEA
Draft submitted to BIE
DODE held public meetings
Pending implementation
2009
Compulsory School Attendance Policy




Draft by consultant
DODE held public meetings
NNBOE approve
Pending implementation
2012
Delegation of Authority to NNBOE for school reauthorization


Adopted by HEHS Committee
Implemented
2014
Feasibility Study (Oversight of BIE funded schools on Navajo
land)



Draft by consultant
DODE held public meetings
Pending NNBOE and HEHSC approvals
2005
2008
③
January — February — March 2015
Department of Diné Education
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
NAVAJO NATION BOARD OF EDUCATION
Dr. Pauline M. Begay
Gloria Johns, MA
Marlene Burbank
Vice President
Secretary
President
Fort Defiance Agency
Dolly C. Begay, MA
Eastern Agency
Delores Greyeyes
Western Agency
Western Navajo Agency
Chinle Agency
In the Second Quarter of FY 2015, NNBOE held Board meetings dealing with Navajo education, Reauthorization process and procedures, Grant/Contract Schools Annual Compliance Standards, and approved reports and related actions that request approval by the Health, Education &Human Services Committee. Here are some highlights. Contact
NNDODE Admin for copies of resolutions and minutes. (928) 871-7475/7479.
January 2015
February 2015
Dr. Bernadette
Todacheene
At the regular meeting held January 20, 2015, as
the first order of business, the Board selected Dr.
Pauline M. Begay as President, Gloria Johns, MA, as
Vice President, and Marlene Burbank as Secretary.
On February 6, 2015, the Board received a report
on the Instructional Rounds Implementation and
Results of the data for nine Grant Schools and one
Contract School.
Thereafter the Board handled new business items,
as follows:
■ Reviewed the Sovereignty Education Act.
■ Received a report on DODE Federal Funding
Disbursement of the proposed Navajo School
System.
■ Reviewed the Operating Procedural Manual
as approved by Resolution NNBEMA-34-08
■ Reviewed the Navajo Nation Travel Policy and
Procedures.
■ Scheduled an orientation to receive reports
from eleven NNDODE Programs included a
training on the Robert’s Rules of Order.
Under old business, the Board reviewed resolution
ECJA-04-03 regarding Kinteel Residential Campus,
Inc., and Shiprock Associated Schools, Inc.
In addition, the Board receive reports on the assumption of control of Nazlini Community School,
Inc., and Pine Hill School issues as reported by
KRQE TV News – “The most dangerous school in
America?”
January 13, 2015, Navajo Nation Board of Education
inauguration ceremony. From left to right: Dolly C.
Begay, Dr. Pauline M. Begay, Marlene Burbank,
Delores Greyeyes, and Dr. Bernadette Todacheene.
Northern Navajo Agency
Bennie Begay
Board Member
Appointed
March 2015
Navajo Culture
Representative
At the March 6th, 2015, regular meeting, the Board
approved a resolution recommending the president of the Navajo Nation to approve the updated
MOA between the Navajo Nation and GMCSD.
The Board received the report that Pinon Community School Board, Inc., failed to uphold Corporation status with the Navajo Nation Corporation
Commission.
Patrick D. Lynch, MPH
Board Member
Appointed
Parent
The Board also scheduled the reauthorization of
15 Grant Schools and one Contracted School. The
Board also revisited Section 106 of the Navajo
Sovereignty in Education Act to get more familiar
with the Board’s duties and responsibilities.
④
Representative
January — February — March 2015
Department of Diné Education
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
Lorenzo Bates, Speaker of the 23rd Navajo Nation Council
HEALTH EDUCATION & HUMAN
SERVICES COMMITTEE
BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Jonathan Hale
(Chairperson)
from Fort Defiance Agency
2. Norman M. Begay (Vice Chairperson)
from Eastern Agency
3. Nelson S. BeGaye from Central Agency
3. Mel R. Begay from Fort Defiance Agency
4. Nathaniel Brown from Western Agency
4. Tom Chee from Northern Agency
5. Amber Crotty from Northern Agency
5. Seth Damon from Eastern Agency
6. Tuchoney Slim, Jr., from Western Agency
RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
LAW & ORDER COMMITTEE
1. Alton Shepherd
(Chairperson)
from Fort Defiance Agency
1. Edmund Yazzie
(Chairperson)
from Eastern Agency
2. Benjamin Bennett (Vice Chairperson)
from Fort Defiance Agency
2. Raymond Smith, Jr., (Vice Chairperson)
from Fort Defiance Agency
3. Davis Filfred from Northern Agency
3. Kee Allen Begaye from Central Agency
4. Leonard H. Pete from Central Agency
4. Jonathan Perry from Eastern Agency
6. Leonard Tsosie from Eastern Agency
Source: Resolution CF-6-15
⑤
January — February — March 2015
Department of Diné Education
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
HEHSC Orientation by NNDODE
Window Rock, Arizona. On
March 2, 2015, Dr. Tommy
Lewis, Superintendent of
Schools, conducts an orientation to members of the
Health, Education, and
Human Services Committee
of the Navajo Nation Council (HEHSC), which is the
legislative oversight committee for the Navajo
Nation Department of Diné
Education. The Orientation
was held on the second
floor in the Naat’áanii
Conference Room at the
Navajo Division of Transportation, Tse Bonito, New
Mexico. Five members of
the HEHSC attended the
orientation which begin
9AM and end around 3PM.
Dr. Tommy Lewis opens the
meeting with a welcome
address which was then
followed by an introduction
of HEHSC members of the 23rd Navajo
Nation Council: Jonathan Hale,
Chairperson; Norman M. Begay, Vice
Chairperson; Nelson BeGaye, Amber
Crotty, and Tuckhoney Slim, Jr. Navajo
Board of Education members Dr.
Paulene Begay, President; Gloria Johns,
vice President; Dolly C. Begay, and Dr.
Bernadette Todacheene, were also in
attendance.
Program Presentations
The Orientation covered basic information about the eleven-program that
comprises of the Department of Diné
Education. Standing at the podium,
program managers begin presenting a
PowerPoint presentation of their
program, program managers included:
 Sharon Singer, Navajo Head Start
Assistant Superintendent;
 Eleanor Thomas, Program Manager
for Navajo Johnson O’Malley
Program;
 Mr. Phillip Belone, Acting Program
Manager for the Office of Diné Accountability & Compliance;
 Dr. AnCita Benally, Program Manager
for the Office of Standards, Curriculum and Assessment Development;
 Dr. Kalvin White, Education
Administrator for the Office of Diné
School Improvement;
 Mr. Ronald Duncan, Department
Manager for the Office of Diné
YOUTH;
 Mr. Irving Nelson, Program
Supervisor for the Office of Navajo
Nation Library;
 Dr. Anselm Davis, Program Manager
for AdvancED Navajo Nation;
 Mr. Duane Reeder, Statistician, for
the Office of Educational Research
⑥
and Statistics;
 Treva Roanhorse, Program Manager
for the Office of Special Education
and Rehabilitation Services; and
 Rose Graham, Department Manager
for the Office of Navajo Nation Office
Scholarship and Financial Assistance.
Navajo Head Start
During the presentation on Navajo Head
Start by Sharon, Dr. Lewis mentioned
that, due to tribal bureaucracy and related matters, Navajo Head Start, which is a
huge program, needs to become a
quais-independent entity of the Navajo
Nation and as a separate entity. On that
matter, Jonathan Hale, HEHSC Chairperson said, “In order for the Navajo
Nation to exercise some types of responsibility, moving forward, and managing
that and carefully monitoring, it would
be to move Navajo Head Start from out
January — February — March 2015
Department of Diné Education
of under the Navajo Nation Government
and put it as an enterprise.” “So when
are we going to step out of the box? To
try to bring something new to our
people or do we just twiddle our fingers
and ignore it and we’re going to stay
status quo 2015,” said Jonathan. “The
next thing we know four years has gone
to 2018 status quo, while the outside
entities, governments, and people excel
themselves.”
During the discussion on “Sovereignty in
Education Act”, Jonathan Hale, HEHSC
Chairperson had this to say, “Today, we
are trying to locate within the Navajo
Nation government in the area of education, who is it? In Title Ten, Eleven and
Two discussions, where is it that the
Navajo Nation exactly takes that responsibility seriously and exercising that
sovereignty and holding itself accountable to the progression of education of
the Navajo students.”
Presentation—Federal Indian Policy
In the afternoon, Dr. Tommy Lewis
presented a PowerPoint presentation
on the History of Federal Indian Policy
pertaining to Indian Education from the
Navajo Treaty of 1868 to 2001 the
reauthorization of Public Law 107-110
as Title VII, Part A of the “No Child Left
Behind Act”.
Dr. Lewis’ presentation covered a point
-by-point discussion on the following
Federal Indian Policy:
■
Treaty of 1868
■
1921, Snyder Act, Indian Health
Care
■
1928, Miriam Report, Investigates
failed U.S. Indian Policy
■
`1934, Johnson O’Malley Act
■
1940, Impact Aid
■
1969, A Special Senate Subcommittee on Indian Education issues a
report “Indian Education: A National Tragedy – A National Challenge”.
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
another of what the Navajo Nation
realize itself and where it wants to lead
its people and for the next generation
how it wants to educate.”
Prior to the end of the meeting, Dr.
Lewis talked about the Feasibility Study
and the One Grant Concept of which
NNDODE has been holding public
meetings across the Navajo Nation.
“Also, the One Grant Concept,” said
Jonathan. “I really don’t like that term.”
He explains:
Dr. Tommy Lewis, Navajo Nation
Superintendent of Schools
■
1972, Indian Education Act,
Established the Office of Indian
Education and the National
Advisory Council on Indian
education.
■
1974, PL 93-380, Amends the Act
to add a teacher training program
and a fellowship program.
■
1976, PL 93-638, Indian SelfDetermination and Education
Assistance Act.
■
1978, PL 95-561, Gave authority to
BIA School Boards.
■
1988, PL 100-297, Authorized BIA
funded schools eligible to apply for
formula grant.
■
1994, Pl. 103-382, Reauthorization
of Indian Education as Title IX Part
A or ESEA.
■
2001, PL 107-110 Reauthorization
of Indian Education as Title VII Part
A of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Talking about the overall presentations,
Jonathan Hale, HEHSC Chairperson,
said: “Another good idea what I
wanted to hear is that Dr. Lewis mentioned that he was going to meet with
these superintendents of these schools.
I have been waiting for that. None of
that never happen before.” “That is
one discussion we’ll understand one
⑦
“I think it needs a more intellectual
name. The One Grant Concept seems
to bewilder the average Navajo school
board member. That term, says: ‘The
Navajo Nation will take over everything’. And, that’s where the jiní, ‘They
are going to get fired’; ‘they are not
going to come up to the Navajo
Nation’; ‘the Nation is going for other
people here’; ‘local control is out the
window.’ They start making that type
of scenarios. The people starts to get
scare and starts to resent it because
they’re jeopardizing their work; their
employment.”
Jonathan ends the statement with, “So,
don’t name it ‘One Grant Concept’.”
After all reports have been presented
and before adjourning, HEHSC
members by a unanimous vote
accepted the reports.
Jonathan Hale, HEHSC Chairperson
January — February — March 2015
NAVAJO NATION DEPARTMENT OF DINE
EDUCATION KICKED-OFF THE 2015
NAVAJO NATION SCIENCE FAIR AT THE
RED ROCK STATE PARK – GALLUP, NEW
MEXICO
The Navajo Department of Diné Education (NNDODE) held the 2015 Navajo
Nation Science Fair February 24—26,
2015, at the Red Rock State Park-Gallup,
New Mexico.
The Office of Diné School Improvement
of the Navajo Department of Diné
Education was excited about the positive
responses with more participants. “This
year over 845 entries were submitted
from Kindergarten to 12th grades representing over 55 schools, ”says Johanson
Phillips, Principal Education Specialist at
the office of Diné School Improvement,
NNDODE. 40 judges have signed-up to
evaluate and score science projects that
included seven categories:







Animal Sciences
Behavior & Social Services
Biology
Chemistry
Engineering & Computer Science
Environment Sciences
Physical Science
Navajo Nation Science Fair (Grades K-4)
Peewee Division Results for 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
Animal Science
Leilani Benally/Tiffany Henry—
Ch'ooshgai Community School
Jaiden Sandoval—Na Neelzhiin Ji Olta’
Hyler Peterson—Tuba City Primary
School
Shalane Hardy—Tsehootsooi Dine
Bi’Olta
Department of Diné Education
Couy Sherman—Ch’ooshgai Community
School
Behavioral & Social Sciences
Candice Tsosie -Tuba City Primary
School
Mya Jones—Tsehootsoi Intermediate
Learning Center
Miara Bilagody—Tuba City Primary
School
Lexandra Jim/ Ganalita Lopez— Na
Neelzhin Ji Olta
Adamius Bedonie—Wingate Elementary
School
Biology
Lynn Goldtooth/ Adriano Phillips—
Tuba Primary School
McKayla Bedoni—Tsehootsoi Intermediate
Learning Center
Maric Bilagody—Eagle’s Nest Intermediate
School
Adriana Bochinclonny—Ganado Elementary School
Kaitlyn Bia—Ch’ooshgai Community
School
Chemistry
Nicole Martin—Atsa Biyaazh Community
School
Eli Johns—Chi Chil Tah Jones Ranch
Nyda Tom—Tsehootsoi Primary Learning
Center
Aaliyah Day/ Santiena Kuwanhyoima—
Tuba City Primary School
Elwood Thomas—Red Mesa Unified
School District
Darry Alexis/ Zion Platero—Chi Chil Tah
Jones Ranch
Engineering & Computer Science
Jaycelyn Tallsalt—Eagle’s Nest Intermediate School
⑧
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
Caleb Johnson/ Aden Hayes—Atsa
Biyaazh Community School
Jeremiah Walters— Tuba City Boarding
School
Chelsey Yazzie— Tuba City Primary
School
Zachary Song—Tuba City Primary
School
Environmental Sciences
Presley Parrish/ Wyatt Yazzie—Tuba
City Primary School
Krystal Lapahie—Atsa Biyaazh Community
School
Bray Holyan—Tsehootsoi Intermediate
Learning Center
Arianna Begay—Tsehootsooi Dine
Bi’olta
Keaira Curley—Tsehootsoi Intermediate
Learning Center
Physical Science
Allen Hudson—Eagle’s Nest Intermediate
School
Madeline Thacker—Ganado Elementary
School
Kamron Gilbert/ Tashina Blake—
Naatsis’Aan Community School
Ethan Jones—Round Rock Elementary
School
Nadine Day/ Shalya Meyers—Hunters
Point Boarding School
Navajo Nation Science Fair (Grades 5-6)
Elementary Division Results for 1st, 2nd,
3rd, 4th, and 5th places, are:
Animal Science
Kristin Wagner—Little Singer Community
School
Isis Arce—Sanders Middle School
Xavier Martin—Aneth Community
School
Kylie Scott—Aneth Community School
January — February — March 2015
Diana Whitehair Montezuma Creek
Elementary
Behavioral & Social Sciences
Abigail Benally—Ganado Middle
School
Jonah Holiday—Tuba City Boarding
School
Myla Curley—Tsehootsoi Intermediate
learning Center
Keyah Jaques—Tsehootsooi Dine Bi’olta
D’Andre Harker—Ganado Elementary
School
Biology
Quiana Dishface—Montezuma Creek
Elementary
laBelle LaFrance—Ganado Middle
School
Taylor Bia—Ch’ooshgai Community
School
Hanna Dayzie—Atsa Biyaazh Community School
Ethan Enlow—Eagle’s nest Intermediate
School
Chemistry
Geronie Pesodas—Eagle’s Nest Intermediate School
Najhozhoni Ben—Tse Bit ai Middle
School
Bion Benally—Atsa Biyaazh Community
School
Matthew Yazzie—Tsehootsoi Intermediate Learning Center
Liyah Yazzie—Wingate Elementary School
Engineering & Computer Science
Paige Goldtooth—Atsa Biyaazh Community School
Kyra Joe—Aneth Community School
Britney Help—Greasewood Spring
Community School
Department of Diné Education
Timothy Bahe—Little Singer Community
School
Kahai McKinley—Atsa Biyaazh Community
School
Environmental Sciences
Trent Dedman—Ganado Middle
School
Lillian Campbell—Lukachukai Community
School
Arisso Begay—Little Singer Community
School
Christion Secatero—To’Hajiilee Community School
Laquoia Etsitty—Ch’ooshgai Community
School
Physical Science
Kamryn Shorty—Tse Bit ai Middle
School
Jacob Harvey—Tse Bit ai Middle
School
Mica Song—Eagle’s Nest Intermediate
School
Jake Tsosie—Rock Point Community
School
Mason Skeets—Ch’ooshgai Community
School
Navajo Nation Science Fair (Grades 7-8)
Junior High Division Results for 1st, 2nd,
3rd, 4th, and 5th places, are:
Animal Science
Davishena Redhouse—Tse Bit ai Middle School
Nizhoni McCray—Ganado Middle
School
Mackenley J. Nez—Tuba City Junior
High School
ShoShauna Martinez—Ganado Middle
School
Ruthie Miranda—Tuba City Unified
⑨
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
School District
Behavioral & Social Sciences
Jayla Mclntosh—Ganado Middle
School
Mekhayla Chieg—Pinon Middle School
Miriam Lopez—Pinon Middle School
Shaundine Begay—Shonto Preparatory
School
Neola Toledo—Na'Neelzhiin Ji Ota’
Biology
Alexis Maravilla—Pinon Middle School
HannahJon Duwyenit—Tuba City Boarding School
Ashinee George—Tse Bit as Middle
School
Kobe Shorty—Tse Bit ai Middle School
Denise Golden—Sanders Middle
School
Chemistry
Danyel Johnson—Tse Bit as Middle
School
Ezekial Macaraig—Tuba City Unified
School District
Fallon Brown—Ganado Middle School
Tinnelia Salazar—Ganado Middle
School
Christian Bert—Ganado Middle School
Engineering & Computer Science
Shawndii McCray—Ganado Middle
School
Lorizen Santos—Pinon Middle School
Jayda Chee—Tuba City Boarding
School
Kieli Gilbert—Naatsis’Aan Middle
School
Cameron Charleston—Tse Bit ai Middle School
Elijah Charley—Wingate Elementary Sch.
School
January — February — March 2015
Environmental Sciences
Emily Staley—Chinle Junior High
School
Tyler Peters—Tse Bit ai Middle School
Trejan Clichee—Tse Bit ai Middle
School
Maury Blie—Pinon Middle School
Jason Puhuyesva—Tuba City Boarding
School
Physical Science
Deana Curley—Ganado Middle School
Stran Daye—Ch’ooshgai Community
School
Cheyenne Toledo—Dzilth-Na-O-DithHle Community Grant School
Richard Campbell—Lukachukai Community School
Bjorn Hardy—Pinon Middle School
Colby McNabb—Ganado Middle
School
Navajo Nation Science Fair (Grades 912) Senior Division Results for 1st,
2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th places, are:
Department of Diné Education
Cameron Badoni—Pinon High School
Biology
Faith Curley—Greyhills Academy High
School
Allyssia Garfield—Ganado High School
Adriano Tsinigine—Navajo Preparatory
School
Shantel King—Navajo Preparatory
School
D’Anigo Johns—Leupp Schools Incorporated
Chemistry
Adreyan Pete—Navajo Preparatory
School
Nizhonabah Davis—Ganado High
School
Cheyenne Poyer—Navajo preparatory
School
Aaron Yazzie—Leupp Schools Incorporated
Ashley Brown—Ganado High School
Engineering & Computer Science
Nizhoni Tallas—Navajo Preparatory
School
Animal Science
Maya Begay—Greyhills Academy High
School
Bovolhoyneum Roy—Leupp Schools
Incorporated
Kierra Laughing—Ganado High School
Behavioral & Social Sciences
Shevon Badoni—Pinon High School
Jazmin Benally—Navajo preparatory
School
Janaya McIntosh—Ganado High School
Cynthia Teller—Ganado High School
⑩
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
Kelvin Yazzie—Red Mesa Unified
School District
Timothy Benally—Ganado High School
Phyllis Martinez—Navajo Preparatory
School
Environmental Sciences
Chantelle Yazzie—Navajo Preparatory
School
Tyra Nicolay—Navajo Preparatory
School
Lisa Robbins—Greyhills Academy High
School
Sharaya Edgewater—Ganado High
School
Symone Russell—Leupp Schools
Incorporated
Physical Science
Kelly Charley—Navajo Preparatory
School
Taylar Jones—Navajo Preparatory
School
Bernard Barton—Leupp Schools Incorporated
Sheldon Natoni—Pinon High School
Aysha Catron—Ganado High School
January — February — March 2015
Department of Diné Education
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
WORLD LANGUAGE STANDARDS POLICY
Window Rock, Arizona. On February 25, 2015, regarding the
newly adopted “Office of Indian
Education Act” (Codified at Arizona Revised Statute 15-244), Timothy Benally, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Kalvin
White, Education Administrator
of the Office of Diné School Improvement, met with Representative Jennifer D. Benally and
Senator Carlyle W. Begay.
NNDODE was concerned about
the provision “B” which the Office
of Indian Education will provide
technical assistance to schools
and Indian Nations in Arizona to
meet the educational needs of
Native American students.
NNDODE felt a concrete definition on the term “technical assistance” is necessary to provide
clarification to provision “B” of
the Office of Indian Education
Act.
At the Arizona Department of Education, Phoenix, Arizona, Mr.
Benally and Dr. White join the
Native American Council
February 25, 2015, NNDODE meets with Representative Jennifer D. Benally at the House of
Representatives, PHX, AZ. From left to right: Mr. Timothy Benally, Assistant Superintendent of
meeting. DiSchools; Dr. Kalvin White, Education Administrator and Representative Jennifer D. Benally.
ane Douglas,
AZ State Superintendent
of Public Instruction, was
in the meeting
as well. The
meeting agenda included:
Ethnic Studies
Statewide Curriculum, Native American
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Language Standards, Legislative
updates, and Inclusive Curriculum
Development Committee.
NNDODE was concern about the
revision of the Native American
Language Standards.
One of the main concerns raised
about the revision of the Native
Language Standards (NLS) is the
amendment to change the title
to: World Language Standards.
California, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Ohio, South Dakota, and the
State of Washington previously
adopted a “World Language
Standards” policy to reinforce
global community idea. It is clear
that within a year, a majority of
the States in the United States
will have adopted a “World Lan-
January — February — March 2015
Department of Diné Education
guage Standards” policy.
However, in Arizona which has over 20 Native American Tribes, there is positive notion that the adoption of the Arizona “World Language Standards” policy - with reference “Native” out - will not negatively
impact future appropriation to state schools with
Native students, like schools on Indian Reservations.
Further, Arizona Department of Education will still
place emphasis on “Native Language students” as
have been previously exercised in spite of the focus
on World Languages, like: Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Bengali, Russian, Japanese, German,
etc. The bottom line is that the Navajo Language
should not be categorized as a foreign language and/
or World language for that matter. The Navajo
language came from the Holy People. We need to
maintain that distinction and identity.
2nd Quarter (FY 2015)
February 25, 2015, NNDODE meets with Senator Carlyle W. Begay at the Senate Building, Phoenix, Arizona. From left to right: Senator Begay, Dr. Kalvin White, and Mr. Timothy Benally.
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