Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Education
Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Education
What is Indian Education?
It is a federally funded program that makes available helpful services for school age students that are of Native American descent or linage, and to assist Natives in getting their high school diploma. Each school district has to have 10 Native Students and has to apply for the federal grant yearly, as well as other requirements. For more information check out www.indianeducation.org
Who can and should sign up for this program?
Enrollment is open to all students in Montague, Whitehall, Reeths-Puffer or Holton School Districts, that are descendants of Native American blood. Native American Tribal members or those that have a PARENT or GRANDPARENT that is of Native American Heritage. The child does NOT have to be a tribal member. All that is needed is for the parent or guardian to fill out and return a Federal 506 Form asking for general information like the student’s name, age, grade, school district and tribal affiliation. You can contact Jennifer at missbeatty@hotmail.com or Deb at DGutow4413@aol.com if you have more questions or want enrollment forms.
Where can I find Indian Education?
Our program currently serves students in Northern Muskegon County, in Montague, Whitehall, Holton and Reeths-Puffer School Districts. These schools joined with Reeths Puffer School District, that files the grant on a yearly basis for these schools. If you live in another district you have to ask your local staff if they have an Indian Education Program or you can check on www.indianeducation.org
How will this program benefit my child?
Currently we try to provide academic tutoring to middle school students (5th-8th) that are in need of support to successfully complete the current grade they are in. School supplies are available to student at the beginning of the year or as needed through out the year. Also cultural classes and events are a chance for your child to met with and socialize with other Native American students, to learn and share their Native culture and traditions.
What if my child doesn’t need help or supplies?
We encourage you to enroll your child anyway. The more students we have enrolled the more money we get to help the students that do need help. It is a Native Tradition that we help out our brothers and sisters.
We also provide information for other Native American events, cultural classes and pow-wows in the area, in hopes that your family will enjoy themselves, Native or not. We like these events to be places for learning and sharing our Native heritage.
