Education Services

Program Information

Chuck Hoskin Executive Director

Bill Andoe Deputy Executive Director

10-1-13

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Co-Partner Program (JOM) Dr. Shelley Butler-Allen, Manager

• The mission of the CN Co-Partner Johnson O’Malley (JOM) program is to provide opportunities for achievement through student and parent involvement in academic and cultural education.

• To achieve these desired outcomes, 73 public school and community programs focus on academics and individual needs of students in the school environment while 11 Cherokee Nation Co-Partner Special Project initiatives offer culturally appropriate activities that cultivate Indian student identity of family, community and tribal governance.

• The Co-Partner program offers multiple opportunities for JOM students in grades K-12 to exercise their use of the Cherokee language, increase their knowledge of Cherokee history and tribal government and expand their cultural knowledge through student competitions in art, Cherokee challenge and language bowl.

• JOM serves 23,990 students

• JOM serves 73 school districts

– 68 Public school contracts

– 5 community based schools

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Sequoyah Schools

Leroy Qualls, Superintendent Jolyn Rose, Principal

• SHS originated in 1871, when the Cherokee National Council

passed an act setting up on orphan asylum to take care of the many orphans who came out of the Civil War.

• In 1914, the Council authorized Chief Rogers to sell the

property to the United States Department of the Interior.

• In 1985, Cherokee Nation assumed the operation of Sequoyah from the BIA. It is operated through a grant and is regionally and state accredited for 7-12.

• In 2006, it became named Sequoyah Schools. Today SHS enrolls more than 300 students representing 42 tribes and 14 different states. Students are eligible to attend if they are members of a federally recognized Indian tribe.

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Goals • Provide a stable, orderly, and controlled educational environment. • Promote an environment of pride that will enhance student’s social relationships with others. • Provide an academic climate conducive to success and status gain. • Provide an opportunity for students to become total citizens. • Provide students with an opportunity to explore careers. • Provide an educational setting promoting ethnic and cultural development. • Create an environment that cultivates personal self-discipline and decision-making skills.

Sequoyah Schools ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ Tsalagi Tsunadeloquasdi

Charter School Leroy Qualls, Superintendent

Holly Davis, Principal, PK-8th grade

On July 13,1991, Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller

signed the Cherokee Nation Language and Cultural

Preservation Act #10-91, which provides for

promotion and preservation of Cherokee Language,

history and culture. This Act is in recognition that

the survival of a people is dependent upon their

capacity to preserve and protect their culture and

language.

In 2001, ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ (Tsalagi

Tsunadeloquasdi) began as a Language Preservation

program. Twenty-six students and four staff

members paved the way to revitalizing the language

with our young people.

In 2010, Cherokee Nation accepted the charter of

ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ (Tsalagi Tsunadeloquasdi)

making it the first Oklahoma public school for

Cherokee Language Immersion.

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Early Childhood Unit Verna Thompson, Director

• The Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit offers two programs—Head Start, which serves children ages three through four and Early Head Start, which serves children ages six weeks through three years of age.

• The Head Start and Early Head Start programs are based on the premise that six weeks to five-year old children benefit from a social and educational program. The services provided by the programs reinforce and respond to the unique culture, strengths and needs of each child and family. A prioritization process based on income guidelines is used when taking applications and enrolling a child in these programs. Children entering the three and four year programs must turn three by September 1.

• Child Health and Development Services: entry into the program ensures an ongoing source of continuous, accessible health care.

• Education and Early Childhood Development : the education environment is developmentally and linguistically appropriate and supports the development of all children’s social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical skills.

• Child’s Health and Safety: policies and procedures are established and implemented to respond to medical and dental health emergencies.

• Child’s Nutrition: a nutrition program is designed and implemented that meets the nutritional needs and feeding requirement of each child.

• Child’s Mental Health: a Mental Health Consultant is provided for timely and effective identification and intervention in family and staff concerns about a child’s mental health.

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Public School Contracts

SY12/13

School

# of Children

Served

Belfonte 20

Brushy 40

Inola 80

Maryetta 120

Rocky Mountain 35

Salina 40

Tahlequah 140

Zion 80

TOTAL 525

Staff Report

# of Staff # of Classes Student Teacher Ratio

2012-2013 EHS HS EHS HS EHS HS

Adair 8 15 3 12 1 to 4 1 to 9

Cherokee 51 30 16 12 1 to 4 1 to 9

Craig 0 0 0 0 0 0

Delaware 7 4 1 1 1 to 4 1 to 9

Mayes 20 11 6 6 1 to 4 1 to 9

McIntosh 0 0 0 0 0 0

Muskogee 0 4 0 1 1 to 4 1 to 9

Nowata 3 4 1 1 1 to 4 1 to 17

Ottawa 0 0 0 0 0 0

Rogers 0 5 0 3 0 1 to 17

Sequoyah 0 5 0 2 0 1 to 20

Tulsa 0 0 0 0 0 0

Wagoner 0 5 0 2 0 1 to 17

Washington 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 89 38

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Cultural Resource Center Dr. Gloria Sly, Education Liaison

• The Cultural Resource Center is a program of the

government of the Cherokee Nation. Its goal is to

educate citizens and the general public on Cherokee

language, history and life ways. (Legislative Act 10-

91)

• The Cherokee Cultural Resource Center provides

outreach to schools and communities through

cultural presentations, the tribal Internet website that

includes an inter-active database of over 7,000 words

in Cherokee and English with both written and

spoken translation, special events, and more.

• A historical ‘template’ of significant events that have

shaped our people and our tribal government is a

project being developed, once completed, will be

used to educate the public and our own young people

about the past and its relationship to the future.

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Activities • Conduct a Cherokee cultural camp for students • Convene Public School Superintendents’ (Techniques

of Successful Superintendents) monthly meeting • Trail of Tears Awards for Excellence-Recognize

students for their achievements. • Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council, established in

1989. • Remember the Removal Bike Ride-Selected students

retrace the Trail of Tears. • Miss Cherokee Program-administers Miss Cherokee

competition and activities, as she serves as a goodwill ambassador for the Cherokee Nation.

Special Projects • Conduct a minimum of ten Ground Penetrating

Radar Surveys. These surveys assist in locating individual graves at established Cemeteries within Cherokee Nation jurisdictional service area requested by citizens

• Cherokee Nation National Science and Engineering Fair

• Cherokee Nation Hosts National VEX Robotic Competition

STEM Public School Outreach

• The Education Outreach program started in

February 2007. It provides services to area

public schools and communities.

• The Program’s focus includes science,

technology, engineering and mathematics,

Cherokee language, cultural arts and financial

and consultant services for public schools

through motor Vehicle Tax revenues.

Activities • American Indian Science &Engineering Society

(AISES)

• Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Presentations in Schools which includes a planetarium

• Camp Cherokee (STEM Academy)- Interactive Summer Camp

• Robotics – Vex Robotics, FIRST Robotics (For Inspiration Recognition of Science and Technology)

• Science Fair - Cherokee Nation Science and Engineering Fair, as T.A. for school and other fairs.

• American Indian Math & Science Society (AIMS²)

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Public School Outreach

• The ᏣᎳᎩ Trail of Tears Awards for Excellence

began in 1987 and was designed to recognize and encourage graduating 8th and 12th grade Cherokee students in the areas of: Academics, Art, Citizenship, Civic Organizations, Cherokee Cultural Activities, Fine Arts, School Clubs & Organizations, and Team Sports. In addition to a certificate of recognition students receive a merit-based monetary reward based on verified awards and recognitions received with their submitted application packet. All students awarded will have their name printed in the Cherokee Phoenix. Applications generally go out toward the beginning of the year and are due in the middle of March.

• Requirements: Cherokee citizen,

• 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 unweighted scale

• Reside in the Cherokee Nation 14 County jurisdictional service area

• Be in the 8th or 12th Grade

• Applications available in January and due in March

• Applications must be postmarked by the deadline to be considered

Cherokee NationP.O. Box 948Tahlequah, OK 74465-0948

2012 Cherokee Nation

Attention High School Seniors!

Application Deadline

March 18, 2012

Cherokee NationP.O. Box 948Tahlequah, OK 74465-0948

2012 Cherokee Nation

Attention High School Seniors!

Application Deadline

March 18, 2012

Cherokee NationP.O. Box 948Tahlequah, OK 74465-0948

2012 Cherokee Nation

Attention High School Seniors!

Application Deadline

March 18, 2012

Cherokee NationP.O. Box 948Tahlequah, OK 74465-0948

2012 Cherokee Nation

Attention High School Seniors!

Application Deadline

March 18, 2012

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Cherokee Heritage Outreach

The Remember the Removal Trail of Tears Bike Ride was created in 1984 as an experiential learning opportunity to encourage Cherokees to never forget the Trail of Tears. By challenging the mind and the body the program participants see first hand the struggle of our ancestors as there weathered the elements of the forced removal to Indian Territory in 1838. The participants who take on this challenge encounter modern-day challenges of traffic along busy highways as well as elements of weather, camping and preparing their own meals. An Emergency Medical Technician and a Cherokee Marshal accompany this group on a sort of guided survival program. The overarching program goal is for participants to share their story with their friends, family and community so they too will never forget the struggles of our ancestors.

• Requirements: Minimum age 16

• Cherokee Citizenship with CDIB and Blue Card

• Ability to ride up to 100 miles per day

• Physical certified from doctor clearing participant for this activity

• Applications available in October.

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Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council

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The Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council (TYC) began under resolution 80-89 on October 14, 1989. Under the vision of a number of dedicated youth in cooperation with then Principal Chief, Wilma P. Mankiller, and the support of the Tribal Council, the TYC came to life. In 1989, national movements were occurring that urged the development of programs to promote the mental and physical well being of youth. Cherokee Nation took action to form the TYC to keep the Cherokee Nation at the forefront of the youth program movement of that time. Through the development of peer programs the TYC has been enabled to reach out to the Cherokee youth and Cherokee communities of Northeastern Oklahoma. For over two decades the TYC has committed thousands of hours of community service and learned what it is to be leaders in a modern society while holding strong to their culture and language. The TYC attendance of Tribal Council Meetings enables them to keep abreast of the current issues facing the Cherokee Nation. The TYC’s history is also filled with success stories. Youth who once served on the TYC have grown up and are now holding jobs not only with Cherokee Nation but with the Federal Government and in the private sector.

• Requirements: Age 16 -24

• Cherokee Nation Tribal Citizen

• Participants must be enrolled in a program of education (public, private, or home school)

• Enrolled students must be in good standing and passing

• Never married (civil or common law); childless

Cherokee Ambassadors

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• Miss Cherokee and Junior Miss Cherokee serve as goodwill ambassadors and messengers promoting the government, history, language and culture of the Cherokee Nation. They are role models and as such are expected to display the best qualities of Cherokee youth during their respective reigns. Each attends various events throughout the Cherokee Nation including community meetings, parades and school functions promote their message. From time to time they may also attend statewide and national events.

• The overall goal of our Little Cherokee Ambassadors is to begin instilling leadership skills that will help them eventually become leaders for our nation. Participating in the Little Cherokee Ambassador event is intended to inspire our youth to achieve their dreams. They are also encouraged to “Lead by Example” and become self sufficient, as well as gaining knowledge of their Cherokee heritage and beginning to recognize their history, culture and Language.

Julie Thornton Miss Cherokee 2013-14

Cherokee Ambassadors • Eligibility Requirements:

• Miss Cherokee must be between 18 and 22 years of age before the date of the competition; 17 year-olds are eligible if they have graduated high school;

• Must be a Cherokee citizen and reside within the 14-county Cherokee jurisdiction;

• Must be a high school graduate or have attained a GED;

• Must not have been married or ever co-habitated;

• Must not have children;

• Must not have previously served as Miss Cherokee.

• General Contact and Appearance Request

• Miss-cherokee@cherokee.org (918)-453-5000 OR 1-800-256-0671

• Junior Miss Cherokee must be between 13 and 18 years of age before the date of the competition;

• Must be a Cherokee citizen;

• Must currently be attending school;

• Must not have been married or have ever co-habitated;

• Must not have children;

• Must not have previously served as Junior Miss Cherokee.

• Little Cherokee Ambassadors must be between the ages of 4-12 years (age on the day of competition will determine age group)

• Must be a Cherokee Nation tribal member

• Must not have previously served as Little Cherokee Ambassador (in that age group)

• Must submit a copy of Cherokee Nation tribal membership card

• Must submit a brief biography

• A completed copy of the Little Cherokee Ambassador application form

• One girl and one boy will be chosen from each age group. Group 1: 4-6 years Group 2: 7-9 years Group 3: 10-12

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College Resource Center Mandy Scott, Manager

• The program began in 1983, and in 1990 the Cherokee Nation negotiated a Self-Governance Compact with the U.S. Government which established a direct relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the U.S. Congress.

• The compact authorized a direct block grant to the tribe to be allocated among various tribal programs and services, including higher education, in accordance with tribal priorities.

• Congress appropriated $29 million for Indian Higher Education.

• In October 2010, the office was renamed to the College Resource Center. The goal is to provide additional services to students seeking the college experience. Comprehensive student advisement and scholarship searches are offered.

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Find us on

Facebook for

helpful hints,

scholarship

opportunities

and reminders

for upcoming

deadlines.

Undergraduate financial awards will be as follows:

• The program began in 1983, and in 1990 the Cherokee Nation negotiated a Self-Governance Compact with the U.S. Government which established a direct relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the U.S. Congress.

• The compact authorized a direct block grant to the tribe to be allocated among various tribal programs and services, including higher education, in accordance with tribal priorities.

• Congress appropriated $29 million for Indian Higher Education.

• In October 2010, the office was renamed to the College Resource Center. The goal is to provide additional services to students seeking the college experience. Comprehensive student advisement and scholarship searches are offered.

Undergraduate Scholarship-Annual Scholarship for eligible

tribal members seeking a undergraduate degree residing in the 14-Co. jurisdictional area and contiguous boundaries.

Graduate Scholarship- Annual Scholarship for eligible tribal members seeking a graduate degree residing in the 14-Co. jurisdictional area and contiguous boundaries.

Directed Studies Scholarship-The purpose of the competitive Cherokee Directed Studies Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance to deserving students pursuing higher education in a specific study area aimed at strengthening the Cherokee Nation government and economy.

Online Application:

https://scholarships.cherokee.org

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Valedictorian-Salutatorian Scholarship-Cherokee Nation citizens who are named Valedictorian or Salutatorians qualify, must be residing within the 14 and contiguous counties. Valedictorian receives $1,000 and Salutatorian receives $750. Students must have at least a 3.5 GPA. Cherokee Promise Scholarship-Cherokee Nation citizens, must be residing within the 14-Co. jurisdictional area. Must meet all PELL eligible requirements for the Cherokee Nation Undergraduate Scholarship. Must meet all eligibility requirements for the Cherokee Nation College Housing Assistance Program, including NAHASDA income guidelines. Must be accepted to Northeastern State University or Rogers State University and live on campus in a designated residence hall and must have a 2.7 GPA. Outreach Program-The Cherokee Nation College Resource Center targets students ranging from Junior High through College. It is divided into three branches to best serve our Cherokee students with specific curriculum to better prepare them for college and a career: Junior High (6th – 8th), High School (9th – 12th), and College Students. Concurrent Enrollment Scholarship-Eligible High School juniors and seniors enrolled in college credit hours receive funding for books and required fees.

Cultural Outreach Mandy Scott, Manager

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Through the College Resource Center, a component of Cultural Outreach, Cherokee Nation provides presentations and performances by Brian Jackson, Robert Lewis, and J.P. Johnson. Brian Jackson delivers his “I Believe” Program and is a licensed archery instructor. Robert Lewis is an extremely sought after storyteller that brings his stories to life with audience participation. J.P. Johnson shares his knowledge of traditional games. Stickball along with Indian football and stomp dances encompass his repertoire.

Outreach- “I Believe” Brian Jackson

• From a life filled with drugs and alcohol to becoming a four-time Guinness World Record holder and a three-time record-holder with the Record Holder's Republic, Brian Jackson has amazed and inspired many with his life-changing stories.

• Proudly sponsored by the Cherokee Nation, Brian is an accomplished motivational speaker and presenter, traveling throughout the country since 1992 presenting his "I Believe" program to schools, churches, youth groups, organizations and companies with a total audience reached of over a million people.

• Booking information is available by calling 918-781-6500 ext 6719 or emailing ibelieve@cherokee.org. Clicking the following link will direct your away from the Cherokee Nation Website and open Brian's website: www.ibelieveguy.com.

• General Contact

• (918)-453-5000 OR 1-800-256-0671

• Records

• 2006 - Fastest Hot Water Bottle Burst; 51.98 seconds (Guinness Book of World Records)

• 2008 - Blowing a Golf Ball; 13'6" (Record Holder's Republic)

• 2009 - Inflating Hot Water Bottles; 3 in 1 minute, 8 seconds (Guinness Book of World Records)

• 2010 - Golf Ball Spitting; 18' 6.75" (Record Holder's Republic)

• 2010 - Blowing up Balloons; 9 #260 Qualatex modeling balloons(Record Holder's Republic)

• 2010 - Most Balloons Blown up in One Hour; 335; (Guinness Book of World Records)

• 2010 - Fastest Hot Water Bottle Burst; 12.29 seconds (Guinness Book of World Records)

• 2011 - Most balloons blown up in an hour, 370 (Guinness Book of World Records)

• 2011 - Heaviest Vehicle lifted with breath, 2520 pounds (Guinness Book of World Records)

• 2012- Most hot water bottles burst in 1 minute, 5. Guinness World Records

• 2012- Fastest time to burst a balloon through a 400 foot fire hose, 53.2 seconds, Republic World Records

• 2012- Most hot water bottles burst in 1 minute, 5. Guinness World Records

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Cherokee National Youth Choir

The Cherokee National Youth Choir performs traditional and contemporary songs in the Cherokee language. The choir was founded in 2000 as a way to keep our youth interested in and involved with Cherokee language and culture. The group is an important symbol to the world at large, demonstrating that Cherokee language and culture continues to thrive in modern society. Interest in the Cherokee language has been rekindled among our young people largely through the success of the youth choir.

The Cherokee National Youth Choir is made up of 40 Cherokee middle and high school students between grades 6 through 12 from northeastern Oklahoma communities. The students compete in rigorous auditions every year for a place in the choir.

To request a performance please download the request form from www.cherokee.org.

Cherokee National Youth Choir music may be purchased and downloaded from iTuns and amazon.com. Physical CDs may be purchased from the Choir Office and Cherokee Nation Gift Shops.

Next Auditions are by appointment only and will be held in January 2014, W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex, Tahlequah.

Requirements:

• Cherokee tribal citizen (provide copy)

• Student must be entering 7th through 11th grades

• Provide letter of recommendation from school official stating that you are a student in good standing

Contact Choir Office 918-453-5638 or Email youthchoir@cherokee.org

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Language Programs Language Technology

Candessa Tehee, Manager

Activities

• Creates innovative solutions for the

Cherokee language on all digital platforms

so we can be an active member of the global

community by using our language.

• Has partnerships with major technology

companies such as Apple, Google, Facebook,

and Microsoft to ensure the Cherokee

syllabary is integrated into their products.

• Offers community outreach and training on

how to use digital devices in Cherokee.

• Represents the Cherokee Nation as the only

Native American nation on the Unicode

Consortium, the internationally recognized

standards body for languages.

• Designs new Cherokee fonts, websites, and

digital language materials.

• Translated over 240,000 new technology

terms for the Cherokee language & the

number is growing.

• Over 200 million devices across the world

now have the Cherokee language included

out of the box.

Activities • Provide presentations on Cherokee language,

history and traditional games to public schools

and other organizations

• Provide a 40-hour Cherokee language,

immersion class for Cherokee Nation

employees

• Each year, provide twenty, 20 –hour

Community language classes for Cherokee

Nation citizens.

• Provide online, Cherokee language classes for

Cherokee Nation citizens

• Provide 20 hour Shawnee language class for the

Shawnee community

• Produce Shawnee language curriculum

Language Programs Translation Department

Candessa Tehee, Manager Activities

• The efforts to preserve, protect and perpetuate the Cherokee Language are

concentrated in several key interlocking functions:

1. Cherokee Immersion Charter School;

2. Teacher preparation in cooperation with NSU;

3. Language maintenance for future enrollees at SHS;

4. Major technology endeavors for Cherokee language archiving, inter-active

localization of software and operating systems; and

5. Advancement of Cherokee language media throughout the world.

• The Translation program makes all the aforementioned functions operational

and effective by providing accurate and appropriate language content which

is clear accurate and natural. The translators serve as the cultural balance

point for the Cherokee Nation.

• The 5 translators work with both internal and external inquiries, from

translating articles for the Cherokee Phoenix, to signage throughout

Cherokee Nation entities and to general inquiries from the public with single

words to curriculums. They continue to support the Language Technology

program in translating terms for the Apple, Google and Microsoft

partnerships.

• A priority system has been implemented with an estimated turn around to

provide translations to inquiries and needs.

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Camp Cherokee Bill Andoe, Director and Patrick Hill, Assistant Director

• Camp Cherokee Day Camps

Eight one week day camps at various locations

Camp Cherokee Day Camps are an enriching

cultural and academic experience for Cherokee

and other Native American students residing

within Cherokee Nation. The camps include

cultural activities, games, arts and STEM (Science,

Technology, Engineering and Math) classes. The

camps are available to students entering grades 1-

7.

• Camp Cherokee Residential Camp

a one week camp in Tahlequah Ok

Camp Cherokee Residential Camp, a one week

overnight camp featuring Culture, Arts and STEM

(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The

camp is available to Cherokee Nation children

entering grades 7-12.

These camps are offered at no cost. Space is

limited so apply early.

camp.cherokee.org

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Motor Vehicle Tax Public School Appreciation Day

• Since 2002, Cherokee Nation is pleased to announce the

distribution of more than $27 million to public schools in the

fourteen county jurisdictional service area. School districts

are awarded an allocation of the Cherokee Nation Motor

Vehicle Revenue based on the number of registered Cherokee

students who attend eligible school(s) within their district.

• Average count between 2002 and 2013 is 20,880 Cherokee

students

• 2002-2013 distribution to schools is $27,930,632.85.

• 94 schools participated in 2013 including Cherokee Nation’s

Head Start, Tsalagi Tsunadeloquasdi Charter School and

Sequoyah High School.

Teachers of Successful Students

• Public School Staff Development

• Workshops

• Classroom Coaching

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Thousands of minor children enrolled as citizens of the Cherokee Nation attend public school in eastern

Oklahoma. Therefore, to minimize the impact of the sale of automobile license tags, by the Cherokee Nation

Tax Commission on the public schools within the Cherokee Nation, a portion of the revenues generated by the

sale of such tags are allocated to the public schools within the Nation’s territorial boundaries.

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Program/Department (A-Z) Contact Number

Education Administation 918-453-5341

Camp Cherokee Summer Camp 918-453-5152

Cherokee Ambassadors

(Miss Cherokee, Jr. Miss Cherokee, Little Cherokee Ambassadors)

918-453-5000 or 800-256-0671

Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council 918-453-5152

Cherokee National Youth Choir 918-453-5638

Co-Partner Program (JOM) 918-453-5144

College Resource Center 918-453-5152

Curriculum and Instruction 918-207-3863

Early Childhood Unit 918-453-5757 or 888-458-4393

I Believe Program 918-453-5322

Language Technology 918-453-5151

Remember The Removal Trail of Tears Bike Ride 918-453-5152

Sequoyah Schools 918-453-5400

STEM Program 918-453-5152

Teachers of Successful Students (TOSS) 918-453-5152

Trail of Tears Awards for Excellence 918-453-5152

Translation Department 918-453-5151

ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ(Tsalagi Tsunadeloquasdi) Immersion School 918-207-4900

Cherokee Nation

Education Services P.O. Box 948

Tahlequah, OK 74465 918-453-5000 800-256-0671

www.cherokee.org

2013 Cherokee Nation

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