Ventura County Indian Education Consortium | November 2020
A Message From the Coordinator
Dear Families,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and staying safe, as we enter the second half of November, Native American Heritage month, and find ourselves returning to the most restrictive purple tier, with increased COVID cases in the County . We are again facing more islolation and time indoors, but one silver lining is that the Ventura County Indian Education Consortiunm has many resources to support the continued growth of your child's Native Education.

This Newsletter includes resources, articles, and topics of interest for your whole family. Please save it for future reference. Highlights include:

  • Celebrating Native Peoples Website
  • Name Change Survey for the Indian Education Consortium
  • Distance Learning Page with all Zoom lessons listed
  • Secondary Student Curriculum focusing on Identity, Diversity, Justice & Action
  • Special Classes: Native Kids' Club, Logo Art Project, College Application Workshop
  • Scholarship for Seniors
  • Invitation to join the Indian Parent Committee
  • Community Resources for Native Families: Food Vouchers, Tutoring
  • Enrollment Applications

Stay safe this holiday season,


Robin Jacobs
Coordinator, Ventura County Indian Education Consortium
Happy Native American Heritage Month
Enjoy our new website. Find books, articles, videos, and other resources that have been carefully chosen to honor and illuminate the unique histories of the people in our community who come from Indigenous backgrounds. We hope it provides valuable resources for students, families and educators to learn more about and celebrate Indigenous Peoples.
Time for a Name Change?
The Indian Parent Committee is considering a name change for the Consortium. Since 1974 we've been the Ventura County Indian Education Consortium (VCIEC). The commitee wants to make sure that the name of our Consortium feels right to parents, students and the community.


Share your opinion in our Name Change Survey. 
Student Lessons Continue and Expand
Students Continue Indian Education Lessons on Zoom
Indian Education lessons continue on Zoom this school year. To access lessons at a time that works, students can attend with their school cohort, or join another cohort. Please check the Indian Education Distance Learning Page to find the best time slot for your student, and join a zoom lesson each month.
Students Explore Issues of Identity
This year's Middle and High School curriculum explores topics of Idenity, Diversity, Justice and Action for Native Youth. Students have opportunities to connect with Native Youth from across the County, to explore and expand upon what being Native means to them, to explore Native excellence and consider their own gifts and talents, to discuss injustice regarding Native Peoples, and to take action to make a difference in our community.

The learning experiences in this year's Indian Education program will help them learn more about themselves, explore Native history, and be college and career ready! This is sure to be an exciting year!
Native Kid's Club-First Meeting November 23rd 6:45-7:30
Elementary students are invited to join Jennifer Weir, Indian Education teacher, for this first meeting of the Native Kids' Club. 

In November we will be meeting on Zoom to read and discuss the book We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell. Activity to be included and the whole family is welcome to participate!
Logo Art Project Class Series
Enrolled Middle and High School student work with LA based Native Artist, Joe Galarza, to conceptualize, design and produce a new logo for the Consortium. This 5 series evening art class will be held on zoom and facilitated by Indian Education Teacher/Counselor, Ms.Anderson.
 
Thursdays at 6:30-7:30 pm 
11/5, 11/19, 12/3, 12/17, 1/14
Special Information for Seniors
Research Scholarships for Native American Students
As you plan how to fund your education following High School graduation, make sure to apply for one of the many scholarships specifically for students with Native American heritage. There are many resources available! Check out this on-going resource which is also available on our website.
College Application Support Night- November 24th 7-8 pm
Join Indian Education Counselor, Mrs. Anderson on zoom. Bring your college applications, PIQs and any other application questions to get support.
VCIEC Textbook Scholarship Applications due January 4
Scholarship Grants are awarded to enrolled seniors who plan to attend College, Trade or Vocational School beginning fall 2021. 
Consider Joining the VCIEC Parent Committee
Parent Committee Vice Chairperson, Amanda Gleeson-Low, a member of the Chickasaw nation created this promotional video, explaining why you should join the Parent Committee.

JOIN US AT AN UPCOMING MEETING!
The Parent Committee meets monthly and provides advice and assistance to the Consortium, in order to bring about the most effective Indian Education program possible.
Community Resources for Native Families
Southern California American Indian Resources-Ventura
Looking for help in one of your classes? SCAIR's peer tutors are here to help!

Schedule an appointment with a Lead Tutor who will help students at all grade levels navigate course content. Tutors answer specific questions, check that you are approaching a concept correctly, and help clarify concepts.

One-on-One Tutoring Appointments are FREE to Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students.
Enroll all of Your TK-12 Children Today
Our program provides cultural lessons and college and career readiness to enrolled Native heritage students located on 95 different school campuses, from throughout 13 districts in Ventura County.
Your child may be eligible to enroll in the Title VI Indian Education Program. To enroll, please click on one of the links to complete the application.

Return completed document to your school's office or attached and email to robin.jacobs@venturausd.org
If you have any questions related to the information that has been shared in this email please reach out to your Ventura County Indian Education Consortium Coordinator, Robin Jacobs (robin.jacobs@venturausd.org). Thank you!