Press release
Poteau School District’s Johnson O’Malley and Indian Education Programs are continuing to develop with academic and cultural growth of students as core missions.
Jennifer Roberts, District JOM Parent Committee Chairman, said, “We as parents and committee members are so fortunate for the educational and cultural opportunities our children are receiving and will continue to be provided with at Poteau Public Schools. Our JOM coordinator and teachers are truly committed to the success and well- being of these students. Our parent committee will continue to focus on the best interest and needs of our JOM program as well as providing as much support as possible for Poteau School District and our Native American students.”
Christy Cunningham, Poteau Upper Elementary Counselor and District Indian Education Committee parent member stated, “I am so proud of our JOM and Indian Education Programs at Poteau Public Schools. What I like best is that every thought, decision and action is in the best interest of our kids. There are so many opportunities provided through these programs that impact student success.”
735 of Poteau’s 2,304 students qualify for the Johnson O’Malley program which provides specialized education services to eligible Native American students, including programs supplemental to the regular school program. This is an increase of 153 students to the JOM program at Poteau Schools since the 2015-2016 school year.
Much of this growth can be attributed to the addition of a full-time student advisor for Poteau School District. Julie Marvin assists students and families in completing applications for CDIB cards, colleges, scholarships, FAFSA, fee waivers, reimbursements, Oklahoma Promise and Indian Education Honor Society. She also coordinates with tribal services including Choctaw Nation High School Student Services and Choctaw Nation Career Development to provide information and opportunities for qualifying students and families. In addition, she oversees distribution of school supplies and student incentives throughout each school year. “I am excited to work with our students to ensure that they take advantage of all educational and cultural opportunities that are available to them,” said Mrs. Marvin.
During graduation ceremonies on May 24, 2019, Poteau High School Native American students will be wearing Indian Education honor cords in red, black and gold. Joe Ballard, PHS Principal said, “I am excited for our Native American students to celebrate their unique culture during this milestone event in their lives. Embracing and celebrating cultural diversity is a significant part of educating our students.”
An exciting change during the 2019-2020 school year at Poteau High School is the addition of Choctaw I, an NCAA-approved course which counts toward graduation as a World Language credit. Choctaw I will be taught by the Choctaw Nation through a Distance Learning Lab with an on-site facilitator. The cost of the instructor and curriculum is provided by Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The NCAA-approved course counts toward graduation as a World Language credit.
This introductory course will emphasize four areas: speaking, writing, listening/comprehending and reading/interpreting. Dialogues in Choctaw, student-generated dialogues, student-maintained notebooks and oral and written practice are all part of the daily routine. Students will be able to understand, ask and answer questions, express basic courtesies, make and understand statements using learned material and use vocabulary concerning the classroom and basic needs. Students will also be introduced to various aspects of the Choctaw Culture. If participation in Choctaw I is high, the district is interested in eventually adding a Choctaw II course.
JOM and Indian Education Parent Committees play an integral role in strengthening the quality and effectiveness of these programs within Poteau School District. “It has been a pleasure to work with parents, students and faculty members during this school year on behalf of the JOM and Indian Education programs. I am hopeful interest in these committees and their mission of serving students will continue to increase in the upcoming years. We can accomplish great things for students when we work together. The current members of these committees are committed to creating exemplary programs, and we welcome involvement from others who share this interest,” said Bobbi Gillham, JOM and Indian Education Program Director.
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