ENGAGING PEOPLE THROUGH
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Gary Polacca
• PRINCIPAL’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
KEAMS CANYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
• K-2 SCHOOL
GOAL FOR THE PROJECT
• THE SCHOOL WILL BRING AWARENESS TO STUDENTS
OF THEIR NATIVE IDENTITY THROUGH EVENTS AND
PROJECTS THAT WILL HELP NATIVE STUDENTS TO
DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR CULTURAL
IDENTITY, THROUGH THE USE OF VARIOUS
RESOURCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CUSTOMS,
VALUES, NORMS, AND TRADITIONS OF THEIR
CULTURE.
THE SCHOOL WILL INCLUDE TRIBAL ELDERS IN
TEACHING THE CULTURE, CUSTOMS AND
VALUES
· Native Indian Awareness Week held in recognition of culture
and traditions of the Hopi and Navajo Tribes.
· Native Elders were part of the demonstration activities which
included the various arts and crafts of the tribes.
· Native Elders sang traditional songs which the students of both
the Hopi and Navajo preformed traditional dances.
· Native Elders were invited to present the traditional values and
norms that tribal members are expected to live by thereby
creating a healthy and safe home environment for our students.
THE PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF THE SCHOOL
REFLECTS THE TRIBAL CULTURE
· Students were engaged in various art projects which reflected
the symbols and artistic creations of both the Hopi and Navajo
cultures. Projects were displayed throughout the school.
· Language Development will be included as part of our 21st
Century afterschool program, which will utilize parents who are
knowledgeable in the area of tribal language and culture of the
Hopi and Navajo people.
THE SCHOOL WILL UTILIZE THE VALUES OF THE TRIBES
IN CREATING PROCEDURES THAT ENABLES A POSITIVE,
HEALTHY AND SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
· Native Elders presented on the morals and values of the Hopi and
Navajo people, especially as it related to respect, listening, and
motivation to do well in all areas, “Walking in Beauty,” and “What is a
Hopi.”
· CST team implemented behavior issues as part of CST determination.
Parents were included and communicated how the school might help
them with behavior issues.
· PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) Model was
created as part of the school’s attempt to create a more positive/safe
learning structure.
· Staff, students, parents, and visitors will be positive in all
communication and interactions. Supporting students in their attempt
to progress academically and socially.