Indian Education

Here at Deer Creek Public Schools Title VI Indian Education Department, we are thrilled to highlight the incredible achievements and initiatives supporting our Native American students this year.

During the month of November, we hosted our annual Native American Heritage Celebration at the 4th and 5th Grade Center, bringing our community together to honor and celebrate Native cultures. This event showcased the amazing talents of the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers Native Dance Troupe, Yellow Earth Sauk Drummers, and the presence of Sac and Fox royalty. Attendees also enjoyed cultural activities such as basket weaving with Sue Fish, beading with Sheena Logan, and listening to engaging stories from the Chickasaw Storytellers.

We also provided our middle and high school Title VI students with an enriching experience by attending the OKC Thunder Native Student Day. And, in collaboration with the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, we offered engaging cultural classes for students in grades 3-12, including how to make your own moccasins and ribbon skirts.

This year, we are excited to announce that on May 1st, we will be hosting an Indigenous Sovereignty Food Course led by Amy Warne, an Indigenous dietitian who represents less than 1% of Native Americans in the dietetics field. As an advocate for health equity, food sovereignty, and food security, Amy will guide participants in learning about Indigenous food practices and making a traditional dish. If you’re interested in attending this event, please register HERE.

We are proud of the progress made in our Title VI program, particularly in achieving our first grant goal of fostering cultural identity and awareness among our students.

Our second goal is to increase the academic achievement of our Native students, and we are excited to highlight the success of our Native American Tutoring Program (NATP). This year, the program expanded significantly, now available at all nine district sites—a substantial growth from just four sites last year. Academic growth and achievement have been observed through STAR, IXL, and classroom data, and we look forward to analyzing the results of this year’s state testing season. This data-tracking process will help us refine our NATP practices to ensure that all Title VI students receiving these services continue to show academic progress.

The strides we’ve made are a testament to our commitment to supporting and celebrating our Native American students at Deer Creek.

We need your annual Stakeholder Feedback.

If you are a registered Title VI parent or guardian, the annual Title VI Stakeholder Feedback form was sent to your email. 

Your responses will be used to inform Indian Education programs and services for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. If you have any issues accessing the Stakeholder Feedback form, please do not hesitate to reach out to PalomaCortes-Goodwyn@dcsok.org

**If you have students enrolled in both PK - 5th Grade & 6th -12th Grade, please complete this form twice.**

Join the 2025-2026 IPC Today!

The Indian Education Parent Committee (IPC) at Deer Creek is an advisory group dedicated to ensuring the district's Title VI program effectively meets the academic and cultural needs of Native American students. Serving as a bridge between the school district and the Native American community, the IPC's work focuses on enhancing student achievement and preserving cultural heritage. 

What the IPC does: 

• Advisory Role: The IPC contributes to the design, implementation and evaluation of the district's Title VI programs, including the annual grant application, ensuring all initiatives align with cultural and academic goals. 
• Cultural Advocacy: The committee promotes activities that celebrate Native American heritage, such as storytelling, art and traditional practices, fostering a sense of cultural identity among students and the community. 
• Program Evaluation: Using data from the district, the IPC monitors the effectiveness of Title VI initiatives, identifies areas for improvement and recommends adjustments to ensure goals are met. 
• Community Involvement: Open meetings encourage feedback and foster a collaborative approach to decision-making, ensuring diverse voices are heard. 

Membership

The IPC is composed of parents and guardians of Deer Creek PK-12 Native American students, educators and community representatives. Members served staggered terms, ensuring continuity while introducing new perspectives. 

Meetings

The IPC meets at least three times anually, with agendas and details publicly shared or posted 10 days in advance. Meetings are open to all, inviting community involvement in discussions and decision-making. 

Looking Ahead: Call for Applicants

Deer Creek Public Schools invites parents, guardians and community members to join the Indian Parent Committee for the upcoming school year.

If you are passionate about advocating for Native American students, preserving cultural heritage and influencing educational programs. We encourage you to apply by completing the Stakeholder Feedback Form sent to your email.  

Take this opportunity to lead and shape the future of our Title VI program. For more information, please email Paloma Cortes-Goodwyn.