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WCSD highlights Native culture programming, reports gains in attendance and graduation for enrolled tribal students
Summary
District staff presented Title VI programming, the Native Youth Community Project and a Native American language grant that supports Paiute-language instruction in three high schools and Natchez Elementary; presenters said the NYCP reduced chronic absenteeism and increased graduation rates among enrolled (506) students.
Washoe County School District staff on Nov. 18 briefed trustees on Native culture and education programming and presented a proclamation recognizing Native American Heritage Month.
Chief Student Services Officer (Paul LaMarca/Paula Marca) introduced the Native American Culture and Education team. Native Culture and Education Manager Fawn Hunter described program enrollment categories used for federal reporting ("506" enrolled tribal members vs. self-identified students) and the program's focus on enrolled students for Title VI services. Hunter reviewed district-supported Paiute language classes at Reed, Spanish Springs and Wooster high schools, a planned middle-school expansion, the Paiute Language Bowl and home-library book distributions funded through Family School Partnership.
Denise Miles, NYCP coordinator, said the NYCP team recorded more than 6,500 in-person contacts with more than 400 students across middle and high schools and noted outcomes since the grant began: "At the start of our grant in 2022-23, our chronic absenteeism rate was 48 percent. This last school year, we got it down to 31 percent," Miles said. Miles also reported a jump in graduation rates among students with 506 forms from 59 percent at the grant's start to 87 percent in the most recent year.
Natchez Elementary Principal Jake Chapin and Principal Autumn Khan (Encompass) and trustees praised the program's emphasis on cultural identity, language instruction and family engagement. Trustee Phoenix read a district proclamation affirming November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month and recognizing the district's partnerships with local sovereign nations (Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony).
The presentation did not produce a formal board action but the board received the report and photos were taken with staff and student leaders.
