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District highlights Native culture and language programs, proclaims Native American Heritage Month
Summary
Washoe County School District presented its Native American Culture and Education programming -- Title VI, the Native Youth Community Project (NYCP), and a Native American language grant -- reported declines in chronic absenteeism and gains in graduation for enrolled students, and proclaimed November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month.
Washoe County School District staff and partners briefed trustees on the district's Native American Culture and Education programs and recognized November as Native American Heritage Month during the Nov. 18 meeting.
Paula Marca (Chief Student Services Officer) introduced the panel including Fawn Hunter (Native Culture and Education Manager), Denise Miles (NYCP coordinator) and Jake Chapin (Natchez Elementary principal). Presenters outlined program components: Title VI-funded language classes (Numu/Paiute) offered at Natchez Elementary and three high schools (Reed, Spanish Springs and Wooster), backpacks and school supplies funded through Title VI, a Paiute Language Bowl supported by Family School Partnership funds, tribal youth advocacy specialists (NYCP), and participation in the State Indian Education Advisory Committee.
Denise Miles, the NYCP coordinator, reported measurable outcomes tied to the grant: "At the start of our grant in '22-'23, our chronic absenteeism rate was 48 percent. This last school year, we got it down to 31 percent," and she reported graduation-rate gains for 506-eligible students from 59% at the start of the grant to 87% in the most recent year. Panelists emphasized culturally sustaining instruction and expanding language offerings, including plans to develop an eighth-grade language test and to expand high-school course offerings.
Trustee Phoenix read a proclamation recognizing November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month and cited district counts (more than 2,000 students who self-identify as Native American and roughly 900 students served through the Native American Culture and Education program). Presenters credited tribal partners — Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and Reno-Sparks Indian Colony — and parents for supporting program development.
Board members praised the work and encouraged sustained funding and expansion to preserve indigenous language and culture within district schools.
(Reporting provenance: Item 3.02 presentation and proclamation: Washoe County School District Board meeting, SEG 212 ' SEG 660.)
