Growing Native Education at West Valley
West Valley School District is building stronger support for Native American and Alaska Native students and families.
WVSD’s Title VI Native Education Program completed its second full year during the 2025–26 school year. In this short time, the program has grown in student participation and family involvement. With this growth, we plan to continue bringing more federal funding and local opportunities in the 2026–27 school year.
Native families and the Native American Parent Advisory Committee help guide the Title VI program. Together, they shape activities and goals based on what students and families need most.
Family Nights have become an important part of that work. Last year, West Valley Schools hosted five gatherings for Native students and their families, with about 20 to 25 people attending each event. They shared meals, connected with one another, and participated in cultural learning through activities such as Ichishkíin language instruction, moccasin-making, and basket weaving.
West Valley also works with tribal members who share their knowledge and lead cultural activities with families. These experiences help students learn about Native cultures while building strong connections with others.
”We’ve added clubs at both the Mid-Level Campus and the high school, and are actively looking for more ways for Native students to connect at school,” shares Jerilyn Ashbaugh, Director of State and Federal Programs. “We’re excited to see our program’s momentum building and to watch students grow in confidence and cultural pride. Seeing families engage more fully brings an unbelievable energy to everything we do.”
Clubs and programs are open to all students who would like to learn more about Native American history and culture.
The Mid-Level Club includes Ichishkíin language lessons, where students learn basic words, phrases, and conversation skills in a welcoming setting.
At the high school, students can connect with peers, explore Native cultures, and build leadership skills. High school students have the opportunity to mentor younger students and represent Native Education at school events.
Last year, through the Title VI program, West Valley sent its first student delegate to Mt. Sky Leadership Camp. The camp brings students together from around the state to connect with nature and learn leadership skills to prepare them to be Tribal leaders of tomorrow. Being able to participate in this exciting milestone reflects the program’s continued growth, and West Valley looks forward to having more high school students apply for this leadership growth opportunity in the future.
WVSD’s goals for the Title VI program are continued growth, increased cultural learning, greater family involvement, including traditional food preparation, more activities for our younger students, more leadership opportunities, and more opportunities for learning outside the classroom.
The Title VI program is a great example of WVSD’s Strategic Plan goals to help students feel valued, connected, and ready to learn. It also reflects the WVSD Culture of Excellence and the district’s focus on supporting each child.
Through programs like Title VI, West Valley education hopes to offer more ways for students to learn, connect, and grow in our Ram family.
Families interested in Native Education can complete the Indian Student Eligibility Certification Form, also known as the ED 506 Form. Completed forms can be returned to your student’s school office. The ED 506 form can be accessed via this website from the federal government:
https://easie.communities.ed.gov/sites/default/files/easie/2025-09/ED%20506%20form%20-%20R18.pdf