School is out for all Washington State students for the rest of the academic year because of Governor Inslee’s stay-at-home order aimed at minimizing the coronavirus contagion. It’s been nearly two months since the devoted teachers of Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary (QCT) experienced the rambunctious youth they are normally responsible for educating on a daily basis. Over that span, both teacher and student have grown quite restless from their powerful bond being swiftly taken away thanks to an unforeseen global pandemic.
That student-teacher connection was briefly reestablished on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 28, when QCT educators eagerly assembled for a positivity-filled parade through the Tulalip Reservation. Over 70+ vehicles, many of which were decorated with loving messages to their students like ‘We miss you!’, ‘You are amazing’ or ‘Stay safe!’, formed a caravan that was escorted by a bright yellow school bus to the reservation’s many residential neighborhoods.
“We’re Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary and we do everything together,” explained caravan coordinator Toni Otto. She also serves as a family support liaison at QCT. “As most people know, we are a crazy bunch of people who really love our students and there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for them.
“Our biggest message for our kids is that just because we aren’t in school together doesn’t mean we’re not here for you,” continued Toni. “We are very much here for you still and can’t wait to have you all back in school.”
As the caravan maneuvered through the reservation, going from neighborhood to neighborhood, it was greeted by eagerly awaiting students beaming with smiles and continuous waving once they caught glimpses of the familiar faces. Several students made their own signs to proudly display as the caravan rolled through.
“I miss school,” shared 6-year-old Keenan Sicade as he waited curbside for the chance to show his teachers his bright green sign. “I miss my friends, I miss school, and I miss getting my brain bigger.”
A group of QCT students ranging from kindergarten to 3rd grade, Michael, Mackenzie, Aubrey and Andrea could barely contain their excitement while waiting in their parent’s van to see their teachers. “I miss math and homework!” yelled out one of the super enthusiastic foursome, while another admitted to “missing recess more than anything.”
The teacher-led caravan lasted over 2-hours and created countless memories for everyone involved. From hand written messages on vehicle windows ranging from classroom rosters, like that of Ms. Cawley and Miss Breezy, to Lushootseed inspiration, like Ms. Sablan’s hand crafted roof ornament, the QCT educators brought joy, positivity, and air hugs galore to their home-bound students.
“My heart is bursting!” exclaimed Tony after the caravan’s conclusion. “We have the most energetic, dedicated, and loving staff. Thank you to everyone for making this a great success.
“Seeing our students and their families is exactly the medicine we all needed. As professionals who work in the education field, we need our students. Would we rather have them in our classrooms and in our school? Absolutely! Does this minor substitution help to ease the heartache of not being able to have them with us? Totally! I believe we made memories today that will last a lifetime in our hearts as well as our students’ hearts.”
The Tulalip Tribes and the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation in Washington state, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians in Maine, three Alaska Tribes, and other Plaintiff Tribes from across the country filed suit on April 16, 2020, after the Secretary of Treasury indicated that he would use monies intended for Tribal governments to fund Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs). In a joint press release, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt today announced that $4.8 billion in funds from the COVID-19 Relief Fund will be made available to Tribal governments beginning today, exclusive of ANCs.
On April 27, 2020, in Chehahis v. Mnuchin, District Judge Amit Mehta granted the Plaintiff Tribes’ motion for injunctive relief and prohibited the Department from distributing funds Congress intended for Tribal governments to for-profit Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs). The Court held that “presently, no ANC satisfies the definition of ‘Tribal government’ under the CARES Act and therefore no ANC is eligible for any share of the $8B billion allocated by Congress for Tribal Governments.”
Plaintiff Tribes and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, filed a Joint Status Report Friday May 1, 2020, as required by the Court. The Court had ordered Treasury to “update the court on any developments in the disbursement of Title V funds to federally recognized Indian tribes, as well as any funds withheld from ANCs pursuant to the court’s preliminary injunction order.” The Plaintiff Tribes continued to demand that Treasury distribute coronavirus relief funding to federally recognized Indian tribes without further delay. The Tribes told the Court last Friday that they will take additional legal action if the payments were not immediately forthcoming this week.
“We are pleased that Treasury will begin to release relief funds to tribal governments starting today, consistent with the Court Order,” Tulalip Chairwoman Teri Gobin says. “Federally recognized Indian tribes from every corner of the United States have been in critical need of the CARES Act funds that Treasury has been inexplicably withholding,” stated Gobin. “Without these funds, Tribal governments cannot provide essential government services necessary to protect their communities from the virus. Every day wasted jeopardizes the health and economies of the communities Tribal governments serve.”
Chehalis Chairman Harry Pickernell Sr. adds, “The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation is pleased that the Secretary of the Treasury has finally begun disbursement of CARES Act funds to federally recognized Indian tribes. However, the need in Indian Country is great, and Tribal governments need all of the $8 billion Congress set aside for them now. The Secretary should immediately reverse his decision to withhold CARES Act funds for for-profit ANCs.
The three Alaska co-plaintiffs are the Akiak Native Community, the Asa’carsarmiut Tribe, and the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island. The Plaintiffs subsequently filed an amended complaint to add the Navajo Nation, Quinault Indian Nation, Pueblo of Picuris, Elk Valley Rancheria, and San Carlos Apache Tribe. Two other lawsuits followed and have been consolidated with the original case.
Oftentimes people use the excuse, “I just don’t have enough time” when it comes to achieving goals. Important goals like getting enough exercise, eating healthy and cooking nutritious meals are often put aside. Fortunately, during these unprecedented times, we have been blessed with an abundance of time to tackle these goals firsthand. Though we are not able to control things like our jobs and the economy, we can control our health by practicing preventative lifestyle choices.
For anyone reading this article, I challenge you to spend a couple hours a day practicing and developing healthy habits that will benefit you and your household. Not only will you feel better physically, but chances are you will feel better mentally as well. The best way to start, is to set small, tangible goals. Try one new habit every day. The more you do them, the easier and more natural they become.
Self-Discipline:
In order to obtain and tackle goals, we must set in motion actions of self-discipline. Self-discipline is the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it. However, this can often be the most challenging process. The upside is once you start to slowly tackle your goals, it tends to get easier and easier. With trial, error and repetition, proactive healthy lifestyle choices will eventually become habits. Taking accountability for your actions, understanding failures are inevitable, and having the courage to stand back up again is a huge part of the process. Whatever you do, don’t give up on yourself. If you can, find a support group of friends and family who will encourage you along the way. Encouragement from loved ones will help keep you motivated and accountable. Remember, you CAN do this!
Regular Sleep Schedule
A regular sleep schedule is extremely beneficial to our overall health. The CDC recommends 7-10 hours of sleep per night for adults. Even though staying up late and oversleeping can be tempting during this time, it is also a slippery slope to feelings of anxiety and depression. A poor sleep schedule could lead to unwanted weight gain, increased sedentary behavior, and unwanted hormonal imbalances. Sleeping while it is dark out helps keep us on our natural, rhythmic, hormonal sleep schedule. For best sleep, put electronic screens down 60 minutes before bed and stretch for at least 15 minutes before lying down. Experimenting with a variety of essential oils / oil diffuser can also help create a calm and peaceful night’s rest. I personally like to put peppermint and eucalyptus oil on my forehead before going to bed, it helps me get a solid night’s rest.
Organized Clean Spaces
Cleaning your home is a great way to stay busy and optimistic during the quarantine closure. Not only that, but it can help ease feelings of depression and anxiety. Personally, it is a great way to help me destress. Having a clean space is a key to inviting a happy, peaceful and calm atmosphere into the home. It is important at this time, we are also keeping our homes as germ free as possible. We want to limit germ and viral interactions as much as possible to prevent illness. I challenge you to spend at least 30-60 minutes a day cleaning and/or organizing your home.
Three Nutritious Meals a Day
Now is the perfect time to pass on cooking skills to your children and loved ones. Practice making family meals together at home. Have meaningful conversations at the dinner table. Share favorite recipes with friends and family, it’s a great way to stay connected. Try making twice the amount of portions so you have leftovers for the next day. Practice finding the perfect balance of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy and healthy fats. For more details on a healthy diet, check out ChooseMyPlate.gov for USDA guidelines.
Fresh Air + Sunshine
Opt outside! Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Many of us who live in Washington State tend to have a Vitamin D deficiency. Now more than ever is the perfect time to soak up all the extra sunshine and replenish those low levels. Vitamin D/sunshine is great for mental clarity, healthy skin, and strengthening our bones. Though many local parks and trails are closed, we are free to explore areas in nearby neighborhoods. Take a walk in the woods, explore nearby beaches that are open, and remember to stay six feet away from others.
Physical Activity
Physical activity really is the best medicine! Physical activity helps boost the feel good hormones in our brain, helping us feel more content and happy. Physical activity can also help us sleep better while preventing us from a wide variety of chronic diseases. The CDC recommends 150 minutes a week of brisk physical activity and at least two days a week of activities that strengthen muscles. Activities you could do at home include going on a walk, gardening, foraging, playing with your kids, home improvement projects, online fitness classes, yoga, walking your dog and even organizing/deep cleaning can count! If interested in online fitness classes, check out the YMCA online page for a wide variety of classes, from easy to moderate levels. www.ymca360.org/
Limit Sweets, Salts, Alcohol, Processed & Fast Foods
Too much of these foods can make us feel tired, groggy and even grumpy. Excessive amounts of sugar, salt, alcohol and unhealthy fats are bad for our health. Too much of these things could lead to weight gain, Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, stroke and certain types of cancers. With the Covid-19 virus lingering, it’s important we limit these foods as much as possible to help keep our immune system healthy and strong. Our bodies are more resilient to disease when we feed them properly.
Drink Lots of Water
Getting enough water every day is very important to our overall health. The CDC recommends we drink at least 8 cups (½ gallon) of water per day. Water is the healthiest beverage choice for many reasons. It helps eliminate toxins and unwanted bio waste lingering in organs. Water helps regulate the digestive system, lubricate the joints, regulate blood sugar, lowers body temperature when needed, maintains electrolyte balance and boosts overall energy. Try drinking at least one 1-2 cups of water with every meal to help keep yourself hydrated.
Limit Screen Time
The average person generally consumes 7-9 hours’ worth of screen time per day. However, the CDC recommends only 1-2 hours of screen time per day for teens and adults. Though it can be hard for many individuals working at home, try putting your phones and electronic devices down as often as you can. Go outside and play, have a picnic, read a book, play a board game, or practice your favorite hobby instead. It’s good for the brain.
Be Kind + Positive
Practice gratitude, forgive, use positive language, encourage others, be intentional with your time. Share love, be loved and use loving words. These are scary times, the more joy and happiness we share with others, the easier we can all get through this TOGETHER!
Again, if you aren’t already, I challenge you to fill your days with as many of these healthy lifestyle habits as possible. I promise, you won’t regret it. If you would like help setting up healthy habits, need assistance with healthy recipe ideas, or would like some words of encouragement at this time, please feel free to email me at ajensen@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov I am available Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm.
**This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Senator McCoy (center) with Swinomish chairman Brian Cladoosby (left) and Governor Jay Inslee (right) at the Olympia capital building. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
After 17 years of service in the Washington State Legislature, Senator John McCoy announced his retirement after submitting a resignation letter to Governor Jay Inslee. His retirement is effective Friday, April 17.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of the 38th Legislative District and our entire state,” McCoy said in a Senate Democrats statement. “When I first came to the Legislature in 2003 as a member of the House of Representatives, I was humbled to represent such warm and vibrant people in Everett, Marysville and Tulalip.
“Through changes in committees, leadership roles, and even chambers over the course of my legislative career, it was always an immense privilege to represent my neighbors,” continued McCoy. “Thank you for trusting me with such an important job – elevating your voices and building a state where every one of us can thrive.”
The Tulalip tribal member and longtime Democratic lawmaker leaves behind a legacy of steady leadership and commitment to serving his community. He brought a career in military service and years as a computer technician to his work at the Legislature, culminating in a lawmaker who effectively advanced economic development and equality of opportunity for his district. His work is characterized by tireless advocacy for Native American communities, expanded access to high-quality education, and environmental sustainability.
Sen. John McCoy, D-38
Reflecting back on what motivated him to pursue a political position, he recalled numerous issues in the way of Tulalip’s economic development and then-Chairman Stan Jones simply saying, “Get the job done.”
Before McCoy became one of the longest serving Native American legislators in the state’s history, he led efforts to bring better telecommunication infrastructure to the Tulalip Tribes. He also helped bring to fruition the economic powerhouse that is Quil Ceda Village. This community triumph ultimately earned him the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Executive of the Year award.
“Our elders of the late 1800s had a vision that in the northeast corner of the reservation there would be a giant trading post. They had the vision and we just had to get there,” explained the Tulalip lawmaker on the inspiration behind the tribal-owned shopping hub that draws tens of thousands of visitors every day. “Quil Ceda Village allowed us to diversify our economic base while fulfilling that vision our elders had.”
During his five terms in the Washington State House of Representatives, McCoy fought for students, for the environment, for a healthy economy and for tribal communities. He sponsored policy that expanded support for students struggling with behavioral and emotional health needs, protected water rights and access, and integrated comprehensive tribal history and culture education into teacher preparation programs.
Senator McCoy pledged to get a bill passed so all students can learn first-hand about the 29 federally recognized indigenous nations in Washington State. He authored Senate Bill 5433 and in May 2015 Governor Inslee signed the bill into law, making it mandatory for schools to educate students about the history and governance of northwest coastal tribes. The State has since worked diligently with Native Nations to develop a first-of-its-kind curriculum, Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State.
During a visit to Tulalip’s Early Learning Academy, Senator McCoy listens intently to the joyful messages of a young student. (TN Photo/Micheal Rios)
“It is so important our kids become educated with an accurate understanding of the relationship between the tribes and the state. As the STI curriculum is implemented in school districts across the state, that understanding of our relationship continues to grow and improve,” said McCoy.
After he was elected to the Washington State Senate, McCoy led victories like the passage of the Native American Voting Rights Act to expand voting rights access in tribal communities, and passage of a groundbreaking dental therapy bill to expand dental care on reservations. He also established Native American Heritage Day, honoring tribal history the day after Thanksgiving.
McCoy was elected by his colleagues to serve as chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in 2016, and most recently served on the Natural Resources Committee, the Agriculture, Water, Trade and Economic Development Committee, and the Rules Committee.
His retirement will allow the now 76-year-old to focus on his health and enjoy full-time Elder status. McCoy said he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, three daughters, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Treasury cannot distribute coronavirus relief funds meant for Indian tribal governments to for-profit Alaska Native Corporations because they are not Indian Tribes and do not have recognized governing bodies under federal law.
Lead Plaintiffs the Tulalip Tribes, the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation in Washington state, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians in Maine and three federally recognized Indian tribes in the state of Alaska, won a major victory for all tribes today at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. District Judge Amit Mehta granted the Plaintiffs’ request and enjoined the Department of the Treasury from distributing funds Congress intended for Tribal governments to for-profit Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs).
Plaintiffs filed suit on April 16, 2020 after the Secretary of Treasury indicated that he would use monies intended for Tribal governments to fund ANCs. The three Alaska co-plaintiffs are the Akiak Native Community, the Asa’carsarmiut Tribe, and the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island. The Plaintiffs subsequently filed an amended complaint to add the Navajo Nation, Quinault Indian Nation, Pueblo of Picuris, Elk Valley Rancheria, and San Carlos Apache Tribe.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) became law on March 27, 2020, and provides $150 billion in direct payments specifically to states, Tribal governments, territories, and local governments for COVID-19 related expenses incurred through December 30, 2020. Of the $150 billion, Congress allocated $8 billion for direct payments to Tribal governments. In setting aside the funds for Tribal governments, numerous members of Congress noted the tremendous hardships that COVID-19 has caused for Tribal governments.
In a 34 page opinion, Judge Mehta concluded that the Plaintiffs satisfied the four factors required to obtain equitable relief and noted that the Plaintiffs would suffer irreparable harm absent an injunction because, among other reasons, the $8 billion of the COVID-19 Relief Funds Congress set aside for Tribal governments in the CARES will not be recoverable once they are disbursed. Turning to the Plaintiffs’ likelihood of success on the merits, Judge Mehta held that “presently, no ANC satisfies the definition of ‘Tribal government’ under the CARES Act and therefore no ANC is eligible for any share of the $8 billion allocated by Congress for Tribal governments.”
Plaintiffs maintained that the only eligible recipients are the approximately 574 federally recognized Tribal governments that are recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. Disbursement of funds to ANCs would have significantly diminished the funding available for Tribal governments, which are providing critical services across the country to tribal members and their communities in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Such diminishment would have occurred at a time when other programs under the CARES Act are either unavailable to Tribal governments or have exhausted available funds.
Many Indian tribes, intertribal organizations, and members of Congress expressed written opposition to Treasury’s inclusion of ANCs because ANCs are state-chartered and state-regulated private business corporations, not Tribal governments as contemplated in the CARES Act. Other tribes later filed two similar lawsuits, and the Court consolidated these cases with the main case, Chehalis v. Mnuchin.
“The Chehalis tribe is pleased that the court saw what was obvious to many of us. Corporations have no place taking dollars that were allocated for tribal governments, period!”, said Harry Pickernell, Sr., Chairman of the Chehalis Tribe. “This ruling will ensure that tribes and tribal members will reap the intended benefits that Congress envisioned in the CARES Act. This ruling will help tribal governments to lead in the aid and recovery of their people.”
“We are pleased that the Court found in our favor. There was no question for us that the intent of Congress was to distribute these funds to Indian tribal governments. ANCs are neither Indian tribes, nor do they have recognized governing bodies that are responsible for providing essential governmental services to a tribal community,” said Teri Gobin, Chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribes. “It is extremely unfortunate that some are promoting ANCs to be something they are not, at the expenses of tribes, and it is disappointing that the administration is promoting a position that equates these for-profit corporations with Indian Tribal governments,” Gobin added.
Treasury represented to the Court that they would not be distributing these CARES Act funds until April 28, 2020, at the earliest, due to reasons unrelated to Plaintiffs’ lawsuit. Congress had intended and required Treasury to distribute this funding to Tribal governments no later than April 26, 2020. Plaintiffs urge Treasury to follow the law and to disburse the desperately needed funds in full to tribal governments without further delay.
Two quick stats. First, at least 124,000 public and private schools in the United States have closed due to coronavirus concerns. Second, approximately 55 million students are impacted by these widespread school closures. The stark reality for many families is they are left struggling to cope with an unprecedented global pandemic while being responsible for their now home-bound children’s education.
Tulalip tribal member Angela Davis understands the complexities involved with homeschooling children. Her three children 15-year-old Samara, 14-year-old Samuel and 12-year-old Abigail have been homeschooled their entire life. Together with her spouse, Angela and John Davis III have a system that is proven to be effective and successful.
While residing on the Tulalip Reservation, their children attend school from the comforts of home. In fact, inside the Davis residence is a dedicated education room with three desks, a white board, projector, and a book shelf full of textbooks and miscellaneous reading material.
Angela was gracious enough to do an interview with Tulalip News. What follows is a condensed transcription of that interview in which the veteran homeschooler offers a number of tips and insights for parents new to the homeschool scene.
SYS: Your three children have only been homeschooled. What prompted you and your husband to opt for this?
Angela: Our number one priority is the safety of our children. The world has changed from when we were kids. We might have had our bullies at school, but for the most part we weren’t exposed to too much. Today, students are exposed to so many different situations that take away from enjoying life and learning. Unfortunately, when it comes to bullying at school (whether it is from another student or a teacher/staff) it seems like it is getting more and more difficult for the school to take action and rectify the situation. From many aspects, it is unfortunate our tribal kids have to deal with that.
SYS: From your experience, what are some of the best benefits to having your children learn from home?
Angela: A big benefit is allowing your children to learn more than what the public school curriculum provides. As we have seen, there is a lot of misinformation about history and so many other things being taught. By homeschooling we get to choose how information is given to our children, meaning there is just not one perspective given, but many. Our children take in multiple perspectives and then can make an educated decision on what they choose to believe.
SYS: Do you find this kind of learning flexible to more out of the classroom teaching?
Angela: Yes, we do. Flexibility is another added benefit. For example, if we wanted to go on a field trip to learn about a particular subject we can go at any time. If we have appointments during the day, we can just catch up later or the following day. If we wanted to or needed to travel we could take homeschooling with us. Balancing life and learning for each family’s situation is doable once you find a comfortable structure.
SYS: Structure and adhering to a consistent schedule have to be critical to long-term success, right?
Angela: Absolutely. Although the structure of a schedule is dependent on each family’s situation and what works best for them. We tend to believe getting up early and starting school at a regular time is most effective for consistency. Sticking to this kind of daily structure prepares children to become productive adults who enter the workforce or start their own business.
SYS: For parents with multiple children, like yourself, there might be a tendency to feel like you have to divide up your time unequally. How do you deal with that?
Angela: We focus on the fact that our children at home receive more one-on-one attention than they would in a public school setting. If you have a class of 25 students versus a class of 3 students, the attention of the teacher is not divided nearly as much. Plus, we are able to spend more time with a child that is struggling, while the other two continue to do their work.
If a family has children that are more separated in age, they may need to get a little more creative on who gets the “teachers” attention and when. Also, the older children can help their siblings with subjects as needed, so it can become a family effort to educate each other.
SYS: How do you decide which curriculum to teach? Is there a guide you follow day by day or week by week?
Angela: The good news is that it is up to the parents to choose. There are many options to choose from. I have learned that you have to consider two things: 1.) The parents’ teaching style and 2.) The child’s learning style.
I suggest parents do some research to figure out what style works best for them and how they learn the best. Parents also need to go in with the understanding that what they first choose might not work the best for them or only certain parts of it might work and certain parts don’t. They can change to a different curriculum at any time.
We’ve alternated between textbooks, online programs, using the school district’s K-12 program, and even mixing multiple sources. It really is up to the parent as long as they are teaching the core subjects.
SYS: When you get stuck or need assistance with a certain subject, either learning it yourself or teaching it, what do you do?
SYS: Besides the book schooling, do you make learning other skills like art, craft making or instruments part of the typical routine?
Angela: Yes, we do. It is important to balance book work with hands-on skills and activities to help keep the kids engaged. This way they are exposed to new skills that may turn into their passion. Our family stresses the need to learn hands-on skills so that they will always have something to fall back on if they are having difficulties in the workforce. We also explain that with these skills, they may be able to start their own businesses and be self-sufficient.
SYS: What activities or skills have you found your kids most engage in?
Angela: All types really. We’ve had them dabble in piano lessons, singing, computer programming, and making clothes with a sewing machine. All three have developed their own personal style when it comes to traditional arts and crafts. They’ve made beaded hoop earrings, traditional hand drums, and look forward to submitting their creations in various categories at the Tribe’s annual art festival.
SYS: What resources do you look to or recommend for families who are struggling with homeschooling?
Angela: There are so many resources available, but my first go to is researching online at the Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO). They provide a lot of information in one place, such as the laws for the state, training for the parents, and many other resources. https://washhomeschool.org/homeschooling/the-law/
Some other websites to help with determining what system works best for your family would be curriculum reviews and teaching methods:
SYS: Last question. Has the current Coronavirus crisis affected your kids’ ability to be educated in any way? And have you added the global impacts of COVID-19 into their curriculum?
Angela: The Coronavirus crisis has not affected my kids’ ability to be educated in any way. Our curriculum is mostly textbook based so we have all the items we need at home, and if we were completely online, that would not have affected us either.
Our normal teachings include real world and current events in which my children are very aware of what is going on in our Tulalip community, state, country and even globally. This information is incorporated as part of our curriculum on a daily basis.
The biggest impact that this crisis has had on my children is not being able to go out freely as before, whether if it was to a field trip or a community event, or simply visiting their grandparents and family. Fortunately, we have technology that still allows for us to connect and continue to learn.
