March Newsletter
Districtwide Staff
MPS Enrollment
Jennifer Graff
jennifer.graff@mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-1814
I am descended from Chief Maangozid (Loon’s Foot) of Fond du Lac through my mother, Joyce LaPorte. My pride and joy is my grandson Thane Cuoi Makwa and his dad, my son, Mykl, is my greatest accomplishment. MPS has been my employer since August of 2000. Various roles withing the Special Education arena but did have positions in North HS and Stadium View which were both very meaningful positions/places to work.
Are you looking for a new school for your student 24-25 school year? MPS now has Jennifer Graff, Student Enrollment & Retention Specialist, who is available to work with any American Indian family that has enrollment, student placement questions or would like to request a new school for next year.
Districtwide Staff
Early Childhood
Melody Iron Eaglefeather
melody.ironeaglefeather@mpls.k12.mn.us
Han mitakupaye,
My name is Melody Iron EagleFeather and I'm an enrolled member of Standing Rock Tribe. I was born and raised in Minneapolis. I grew up going to Minneapolis Public Schools and have always wanted to contribute to my community in some way. I work as an Associate Educator in the Early Childhood and Family Education program. I invite all my Native relatives to join me and my amazing colleague, Teacher Priya, Monday nights for our Families of Tradition class where we share a hot meal and discuss important topics regarding raising our children and their development. We also have fun activities for the children, including gym time.
I look forward to continuing my work for Minneapolis Public Schools and plan on getting my license soon.
Districtwide Staff
Aliya Rivera
Engagement, Education & Outreach Specialist
aliya.rivera@mpls.k12.mn.us or call/text 612-462-2660
Questions, concerns, or looking to connect with District staff but unsure where to start? Aliya Rivera is a resource within the District to provide navigation and district wide engagement support for American Indian families!
Districtwide
Office of the Ombudsperson
Mitchell Roldan
Director of the Ombudsperson
mitchell.roldan@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-668-0234
An ombudsperson is someone who listens to and investigates complaints or concerns about an organization. The Office of the Ombudsperson can assist families who have questions, concerns or complaints against MPS schools, programs, offices, and staff. The Ombudsperson is a neutral party who does not take sides.
They work with families, community members, and MPS to investigate complaints, clarify and resolve questions, and address concerns in an impartial and timely manner. The services of the Ombudsperson are free. The Ombudsperson is an objective third-party whose goal is to work with people who have a problem with MPS to find a solution.
Please click HERE if you would like to submit a concern.
American Indian Education
Family Engagement Coordinator
White Earth Nation
christine.wilson@mpls.k12.mn.us or call/text 612-715-0864
Want to learn more about how to get engaged with the Indian Education Department? Christine Wilson is an expert in the district wide support services in Indian Education. She is a key lead for several initiatives including the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), American Indian Awareness & Family Involvement Week and the Attendance work group.
Welcome our new SSPA, Justis!
Justis Brokenrope (Sicangu Lakota)
He/Him/His
School Success Program Assistant, Indian Education
Work cell: 612-405-8419
justis.brokenrope@mpls.k12.mn.us
Háu mitákuyepi, Justis Brokenrope emákiyapi do. Nabdáska héčhiya imáčhaǧe, ómakha napčíwaŋka heháŋyaŋ Bdé Óta Othúŋwe ded wathí. Šičháŋǧu Oyáŋke ed omáwapi.
Hello my relatives, my name is Justis Brokenrope. I grew up in Nebraska, have lived in Minneapolis for the last nine years, and am an enrolled member of the Sičháŋǧu Lakȟóta tribe.
I have a BA from the University of Minnesota and have spent the last few years working as an educator and language revitalization advocate within various settings. Most recently, I worked as an American Indian family liaison at a charter school in St. Paul, and prior to that I was a Dakhota language instructor in a preschool immersion classroom through the University of Minnesota. I have also worked for various other indigenous non-profits doing Dakhota language work thoughout the metro area. I love working with kids of all ages and making education accessible and empowering for native students and their families, and I will always strive for this in a system that historically hasn’t supported us.
When I’m not at school, I love listening to most kinds of music, hanging with my puppy Watheca, riding my Harley, and continuing to learn and teach my tribe’s language.
Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams to Serve as the Next Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent
The Minneapolis Board of Education (School Board) is pleased to announce it has completed its search for the next superintendent. Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, Superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools in Minnesota, will serve as the next MPS superintendent beginning February 5, 2024, following Board approval of her employment contract.
“This is a full-circle moment for me,” said Sayles-Adams. “I began my career in education working as a teacher in North Minneapolis and that’s where I learned that strong schools make a strong community. I am honored and thank the School Board for their vote of confidence in my commitment to serve as the next superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. I look forward to partnering with teachers, students, staff and the community to make sure every student gets the high-quality education they deserve.”
The Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) American Indian Education department is conducting their annual election for its American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) for the 2024-2025 academic/school year. Elected committee members serve as a voice for more than 1,800 American Indian students and families within the more than 75 schools that make up the MPS district.
Here is the form link:
