|
|
| Students from the Salish School of Spokane performing at the Fox Theater for OVATION. |
OVATION is an annual celebration to lift up the impact we create together as a community. This year's sponsor, U.S. Bank, graciously hosted nearly 300 guests at the Fox Theater. The evening began with complimentary beverages and catering by Nectar. The highlight was a drum performance by students from the Salish School of Spokane. Back in 2013 United Way began, and continues to have, a partnership with the Salish School of Spokane. In the first year, our efforts helped serve fourteen preschoolers and nine youth mentors with a priority to lift up kindergarten readiness for minority students by providing a culturally appropriate education. This was and still is a priority because we know that when kids start kindergarten ready and prepared they do better throughout their education. Today Salish immersion classes are creating a place for all students and the Salish culture to thrive. The Salish School of Spokane has doubled the number of students they serve and now serve youth ages three all the way to eighteen. These students are taught completely in the Salish language and they are breaking educational attainment records for our community. Statewide 59% of students meet grade level expectations in English and Language Arts. This number is lower for Native American students - only 31%. The students in the upper elementary class at the Salish School of Spokane, every one of them, so 100% read at or above grade level in English even as they spend all day in Salish immersion. This is an outstanding academic achievement and one we want to see for low-income students, minority students, every student in our community. The Salish School of Spokane's successes are both an academic and cultural triumph. Together, we have created a place where students will earn their cap and gown and preserve and grow their culture and language.
|
