• Category 1

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: pre k - 8
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 500
    Student Enrollment: 124
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 4%
    Hispanic: 0%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 96%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:12
    % Reduced Lunch: 0%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 1978
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Tanya Rosamond
  • CONTACT:
    3613 Chitimacha Trail
    Jeanerette, LA, BIE 70544
    337-923-9960
    tanya@chitimacha.gov
Chitimacha Tribal School
Jeanerette, LA, BIE
"Our school's success is a culmination of our great leadership, hardworking educators, involved community, and successful students."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Our school's success is a culmination of our great leadership, hardworking educators, involved community, and our successful students. As a majority we do not have much turn over within our staff, so I think the longevity of staff is a huge success. Our staff works diligently to make our school what it is and that is through repeatedly analyzing data and curriculums. We strive to give our students a well-rounded education filled with rigorous curriculums, engaging activities, and the technology knowledge needed in today's world. We are also very creative with our scheduling. We do whatever it takes to meet the student's needs. CTS has also implemented a reading and math intervention program for students in grades kindergarten thru 8th grade. The placement into this program assist in closing gaps of education. It is based on Dibels scores, iReady Diagnostic results, BIE test scores, and teacher referrals.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
The greatest contributing factor(s) promoting positive changes in our school was the implementation of various school activities and experiences. Our school plans various family nights, STEM, art, music and dance, culinary, kindness ambassadors, student of the week, Renaissance programs, social emotional programs, Whole Brain strategies, and the latest is Leadership activities. Everyone including staff and students work and help as a team. We pick people up when they are down. The tribe is so generous to help us with anything that will make us successful.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
The ESEA funding has supported our school's success by paying several teachers salaries, interventionists salary, staff stipends for professional development and further education, and staff summer workshop to continue with reviewing and implementing our school plan. The funding has also provided staff with various trainings connected to our curriculums such as: Amplify Science, Amplify CKLA, Great Minds Eureka Math, to name a few. Various equipment was purchased for example: computer needs, student chrome books, and teacher laptops. Teachers are also supplied with classroom supplies to enhance the curriculum they are teaching. Parent involvement workshops and educational family picnics are funded through these funds. Curriculum licenses and subscriptions are also supported by ESEA funding.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Our professional development is an ongoing process that is regularly followed. We have monthly team meetings which is our inhouse professional development that consists of reviewing, analyzing, and adjusting whatever needs to be. We also utilize our school plan at these meetings through individual study and presenting to other staff meetings. Some of the professional development opportunities we have taken is Whole Brain teaching, iReady implementing, interpreting and driving instruction. The present curriculums we use have provided us with some of the best professional development. (Amplify CKLA, Amplify Science, Eureka Math, Success For All, Achiever 3000, and seasoned individual consultants connecting to success schools)
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
In the past 11 years, we have felt a cultural shift because we value our relationships with students, families, and the community. CTS staff and students strive to learn from and understand to be a part of the community. Our team understands the unique opportunities and experiences we can provide to enrich our students' lives. We pride ourselves on being a village and helping each other. The hands on beadwork and basket making have always given the students a sense of pride. Along with the learning of the Chitimacha language, history, and legends, this has assisted with the school's unique success.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
At any school event, you can depend on great attendance and involvement. The involvement gives our staff and students a great sense of pride. The Chitimacha 4-H Club provides students in grades 4th through 8th with opportunities to learn, lead, and serve. Our club focuses on community service projects. Our members have been involved in making Christmas cards for the residents of Rivercane, the assisted living facility on the reservation. Donating to the holiday food drive, collecting pull tabs to benefit the Children's Hospital in New Orleans, and hoping to plant blue corn seeds for the community garden. Supporting St. Jude's Hospital is very close to our hearts because one of our students had cancer and beat it. In the past 50 years, our community has prioritized education and provided great opportunities that have been essential to our success. Our tribal leadership understands that education is their responsibility, and our tribe's future success is found in our children.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: pre k - 8
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 500
    Student Enrollment: 124
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 4%
    Hispanic: 0%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 96%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:12
    % Reduced Lunch: 0%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 1978
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Tanya Rosamond
  • CONTACT:
    3613 Chitimacha Trail
    Jeanerette, LA, BIE 70544
    337-923-9960
    tanya@chitimacha.gov