Classroom and Teaching Supplies

Pine Ridge Girls School

"The Pine Ridge Girls' School seeks, through an academically rigorous program grounded in Lakota culture, language, and values, to empower the young women of Pine Ridge, and to foster in them self-respect, a love of learning, and qualities of leadership to serve and shape their world."

My name is Dusty Nelson and I am a life long resident of Pine Ridge, SD.   I am a graduate of Oglala Lakota College and an active Lakota Language learner.  I have a passion for learning and teaching the lakota lanuage and have worked as an immersion teacher for the past five years.  Presently, I  I have the honor of being the Language Arts teacher at the brand new all girls school on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation called, Aŋpo Wičaȟpi Owayawa or Pine Ridge Girls' School.  This will be the first year of operation, the doors will open to the students on August 30th, 2016.  I believe this school is essential in helping our young lakota women fulfill their roles as the future back bone of the Oglala Lakota Nation in the 21st century.  I take the role as their teacher and mentor very seriously and would like to be able to meet their needs as future college students and productive members of our community. 

As a new school we are aquiring the things we need through generous donations and volunteer work from community members. However, there are still a few needs that remain unmet.  The students of Pine Ridge Girls school work hard towards academic success as well as Wolakota.  They would be able to work more efficiently if we had access to certain materials,  So,  I am raising money for a computer, a printer, a projector,Lakota language materials, and age appropriate books.

The computer will be used by to create lesson plans, keep up date on professional developement and conduct research for content.  The projector will be used in the classroom to add a technology component for presentations and demonstrations.  The books will go into our classroom library.
 
 The school would like to provide an environment that is comortable and well equipped in order to foster their learning.  In order for the girls to excel, they need to have the tools neccesary to be successful in their education. 

Your financial support will empower me as a teacher to 
provide quality teaching and instruction to the students.  If we can meet our financial goal and secure the items we need it will allow me to focus on creating lessons and making sure that the content I teach is of high quality.  

I am deeply appreciative of any and all contributions that will be made.  Not only will the students and I benefit from your generosity but also, eventually, the community in which we live.