Heritage Language programs, outreach effort in San Juan schools earn national honors

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan School District approved policies related to bathroom uses in schools, reviewed tribal consultation efforts and awards for heritage language and sent out a survey for parent preference on the upcoming school year calendar at their latest meeting.
School District Superintendent Christine Fitzgerald provided an update on the districts efforts for tribal consultation at the November 12 meeting.
Fitzgerald reported the district meets in person or virtually with the Navajo Nation every fall and spring.
In those meetings the district provides data including Navajo student enrollment, special education and English language learner numbers, staffing demographics, student achievement data including graduation rates and absenteeism and detailed federal funding usage.
Fitzgerald reports that recent consultations have been “very, very positive” regarding district efforts to preserve language and culture, facilitated partly by the efforts of the district Bilingual Director Brenda Whitehorse.
Fitzgerald also reported that meetings with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe more often occur annually, with a heavy focus on increasing graduation rates and post-graduation outcomes. Fitzgerald also shared that student success meetings are also held more regularly at the White Mesa Education Center.
At the meeting, the board also heard a report from Whitehorse on the Johnson O’Malley (JOM) program in the district.
The JOM offers Indigenous students funding for a variety of programs, with the Bureau of Indian Education noting the inclusion of cultural, language, academics and dropout prevention programs.
At the meeting, it was recognized that the San Juan School District received the exemplary award at the National Johnson O’Malley Conference in November for region 7, which includes Utah, Nevada and California.
At the conference, Toni Pelt was recognized with the Exemplary Teacher Award for her efforts preserving the Ute language and promoting cultural activities at the White Mesa Education Center.
The exemplary award presented to the district Heritage Language Program celebrated the district efforts to strengthen Navajo language and cultural education through parent engagement, student leadership opportunities, academic support and community initiatives.
Highlighted initiatives included enhanced parental involvement through surveys, presentations and online resources, with student leadership fostered through Jim Dandy Sr. Standing Tall Awards, knowledge bowls and Dine language fairs.
Whitehorse noted that nine of the 12 schools in the district have Navajo language classes with heritage language teachers.
Whitehorse added the district Heritage Language Resource Center provides support for not only the San Juan School District but also provides curriculum for surrounding schools on the Navajo Nation.
Whitehorse said these programs are showing returns in measurable academic metrics, including positive growth in academic achievement and attendance rates.
Members of the board recognized and thanked Whitehorse, Pelt and the entire Heritage Language Program for their efforts.
Members of the school board approved student attendance at different national conferences at their latest meeting.
High school students from the San Juan Youth Prevention Coalition requested permission to attend a national conference in Washington DC in February. The programming is related to prevention leadership training to inform and teach youth how to address drug and mental health issues in their communities.
Eight students across the district have been selected based on criteria including attending prior prevention summits and pledging leadership. The $3,400 cost for the conference, meals hotels and airfare are covered by the San Juan County Prevention Action Coalition (SJCPAC) and youth coalition. With students and advisor Jeff Hunt requesting transportation to and from the Grand Junction or Durango Airports. Members of the board approved support for the opportunity.
At the meeting, the board also approved sending 10-15 members of the Native Youth Council to the Unity Conference in Phoenix in January.
The trip is funded by a Native Youth Community Project grant and aimed at helping students develop advocacy skills to give a voice in their education and community success. Members of the board also approved the request to attend the conference in Phoenix.
Members of the school board also reviewed data on Concurrent Enrollment (CE) classes presented by assistant superintendent Derek Begay.
The district reviewed a focus on boosting American Indian student participation in concurrent enrollment which is when high school students take college courses for both high school and college credit.
It was noted that 10 percent of American Indian students in the district participate in CE, which is slightly below the state average and has remained a steady number even as overall CE numbers are up. One noted challenge is how CE classes are not always perfectly aligned with high school schedules.
The district planned to address the gap by sharing informational graphics with parents to showcase the financial benefits of the program, with additional promotion during student orientation and junior and senior nights. 
Members of the San Juan School Board also approved policy changes at the latest meeting. Among them was a state mandated sex designated facilities law.
The law prohibits individuals from using privacy spaces, including restrooms and locker rooms that do not correspond to their biological sex.
The policy also mandates schools create privacy plans for students uncomfortable with the corresponding facility.
Members of the board also adopted changes to policies related to members of the public in schools. Among them include check-in procedures for visitors, restrictions on electronic device misuse and similar requirements on the public using facilities corresponding with their biological sex.
Members of the board also updated a policy related to emergency safety interventions, including physical restraint of students with the policy noting restraints are not to be used as discipline. The updated policy also details procedures for approving designated seclusion areas in schools.
Members of the board also received an update on capital projects in the district. Staff shared the Monticello High and Albert R Lyman Middle School secure entrance projects are moving towards bidding in March.
The secure entrance update to Montezuma Creek Elementary has a final completion date in January 2026, while the San Juan high security entrance update is anticipated to be complete in March of 2026.
The new Blanding Elementary School construction is nearing completion with the gym floor laid and kitchen equipment being installed.
Members of the board approved a motion to include both current and former school board members and business administrators for the plaque to be installed on the new building.
The school board also reviewed options for the 2026-2027 school calendar. The board sent out a two-question survey to parents and staff asking a preference on the start day of the school year, along with a preference of an early or late spring break.
Juanita Becenti of Montezuma Creek Elementary School and Fenesia Manygoats of Bluff Elementary School were recognized with San Juan Sweet Job awards.