The Muscogee (Creek) Nation stands in full support of the Mvskoke families affected by the teacher walk out. The Nation also extends our sincere encouragement and care to our educators.
This past Thursday, March 29, 2018, Gov. Mary Fallin signed HB 1010 which calls for a $447 million plan to fund teacher pay and educational needs, which will increase taxes on fuel, cigarettes and restore taxes on oil and gas production to 5%.
However, as only part of the Oklahoma Education Association request has been met, the OEA is continuing with the walk out at the State Capitol as a demand for additional funding toward general education and supplies.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, which includes about 18,000 Mvskoke students in the 11-county jurisdiction, believes in the educators’ effort to engage in this strong and meaningful act for students, and it should be respected and supported.
According to the MCN Johnson O’Malley Program records, 477 Native American students attend Okmulgee Public Schools and 422 Native students attend Morris Public Schools.
The MCN also understands the impact the teacher walk out has on the parents and students.
The Eufaula Dormitory in Eufaula, Okla., has more than 70 students attending public schools. During the one-day closure the residential facility transported students home over the weekend and have plans to resume classes mid-week.
Morris Public Schools sent out a letter to parents stating they will be closed the week of April 2 – 6, 2018 in order for teachers to advocate for additional funds for educational resources.
There are also a number of resources available in local communities, Morris Public Schools is offering students Kindergarten through 12th grade a sack lunch Monday through Friday, until the walkout has ended.
There are two pick up locations in town, located at Morris First Baptist Church and Morris First Assembly of God from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Deliveries may also be requested through the following link and will be delivered by school personnel between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The form to request delivery is available at https://goo.gl/forms/3uZ1VckguIy9KALl1.
With the exception of Morris Schools, all surrounding schools are expected to return this week.
For the parents in need of support, as well as a number of children in need of school lunches during the walk out, The MCN Mvskoke Nation Youth Services is providing a ‘hangout’ for youth ages 12 and up during the walk out.
The hangout will include snacks each day and access to Wi-Fi, computers, arts and crafts, as well as other activities. The service is limited to Mvskoke Nation Youth Council Members and children of MCN employees.
Parents and guardians must sign the youth in each day and the service is accepting a maximum of 15 youth per day. Parents can register their children at bit.ly/mnyshangout or call 918-549-2557.
Although this is a difficult time, additional funding and resources for education are of paramount importance as our children are the future of our Nation.
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