Working Towards Better Nixyaawii

Lately a big problem for our school is, simply, lack of participation. Just about half the enrolled students attend regularly. Also grades, and attendance have fallen significantly since the end of basketball season. For example, there are 14 students enrolled in my current class, 6 of which are in class, 3 of which are working. Teachers are completely aware of this problem, plus the problem of Drug and Alcohol use in their students, but what can they do? What is the solution for this ongoing epidemic spreading through the school? Some solutions I've considered are: Getting students re-motivated, and a better learning environment.

First of all, what makes a student get up in the morning and get to school on time? Strict parenting, the alarm clock, or just self-discipline, right? What should be the reason, is the necessity of education. A student should want to come to school, for hopes of a fortunate future. What I believe is causing this problem is lack of motivation. I think that the students don't realize what can lie ahead of them if they simply try. From my experience, I've attended several conventions, where I have met several important people. Seeing what these people have accomplished, and how they enjoy their career, is my motivation. The problem, again, is that this 'motivation' wears away. Something I think our school can do about this, is open the students' minds to the doors education may open. Possibly a motivational speaker, or a youth conference out of town.

Also, the location of our school makes it easy for students to leave. With the lack of motivation in students, they will easily take advantage of being able to leave. Smoking, and even drinking are reasons to ditch school, also just boredom, and no reason to stay. I, as well as many other students believe that this school was made way too ahead of itself. This school does have the capability to open up opportunities to native students, but was made without the necessities of a good school.

This school, is very important to our reservation community, but participation, and improvements are things we lack. What we can do to fix this, I don't exactly know, I just took the time to recognize what is going on at our school.