Academics at the Akwesasne Mohawk School

The Akwesasne Mohawk School has undergone many changes in the past few years. They have had additions and extensive renovations done to the building, Mr. Papineau retired as principle and Sharlee Thomas stepped in to take his place, and the academics have changed as well.

In Karin Thompson’s first grade class, students are utilizing the Scholastic Interactive Lesson plan learning about the Secrets of a Forest Habitat where they learn to read diagrams about animals that live on the forest floor. Carey Terrance and Joryan Adams took time out of their class to answer the question: What is your favorite course?

Carey: I like reading and math.

Joryan: I like reading because of the stories.

In Mr. Hahn’s music class, he is teaching his students adequate preparation and time management, which are very practical skills to learn, as well as general music information. This year, he has 43-students participating in 5th grade band and the same number in 4th grade band. The U.S has seen some major cutbacks in the music and art within the past few years so it is amazing to see that the cutbacks in those departments has not been seen here. Especially because of the large interest in music by the students, 30 new instruments were purchased this year to accommodate everyone. In order for Mr. Hahn to teach so many young students, he introduces different incentives to keep everyone interested and active. For example, students can be very forgetful and it can be challenging to teach so many, but with the help of his monthly drawing students are more likely to bring in their instruments and music because they are awarded a sticker each day they remember both. These stickers represent the number of chances students have to win the $30-$40 gift card Mr. Hahn purchases every month. Every student has a chance to win, more stickers simply means more chances. Principle Sharlee Thomas has recognized these efforts and says, “It’s dedicated teachers like Mr. Hahn who make a difference. His efforts go a long way.”

Another teacher who is making a difference at the Mohawk School is Mohawk teacher Angela Elijah. Students are fortunate to be taught Mohawk language at this public school and the importance is not lost on the young students. Mrs. Elijah’s students were very eager and active participants as she asked her class questions like, “To nikano:ron ne onahsthe?” (how much does the corn cost?) Hands went up all over the classroom as a student was chosen to answer, “Tero:tsen nikahwistake ne onahsthe” (the corn costs 25 cents). When the students were asked what they liked about Mohawk class, they answered:

“Its not like the ABC’s!”

“We get to learn our language!”

“We can’t speak English in here!”

“We dance and discover new things about our culture!”

“The songs!”

“How we talk is part of our tradition!”

Look for next weeks Indian Time issue for another peak inside the classes at the Akwesasne Mohawk School.