SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 28, 2015) - Staff and students at Oneonta Elementary School in Imperial Beach received a $5,000 grant today from the Barona Band of Mission Indians as part of the ongoing Barona Education Grant program. The bilingual South Bay elementary school prides itself in creating a collaborative environment for teachers and students where success is achieved together.
California Speaker of the Assembly Toni Atkins, Barona Tribal Council Vice Chairman Raymond Welch and Barona Tribal Councilwoman Beth Glasco were all in attendance at today's ceremony to award Principal Marla Fernandez with the grant, which will be used to purchase books at different reading levels that will help increase the comprehension and fluency of various texts.
"The ability to read is a fundamental skill that leads to success in life, which is why we're pleased to award this education grant to Principal Fernandez and the entire Oneonta Elementary community," said Barona Chairman Clifford LaChappa. "The purpose of the Barona Education Grant Program is to supply schools with the tools necessary to achieve their goals. With this grant today, Oneonta Elementary will be able to purchase the books they need to excite their kids about reading and create a strong foundation for success in the future."
Since 2006, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has awarded over $2.5 million to 494 schools statewide to help bridge school budget gaps and share resources through its Barona Education Grant Program.
The program is the first of its kind in California created and administered by a Tribal Government. The goal of the program is to create strong educational opportunities for the children of California building upon the success of the Barona Indian Charter School, which operates under a continuous improvement model. Schools throughout California can apply for educational grants from Barona to purchase much needed supplies and materials that promote academic improvement. Each grant awarded by the Barona Education Grant Program is $5,000. Applications can be downloaded at http://barona-nsn.gov/education.
About the Barona Band of Mission Indians
The Barona Band of Mission Indians, recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation, has lived on the Barona Indian Reservation in rural eastern San Diego County since 1932. Prior to that, the Tribe lived on the Capitan Grande Reservation which was established by the federal government in 1875. Long before living on a reservation, the Tribe traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. Today, the sovereign nation, governed by an elected Tribal Council, is serving its Tribal members, their families, and sharing with the San Diego region. One of the most successful gaming Tribes in the country, Barona also owns and operates the Barona Resort & Casino, San Diego's leading gaming resort, casino and golf course. For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Sheilla Alvarez
619-402-0182
Kelly Jacobs Speer
619-933-5013
