Dear American Indian Educators, Parents, School Boards and Administrators:

The JOM/TITLE VII Indian Education Planning Committee is pleased to present the new format and dates for the conference. The conference will be held July 16 – 18, 2008 at the Fond du Lac Ojibwe School. The conference will begin with a networking social on Wednesday night July 16, 2008 with workshops on July 17, 2008, ending with this years keynote speaker and lunch on July 18, 2008. The focus for presentations at this year’s conference is on innovative programs, projects or curriculum that has shown to be effective with your students. Dr. Sue Ellen Read, Executive Director for the Oklahoma Institute for Learning Styles has accepted the Planning Committees invitation to be the keynote speaker and will also do two presentations on July 17th. Dr. Read has an extensive background in working with American Indian learners. The Call for Presentation form is included in this mailing.

The Art Contest theme for this year’s conference is “Improving the Education of Our American Learners”. Two categories will be awarded in this years contest: hand drawn and graphic art. One winner will be selected in each category and each winner will receive $60.00 and their sponsoring organization or school will receive $200.00. All the artwork submitted will be showcased in the conference book.

The Lester “Jack” Briggs Quiz Bowl will be held Thursday, May 8, 2008 at the Fond du Lac Ojibwe School. Please contact Merlin Williams with any questions and your request for the application packet. (See enclosed forms)

Information on hotel accommodations for the July conference will be mailed out in March 2008. For the Quiz Bowl you can call the Black Bear Hotel now for reservations. As the hotel and casino is undergoing renovation and construction it is important to let the reservation clerk know if you want to be in the section of the hotel by the pool or in the new tower rooms.

We look forward to seeing you in May for the Quiz Bowl and in July for the 26th Annual JOM/TITLE VII Conference.

Sincerely,

The JOM/TITLE VII Indian Education Conference Planning Committee