Supporting Native Students at River Ridge High School

  • The Native Student Program is a supplemental program designed to assist American Indian and Alaska Native students with culturally unique academic needs to meet Washington State academic achievement standards.

    Questions or Comments?

    Jerad Koepp jkoepp@nthurston.k12.wa.us
    Native Student Program Specialist
    360-412-4670 x27802

    Laura Bowman lbowman@nthurston.k12.wa.us
    Native Education (Title III) Paraeducator
    360-412-4820 x42391

    What we offer our Native students

    • Academic support
    • Cultural programs and activities
    • Access to and information on supplementing education expenses
    • Family events
    • Staff development for North Thurston employees
    • Provide culturally relevant curriculum and resources
    • Assist with post-high school planningNative Student Program

    We are funded through a federal grant under Title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The amount of funds is determined by the number of students officially registered in our program.

    Want to be a part of our program?

    • If you, your child, or a grandparent are an enrolled member of an American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Group, then they may be eligible to be enrolled in our program
    • Eligibility is certified with a form called the Federal 506 form.

Enroll Your Student Today!

Stay Up to Date

  • River Ridge's after-school Native STEAM program is going strong! The program focuses on robotics, drones, art, and traditional plants & foods, including planned field trips to the Native American Youth Leadership Academy (NAYLA), the FIRE Summit at South Puget Sound Community College, the Burke Museum, and the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. Students who attend 75% of the time earn a .5 science credit. Want more information? Email program leader Laura Bowman at lbowman@nthurston.k12.wa.us.
    Comments (-1)

  • Literacy Support for Native Students: The Title III Native American literacy support program supports Native young people with supplementary literacy & language development support. See Title III info >>
    Comments (-1)

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All

  • Who is the Native Student Program Team?

  • What is the Native Student Program?

  • What is Title VI?

  • What is a 506 Form?

  • Who is eligible?

  • What if our tribe isn't federally recognized or we're First Nation?

  • How can I participate?

  • What NTPS policies relate to Native issues?

  • Where can I get a 506 form?

  • Where are you located?

  • Where do I turn it in?

  • How are students identified?

  • Can my Native student wear eagle feathers and/or regalia for graduation?

Online Native Resources

Expand All