OKCPS Native American Student Services

09/11/2026

🎓 NASS ALERT: COLLEGE FAIR WEEK IS NEXT WEEK! 🪶✨

Attention OKCPS Native American students and families! Next week is official College Fair Week across Oklahoma City Public Schools!

College fairs are one of the best ways to meet directly with college admissions reps, explore career technology pathways, learn about tribal tuition waivers, and start planning your future.

📸 Check out the pictures below to get top tips on how to attend a college fair and get the most out of your experience! 👇

Oklahoma City Public Schools

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

Please check this out! This is an opportunity to connect with your student's teachers and check up on their progress so far this year!

🗓️ Heads-up, families! Student-led Parent-Teacher Conferences kick off the week of Sept. 21!

This is a great chance for students to take the lead and share their progress with you. And as a reminder, schools will be closed on Sept. 25.

Have questions? Reach out to your student’s school site for details!

09/10/2026

The NYCP Program is hosting a Back-to-School Bash for Pre-K through 5th grade students!
Come join us for an evening full of fun activities, games, prizes, food, and MORE!
Bring your kiddos out and help us kick off the new school year with a night of fun!
Monday, September 21st 5:30-8:00 PM
RESPECT Gym – Concho
We can’t wait to see you there!

09/10/2026

Check out schools that have resources that can help you along the way. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help.

09/10/2026

We are ready to celebrate the amazing people in our communities!! OCIE Annual Award Nominations are OPEN!

It’s that time of year again, our 47th Annual Conference is coming up quickly. Hard to believe it’s almost been a year since we gathered to celebrate and support each other.

But here we are ready to nominate, acknowledge, and celebrate the amazing work you and your colleagues are doing every day. Deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 20th at 5pm, no extensions will be granted.

You can complete nomination form here: https://tinyurl.com/OCIE26AwardNomination

Only complete applications will be up for consideration. Questions may be directed to Erika Focht- Payton (Awards Committee) [email protected].
Please indicate 2026 OCIE Awards in the subject line.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:
● Oklahoma Indian Educator of the Year
● Oklahoma Indian Teacher of the Year
● Oklahoma Indian Parent of the Year
● Oklahoma Indian Student of the Year (High School)
● Oklahoma Indian Student of the Year (Higher Education)
● Oklahoma Indian Elder of the Year

Please note that nominator and awardee must be current members, if they are not, we will send a link for OCIE Membership.

More information listed within the nomination form, OCIE award winners may also be nominated for national awards given by the National Indian Education Association at a later date.

09/10/2026

Check out these wonderful events!

There’s a lot happening at Oklahoma City Indian Clinic next week! From cooking and nutrition to cultural connection and community, our upcoming programs give OKCIC patients opportunities to learn, connect and take part in activities designed to support health and well-being.

Toddlers in the Kitchen takes place Friday, September 11, followed by the BRAID Reunion on Monday, September 14, and two programs on Tuesday, September 15: Native Traditions in Motion: Elders & Caregivers and Exercise Nutrition Class.

Registration and application deadlines vary by program, so be sure to check the details before signing up. Visit OKCIC.com/event for more information and to see all of our upcoming programs.

09/10/2026

🌱 SEL Focus: Self-Awareness — “Who Am I?”

Self-awareness is about more than knowing your favorite color, your hobbies, or what you’re good at. It’s about taking the time to understand your emotions, your strengths, your values, your thoughts, and your behaviors.

This month, we’re encouraging students to pause and ask themselves:

💗 What makes me happy?
💛 What makes me angry?
💚 What drains me?
💙 What gives me energy?
💜 What am I proud of?

We’re also exploring our triggers and learning to recognize what happens in our minds, bodies, emotions, and actions when something affects us.

And remember: your strengths aren’t always obvious. Humor, creativity, patience, loyalty, leadership, problem-solving, listening, advocacy, and adaptability are all strengths that may not show up on a report card—but they matter.

✨ You are more than what people see. Know yourself. Be yourself. Love yourself.

Let’s hear from you: What’s one thing you’re REALLY good at that doesn’t show up on a report card?

09/10/2026

The application for the 65th Annual United States Senate Youth Program is NOW OPEN!

Two students from Oklahoma will be selected to participate in the program in Washington, D.C., where they will gain firsthand experience with our nation’s government and leadership. Each selected student will also receive a $12,500 undergraduate college scholarship.

Students must meet the official USSYP eligibility criteria based on leadership positions they currently hold during the 2026–27 academic year.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 1, 2026 at 5 p.m. Finalists will be notified by Nov. 1 and will participate in an interview in November.

Apply here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdb5Z2PozNRWCjYMrPuAu56RqiZYsgaetSetBtkePP6AKZgOA/viewform

We encourage eligible Oklahoma students to take advantage of this opportunity to grow as leaders, represent our state and invest in their future!