Nearly 70 students enrolled in Mvskoke language class
Posted on 11/18/2024
(SPS) -- Sapulpa Public Schools offers Muscogee (Mvskoke) language as a world language credit class toward graduation, and 69 students at Sapulpa Junior High School have enrolled in the fall Mvskoke I class.
The class is taught in partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, which has developed software and other educational materials. Ms. Kayla Bendle, Sapulpa's Indian Education director, teaches Mvskoke I.
"We've been offering Native American classes for the past few years, and we've touched on several of the five tribe languages, primarily being Mvskoke," said Ms. Bendle. "So a lot the students that took it this year have already been exposed to Mvskoke language."
She says elementary and middle school students study culture and language with Indian Education tutors and Challenge Bowl.
Kayla Coleman is a freshman taking Mvskoke I. She says it's one of her favorite classes.
"I wanted to take Mvskoke because I wanted to stay connected with my culture," said Kayla. "In the future I wish to use it so I can talk more with my culture, and to other tribes and tribal leaders."
Ms. Bendle says students can eventually become a certified teacher through the College of Muscogee Nation.
"These students will graduate knowing a language that has been rare, but hopefully, with this, it won't be rare anymore," said Ms. Bendle.
"It keeps people connected to cultures, and it helps cultures survive," said Kayla.
Sapulpa Junior High has three sections of Mvskoke I, and, Ms. Bendle adds, the Native American Student Association has seen growth.
Related:
Tulsa World: Tulsa, Sapulpa among area districts saying hensci - hello - to Muscogee language option