CSKT Tribal Education donates hundreds of laptops to schools

St. Ignatius Schools welcomed the arrival of 183 Chromebook laptop computers last week, courtesy of CSKT Tribal Education. The Tribes used CARES Act coronavirus relief funds to purchase and donate approximately 1,200 computers to public schools throughout the Mission Valley, specifically earmarked toward verified tribal students, as per the Johnson-O'Malley Program (JOM).

Principal Shawn Hendrickson explained that due to pandemic concerns, several students have opted for home study, directed from the school.

“Every home learner has been given a Chromebook for home use. This donation will help replace those at the school, plus it helps us to get even closer to the goal of a 1:1 student ratio for computers to students,” Hendrickson said.

He said eventually they hope to have two computers per student to facilitate use at school and for homework without carrying one between home and school.

“We’re excited and thankful for the Tribes’ help and support of our educational efforts,” Hendrickson said.

Other schools with JOM-eligible students that will be receiving donated laptops are in the Arlee, Charlo, Dixon, Hot Springs, Dayton, Polson, and Ronan/Pablo districts. Nk̓ʷusm and Two Eagle River Schools were not included as they received their own CARES Act funds from the tribes.