Education Department

What We Provide

Resources & Forms

Application Process

Our Staff

Contact Info

What We Provide

The Nooksack Education Department supports lifelong learning by offering educational opportunities from early childhood through adulthood. Our work is grounded in the Tribe’s commitment to cultural strength, community well being, and long term economic stability.

We take a whole person approach, recognizing that education is connected to the spiritual, mental, physical, and cultural dimensions of each individual. Our programs honor the role of family, community, and Tribal identity in shaping a strong foundation for learning and personal growth.

Resources

New Johnson O'Malley Program Eligibility Criteria Update

Information session (2)

2025-2026 Youth Forms

Youth Education App 25-26

Teen App 2025-2026

13-18 Teen Consent Packet

Release of Information

Apply Now

Please send completed Youth and Teen Program forms to the

Youth Program Receptionist

Education Grants and Support for Tribal Members

The Education Department administers several education related grants that Tribal members may apply for. These programs support adult basic education, higher education, vocational and technical training, career development, and school related or extracurricular expenses.

Student Support

For students who may be struggling, a parent or teacher can begin the referral process by contacting the Nooksack Education staff. We will ensure that the school district’s Release of Educational Records form is completed by the parent, and we will coordinate a conference, either by email or in person, with the teacher. This helps us establish clear goals for the student and maintain open communication throughout the support process.

Things we offer:

After school homework tutoring
Classroom aides who attend school with students to provide morning academic support
A fully equipped library with more than 10,000 book titles, school supplies, and an 18 station computer lab
Summer programs including reading challenges, language classes, behavioral health activities, and field trips

Cultural workshops
Nooksack Native language classes
A Program/School Liaison to support positive communication between families and schools
Fully staffed youth groups, organized by age, offering grade appropriate academics and activities

For more information about the Education Department

Call (360) 966-2043

Tribal Education Liaison

Ravenia D. Williams serves the Nooksack Tribe as the Tribal Education Liaison. She is available to assist Nooksack families in communicating with the local school districts.

She can advocate in school meetings regarding attendance, academics, social well-being, bullying matters, cultural sensitivities, IEPs, 504s, BECCA court, and school conferences. Ravenia may also assist in helping you understand your child’s class structure / class schedule if you are having difficulties understanding the log-in process and homework submission dates.

If you need any assistance regarding your child’s schooling or student record, please feel free to call Ravenia at (360) 305-8211. Please remember that school ATTENDANCE and PARTICIPATION are very important to ensure your child’s educational success.

Iweste’leq (Teacher)

Amy Starzak serves the Nooksack Tribe as a certified Iweste’leq (Teacher) within the Education Department. She supports youth by supervising their learning, providing instruction, and helping them work toward important academic benchmarks.

She works in the local schools during the morning hours, where she assists youth with their daily academic needs, encourages positive engagement, and helps create a supportive learning environment. Amy focuses on building trusting relationships with youth and making learning meaningful, accessible, and culturally grounded.

In the afternoons, Amy contributes to the Education Department’s after school programming, offering additional academic support, enrichment activities, and structured learning opportunities for Nooksack youth and families.

As part of the Education Department, she collaborates with staff, youth, and families to develop and implement appropriate learning plans for Nooksack learners. Her goal is to nurture each youth’s interest in education and serve as a dedicated partner throughout their learning and development.

If you need assistance regarding your child’s learning needs or educational support, you are welcome to contact Amy. Consistent participation and engagement play an important role in supporting every youth’s success.