The Sisseton Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Program’s intent is to provide learning experiences for eligible Indian students by implementing educational programs designed to promote academic success, improve self-esteem and the development of the student’s native culture and language.
Contact Information:
SWO Sisseton JOM Program:
PO Box 509, Agency Village, SD 57262
Samantha Pomani - SamanthaP@swo-nsn.gov
Sherry Johnson - SherryJ@swo-nsn.gov
605-698-8298 or 605-419-1691
605-742-0140
Eligibility:
Eligible Indian students include children from age three (3) years through grade twelve (12), except those enrolled in Bureau of Indian Affairs or sectarian operated schools, who are certified as ¼ or more degree Indian blood or a tribal member of a federally-recognized tribe.What is the purpose of JOM?
Provide supplementary financial assistance to meet the unique and specialized educational needs of Indian children. Johnson O’Malley funds are not to take the place of federal, state or local funds.
How does the program work?
The Sisseton Johnson O’Malley Program is a federally funded supplemental education program that is administered by the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate through a PL 93-638 contract with the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs. There are two main requirements under the Johnson O’Malley Act to assure parent participation and control. They are the Indian Education Committee and the Educational Plan.
Indian Education Committee
As mandated by law, the Sisseton Indian Education Committee, overseas all functions of the program. They will closely monitor the program to ensure continued compliance with all its goals and objectives. The Sisseton Indian Education Committee meets monthly throughout the school year, second Monday of the Month at 6pm.
What is the Educational Plan
The educational plan is a written document that outlines the providing programs to meet the unique and specialized educational needs of eligible Indian children, goals and objectives to be accomplished, procedures to be followed, methods to be used to evaluate the program, as well as proposed budgets.
Here are a few programs on how we promote academic success within JOM:
- Cultural Awareness Program - Students will have an opportunity to develop/enrich their knowledge of local art, music/dances and history. Students will also develop their appreciation for cultural differences through performances, guest speakers, and classroom presentations.
- Supplemental Vocational/Parental Costs Program - Students in grades 6-12 receive supplemental funds in their vocational education classes through the purchase of materials such as shop supplies, Science/environmental projects, cultural art supplies and reimbursement for ACT/SAT testing for Juniors and Seniors.
- Student Incentive/Awards Program - This project provides funds for recognition and incentive awards for students at all participating JOM schools.
