By: D. E. Kern, The News Messenger
Principal Kris Knutson used to lament over the computer situation at
Sheridan Elementary School. But a bit of old-fashioned kindness has
made his campus a high-tech haven.
The school was able to purchase 26 brand new computers thanks to a
$51,000 grant from the United Auburn Indian Community.
"We have the finest computer lab in the whole school district,"
Knutson said. "It will be terrific for the children."
The gift was approved by the Western Placer Unified School
District's board at its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
This wasn't the first time the school benefitted from the UAIC's
kindness. Last year, the group's Community Giving Committee donated
about $22,000 for the purchase of playground equipment and a riding
mower.
"They have really, really taken a liking to us," Knutson said. "To
have nearly $100,000 donated by one group, in two years time, is
amazing.
"In order to raise that kind of money (independently), you'd have to
have a tremendous amount of support and it would take a tremendous
idea," he added.
Knutson said the UAIC decided to adopt the school last year, when a
few tribal children were among the students at Sheridan Elementary.
And, although no members attend the school this year, the relationship
has continued.
The Community Giving Committee approached Knutson earlier this year,
he said, and asked him to highlight needs at the school. He told the
committee there was a need for technological improvements and received
a favorable response.
"(Sheridan Elementary) is a school that is a very needy school,"
said Kris Martin, director of community giving for the UAIC." (Plus)
they have a principal that is a very wonderful leader and very
committed to doing great stuff there.
"We gave (them) a gift (last year) and felt really kind of invested
in them being successful," she added. "Education is a high priority for
the tribe."
In addition to last year's grant for the equipment and mower, Martin
said the tribe's giving committee provided a special holiday treat for
the students.
"(We) provided a stocking for every kid in the school," she said.
"One of the children walked up to one of our members and said 'You
know, this is the first time I've ever got a Christmas stocking.' "
Knutson said the UAIC is poised to play an even larger role in the
Sheridan community. The group is currently building a residential
community near Camp Far West.
Plus, charitable giving has become a hallmark of the tribe, which
has set aside $1 million to give to community-based organizations in
Placer County this year, Martin said.
"We've been really pleased to help them become the sort of school
they're capable of being," she said. "There are a lot of schools where
parents have a lot of disposable income and they decide (the school is)
where it's going to go. I don't know if that is the case in
Sheridan."
