Families come together to celebrate cultural-based learning with PBS Kids series "Molly of Denali"

Elementary students at New Rockford-Sheyenne school gathered for a fun-filled evening of community learning on Friday, March 13. The event was held as a part of a Rural Family Engagement Grant NR-S School received from Prairie Public. For the past month, NR-S students have been working with and testing new family-based learning resources inspired by the PBS Kids series "Molly of Denali."

Dakota Singers from Spirit Lake joined the celebration, most of whom were of elementary age. After their performance, Spirit Lake elder Oliver Gourd Sr. spoke on the significance of the drum to Native American cultures.

NR-S students offered a song and drum performance of their own, under the direction of elementary music teacher Heather Klocke.

The cultural theme continued as students played games commonly played among Alaskan Natives.This included the blanket toss, sack races and even basketball.

The grant was written by NR-S teachers Tasha Skogen, Jessie Schafer, Lori Demester, Whitney Burkhardsmeier, Alaina Yri and Lexi Ystaas, and implemented in collaboration with Prairie Public Broadcasting.

Prairie Public, North Dakota's public broadcasting service, regularly draws on content from PBS as it strives to educate, involve, and inspire the people of the prairie region.

Tim Wollenzien, the Education Services Manager of Prairie Public Broadcasting spoke to the group, highlighting the value of local quality program.

"Molly of Denali," the first nationally distributed PBS children's series to feature a Native American lead character, airs on PBS and is available on the PBSkids website and app.