Native American Programs
Native American Programs
Supporting the academic success and cultural well-being of Lake Shore's Indigenous students, providing culturally appropriate academic assistance and family support.
Caias John, Lake Shore Class of 2026, delivering the Thanksgiving Address at the 2026 commencement ceremony.
Lake Shore Central School District is proud to partner with the Seneca Nation of Indians in support of our Indigenous students and families. Together we work to honor Haudenosaunee culture, language, and traditions throughout our schools and community.
What we're working toward
Academic Proficiency
Increase the percentage of eligible students meeting or exceeding grade-level standards in reading and math.
Intervention Support
Ensure that 100% of identified eligible students have access to intervention services.
Attendance & Engagement
Reduce chronic absenteeism among Indigenous students.
Family Engagement
Hold a minimum of four Native American Parent Group meetings per year and seek input on program planning.
Cultural Connection
Provide culturally appropriate and relevant opportunities for students during the school day and beyond.
Professional Development
Provide culturally responsive workshops and training to all staff each year.
Partnering with families, supporting students
Family Support focuses on building strong partnerships between the school, home, and the community, ensuring families are informed, welcomed, and empowered to take an active role in their child's education. Academic Support ensures Indigenous students receive targeted, culturally responsive instruction to help them succeed.
Family Support
- Parent EngagementRegular communication and outreach, including the Native American Parent Group and cultural events.
- Home-School ConnectionOur team bridges families and school staff around academic, attendance, and social needs.
- Cultural InvolvementStudents and families are invited into activities and celebrations honoring Native traditions.
Academic Support
- Tutoring & InterventionSmall-group and one-on-one sessions in literacy, math, and study skills.
- In-Class SupportNative American Support Teachers reinforce learning goals alongside classroom teachers.
- College & Career ReadinessMentoring and guidance supporting long-term goals.
Learning the Seneca language and Haudenosaunee culture
Students have opportunities to learn the Seneca language and Haudenosaunee culture through classroom instruction, storytelling, and involvement with community members, connecting their learning to heritage and building understanding of Haudenosaunee traditions. Many of these programs are made possible through our ongoing partnership with the Seneca Nation of Indians.
A free tool for students and families to look up words, hear pronunciations, and build vocabulary in the Seneca language at home.
Ways to take part
For Students
- ACE Club
- Our Senior High Indigenous culture club, meets every other Tuesday.
- Indigenous Cooking Club
- W.G. Houston Middle School cooking club, meets monthly.
- STEAM Program
- Middle School and Elementary STEAM program, various meeting dates throughout the year.
For Parents
- Native American Parent Group
- Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month.
- Parent Group
- Every school has its own parent involvement group, sometimes called a PTG, PTC, or Booster Club. Contact your child's school to find out how to get involved.
- Read Together
- Daily reading with your child builds imagination and strengthens vocabulary.
Tutoring & Support
- Tutoring Support
- Grades K-12. If your child could use extra academic support, reach out to their school's Native American Support contact to get connected.
The people behind the program
District-Wide
Lake Shore High School
W.G. Houston Middle School
John T. Waugh Elementary
A.J. Schmidt & Highland Elementary
Helpful links
Seneca Nation of Indians
- SNI Website
- Main site for the Seneca Nation of Indians.
- Education Department
- Programs and support for Seneca students.
- Seneca Language Departments
- Language instruction and resources.
- Seneca Arts & Learning Center
- Cultural arts programming.
- Early Childhood Learning Centers
- Programs for young children.
- Cattaraugus Community Center
- Community programs and services.
- Job Opportunities
- Employment listings with the Seneca Nation.
Transportation
- Seneca Nation Lakeshore Transportation
- Call 716-532-8152 for pickup, drop-off, or route questions.
Community Needs Assessment Survey
We are committed to providing culturally relevant educational opportunities for our students. Your feedback directly helps us prioritize our Native American Programs and community initiatives.
- Academic SuccessShare your priorities for tutoring, career readiness, and core student support.
- Cultural IdentityHelp us shape Seneca language instruction and Haudenosaunee enrichment programs.
- Family VoicesProvide input on parent meetings and how we can better collaborate with our community.
This survey remains continuously open for ongoing community input.
