Transitioning from being the “top dog” in elementary to a brand new middle school environment can be tough. 

To help ease this transition, Salt River School and Community Relations hosted Journey Through the Middle School Maze Youth Conference over the summer. The conference took place on July 22 at Scottsdale Community College – Indigenous Cultural Center. 

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community students transitioning from elementary school to middle school attended three workshops throughout the day, along with a cultural activity and a social song and dance. The Youth Council was also in attendance and shared some valuable insight on their program.

Ipa Dutchover, Salt River Schools’ Education Native culture coordinator, served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Many of the students know him as Mr. Ipa. He kept the room lively with jokes, and you could hear the students’ laughter throughout. Mr. Ipa reflected on his journey and transition from elementary school to middle school and said, “Who transitioned me? Who got me ready to go to junior high? I didn’t really have that, it was just, like, all right, summer’s over.”

Heaven Sepulveda shared some words about the conference, “This conference is about supporting you as you navigate middle school while staying connected to who you are as O’odham Piipaash.” Dutchover and Sepulveda both expressed to the students that middle school can be scary with a lot of changes. “Some days will be exciting, but some will also be tough, but one thing that will never change no matter what is our connection to one another, ” she said. 

The keynote speaker, Mora Reina, shared her five steps to success, each accompanied by a story to go with. First, “lead with empathy,” followed by, “feel it, then do it anyway,” “focus on what you can control,” “your choices over their choices,” and finally, “keep going.” Reina made school a place she wanted to be, and she expressed to the students that whatever they were going through, they can always turn it around.

The workshops throughout the day featured artist Douglas Miles from Apache Skate Company, Talibah Begay, and School and Community Relations staff. Miles’ workshop highlighted the importance of unconventional jobs, such as being an artist. Students helped Miles to create a life-size portrait on a poster board. The students were hesitant at first, but began drawing. Their sheepish grins soon turned into excitement. 

In Begay’s workshop, she spoke on the importance of one’s health and wellness. Students shared the first thing that came to mind when they thought about wellness; their answers included “healthy,” “running,” “get better at something,” and many more. Within the workshop, students were served blue corn mush. Some students beamed with excitement while others had a sour look on their face awaiting to try the blue corn mush.

The students created an “all about me” sharing their names, favorite food, favorite color, hobbies and families, and staff provided information on what to expect as well as financial services.

To conclude, the conference students made shell necklaces with pony beads and participated in “The Going Home Song.” The day began with little to no talking from the students, but by the end of the day they were laughing, smiling and even friends. These future middle schoolers are now ready to make their way through the middle school maze.