Discovery Elementary School in San Marcos Awarded $5,000 Barona Education Grant to Upgrade Classroom Technology

"We are so thankful for the generosity of the Barona Band of Mission Indians and their commitment to enhancing the education of our region's students through the use of new technologies," said Assemblymember Marie Waldron, whose district includes the San Marcos Unified School District. "Barona has been a great supporter of education and Discovery Elementary School students will benefit from the new learning tools."

Barona Tribal Councilwoman Bonnie LaChappa presented the $5,000 check to Assemblywoman Waldron, the school's principal Carrie Geldard and students.

"Discovery Elementary School does an exemplary job of ensuring its students have the resources needed to be successful in school and life," said Edwin "Thorpe" Romero, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "We are proud to share this Barona Education Grant to acquire the most current technology to help the second graders prepare for their future."

Since the Barona Education Grant program was launched in 2006, Barona has awarded over $3.2 million to California schools statewide. The program has equipped 641 schools with hundreds of computers, thousands of books, iPads, computer software programs and various other technologies and school supplies.

The Barona Education Grant program is the first of its kind in California created and administered by a Tribal Government. The goal of the program is to create strong educational opportunities for the children of California building upon the success of the Barona Indian Charter School, which operates under a continuous improvement model. Schools throughout California can apply for educational grants from Barona to purchase much-needed supplies and materials that promote academic improvement. Each grant awarded by the Barona Education Grant Program is $5,000. Applications can be downloaded at http://barona-nsn.gov/education.

About the Barona Band of Mission Indians
The Barona Band of Mission Indians, recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation, has lived on the Barona Indian Reservation in rural eastern San Diego County since 1932.  Prior to that, the Tribe lived on the Capitan Grande Reservation, which was established by the federal government in 1875. Long before living on a reservation, the Tribe traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. Today, the sovereign nation, governed by an elected Tribal Council, is serving its Tribal members, their families, and sharing with the San Diego region. One of the most successful gaming Tribes in the country, Barona also owns and operates the Barona Resort & Casino, San Diego's leading gaming resort, casino and golf course. For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.

SOURCE Barona Band of Mission Indians

Related Links

http://www.barona-nsn.gov