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TBHS originally was the Zuni Learning Center administered by the Zuni Tribe.
TBHS is housed in a traditional stone and adobe building constructed during the
1930's. In 1983, it became part of the school district to serve those students
who were not being educated through the typical mainstream curriculum model
implemented at the other high school. It has a very low teacher-pupil ratio.
Collaborative decision making is integral to the day-to-day operation of the
school with all decisions from budget to scheduling made by all staff members.
Twin Buttes High School is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools. The
Nine Common Principles provide the framework for the school's curriculum,
scheduling, climate and expectations. The affective development of students is a
focus of many, all school activities including camping, hiking, and other
experiences. One of the goals of Coalition Schools is to establish a tone of
decency. One strategy to accomplish this is through the activities of the
Personal and Social Responsibility Curriculum.
Some of the non-traditional offerings are Service Learning, Horticulture,
Natural Resources and Community Arts. The students in the art classes have
consistently won awards at the Heard Museum and Northern Arizona University
student shows. They also have worked on archaeological digs, at the A:shiwi
A:wan Museum, the Shiwi Messenger as journalism interns. Students from the
Natural Resources classes work with the staff of the tribal conservation
projects. Students also have made trips to Mexico, the Grand Canyon and
Yellowstone as culmination of environmental studies projects.
For the first time in 1997, the seniors presented their Graduation Through
Exhibition projects to the community as well as their peers, parents and
teachers. Examples of the projects included: An historical look at Frank
Hamilton Cushing by a young man now writing articles for the Shiwi Messenger. A
discussion of livestock and land management on the reservation by a student now
attending UNM; and A demonstration of reading proficiency skills by a student
with severe developmental disabilities Since 1987, the district has operated
Kids' World, day care program for infants and toddlers of Zuni high school aged
parents. It is a model program that provides instructional programs for both
young women and their boyfriends or husbands covering prenatal care, birth and
postnatal care, parenting skills and child development. The classes are open to
other students, too, and its goal to help teen-agers delay another pregnancy and
parenting responsibilities until they complete their education.
Since 1992, TBHS has been involved in Service Learning and is a requirement for
graduation. Students have job placements at the Indian Health Services Hospital,
A:shiwi A:wan Museum, A:shiwi Elementary School, the Tribal WIC Program, the
Zuni Archaeology Program, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry Department and
the Zuni Conservation Project. They work at these sites with job duties
developed by the participating agencies. As one of the culminating activities,
Service Learning students present their projects and observations in a public
forum.
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