ARLINGTON — The Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians has partnered with the Arlington School District, by supporting programs and contributing finances to meet the needs of the district’s schools.

Presidents Elementary Principal Dave McKellar and Program Support Specialist Adele Barborinas were recently notified that their school was the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Stillaguamish Tribe.

McKellar and Barborinas wrote the grant in October, requesting support for enhancement of the school’s technology program. The grant funds will be used to purchase 30 iPads and cases, to be distributed throughout all the school’s classrooms.

“This technology will allow for flexibility in the classrooms through learning stations,” said Andrea Conley, public information officer for the Arlington School District. “Teachers have found iPads to be useful in student engagement and achievement.”

Stillaguamish Tribal Board Chair Shawn Yanity visited Presidents Elementary in April, to share his tribe’s culture and community with second-grade students. Much of the school’s social studies learning targets involve understanding components of communities, citizenship and civic involvement, as well as government organization. During his presentation, Yanity sang tribal songs, played Native instruments, taught children about his tribe’s culture, and encouraged students to learn, accept and encourage each other in their community.