ALPINE SCHOOLS & VIEJAS TEAM UP TO BRING NEW MUSIC & MATH PROGRAMS TO ELEMENTARY CLASSROOMS

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Creative Partnership Overcomes Economic Obstacles to launch innovative new program

December 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Despite deep education budget cuts statewide, kids at schools in Alpine are benefiting from an innovative, new program that improves math and music skills, thanks in part to proceeds from concerts and other events held at Viejas Casino and Outlet Center in Alpine.

Earlier this year, hundreds of K-8 students at Alpine’s three elementary schools began using a new program called ST Math + Music, a research-based program designed to improve math and music skills. The program is based on brain research and was developed by the California-based nonprofit MIND Research Institute.

Viejas dedicated a portion of proceeds from the 2009 concert season ticket sales, as well as proceeds from food sales at its annual state barbeque championship event to purchase the music and math software, as well as some classroom music keyboards, for the school district.

“It’s amazing that we are able to launch a program like this in such a challenging economic period,” said Alpine Superintendent Greg Ryan. “But this demonstrates the community spirit and the commitment to education that we all share in Alpine. We especially want to thank Viejas for their support. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Viejas Tribal Chairman Bobby L. Barrett said, “Times are tough for everyone right now, and schools are forced to make significant budget cuts. But this partnership between Viejas and Alpine shows what can be done when the community comes together, gets creative and is determined to overcome obstacles and help our children. We are very proud of this project and look forward building upon our relationship with local schools.”

About the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians
 

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians is a sovereign Nation whose people have inhabited the San Diego County area for thousands of years. The 1,600 acre Viejas Indian Reservation is located near Alpine, California, approximately 35 miles east of San Diego. Viejas Enterprises operates the Tribe’s business entities, including the Viejas Casino; Viejas Outlet Center; Viejas Entertainment & Production; Three Fires LLC and Four Fires LLC, two partnerships that have developed hotels in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California; Borrego Springs Bank; three radio stations and two RV parks. For more information, visit www.viejasbandofkumeyaay.org.

About the Alpine School District

The Alpine Union School District, located in eastern San Diego County, is an elementary (K-8) district with three elementary schools, one middle school, one early childhood education center, a home school, and a community day school. The District's current enrollment is approximately 2,050 students. Parents and community members strongly support the schools through a volunteer program and various organizations. For more information, visit http://alpineschooldistrict.net/.

About the MIND Research Institute
 

MIND Research Institute is a neuroscience and education non-profit corporation dedicated to education program excellence and cutting edge scientific research. MIND Research Institute has transferred more than 30 years of breakthrough brain and learning research into applied education programs for K-12 students. MIND Research continually improves its programs through data mining over 50 million student sessions and nine years of standardized math test results, and publishes its scientific and educational research. Standardized test results have shown remarkable increases for participating students. For more information, visit http://www.mindinst.org/.
 


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