In a small, vibrant community nestled within the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the echoes of a pandemic's challenges have transformed into a story of resilience and triumph. Dolores Anchetta, a dedicated mother and outreach worker at Chief Leschi Schools, found herself navigating the tumultuous waters of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many parents, she faced the daunting task of ensuring her children stayed engaged in their studies while balancing her own work responsibilities. "I literally would walk upstairs and they'd both be asleep on the couch with the laptop on, teacher talking," she recalled, highlighting the struggles of maintaining focus in a home environment.

Anchetta's concerns were particularly acute for her older son, Moses, who was on the brink of giving up on his education. "I'm just done. I don't wanna do this," he expressed, a sentiment that resonated with many students during those isolating months. Yet, Anchetta, who had overcome her own challenges to graduate as a young mother, was determined to see her son achieve the same milestone.

Chief Leschi Schools, the largest tribal school in the area, faced significant hurdles as attendance plummeted from 88% to just over 70% during the pandemic. The administration, led by Superintendent Mark Roulette, recognized the urgency of the situation and swiftly implemented a student success program aimed at improving graduation rates. With the help of federal relief funds, the school provided laptops to every student, ensuring they had the tools necessary for online learning.

The program also emphasized the importance of community connections. Staff members like Anchetta became vital links between families and the school, fostering relationships built on trust and accountability. "They knew most of the families or grandparents or brothers or sisters, and so that gave us a connection point into the homes of our students," she explained.

As the school adapted to the new normal, innovative programs such as career and technical education (CTE) emerged, allowing students to explore internships in various fields. This approach not only engaged students but also helped them see the relevance of their studies in real-world contexts. "If you find meaning in what you do, then you have a purpose for completing," said Janine Medvedich, the chief academic officer.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the efforts of the Chief Leschi Schools community bore fruit. Graduation rates soared from 70% in 2019 to an impressive 92% in 2021. Moses, who once contemplated dropping out, proudly walked across the graduation stage, a testament to the support he received from his family and school. "I couldn't really do it without support," he acknowledged, celebrating not just his achievement but the collective success of his community.

As the sun sets over Central Seattle, the story of Chief Leschi Schools stands as a beacon of hope and determination. The community's commitment to education, even in the face of adversity, serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when families, educators, and students unite for a common goal.