
April 26, 2024
April, Tʼą́ą́chil, which translates to "Small Plant"

Volume 4, Issue 16
MESSAGE
As April draws to a close, we're eagerly anticipating May, known as Tʼą́ą́tsoh in the Dine Language, which translates to Big Plant. With only twenty instructional days remaining in the school year, progress reports have been sent home with students. NWEA testing is scheduled for May 13th to the 17th. Seniors are gearing up for a field trip to California from May 10th to the 14th, followed by Senior Checkout day on May 15th. Graduating seniors are reminded to return all textbooks, Chromebooks, and other school-owned items. High school graduation is set for May 18th, marking a significant milestone for our students as they embark on new journeys beyond high school.
In addition to the graduation ceremonies, we have several other promotion events lined up:
- May 18th: High School Graduation (10:00 am)
- May 21st: FACE/Pre-K Promotion (10:00 am)
- May 21st: Kindergarten Promotion (1:00 pm)
- May 22nd: 8th Grade Promotion (10:00 am)
- May 23rd: Awards Assemblies
- May 24th: Last Day for Students / Field Day
Furthermore, on May 16th, we'll be hosting a STEAM day, offering students an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences. An awards assembly and field day will also be held for students to unwind and enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities. Let's make the most of the remaining time in the school year and finish strong!
BIKE SAFETY PRESENTATION
Students participated in bike safety training held on April 24th in the gymnasium. The presentation was divided into three categories: Pre-K/Face to 2nd, 3rd to 5th, and secondary students. They learned how to securely fasten their helmets, the importance of helmet use in protecting their brains, and each student received a fitted helmet. Participants were also entered into a bike giveaway, congratulations to the winners. The bikes were generously donated. Special thanks to Think First, Canoncito Behavioral Health, and TCS for making the event a success. What a memorable day!
Bike Winners:
1. Ava Pino
2. Billette Platero
3. Alexander Dale
4. Tristan Becenti
"A YEAR TO REMEMBER"
What an unforgettable year it was on prom night! Students seized the chance to socialize, share laughter, and dance to the music playing in the background. The event kicked off with a grand entrance for all attendees, followed by an invocation led by Chelva Apachito, a Welcome Address delivered by Katrina Nez, and the ceremonial handover of responsibilities by Senior Class President Tristan Becenti and Junior President Nataliah Sandoval. Later in the evening, the Prince and Princess were crowned. Gratitude goes to the 11th-grade sponsors, Kristopher Stephens and Leomar Juaton, for orchestrating such a memorable event, and to all those who contributed to its success.
Congratulations to our Prom King, Sean Sarracino, Queen, Kailee Francisco!
MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE - "GLOW IN THE DARK"
STUDENT CORNER
Inside Mrs. Armijo's Classroom: A Journey Through Time and Cultures
Greetings, Parents and Guardians!
As we venture into another exciting week of learning, let's take a peek into the engaging topics unfolding in Mrs. Deana Armijo's Social Studies classes for grades 6th, 7th, and 8th.
New Mexico History: Our exploration of the rich tapestry of New Mexico's past continues as students explore deeper into the fascinating world of indigenous tribes, including their customs, traditions, and interactions with early Spanish explorers. From the harrowing tale of the Navajo Long Walk to the monumental event of New Mexico's Statehood, our young historians are gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse heritage of our beloved state.
U.S. History: Stepping back into the annals of American history, students have embarked on a journey through the founding principles of our nation. From the establishment of the 13 colonies to the crucial protections outlined in the Bill of Rights, our class has been actively engaging with the ideals that shaped the United States. Moreover, we're fostering critical discussions about the complex issues surrounding indigenous lands and the profound impact of colonization.
World History: Transporting our minds across continents and epochs, we're currently immersing ourselves in the wonders of ancient civilizations. After exploring the marvels of Ancient Greece and the grandeur of Ancient Rome, our focus has shifted eastward to the enigmatic realm of Ancient China. Through captivating stories and interactive activities, students are unraveling the mysteries of dynasties, inventions, and the enduring legacy of Chinese culture.
As we navigate these diverse landscapes of history, Mrs. Armijo continues to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for understanding the complexities of the world around us. Together, we're not just studying history – we're actively shaping the future by embracing the lessons of the past.
Thank you for your continued support in nurturing the minds of our budding historians!
(Deana Armijo, Social Studies Teacher)
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS ENJOYING LUNCH IN THE CAFETERIA
Joyce Benjamin's Kindergarten Class
Students in Ms. Benjamin's Kindergarten class are creating sentences using manipulation and reading the sentence from left to right.
AFTER-SCHOOL ARCHERY
TCS ROYALTIES ATTENDED A CEREMONY IN THE COMMUNITY
TCS Royalties participated in a community water ceremony alongside local providers, with TCS Staff members Helen Johnson and Katrina Nez present. The ceremony marked the commencement of a new water project in the community from Albuquerque to To'Hajiilee; Transmission Water Line 7.7 miles.
NMSU DUAL CREDIT STUDENTS
NMSU Dual Credit students attended the 7th Annual Indigenous Education Research Conference - Defending Indigenous Educational Sovereignty: Putting Education Back in the Hands of Community People in Albuquerque and presented their poster boards on April 26th.
ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR 2024-2025
AFTERSCHOOL TUTORING/ENRICHMENT SCHEDULE
- Monday and Thursday, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
- Enrichment is Tuesday and Friday, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
- NO Tutoring/Enrichment on Wednesdays
- Last day of Tutoring: May 10th.
- Field trip will be held on May 11th.
If you or parents have any questions regarding tutoring, please contact Filomar Lomasag or Feith Lingatong.
DUAL Credit Date and INFO NMSU
The dual credit class will be meeting from 3:05 pm to 4:30 p.m. on full day schedule at TCS.
New Mexico State University Schedule:
- May 1, 2024 (wed.) *In-Person @ TCS
- May 8, 2024 (wed.) *In-Person @ TCS
TCS JROTC SCHEDULE
- May 15th @ To'Hajiilee Community School
STAFF CORNER
Let's Welcome Our New Staff to the Warrior Family!
Yá'át'ééh! My name is Murell Platero and I would like to greet you all as the FACE Teacher assistant. I recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree at the University of New Mexico in December, 2023. I began my teaching journey as a k-12 substitute teacher at TCS, where I got the opportunity to teach wonderful kids and work with the wonderful and talented staff of TCS. I am grateful to be a part of the To'Hajiilee community and becoming a huge and important part to the children's growth and development.
(Murrell Platero, FACE Teacher Assistance)
NAVAJO WORD OF THE DAY
Weekly, you will see our Navajo Word of the Day. Practice saying the word, spelling the word, and use it in a sentence.
ATHLETICS
Softball practice has started. Scheduled games is shown below.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
On December 30, the Department soft launched the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form,
The 2024-25 FAFSA form is reduced to just 36 questions -- down from 108! Some applicants could answer as few as 18 questions, which could take less than 10 minutes. Thanks to a new partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), users will find it easier to import income data from tax records. And, the Department updated its formulas, so, among other things, 610,000 new students will receive federal Pell Grants and 1.5 million more students will receive the maximum Pell Grant.
Stakeholders interested in assisting students complete the FAFSA form are encouraged to visit FSA’s 2024-25 FAFSA Updates web page. In addition to official publications for financial aid professionals, FSA has posted a number of outreach materials, webinars, and other useful resources.
Navajo Nation Scholarship
Online application are available now, deadline is June 25, 2024 by 5 PM
SWTHA Scholarship 2024
Region VIII – Deadline April 30!
The Southwest Tribal Housing Alliance (SWTHA) provides educational scholarship grants for Region VIII (Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas) funded under the AMERIND Annual Scholarship Program. The goal of the scholarship grant is to assist in the education of American Indians and Alaskan Natives. The grant may be used for post-secondary or graduate level courses at an accredited educational institution for a course of study that will result in an accredited vocational certification or degree.
Scholarship Documents:
• SWTHA Scholarship 2024 Announcement
• SWTHA Scholarship Guidelines 2024
• SWTHA Scholarship Application 2024
• SWTHA Scholarship Checklist
Scholarship Dates:
• January 15, 2024 Scholarship Open
• April 30, 2024: Scholarship Deadline
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
https://crazyhorsememorial.org/story/the-university/7th-gen-summer-program
Summer Internship Program
Please find QR code below to get more information and apply for the Summer High School Internship Program.
SAVE THE DATES: May 19th-21st Summer of Success Conference
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENU
April 29th
- BREAKFAST: Cereal Golden Grahams, Dino Bite Crackers, Fruit cup, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Salisbury Steak, French Fries, Carrots, Dinner Roll, Apple Sauce, and Choice of Milk
April 30th
- BREAKFAST: Breaded and Stuffed Hash Brown, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Chili Dog, Broccoli Florets, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk
May 1st
- BREAKFAST: Cinnamon Roll, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Cheese Enchiladas, Pinto Beans, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
May 2nd
- BREAKFAST: Biscuit with Turkey Gravy, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Pork Roast, Corn, Dinner Roll, Honey Dew, and Choice of Milk
May 3rd
- BREAKFAST: Bean and Cheese Burrito, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Cheese Pizza, Green Beans, Fresh Strawberries, and Choice of Milk
May 6th
- BREAKFAST: Strawberry Yogurt Parfait, Fresh Strawberries, Granola, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Chicken Teriyaki, Brown Rice, Blended Vegetables, Pineapple Chunks, and Choice of Milk
May 7th
- BREAKFAST: Blueberry Pancakes, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Red Chili Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, Sliced Peaches, and Choice of Milk
May 8th
- BREAKFAST: Ham Egg Cheese Combo Bar, Toast, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Beef Tacos, Pinto Beans, Tortilla Chips, Fresh Strawberries, and Choice of Milk
May 9th
- BREAKFAST: Waffle, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Chili Beans, Cornbread, Garden Salad, Crackers, Rainbow Fruit Salad, and Choice of Milk
May 10th
- BREAKFAST: Breakfast Pizza, Orange Wedges, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Mandarin Orange Chicken, Vegetable Chow Mein, Broccoli Florets, Chinese Cabbage Salad, Graham Crackers, Melon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
School Calendar of Events:
April 2024:
- 19th - Progress Reports Due
- 24th - Bike Safety Presentation (Early Dismissal at 1:15 pm)
- 30th - Senior Night/Banquet
May 2024:
- 1st - Full Day Wednesday (Dismissal 3:00 pm)
- 6th-9th - Senior Finals
- 8th - Full Day Wednesday (Dismissal 3:00 pm) / High School Sports Banquet
- 10th-14th - Senior Field Trip
- 13th-17th - NWEA Assessment
- 15th - Wednesday (Dismissal 1:15 pm) / Middle School Sports Banquet / Senior Checkout
- 18th- High School Graduation
- 20th-23rd - FINALS
- 21st - FACE/Pre-K (10:00 am) & Kindergarten (1:00 pm) Promotions
- 22nd - Wednesday (Dismissal 1:15 pm) / 8th Grade Promotion (8:00 am)
- 23rd - Awards Assemblies
- 24th - Last Day for Students / Field Day
RESOURCES
ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS - NEXT SCHOOL YEAR, OUR ASSISTANCE WITH INTERNET SERVICES WILL PHASE OUT.
Parents and Guardians, as we are back in school and no longer in remote learning, TCS will be phasing out next school year 2024-2025 and no longer assist with paying for your home/internet services with Sacred Wind. The Affordable Connectivity Program is great for you to apply and they can help pay for your internet service. Two easy steps to apply: 1. Go to ACPBenefit.org to apply. 2.Then select your preferred participating internet provider to have the discount applied to your bill. Families who have WIC, SNAP or Medicaid can qualify. Families of students who receive free breakfast or lunch, including through the community eligibility provision, qualify.
For general information about YHYI and NPP, see www.fcc.gov/acp-pilots. For more information on the pilot program outreach grants, see www.fcc.gov/acp-grants. For questions about the grant opportunities, contact ACPGrants@fcc.gov. For assistance using www.grants.gov, please contact the Help Desk at (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.gov.
Previous Parent Newsletter
Volume 4, Issue 1: https://www.smore.com/fsz5r
Volume 4, Issue 2: https://www.smore.com/x5b0z-september-15-2023
Volume 4, Issue 3: https://www.smore.com/7yjt8v
Volume 4, Issue 4: https://www.smore.com/7qdrg
Volume 4, Issue 5: https://www.smore.com/a2rw3
Volume 4, Issue 6: https://www.smore.com/eku8f
Volume 4, Issue 7: https://www.smore.com/vas2z1
Volume 4, Issue 8: https://www.smore.com/yzrc3
Volume 4, Issue 9: https://www.smore.com/bvgup
Volume 4 Issue 10:https://www.smore.com/vbmg7
Volume 4 Issue 11:https://www.smore.com/n/42hemd
Volume 4 Issue 12: https://www.smore.com/n/wg5c6
Volume 4 Issue 13: https://www.smore.com/n/wg5c6
Volume 4 Issue 14: https://www.smore.com/n/bg5hr