October 4th, 2024

Happy Navajo New Year! Gháájí' (October) signifies "Half," marking the transition between seasons. This is a time for harvest and preparing for the long winter. Animals are gathering food, families are hauling wood, and the harvest season is concluding. Leaves are changing colors, and the annual balloon fiesta is approaching. With the first nine weeks of school ending soon, be sure to reach out to your child’s teacher regarding the Literacy Parade on October 16th. Find out what book your child’s class is reading and how they will participate in the parade.

Students interested in Student Council have received their application forms, which should be submitted to Katrina Nez, the Student Council sponsor for the 2024-2025 school year. Also, mark your calendar for parent-teacher conferences on October 16th. Make time to meet with your child’s teacher.

The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting will be held on October 8th (details available under the Family Engagement section). Archery season is starting soon, while JROTC continues. Stay tuned for more updates through NASIS shout-outs, the TCS website, and the TCS Facebook page. There will be no school on October 11th and 14th due to the Fall Break and the 15th due to Professional Development.

On September 25th, the Reservation All-Stars hosted a student assembly as part of our welcome celebration for students, staff, and community members. The students thoroughly enjoyed the performances and actively participated in the activities provided. It was a fantastic day centered around basketball. Here's a short video clip from the assembly:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGR6NtDqEg/xbxo4p3Zp2DIZR_ilkaNyQ/watch?utm_content=DAGR6NtDqEg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Later that evening, we held a staff and parent vs. Reservation All-Stars 5-on-5 basketball game. Here are the game highlights:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGR_4QgT3U/UwdWPvNnV2mmU_fL6OH3Lg/watch?utm_content=DAGR_4QgT3U&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

The Career Exploration class recently held a series of interactive activities designed to provide students with real-world insights into various career paths. The primary objective of the program is to give students a clearer understanding of the wide range of opportunities available to them in different industries.

One of the key highlights was the State Fair Career Exploration event. The event featured a variety of booths, each representing different career fields. Students had the opportunity to visit booths that showcased careers in agriculture, law enforcement (police officer), the Navy, and many more. Each booth provided informational materials, interactive displays, and professionals from the respective fields, giving students a firsthand look at what each career entails. This activity allowed students to explore their interests and ask questions directly to those working in the field, giving them a unique and immersive experience.

In addition to the State Fair event, the Career Exploration class together with the Transition class also organized an assembly featuring guest speakers from the Canonchito Band of Navajos Health Center led by Dr. Dathan Tsosie. Representatives from the clinic spoke about various careers in health sciences, from clinical roles such as doctors and nurses to non-clinical careers like health administration and community health work. The speakers shared personal stories, educational requirements, and insights into the daily responsibilities of working in the healthcare industry. This assembly aimed to inspire students interested in health-related fields, giving them a broader understanding of the opportunities available in this ever-growing sector.

These activities not only provided valuable information but also helped students identify potential career paths and sparked interest in fields they may not have previously considered. The Career Exploration class is eagerly looking forward to more activities that will help students dive deeper into various career fields. With future events planned, the class remains committed to providing opportunities for students to explore their passions, learn from industry professionals and gain practical knowledge about potential career paths.

----Aiza Borinaga, Middle School Math Teacher

The JROTC pose for a photo after their drill practice in Albuquerque, under the supervision of Mark Dreyer.

A typical day in the Preschool Classroom includes students having the chance to engage in free play while waiting for their transportation home. Students are learning about Fall colors.

The Middle and High School cross country team warmed up with stretches before beginning their daily run.

Ya'at'ééh shi'ma dóó shi'k'eh dóó t'áá ánółtso,

Today was a very awesome and beautiful day. Today the middle school students celebrated the Navajo new year (Gháájí) with food. The students sat on the floor with a Hogan setting and they each introduce themselves in Diné and also did their new year resolutions. The students ate sheep 🐑 meat (mutton) as you can see on the photos and we had our Cheii K'ọ' dóó Ma'sani Honeeshgish.

--- Marty Monte, Dual Language Teacher for Middle School

Students attended the AGC New Mexico & ACE Leadership Heavy Equipment Rodeo and CIEF Trades Day at the Albuquerque Expo on October 4th, 2024. The event featured a variety of booths showcasing trades like heavy equipment operation, cement walk block installation, and small machinery use. Students not only observed but also got hands-on experience with heavy equipment, operating it under the careful guidance of instructors, ensuring a focus on safety.

The day provided an excellent educational opportunity for students interested in trade careers. They gained practical insights into different fields and were able to see the real-world applications of the equipment. Additionally, they learned about the potential to secure internships, with the added benefit of having their schooling paid for if they choose to pursue careers in construction.

Overall, it was a productive afternoon that allowed students to explore various trade industries and learn about the possibilities within them. For those considering a future in construction, this event offered a valuable glimpse into the field and highlighted pathways for further education and career development.

To'Hajiilee Community School celebrated National Coaches Day by honoring the dedication and hard work of its coaches. The Gifted and Talented class extended their kindness by presenting heartfelt gifts to the coaches as a gesture of appreciation. These students recognized the coaches for making a significant impact in the lives of the players and for bringing pride to the school through their leadership and support.

On Monday, September 30, 2024, CBNHC celebrated its 21st anniversary. They started the day with a Fun Walk/Run for the community. After that, everyone was invited to join the presentations given by the key people in the community, who contributed to bringing the organization to its success in serving the people in ToHajiilee.

Our Kindergarten/1st grade immersion class opened the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance in Navajo. Everybody applauded to our little warriors and complemented them on contributing to this important event. All staff introduced themselves and shared their roles and visions for the future of the CBNHC. Mr. Tony Secatero shared the history of how it all started with initiating the services here. Overall, the celebration was a huge success!

Students enjoyed their pizza party and ice cream social in the classrooms on September 24th, following their success in placing for the Pizza Party or Ice Cream Social reward.

The 1st place winners of the Red Ribbon Week Door Contest enjoyed an exciting field trip to Century Rio in Albuquerque, where students and staff watched the movie "The Wild Robot" and gained valuable insights from the film.

Afterward, they headed to Golden Corral for a fun and delicious lunch, making it a memorable and educational day filled with learning and laughter.

Student Winners:

• Jacelyn Martin, 2nd Grade
• Erica Dawes, 11th Grade
• Khyran Guerro, 11th Grade

Staff Winners:

• Julie LeCavalier-Laursen
• Dr. Raffy Puod
• Sabrina Johns

Congratulations to our students and staff for showing kindness!

Weekly, you will see our Navajo Word of the Day. Practice saying the word, spelling the word, and use it in a sentence.

CBNHC will be hosting a vaccine drive thru clinic on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Any questions, please contact CBNHC.

What an incredible season for our elementary cross country team! Our little Warriors showed remarkable progress by increasing their endurance, improving their run times, and truly coming together as a team. It was heartwarming to see students supporting one another, cheering on their teammates whenever someone was struggling during practice or on meet days. The students received tremendous encouragement from their peers, coaches, and parents.

For many students, this was their first time running, and though they were nervous at their first meet, they now run with confidence. Coaches Wilson Platero and Katrina Nez motivated the students to keep running even after the season ends and to continue making healthy choices. This message was shared with parents during the meeting on October 1st in the gym.

It has been a fantastic season, and we are grateful to the Pueblo Running League for including us in their series. We had the pleasure of meeting many dedicated coaches and volunteers who helped make these events possible for our young runners. Thank you for a memorable season. It has been a pleasure to serve as a coach for the first time this year.

---Katrina Nez, Assistant Coach

2024-2025 Family Engagement and Student Activities Calendar

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/k-12-standards-instruction/english-reading-literacy/literacy/literacy-resources-for-families-and-communities

Here is the one with books for ages 3-12:

https://booksmart.worldreader.org/home

Unite for Literacy books (for kids 0-8 years old) with narration in different languages (including Navajo). The first link is Tohajiilee page with some books featuring local families:

https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/Tohajiilee/library?authuser=0

This link is general library for Unite for Literacy:

https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/?authuser=0

Also, parents can sign up to receive these small books for free, mailed to their addresses. Here is the link to sign up (for kids 0-8 years old) :

https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/corp/bie?authuser=0

https://content.myconnectsuite.com/api/documents/7ba2dc7be4334ff5a3a97161501e79c7

October 7th

• BREAKFAST: Cereal Fruit Loops, Fresh Cherries, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Chef Salad, Dinner Roll, Pear Halves, and Choice of Milk

October 8th

• BREAKFAST: Blueberry Bagel, Boiled Egg, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Baked Chicken, Dinner Roll, Seasoned Broccoli and Corn, Strawberries and Blueberries, and Choice of Milk

October 9th

• BREAKFAST: French Toast Sticks, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Cheese Pizza, Corn, Broccoli Florets, Melon and Honeydew, and Choice of Milk

October 10th

• BREAKFAST: Pancake, Sausage, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Steak Burger, Baked Beans, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk

October 11th

• NO SCHOOL

October 14th

• NO SCHOOL

October 15th

• BREAKFAST: Hashbrown, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Chili Dog, Broccoli Florets, Fruit cup, and Choice of Milk

October 16th

• BREAKFAST: Cinnamon Roll, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Cheese Enchiladas, Pinto Beans, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk

October 17th

• BREAKFAST: Biscuit with Turkey Gravy, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Pork Roast, Corn, Dinner Roll, Honey Dew, and Choice of Milk

October 18th

• BREAKFAST: Bagel with Cream Cheese, Grapes and Mandarin Oranges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Cheese Pizza, Green Beans, Fresh Strawberries, and Choice of Milk

October 2024

• 4th: 9th-12th Trades Field Trip
• 5th: Cross Country Meet @ Santa Fe Indian School - John Grimley Invite
• 5th: Elementary Cross Country Meet @ Santa Clara (Finals)
• 11th: Fall Break (No School Students & School Year Employees)
• 14th: Holiday - Indigenous Day (No School for Students & All Staff)
• 15th: Professional Development (No School for Students)
• 16th: Parent/Teacher Conference
• 16th: Literacy Parade
• 12th: Cross Country Meet @ Zuni HS - Patason Amesol Invite
• 19th: Cross Country Meet @ Albuquerque Academy - Albq. Acad. Extravaganza
• 30th: Fall Festival

Volume 5, Issue 1: https://secure.smore.com/n/d5a4s

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