September 20th, 2024

As September comes to a close and the seasons shift once again, piñon nuts are in season, offering a tasty and traditional snack for the Navajo community. If you have not had the chance, take some time to gather piñons. These versatile nuts can be enjoyed in many ways—whether snacking, adding them to baked goods, using them as toppings for meals or salads, or even grinding them into flour. Piñons have a rich, buttery flavor that enhances any dish. Since they are only available seasonally, now is the perfect time to enjoy them. What’s your piñon story? Have you asked your grandparents if they used to pick piñons? How did they use them in their day?

September was a month full of wonderful memories, and as we look forward to October 1st, we prepare to celebrate the Navajo New Year. How does your family honor this tradition? As you reflect on the new month ahead, what educational goals have you set for your child and/or family?

Mark your calendars for the first parent-teacher conference of the school year on October 16th. It is a great opportunity to share with your teachers what you have learned so far and where you may need additional support. October will bring new events and opportunities, so make sure your child is attending school regularly to make the most of this exciting time!

Students across campus had the chance to take part in the Red Ribbon Week Door/Bulletin Board contest, themed "Life is a Movie, Film Drug-Free." The event was sponsored by CBNHC - Behavioral Health, who also served as the judges. The first-place winners will be treated to a movie at the theater followed by lunch, second-place winners will enjoy a pizza party, and third-place winners will have an ice cream social. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event!

Elementary Contestants:

Middle School Contestants:

Secondary Contestants:

The Gifted and Talented program is planning to produce a film about traditional Navajo practices related to Hogan construction and traditional dress. The event is being coordinated with Jennifer Black of Story Packer Productions in Rio Rancho. Jennifer has won numerous awards for her outstanding work, including the 2018 David Morrell Prize for Fiction and much more, and has collaborated with various organizations and businesses, such as the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and United Way of Central New Mexico. Story Packer Productions, a non-profit organization, focuses on engaging people and students in storytelling through film.

Elementary Cross Country are getting a brief update by Coach Wilson Platero during practice.

Elementary Cross Country Meet at Santo Domingo. A day of running for the elementary team!

A Career Orientation Assembly is being held by the Career Exploration and Transition classes on Thursday, September 26th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in the gymnasium for Secondary students. Professionals from the clinic will be here to share with our students their knowledge and expertise in the medical profession. Everyone who is interested in learning more about the career orientation related to medical fields is welcome to attend.

Starting Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, To’hajiilee Community School is going to foster a supportive and caring school culture by recognizing and celebrating acts of kindness by having students, teachers, and staff report kind deeds every day Monday to Friday.

Students, teachers, and staff will fill out forms to report acts of kindness they have witnessed. These forms will be submitted to a central drop-off location, the Front office. Award recipients will be recognized every Monday morning during a school-wide announcement. Awards will include certificates and tokens of appreciation.

This year, secondary has a new English teacher who comes with great experience. Let's welcome Ms. Joe to the Warrior Family!

Coaches- Fall Cohort:

Head Varsity Volleyball Coach: Visaria Apachito

Assistant Volleyball Coach: Amanda Secatero

Head Varsity Cross Country Coach: Kim Platero

Assistant Cross Country Coach: Joshua Nez

Elementary Head Coach: Wilson Platero

Assistant Elementary Coach: Katrina Nez

Coaches- Winter Cohort:

High School Varsity Girls Basketball Coach: Visaria Apachito

High School Varsity Boys Basketball Coach: Ivan Delgarito

Middle School Girls Basketball Coach: Wilson Platero

Middle School Head Boys Basketball Coach: OPEN

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

2024-2025 Family Engagement and Student Activities Calendar

If your intersted in apply for the Navajo Nation Tribal Clothing Program, for 2023-2024, the program needs an additional 5,000 students to apply for the clothing program. The Deadline to apply is at the end of September 2024. Crownpoint Field Office doesn't have a number to call and the Gallup number is shown below.

Gallup number: 505-726-2672

https://www.nndss.org/navajo-school-clothing-school-supplies-program/

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

September 23rd

• BREAKFAST: Cereal Lucky Charms, Sliced Peaches, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Bean and Cheese Burrito, Tater Tots, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk

September 24th

• BREAKFAST: Banana Muffin, Graham Crackers, Cantaloupe Pieces, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Baked Chicken, Baked Beans, Garden Salad, Bread Stick, Fresh Strawberries, and Choice of Milk

September 25th

• BREAKFAST: Biscuit and Sausage Gravy, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Grill Ham and Cheese Sandwich, Creamy Tomato Soup, Corn on the Cob, Cucumber Sticks, Watermelon and Kiwi, and Choice of Milk

September 26th

• BREAKFAST: Bagel, Pineapple Chunks, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Beef Taco Salad, Mixed Fruit Salad, Rice Krispy Treat, and Choice of Milk

September 27th

• BREAKFAST: Cinnamon Roll, Fruit Cup, Grapefruit Juice, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Beef Lasagna, Breadstick, Broccoli Florets, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk

September 30th

• BREAKFAST: Cereal Lucky Charms, Sliced Peaches, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo, Celery Sticks, Garden Salad, Fresh Strawberries, and Choice of Milk

October 1st

• BREAKFAST: Egg Cheese Bagel Sandwich, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Oven Roasted Chicken, Pinto Beans, Fresh Cantaloupe, and Choice of Milk

October 2nd

• BREAKFAST: Wowbutter and Jelly Sandwich, Strawberries and Blueberries, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Corn Chip Pie, Corn, Mango and Berries, and Choice of Milk

October 3rd

• BREAKFAST: Strawberry Yogurt Parfait, Graham Crackers, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Turkey Hoagie Sandwich, Green Beans, Cucumber Sticks, Pears, and Choice of Milk

October 4th

• BREAKFAST: English Muffin, Pineapple Chunks, Assorted Fruit, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Nacho Supreme, Pinto Beans, Rainbow Fruit Salad, and Choice of Milk

September 2024

• 21st: Cross Country Meet @ Rio Rancho - Rio Rancho Jamboree
  
• 21st: Elementary Cross Country Meet @ Isleta
• 23rd-27th: Transportation Count Week
• 25th: TCS Assembly - Reservation All-Stars
• 26th: Monthly Food Distribution
• 28th: Cross Country Meet @ East Mountain - Nick Martin Invite
• 28th: Elementary Cross Country Meet @ Laguna
• 25th: Full Day Wednesday; Elementary Dismissal at 2:05; Secondary at 3:00

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

Volume 5, Issue 2: https://secure.smore.com/n/pdaet1

Volume 5, Issue 3: https://secure.smore.com/n/xrvqc

Volume 5, Issue 4: https://secure.smore.com/n/p4bw9