November 1, 2024

October has come and gone, and November is upon us! The days have grown colder, and the Bosque is stunning in its fall colors. Our school remains dedicated to providing engaging activities for students, with recent field trips to the pumpkin patch.

November brings Indigenous People's Month, a time to honor our native lands and heritage. Our ancestors were here for generations, cultivating a rich culture that we carry forward with pride. Kinship is essential, and as we nurture ourselves, we pass on traditional and academic knowledge to our children. Let’s work together to maintain a safe, supportive environment and care for our school community.

On Oct 21st the Early Childhood Programs attended the Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch located at the Rio Rancho event center. Our enrolled children and parents attended the event. The pumpkin patch has so many attractions to focus on all domains for the children of all ages. We encouraged our families the importance of parent-child interactions, recreation and enrichment. Just as children depend on their parents or caretakers to meet basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter, they also depend on them for enriching experiences and social opportunities that go beyond their everyday routines. The pumpkin patch had so many areas and activities including: Huge Corn Pit, G.O.A.T Old West Town, Play Town, Putt-Putt, Harvest Maze, Basketball Shoot, Truck Town, Tricycle Track, Playhouses, Corn Hole, Ring Toss, Pumpkin Bowling, Tic Tac Toe, Tire Races, Football Toss, Mud Pie Kitchen, Roping and Farm Animals/Petting Zoo. The families were provided with feed for the animals. Our families had the opportunity to experience all the areas. After the children and families built up their appetite we had lunch at Village Pizza, the families enjoyed some delicious Pizza. This was a great event and with a great turnout.

---- Amanda Secatero, Parent Educator

Ms. Feith's Resource students and assistants posed for the camera during their field trip to the Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch in Rio Rancho, NM.

Our students recently enjoyed an unforgettable day at Big Jim Farms! This field trip wasn’t just a trip—it was an adventure packed with learning and hands-on fun. Students rolled up their sleeves and dove into the world of farming, from meeting livestock up close to trying their hand at honey making. They explored the art of planting and even learned how to identify different types of soil, all while experiencing the beauty of farm life.

We’re so proud of how our students embraced every activity, and we can’t wait to see how they’ll bring this inspiration back into their projects. Here’s to more adventures in learning! 🚜🍯🌱

Student Council members Hailey Abeyta and Tayden Begay hosted a campus site visit, sharing insights about our Culinary Arts and Performing Arts programs with our guest from NMPED.

Hi! My name is Katherine Jim and I am original from Shiprock NM. I am Todik’ozhi and Hashk’aa’hadzohi. I’ve been driving the school bus for twenty-six years with Herrera buses/APS in Albuquerque NM before I started working for To'Hajiilee Community School. I live at Highland Meadows and been there for twenty years. I have four adopted children. I am a very independent person and very respectful among others. I also transport the homeless on Saturdays and Sundays as my second job. I like working with kids and am very grateful that I am working at To’Hajiilee Community School.

---- Thank You From Katherine Jim.

On Tuesday, October 22nd, selected staff attended a professional development training at the San Pedro Library in Albuquerque. Dr. Henry Fowler, co-founder of the Navajo Math Circles, shared his expertise in traditional mathematics, using sunlight within a Navajo hogan as a teaching tool. He illustrated how constellations, geometric shapes, and mathematical principles are woven into this cultural concept. Participants engaged in the session by drawing the cosmos and geometric shapes with compasses, applying his teachings. The presentation was highly informative, and participants found it both enjoyable and enlightening.

For the past few months, Mr. Earl Trent has generously volunteered his time to help our school, and a farewell luncheon was held in his honor. Each day, students visited Mr. Trent and were met with his warm greetings. We wish him all the best as he embarks on his new endeavors.

Our Seniors, were honored for their dedication at Senior Night for Fall Sports. They received gifts and were celebrated for their achievements.

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

During Bus Safety Week, students had the chance to learn about bus fire and safety procedures. They boarded the bus and practiced safety drills led by our bus drivers. After each session, students answered questions, and those who participated received prizes. Additionally, students took part in a bus drawing contest—congratulations to our winners!

Elementary:

1st = Siahna Francisco, 3rd Grade

2nd = Corbin Begay, 3rd Grade

3rd = Natalie Nez, 2nd Grade

Middle School:

1st = Seth Baca, 6th Grade

2nd = Myles Abeyta, 6th Grade

3rd = Laniah Platero, 6th Grade

High School:

1st = JayTee Nelson, 12th Grade

Additional Prizes:

- FACE-Center-based (Ms. Judy's Class)

- Pre-school (Ms. Arlissa's Class)

- Kylis Chavez, 10th Grade

- Victoria Apachito, 10th Grade

- Chenoah Arviso, 11th Grade

2024-2025 Family Engagement and Student Activities Calendar

We will be administering the ACT test for our 11th and 12th-grade students on November 5, 2024, from 7:50 AM to 12:00 PM.

Please ensure that students are present during this time.

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

Math Medic Foundation: https://mathmedicfoundation.org/

Summer Resource Programs: https://pathwaystoscience.org/Undergrads.aspx

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

November 4th

• BREAKFAST: Cereal Honey Nut Cheerios, Blueberry Lemon Crisp Bite, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Nachos, Beans, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk

• BREAKFAST: Biscuit and Sausage Gravy, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Spaghetti, Garlic Toast, Salad, Fresh Strawberries, and Choice of Milk

November 6th

• BREAKFAST: Waffle, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Hamburger, French Fries, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk

November 7th

• BREAKFAST: Cinnamon Roll, Kiwi Fruit, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Pork Chops, Brown Rice, Broccoli, Cantaloupe Pieces, and Choice of Milk

November 8th

• BREAKFAST: Blueberry Bagel, Cream Cheese, Orange Wedges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Turkey and Cheese Croissant, Broccoli Salad, Peach Slices, and Choice of Milk

November 11th

• NO SCHOOL - Holiday

• BREAKFAST: Breakfast Calzone, Banana Slices, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Hot Dog, Baked Beans, Carrot Sticks, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk

November 13th

• BREAKFAST: Blueberry Bagel, Cream Cheese, Fresh Cherries, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Beef Tacos, Guacamole, Strawberries, and Choice of Milk

November 14th

• BREAKFAST: Waffle, Blueberries and Strawberries, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Chicken Bites, French Fries, Broccoli, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk

November 15th

• BREAKFAST: Cinnamon Roll, Fruit Cup, Grapefruit Juice, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Roast Beef Sandwich, Mash Potatoes, Green Beans, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk

November 2024

• 1st-2nd: Cross Country District Meet - TBD
• 2nd: Lady Warriors Volleyball vs. Pinehill (Away) Varsity
• 5th: ACT
• 8th: National STEAM Day
• 9th: Cross Country State Meet - TBD
• 11th: Veterans Day (HOLIDAY) - No School for Students & All Employees
• 14th-16th: Volleyball State Championships
• 20th-26th: To'Hajiilee Week
• 26th: Turkey-in-the-Hole
• 27th: Thanksgiving Break - No School (Students & School Year Employees)
• 28th-29th: Thanksgiving Break - No School (Students & All Employees)

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

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

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