December 6, 2024

December is here, bringing colder days and bare branches as the last of the colorful leaves have fallen. Winter has arrived! Animals are hibernating, and the winter Navajo stories are being shared. Join us for the Navajo Shoe Game on December 20th in the gym—it's a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of this traditional game if you have never experienced it before.

As of December 6th, there are just ten days remaining in the second nine weeks. Winter Break will begin on December 23rd and continue through January 7th. Don’t miss our annual Christmas Program on December 18th at 5:30 pm in the gym—come watch your child’s performance and celebrate the season with us, A Charlie Brown Christmas!

December is a time to embrace the holiday spirit. As you enjoy the festivities, remember to spend quality time with loved ones. Share the gift of love, stick to your budget while shopping, and spread holiday cheer. Be the reason for the season!

Parents and Guardians,

A letter (attached) was sent home with your child outlining important details regarding the retrieval of Chromebooks. All Chromebooks will be collected and utilized within the classrooms.

Chromebook collection will follow the schedule outlined in the attached letter:

• Elementary Students: Students who still have their Chromebooks must return them to the teachers.

• Secondary Students: Chromebooks will be collected on December 20th.

Chromebooks, along with their chargers, must be returned to teachers. Your support during this process would be greatly appreciated. Effective December 3, 2024, no Chromebooks will be reassigned to students. Thank you for your cooperation and if you have any questions, you may contact the school.

The NWEA Middle-of-Year Testing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, through Thursday, December 12, 2024. Please ensure your child gets plenty of rest and is prepared for these important testing days. It is essential that they attend school on these dates.

The Spelling Bee is an exciting event that encourages students to develop their spelling and vocabulary skills while fostering a sense of friendly competition. Let's spread the word!

To'Hajiilee Week was packed with a variety of activities, including presentations, contests, performances, and the grand finale—crowning the winner of the pageant contest.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Ms. Victoria Apachito for her touching farewell speech as royalty and her generous giveaways to those who supported her throughout her reign.

Congratulations to Leajzia Tafoya on being named the 2024-2025 TCS Princess! Leajzia showcased her talent through a beautiful song and delivered inspiring words tied to this year's theme.

We deeply appreciate everyone who contributed to making this event a success—the performers, the various programs and organizations that hosted informational booths, and all who participated in the fun walk/run promoting healthy living. The celebration concluded with a delicious turkey dinner on the final day, leaving many hearts warm and stomachs full!

Lower Elementary:

1st - Jacelyn Martin, 2nd grade

2nd - Okata Apachito, 2nd grade

3rd - Boyd Apachito, 2nd grade

Upper Elementary:

1st - Lorayla Begay, 5th grade

2nd - Jacob Begay, 5th grade

3rd - Jasmynn Etcitty, 5th grade

Middle School:

1st - Sacorra Tenorio, 7th grade

2nd - Rayanna Nelson, 7th grade

3rd - Hazel Mariano, 7th grade

High School:

1st - Tyson Shorty Jr, 11th grade

2nd - Hannah Mariano, 9th grade

3rd - Mason Secatero, 11th grade

Lower Elementary:

1st - Liam Yazzie, 2nd grade

2nd - Siahna Francisco, 3rd grade

3rd - Corbin Begay, 3rd grade

Upper Elementary:

1st - Shyeanne Baca, 5th grade

2nd - Madison Francisco, 5th grade

3rd - Elena Ruth

Secondary:

1st - Kaidyn Wilson, 12th grade

2nd - Danielle Guerro, 8th grade

3rd - Harmony Tafoya, 11th grade

Lower Elementary:

1st - Mia Smith, 1st grade

2nd - Hezekiah Johnson, 1st grade

3rd - Leilah Saunders, 1st grade

Upper Elementary:

1st - Shialayia Loretto, 5th grade

2nd - Laila Monte, 5th grade

3rd - Jasmynn Etcitty, 5th grade

Middle School:

1st - Hanesabah Hurley-Platero, 6th grade

2nd - Myles Abeyta, 6th grade

3rd - Hazel Mariano, 7th grade

High School:

1st - Bailey Francisco

2nd - Dylan Chapo

3rd - Marquel Swan

Gabriela Campos, a reporter from The New Mexican newspaper had written an article on To'Hajiilee Comunity School's annual Turkey-in-the-Hole.

Here is the web link for the story: https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/its-more-love-tohajiilees-turkey-in-the-hole-has-been-drawing-community-together-for-decades/article_4997be6c-a8f0-11ef-93b1-4b6e77c8b38c.html

One more link: Gabriela posted a slideshow with many more photos from the day's events: https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/gallery-tohajiilees-turkey-in-the-hole/article_9651d1f8-ad2c-11ef-b4ed-c74114f7df67.html

The Christmas Make-and-Take event took place on December 4th in the gym, featuring hands-on Christmas crafts, a planetarium experience provided by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and delicious refreshments prepared by our Culinary Arts students. Students, their families, and staff all enjoyed this free event—a wonderful way to kick off our December school family engagement activities!

Brenda Platero, a grandparent, is spending quality time with the students by watching a movie together.

Student Council held a meeting on December 5th to discuss various Christmas-related topics lead by Sponsor, Katrina Nez. During the meeting, students voted to elect officers and shared their reasons for wanting to serve in these roles. Congratulations to all who participated!

Our student body officers for the 2024-2025 school year are as follows:

• President: Aliya Platero
• Vice-President: Hailey Abeyta
• Secretary: Madison Francisco
• Treasurer: Sacorra Tenorio
• Community Representative: Dante Baca

Culinary students assisted with the food distribution event on December 5th, where families received non-perishable items, carrots, onions, and other food supplies.

Archery students during their practice on December 3rd in the brisk weather practicing for their next tournament.

Attention Parents and Guardians: The Parent Advisory Committee is looking for parents to join their team! If you’re interested in becoming a member, please contact Katrina Nez at 505-908-2624 Ext: 164 or Diane Peshtony, diane.peshtony@tohajiilee.com.

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

CBNHC, are conducting a free community event for the holiday season, a “Winter Cozy Gift Giveaway Drive-Thru” on Thursday, December, 12th, 2024 at 5pm until 6:30pm, or until gifts run out. Open to community, free for all, and for all ages.

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

To’Hajiilee Community School is excited to announce our partnership with Avel eCare, to provide school health services for our students. The interaction between the eCare nurse and your child will closely resemble having a school nurse on-site. Our goal is to keep students healthy and focused on learning. The eCare nurse contact number is 605-606-0550. Please consider saving this in your cell phone contacts. CBNHC will continue to provide in-person medical and behavioral health services on Tuesdays.

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

December 9th

• BREAKFAST: Cereal Golden Grahams, Dino Bite Cracker, and Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Salisbury Steak, French Fries, Carrots, Dinner Roll, Apple Sauce, and Choice of Milk

• BREAKFAST: Breaded and Stuff Hash Brown, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Chili Dog, Broccoli Florets, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk

December 11th

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

December 12th

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

December 13th

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

December 16th

• BREAKFAST: Strawberry Yogurt Parfait, Fresh Strawberries, Granola, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Chicken Teriyaki, Brown Rice, Veggie Blend, Pineapple Chunks, and Choice of Milk

• BREAKFAST: Blueberry Pancakes, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Beef Stew, Broccoli, Dinner Roll, Orange Chunks, and Choice of Milk

December 18th

• BREAKFAST: Combo Bar, Toast, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Beef Tacos, Pinto Beans, Tortilla Chips, Fresh Strawberries, and Choice of Milk

December 19th

• BREAKFAST: Waffle Square, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Grill Cheese Sandwich, Tomato Soup, Celery Sticks, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk

December 20th

• BREAKFAST: Breakfast Pizza, Orange Wedges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Mandarin Orange Chicken, Vegetable Chow Mein, Broccoli Florets, Graham Crackers, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk

December 2024

10th-12th: NWEA Middle of the Year Assessments (Reading, Math, Science)

10th: TCS vs. Oak Grove (Home)

11th: Full Day Wednesday (Elementary Dismissal @ 2:05 p.m.; Secondary Dismissal @ 3:00 p.m.)

11th: Middle School TCS vs. NACA (Home)

12th: TCS Boys Only vs. East Mountain (Home)

14th: Archery @ Cibola High School Bullseye Tournament

14th: TCS vs. Cottonwood Classical (Home)

16th: A Charlie Brown Christmas: Holiday Pajama Day

16th: TCS vs. Mountainair (Home)

17th: A Charlie Brown Christmas: Ugly Sweater Day

18th: A Charlie Brown Christmas: Dress Like Your Favorite Charlie Brown Character

18th: Half Day Wednesday (All Grades Dismissal at 1:15 p.m.)

18th: Christmas Program @ 5:30 pm

19th: A Charlie Brown Christmas: Wear Holiday Accessories, Jewelry, or Lights

19th: TCS vs. Laguna-Acoma (Away)

19th: Middle School TCS vs. Magdalena (Home)

20th: A Charlie Brown Christmas: Christmas Movie/Character Day

20th: Keshjee, Navajo Shoe Game

21st: TCS vs. Grady (Away)

22nd: Community Luncheon

23rd-Jan. 3rd: Christmas Break

26th-28th: Varsity and Middle School @ SENAI Tournament

January 2025

6th: Professional Development - Write Tools (No School for Students)

7th: Students Return

7th: TCS vs. Alamo (Home)

8th: Full Day Wednesday (Elementary Dismissal @ 2:05 p.m.; Secondary Dismissal @ 3:00 p.m.)

9th: TCS Girls Only vs. Evangel Christian (Away)

11th: Middle School TCS vs. Alamo (Home)

14th: TCS Girls Only vs. Rehoboth (Away)

15th: Full Day Wednesday (Elementary Dismissal @ 2:05 p.m.; Secondary Dismissal @ 3:00 p.m.)

15th: TCS vs. Laguna-Acoma (Home)

15th: Middle School TCS vs. Mountainair (Away)

16th: Middle School TCS vs. Edgewood (Home)

18th: Archery @ Rio Rancho High School Tournament

20th: Holiday; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No school for students and all teachers and staff)

21st: Middle School TCS vs. Santo Domingo (Away)

22nd: Parent/Teacher Conference 12 pm to 6 pm. (All Grades Dismissal at 12:00 p.m.)

25th: Archery @ Espanola Valley High School Bullseye Tournament

25th: TCS vs. Shiprock (Home)

28th: TCS vs. Tse Yi'Gai (Away)

29th: Half Day Wednesday (All Grades Dismissal at 1:15 p.m.)

29th: Middle School TCS vs. Magdalena (Away)

31st - Feb. 02nd: Archery @ NASP City 3-D Championship Tournament

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