September 6th, 2024

We are gradually moving into the school year, concentrating on learning and building new skills, creating new connections and friendships, developing independence, persistence and resilience. These qualities are very valuable to develop as early as possible. Please help your children in mastering them by being positive and supportive of their independence, giving them tasks that are challenging enough so they can persevere in difficult situations. Giving children a chance to try on their own instead of doing things for them will motivate them to be more independent and not to give up at first signs of problems later in life. At the same time, try to be by their side in case they lose confidence and are ready to give up. Be their supporter and cheerleader, and you will soon see them flourish!

Students took part in the annual Red Ribbon Week on September 4th, kicking off the event with a fun walk/run. Following the activity, an assembly was held, sponsored by CBNHC's Behavioral Health program, featuring a presentation by Rez Boy Yazzie. Students also received incentives during the event.

Students in Mrs. Charlene Platero's classroom were practicing saying their body parts in Navajo while waiting to be dismissed for the bus.

Middle school students sat attentively as their teachers, Marty Monte and Edith Johnson, shared the history of To'Hajiilee. The students remained engaged throughout the presentation.

Students are seeking instructions from Coach Kim Platero on cross country updates before they stretch and run for the day.

"Hi, my name is Sharon Arviso. I am from Shiprock, New Mexico. I have taught in Arizona and New Mexico in the last 27 years. I love teaching and try to find different ways to have students learn. This year, I will be teaching Middle School Social Studies which involves a lot of critical thinking and asking questions about history. I look forward to this new journey. I will definitely encourage learning through the lenses of Indigenous Peoples."

--- Sharon Arviso, Social Studies

"I have experience in the culinary industry for ten years, and like all cooks and chefs I started as a dishwasher. With hard work, dedication and punctuality, I gained skills in Fine Dining, Buffet Management, Line Cook Supervisor, Catering, Food Truck Operator, and was a Private Chef. I have taught many cooks the knowledge of kitchen safety, food safety, kitchen management, and in food presentation. I have had the opportunity to cook in many kitchens throughout the United States, in other states such as Michigan, Utah and Colorado; and participated in Food Summits, Food Gatherings and private events.

Cooking has always been good medicine for me. I was tough at a very young age. My grandpa Jim Louie came into the house one morning and told me, “Cheii, no one is not always gonna cook for you, or take care of you. You need to learn how to cook for yourself”. That morning he showed me how to cook fried egg, and fried bologna with toast. That was my very first cooking lesson.

Throughout the years, I have gained so much knowledge from Chefs, Cooks Mentors, Elders, and so much more. Respecting food and were it comes from has always been my way of life and since then I serve food as medicine for the people and all who are hungry; for the mind, body and Hozho."

--- Joshua Nez, Culinary Arts Teacher

The staff are enjoying their first week of professional development before the school year begun. They participated in training sessions across various content areas, which included hands-on activities.

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

The Dual Language Program parent meeting was held on August 28, 2024, in the FACE building. Teachers introduced themselves, shared their clans, and offered insight into what they will be teaching in their classrooms this coming school year. They expressed enthusiasm and welcomed parents to actively participate in their child's education. Marty Monte also engaged the students in attendance, asking them to share what they have learned since school started. Families enjoyed sandwiches and chips, and the day concluded with everyone gathering in front of the school to learn about the history of To'Hajiilee, led by Marty Monte.

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/

Yá'át'ééh, my name is Kara Pino. I am from Alamo, NM of the Navajo Nation. I am a mother of two wonderful kids, a son who is in third grade and a daughter in kindergarten, both attending To’Hajiilee Community school. My kids are my world and are my strength and I’m proud to be their mom.

I am a college student enrolled in a dual major program at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. My program of studies are business administration and early childhood education. I enjoy working with children ranging from birth to eight years of age and those are the crucial years of growth and development. A goal of mine is to one day own a company or have business of my own and to give back to my community. I intend to keep my big goal to guide my focus in life and that is to get my master’s in business management and early childhood education.

I have joined the parent advisory committee (PAC). I want to make sure the voices of the students and concerned parents are heard so the issue can be resolved. I want to help guide the students with their challenges and issues they have by providing the necessary process to overcome it and with the right resources. Most of all, I want to be involved with the school to create a great place of learning and a safe place where students can express their feelings in positive healthy way: bring presenters that have a positive message, hosting festivities that the children and their families will enjoy. I would like to encourage the students to focus on their goals and their future to become successful.

As part of the PAC member I attended the innovation school summit conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. There were many sessions offered about how to teach children with traumatized and difficult childhood. Some sessions also involved some insight of why a child with hearing loss and delayed in speech learn in a different way. The sessions I went to also gave me an insight of teacher role and how much they invest in their students to succeed. Teachers go above and beyond in their careers. I learned teachers connect with their student by understanding their culture of music, styles, and cultural background to find strategies that can make the classroom an active learning environment. Children who experience hardship at home and have a difficult time learning in school, teachers have to find it sensitive to approach these students because they close off socially and emotionally. I also learned that every child is different and them being different is what makes them unique. They are smart and talented by being different and have a hidden superpower for learning. I recommend these trainings to educational staff and families that want to help their children excel in school.

--- Kara Pino, Parent

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 9th

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

September 10th

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

September 11th

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

September 12th

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

September 13th

• BREAKFAST: Blueberry Bagel, Orange Wedges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Roast Beef Sandwich, Mash Potatoes, Green Beans, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk

September 16th

• BREAKFAST: Cereal Frosted Flakes, Muffin, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Pizza, Breadstick, Garden Salad, Fruit Salad, Celery Stick, and Choice of Milk

September 17th

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

September 18th

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

September 19th

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

September 20th

• BREAKFAST: Cinnamon Roll, Fruit Cup, Grapefruit Juice, and Choice of Milk
• LUNCH: Chicken Salad Sandwich, Cucumber Sticks, Cantaloupe, and Choice of Milk

September 2024

• 9th: Picture Day
• 11th: Full Day Wednesday; Elementary Dismissal at 2:05; Secondary at 3:00
• 12th: Volleyball Game: Lady Warriors at Mountainair (Varsity); Game at 5 p.m.
• 13th: Early Childhood Field Trip (State Fair)
• 14th: Cross Country Meet @ UNM - 2024 Lobo XC Invite
• 14th: Elementary Cross Country Meet @ Santa Domingo
• 18th: Early Dismissal at 1:15 p.m.
• 21st: Cross Country Meet @ Rio Rancho - Rio Rancho Jamboree
• 21st: Elementary Cross Country Meet @ Isleta
• 23rd-27th: Transportation Count Week
• 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