December 21, 2024

The first semester wrapped up today, December 21st, marking the end of an exciting period filled with fun family activities, enriching field trips, and valuable academic learning opportunities. As we head into the Christmas break, take time to relax and recharge for the upcoming second semester. When we return in January, WIDA testing will commence toward the end of the month, and our annual Spelling Bee is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14th. Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season!

This year's Christmas theme was "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Throughout the week, students and staff enjoyed themed dress-up days, participated in our Holiday Bazaar featuring various vendors, and concluded with a delightful community luncheon. The annual Christmas Program was a success, showcasing performances from all grade levels to include staff performances. Students dressed in their holiday outfits and either danced and sang, all set against a charming snow globe backdrop. It was truly a week full of holiday cheer!

The Késhjéé, Navajo Shoe game event was a wonderful and meaningful community gathering, blending cultural traditions with educational opportunities. The involvement of culinary arts in preparing the stew made a delicious meal for those in attendance. It was great, the Navajo Shoe game was integrated into the school’s Navajo Word of the Day initiative, connecting language learning with cultural practice. The event brought the community together in a powerful way. Was there any specific moment during the event that stood out to you if you attended the event?

On Monday, December 16th, Student Council members Sacorra Tenario and Tayden Begay assisted with a site visit alongside Breezy Gutierrez, Denise Ojeda, and Sathya Costello of CTE.

The students guided our visitors to the food truck, where the juniors were hosting a fundraising food sale. School board members and administration joined the tour for a portion of the visit. The group also stopped by the Gifted and Talented classroom and the Art class, showcasing more of our campus offerings.

The seniors distributed Christmas gifts generously donated by an anonymous donor to support families in need. We sincerely appreciate this thoughtful and generous contribution!

A "big" thank you to Kristen Pablo and her team from Diné Youth in Crownpoint, New Mexico, for delivering Toys for Tots to students from FACE through 12th grade. On December 19th, our Student Council members distributed the toys to classrooms, bringing joy and many smiles to our students. We deeply appreciate Diné Youth's generosity and thoughtfulness!

On Monday, December 16th, the Student Council helped prepare over two hundred bags of candy, fruit, and mixed nuts for our annual candy distribution to students and staff.

On Tuesday, December 17th, the Student Council hosted a bake sale in the front office area. Students worked together to set up, clean up, and manage the sale. They enjoyed a festive afternoon selling baked goods and snacks to support their fundraising efforts while sing Christmas carols. A special thank you to parent Vanessa Wayakie for assisting with the event!

The Student Council held their Christmas party on Thursday, December 19th. The celebration included a Santa gift exchange, lunch, board games, and a movie, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Staff members Katrina Nez, Elayne Costello, and Marty Monte, along with parent Diane Peshtony, attended the 2024 Winter Conference hosted by the Diné Grant Schools Association and the Diné Bi Olta School Board Association in Las Vegas, Nevada. Key topics discussed included the Diné Origin of Education, challenges facing the Navajo language today, the Tribal Interior Budget, family engagement, and more. The photo above features a moment with Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya, who participated in the conference.

Facilities had a meeting to discuss their team building activity for the Staff Christmas Luncheon.

On Wednesday, December 18th, our TCS staff gathered for a festive luncheon before the Christmas Program. The event featured a Secret Santa gift exchange and enjoyable team-building games. The first game, led by the elementary department, was a hula hoop challenge. Next, the Facilities team hosted a game of Operation, where the winner was the person who removed the most items. Finally, the Secondary team broke into two groups to step on cardboard pieces and pass them to reach the finish line. It was a day filled with laughter, fun games, and delicious food, and everyone had a great time!

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.

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!

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.

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

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 23rd - January 3rd

• NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

December 2024

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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