
December 15, 2023
December is called Nilch'itsoh means "Great Winds."

Volume 4, Issue 8
MESSAGE
Christmas Break is approaching swiftly! Students will be on Winter Break from December 23rd to January 7th, with classes resuming on January 8th for our instructional make-up time. Parent/Teacher Conference is scheduled for January 17th, so be sure to arrange a meeting with your child's teacher to discuss their progress in class. NWEA testing has been completed, with make-up testing still ongoing. Classes are in session, and lessons continue to be taught, so ensure your child arrives at school on time and gets a full night's rest.
Join us on December 20th for our annual Christmas Program, featuring onsite vendors and class performances. On Wednesday, December 20th, it will be a half-day, with all students dismissed at 1:15 pm. December 22nd will be a regular school day, with elementary dismissal at 2:05 pm and secondary dismissal at 3:00 pm.
Embrace the holiday spirit by giving the gift of love and the joy of laughter. Take quality time to bond with your children through activities like baking homemade goodies, watching classic Christmas movies, singing Christmas carols, or creating homemade crafts. If possible, explore Albuquerque's festive lights or check out the winter holiday offerings at the local libraries. Engage in enjoyable family activities to make the most of the holidays and welcome the new year with joy!
We had an educational first semester, and we are eagerly anticipating what the upcoming year will bring for all of us!
STUDENT CORNER
2nd and 3rd Dual Language Class
The 2nd 3rd Grade Dual Language Class has been reading about the Grinch. One question they had was, “What is something other than stealing Christmas could the Grinch do?” With the Write Tools, here is what they came up with as a class.
Introduction: What is something that other than stealing Christmas could the Grinch do?
First, the Grinch could give gifts to everyone. He could give toys, books and candy.
Next, the Grinch could make decorations out of paper and tape. He could put the decorations on the Christmas tree and houses.
Last, the Grinch could make Christmas cookies and a gingerbread house. He will use frosting, candy, and marshmallows.
Truly, the Grinch can give gifts and make things for people during Christmas other than stealing Christmas.
Gnome Ornaments
Ms. Keene's second-grade students crafted delightful Christmas ornaments featuring Gnomes. The students demonstrated patience, honed their fine motor skills, and eye coordination while assembling their ornament, all while embracing the festive holiday spirit.
Data for Schoolwide Attendance:
Congrats to our classes that good attendance up to this month! Make sure you child is attending school daily and prepared for their classes.
TCS 2023 SPELLING BEE COMPETITION
The 2023 edition of the To'Hajiilee Community School Spelling Bee Competition took place on December 15th. The event highlighted the outstanding spelling abilities of our students, with various classes enthusiastically participating in this academic tradition. Congratulations to all the students who took part, and special recognition to the overall winners who will advance to the next round of the competition.
Message from Jojie Ceniza, Spelling Bee Coordinator.
A special shout-out to our School Spelling Bee officials, Pronouncer- Mark Dreyer ; Judges - Kristopher Stephens & Dr. Michel LeCavalier; Record Keepers - Pamela Sullivan & Deana Armijo; To our emcee, Alexander Wauneka; To Katrina Nez & Student Council Body for the Awards & Certificates; to Anthony Romero, Aldridge Yazzie, Joshua Nez, Roberta Secatero, Jason Valencia for setting up the gym.
I also want to express my appreciation to the administration for their continuous support and encouragement. To every teacher, staff member, and student who participated and supported the spellers, your involvement did not go unnoticed, and it played a vital role in creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
I also want to take a moment to congratulate all the participants for their bravery in taking part in the competition and for their dedication to studying the Champion words. Each one of them is a winner in our eyes!
A big round of applause goes to the following students who will be representing us at the Cibola District Spelling Bee Competition on the 24th of January 2024:
Champion: Nailynn Manning (7th Grade)
1st Place: Xander Chio Ceniza (6th Grade)
2nd Place: Vina Baca (5th Grade)
INSTRUCTIONAL MAKE-UP TIME - JANUARY 8TH, 2024
On January 08, 2024, there will be no professional development for TCS Staff. This will be a regular school day for students.
- Elementary will be dismissed at 2:05 p.m.
- Secondary will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m.
CHRISTMAS MAKE -IN-TAKE
The Christmas Make-in-Take event featured a delightful array of activities for families and students to enjoy. Participants engaged in crafting Christmas cards, coloring, constructing gingerbread houses, crafting/decorating ornaments, while listening to the Christmas music. Families enjoyed the refreshments, cookies and juice were provided. Families enthusiastically embraced each tabletop activity, making it a wonderful kickoff to the Christmas holidays.
12 DAYS OF GRINCHMAS - DRESS-UP DAYS
NAVAJO WORD OF THE DAY
Weekly, you will see our Navajo Word of the Day. Practice saying the word, spelling the word, and use it in a sentence.
Athletics
MIDDLE SCHOOL GAME AGAINST LAGUNA
On December 6th, the TCS Middle School Basketball team competed against Laguna MS, unfortunately, ending the game with a loss. Way to hustle Warriors!
CHRISTMAS EVENTS:
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER - DECEMBER 22, 2023
Join us for our annual community Christmas dinner on December 22, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
MONTHLY FOOD DISTRIBUTION
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE - JANUARY 17, 2024
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENU
- BREAKFAST: Cereal Golden Grahams, Toast, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Salisbury Steak, French Fries, Carrots, Dinner Roll, Apple Sauce, and Choice of Milk
December 19th
- BREAKFAST: Egg Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Chili Dog, Broccoli Florets, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk
December 20th
- BREAKFAST: Cinnamon Roll, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Cheese Enchiladas, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
December 21st
- BREAKFAST: Biscuit with Turkey Gravy, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Pork Roast, Corn, Dinner Roll, Honey Dew, and Choice of Milk
December 22nd
- BREAKFAST: Bagel with Cream Cheese, Mandarin Oranges, and Choice of Milk
- LUNCH: Cheese Pizza, Green Beans, Fresh Strawberries, and Choice of Milk
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
School Calendar of Events:
December 2023:
- 18th - Food Distribution
- 20th - Student Dismissal at 1:15 pm
- 20th - Christmas Program at 5:00 pm / Vendors at 2:00-7:00 pm
- 22nd - Regular School Dismissal (2:05 pm for Elementary / 3:00 pm for Secondary)
- 25th to 5th - Christmas Break
- 28th to 30th - Varsity at SENAI Tournament
January 2024:
- 1st to 5th - Christmas Break
- 8th - 1st day of School for 3rd Nine Weeks
- 15th - No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
- 17th - Parent/Teacher Conference from 12:00-6:00 pm
- 24th - Spelling Bee
RESOURCES
ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS - NEXT SCHOOL YEAR, OUR ASSISTANCE WITH INTERNET SERVICES WILL PHASE OUT.
Parents and Guardians, as we are back in school and no longer in remote learning, TCS will be phasing out next school year 2024-2025 and no longer assist with paying for your home/internet services with Sacred Wind. The Affordable Connectivity Program is great for you to apply and they can help pay for your internet service. Two easy steps to apply: 1. Go to ACPBenefit.org to apply. 2.Then select your preferred participating internet provider to have the discount applied to your bill. Families who have WIC, SNAP or Medicaid can qualify. Families of students who receive free breakfast or lunch, including through the community eligibility provision, qualify.
For general information about YHYI and NPP, see www.fcc.gov/acp-pilots. For more information on the pilot program outreach grants, see www.fcc.gov/acp-grants. For questions about the grant opportunities, contact ACPGrants@fcc.gov. For assistance using www.grants.gov, please contact the Help Desk at (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.gov.
Previous Parent Newsletter
Volume 4, Issue 1: https://www.smore.com/fsz5r
Volume 4, Issue 2: https://www.smore.com/x5b0z-september-15-2023
Volume 4, Issue 3: https://www.smore.com/7yjt8v
Volume 4, Issue 4: https://www.smore.com/7qdrg
Volume 4, Issue 5: https://www.smore.com/a2rw3
Volume 4, Issue 6: https://www.smore.com/eku8f
Volume 4, Issue 7: https://www.smore.com/vas2z1