October 10, 2025
Gháájí' mean "the joining" or "half" of seasons.
Volume 6, Issue 4
MESSAGE
The first nine weeks of school ended on October 8th, and the second nine weeks began on October 9th. Report cards will be distributed during Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, October 22nd and buses will depart TCS at 12:00 p.m.
The Elementary Cross Country team wrapped up their season on October 4th, with their final meet held at Isleta Pueblo. Picture day is on October 15th! Please make sure your child brings their best smile and is ready for their photo.
As the weather cools, make sure your child comes to school dressed appropriately with a light jacket. If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them home and notify the school. Regular attendance is essential and is being closely monitored. For school updates and events, continue checking the school website, Facebook page, and listen for NASIS shout-outs.
As we move into a new semester, it's a great time to reflect and set new educational goals for your child and family. Whether it's reading more together, preparing and enjoying healthy meals as a family, or focusing on a shared activity, working together can make a big difference. Revisit and revise your goals as needed. At the end of the semester, take time to reflect—did you meet your goals? If not, how can you adjust? Please continue to support your child’s success by ensuring they attend school regularly and stay on top of their homework.
Keeping Students Safe: Substance Awareness This Halloween
With Halloween approaching, we strongly encourage you to talk with your children about the serious dangers of consuming or sharing edibles and other substances. Please be especially vigilant in checking your child’s candy and treats during this time. It’s important that students understand that using or possessing any form of illegal substances is strictly prohibited at school and during all school-sponsored events or activities. Such behavior is not only illegal but also poses serious health and safety risks.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community safe. TCS will be offering parent training on this important safety topic soon, so please stay tuned for more information.
NAVAJO WORD OF THE DAY
STUDENT CORNER
Student Council Meeting
The Student Council held their first meeting of the year on October 1st in the library. This year's sponsors are Ms. Katrina Nez for Elementary (Grades 3–5) and Middle School, and Ms. Melissa Begay for High School. During the meeting, students jumped right in—discussing upcoming October events, sharing their ideas for Student Council activities, and electing this year’s officers. We’re excited to announce the Student Council officers for the 2025–2026
High School:
- Secretary - Khyran Guerro
- Treasurer - Frankie Gould
- Vice President - Avery Manning
- President - Leajzia Tafoya
- Member -Joshua Barbone
- Member - Cole Johnson
Middle School:
- Treasurer -Jacob Begay
- Vice President - Malicient Ration
- President-Madison Francisco
When you see these students, ask them about Student Council and what they have planned for the year. They're already working hard to make a positive impact on our school community!
Nambe Fall Field Trip for Middle School
The Middle School (6th-8th grade) embarked on a trip to Nambe Falls located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The students all got to experience the connectedness to the land and water. It brought so much joy and thrill as they got to appreciate what the Nambe Falls had to offer. When we arrived, the students couldn't wait to jump in and embrace the coolness. They were fascinated by the way the water moved and the tiny falls they encountered while on our walk through the river to our final destination: the Falls. Community building with each other was great to see as they all were not just students who had the same classes or seen throughout the halls, but they were all connected to the land and what makes them who they are as indigenous people to gain more relationships and independency as they embraced the cool water. The fun and excitement were in all of their faces and we thank To'Hajiilee Community Schools' support in our land-based learning to have this opportunity for our students to take learning in a new direction of reciprocity through each subject area of the student's learning.
--- Talaya Chavez, Middle School Science Teacher
A Patch of Fun and a Slice of Joy!
On October 9th, the early childhood programs—Pre-K, FACE, and Early Intervention—visited the Galloping Pumpkin Patch near the Santa Star Center. The students enjoyed hours of play, exploring the corn maze, engaging in various large and fine motor games, feeding animals, and each choosing a pumpkin to take home. Afterward, the group gathered for a family meal at Village Pizza in Corrales, New Mexico, where families shared pizza and salad. Many little tummies were full and happy after a fun-filled day of activities.
STAFF CORNER
Strategic Planning Committee Begins Important Work at To’Hajiilee Community School
On October 4th and 5th, To’Hajiilee Community School held its first Strategic Planning Committee meeting. This diverse committee includes staff, students, community members, school board representatives, chapter officials, and local program partners. Together, they are tasked with developing a comprehensive strategic plan to guide school improvement efforts. Recognizing the importance of including multiple stakeholder perspectives, the committee is committed to a collaborative and inclusive planning process. The strategic plan will be developed in four key phases: Envisioning, Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating. During the 2025–2026 school year, the first three phases—Envisioning, Planning, and Implementing—will be completed. The final phase, Evaluating, will take place once the plan is in action.
Staff and Chaperones Capture a Moment at NMSU College Fair
On October 10, 2025, staff and chaperones took a group photo together during lunchtime while attending the NMSU College Fair in Grants, New Mexico.
Elementary Cross Country Wraps Up a Strong 2025–2026 Season
Congratulations to Our 8-Year-Old Boys Cross Country Team!
The Elementary Cross Country team had a fantastic season for the 2025–2026 school year. The students grew together as a team, enjoyed their practice sessions, and most importantly, gave it their all during every race. Here are a few captured moments from their final meets at Jemez Pueblo and Isleta Pueblo.
A big congratulations to our 8-year-old boys, who placed 3rd overall for the season! The team was awarded a plaque in recognition of their hard work and achievement—even on a windy day, their smiles shone bright.
An Evening of Celebration for Elementary Cross Country
What a wonderful evening of celebration it was on October 8th as the Elementary Cross Country team wrapped up their 2025–2026 season with an awards ceremony. Each student was recognized for their participation with a trophy, certificate, goodie bag, pizza and sodas. In addition to participation awards, special recognition was given to students who showed outstanding effort and improvement based on their running times during practices and meets. A heartfelt thank you to Coaches Wilson Platero and Katrina Nez for their dedication and leadership throughout the season. As many parents shared, students are already missing practice—a true sign of a season well spent!
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Family Engagement Calendar
Monthly Food Distribution – October 23rd
Our monthly food distribution will take place on Wednesday, October 23rd. Food boxes will be available first come, first served—so be sure to come early!
Bus Safety Week
General Bus Safety and Fire Drill Evacuations will take place on October 20th and 21st. See schedule below.
Fall Festivities
Information on the Fall Festivities are shown below.
Parent-Teacher Conference
TESTING/ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE FOR SY 2025-2026
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Resources for Families
"Attendance matters! We want the very best for our students—so make every day count by showing up to school!"
LIFE LINE SUPPORT
TCS will be ending its SACRED WIND Communications contract in December 2025. Apply for a phone/internet discount, please see the information below and more details, visit www.lifelinesupport.org to apply today!
WARRIOR ATHLETIC NEWS!
Volleyball Schedule
Cross Country Schedule (Secondary)
Cross Country Schedule (Elementary)
https://content.myconnectsuite.com/api/documents/4f57fc85ec5c4dc0b7e79143d921dd56
STUDENT BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENU
October 13th - 17th
October 13th
Breakfast: Cereal Lucky Charms, Sliced Peaches, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Arron Con Pollo, Pinto Beans, Gapes, and Choice of Milk
October 14th
Breakfast: Egg Cheese Bagel Sandwich, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Spaghetti, Garlic Toast, Garden Salad, Strawberries, and Choice of Milk
October 15th
Breakfast: Wowberry and Jelly Sandwich, Strawberries and Blueberries, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Beef Taco, Pinto Beans, Tortilla Chips, Strawberries, and Choice of Milk
October 16th
Breakfast: Strawberry Yogurt Parfait, Graham Crackers, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Hamburger, Potatoes, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
October 17th
Breakfast: English Muffin, Pineapple Chunks, Fruit Juice, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Pork Chops, Brown Rice, Sweet Potato Fries, Broccoli, Cantaloupe, and Choice of Milk
October 20th - 24th
October 20th
Breakfast: Cereal Frosted Mini Wheat, Toast, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Pizza, Broccoli, Tropical Fruit Salad, and Choice of Milk
October 21st
Breakfast: Banana Muffin, Graham Crackers, Cantaloupe Pieces, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Hotdog, Baked Beans, Onion Rings, Grapes, and Choice of Milk
October 22nd
Breakfast: Biscuit and Sausage Gravy, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Tacos, Guacamole, Flour Tortilla, Strawberries, and Choice of Milk
October 23rd
Breakfast: Bagel, Cream Cheese, Pineapple Chunks, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Sweet Potato Fries, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
October 24th
Breakfast: Cereal Cinnamon Toasters, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Turkey and Cheese Croissant, Broccoli Salad, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Apple and Strawberries, and Choice of Milk
CALENDAR NEWS
October
8th: Full Day Wednesday
- Elementary Dismissal on 2:05 p.m.
- Secondary Dismissal at 3:00 p.m.
8th: End of 1st Nine-Weeks
9th: Beginning of 2nd Nine-Weeks
10th: Fall Break (Students & School Year Employees)
13th: Holiday - Indigenous Day (No School for students and all employees)
15th: Half Day Wednesday (All Grades Dismissal at 1:15 p.m.)
22nd: Early Dismissal 12 p.m.(All Grades)
22nd: Parent/Teacher Conference (1st 9-Weeks) 12 pm to 6 pm
23rd: Monthly Food Distribution
29th: Half Day Wednesday (All Grades Dismissal at 1:15 p.m.)
29th: Fall Festival
31st: Early Childhood Trick or Treat
RESOURCES
Fun Walk/Run: #IWillRunForThem 5K Fun Walk/Run
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women will be sponsoring the #IWillRunForThem 5K Fun Walk/Run. There is a small registration fee to participate. For more information and to register, please visit: https://csvanw.org/our-events/iwillrunforthem-5k/
Event Date and Location:
October 11th, 2025
Isleta Lakes and RV Parks
11000 BROADWAY SE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87105
TCS Student and Parent Information
Student Handbook
TCS Social Media Pages
Here are the links to our social media pages where we post all important school announcements. In addition to NASIS shout-outs and text messages, we now also use ClassDojo to share updates!
✅ Be sure to like our Facebook page
✅ Share it with your families
✅ Encourage parents to connect on ClassDojo for daily and school-wide updates
TCS Website: www.tohajiileeschoo.com
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095024918253
TCS Academic School Calendar
Previous Parent Newsletter
Volume 6, Issue 1: https://secure.smore.com/n/v0z3u
Volume 6, Issue 2: https://secure.smore.com/n/d3f98
Volume 6, Issue 3: https://secure.smore.com/n/hq8j1
Volume 6, Issue 4: https://secure.smore.com/n/fysw9