September 26, 2025
Bini'anit'ááts'ósí which means "the ripening of early crops.
Volume 6, Issue 3
MESSAGE
Fall is here and the leaves are changing!
We are excited to welcome the new season. The Navajo New Year will be observed on October 1st, and we are busy harvesting our plants and preparing for the cooler fall weather. The brisk air is a reminder that change is upon us.
As we move into the month of October, please be advised that the school will no longer be covering internet service costs. Families are encouraged to contact Sacred Wind Communications to see if they qualify for the LifeLine Discount Program. More information is available at the bottom of this newsletter.
If your child is interested in participating in Student Council, please contact Katrina Nez or Melissa Begay for more information. Student Council is open to students in grades 3 through 12.
2025 TRIBAND FAMILY ENAGEMENT SUMMIT
Triband Summit Brings Communities Together for Education & Collaboration
On September 19th and 20th, the Triband communities — To’Hajiilee Community School, Alamo Navajo Community School, and Pine Hill School — came together to host a meaningful Triband Summit at the Route 66 Casino. The summit was organized as a way to invite families from all three communities to engage and strengthen educational partnerships. The event opened with a prayer from Cecil Abeyta, followed by the National Anthem by Kylei McCurtain. Lawrence Platero, a To’Hajiilee School Board Member, then welcomed attendees with an inspiring opening address.
Throughout the two-day event, families participated in daily breakout sessions led by presenters from each school and other programs, covering topics relevant to student success, community involvement, and cultural empowerment. A variety of keynote speakers were featured each day, offering insights and motivation for both families and educators. Adding energy and inspiration to the summit was James June, Native entertainer and speaker, who shared encouraging words and connected with attendees through humor on the second day.
The Triband Summit not only fostered collaboration among the three schools but also strengthened bonds across the communities. The event was a resounding success, and organizers are excited to continue this important work through ongoing advocacy and connection. We look forward to future gatherings that build on the momentum created and keep our students, families, and cultures at the center of education.
Video of the Triband Summit - Please enjoy!
NAVAJO WORD OF THE DAY
STUDENT CORNER
Science Experience in High School Science
High School Science students in Vasaria Apachito's class conducted water sampling at a local pond in the community, located on Route 57. The purpose of the activity was to collect and examine water samples to identify living organisms present in the pond ecosystem.
Benjamin's Kindergarten Students
Kindergarten students in Ms. Bejamin's class are learning about the letter "S," and their class project was designed to support this lesson. The activities focused on recognizing, writing, and exploring words that begin with the letter "S."
Whereas, the first grade students in Ms. Benjamin's class are learning about "Where animals live." As part of this lesson, they are reading short stories and exploring the similarities and differences between various animal habitats.
Suicide Prevention Month
Students in grades 9 through 12 attended a Suicide Prevention presentation led by the School Counselor, Melissa Begay on Tuesday, September 22. The purpose of the presentation was to raise awareness and share important information about suicide prevention.
Student Digital Storytelling Videos
Students created digital storytelling videos, sponsored by Jennifer Black of Digital Story Packer Production and Dr. Shawn Secatero, who challenged them to produce culturally themed videos. Enjoy the videos:
Harvesting Wild Onions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17JsXjSO3fy_lPd8qTr2pRRd-cXDSGeJ2/view?usp=sharing
Harvesting Yucca Root for Soap Making: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PwWRqMNlakfLazwWYsLskdCKCU6M0tq0/view?usp=sharing
STAFF CORNER
Our Carpentry Teacher, Wendall Apache is using his prep time to prepare materials and lessons for his class.
TCS- AISES Collaboration Brings Hands-On STEM Learning
This week (9/23/2025 to 9/24/2025), our school welcomed Ms. Marie Casao from the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), who worked closely with students and staff to introduce new STEM learning tools. On Monday, Ms. Casao assisted in setting up the Sphero BOLT+ robots and led engaging sessions with Grade 7 students during periods 6 and 7. Students had the opportunity to try out the robots through a driving introduction lesson, sparking excitement and curiosity about coding and robotics.
On Tuesday, Ms. Casao guided students in block coding with the BOLT+, teaching them how to program the robots to create shapes such as squares and rectangles. By Wednesday, she expanded the learning experience by introducing e-textiles. Together, we explored simple paper circuits and then progressed into creating an e-textile project, blending creativity with technology. Her visit provided an inspiring glimpse into how science and engineering can be both fun and meaningful.
---- May Deferia, Computer Teacher
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Family Engagement Calendar
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
Middle and High School Volleyball vs Mountainair
Middle and High School students played against Mountainair during a recent home game. The Lady Warriors gave an impressive performance on the court and represented our school with pride!
Middle School Volleyball in Alamo!
Go Lady Warriors! 🏐 Our Middle School volleyball team is hitting the court in Alamo — come out and show your support for the Lady Warriors whenever you’re available! The team has been working hard, enjoying practice, and building strong connections through team bonding activities. Let’s cheer them on and keep the momentum going!
Elementary Cross Country at Zia Pueblo
Elementary Cross Country runners gave it their all at the meet in Zia Pueblo! Not even the rain could stop our Lil’ Warriors from running strong. Congratulations to all participants, and a special shoutout to those who placed in their races—way to represent our school with heart and determination!
Elementary Cross Country runners are staying focused during practice. Their dedication and teamwork are showing every day!
Secondary Cross Country Competing in Jemez Pueblo!
Our dedicated Warriors competed at Jemez Pueblo for their Cross Country meet! These student-athletes train daily under the guidance of Coaches Kim Platero and Wendall Apache, consistently showing up and pushing their limits at every practice. Way to go, Warriors! Let’s keep logging those miles — your hard work is truly inspiring!
STUDENT BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENU
September 29th - October 3rd
September 29th
Breakfast: Cereal Lucky Charms, Sliced Peaches, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Arron Con Pollo, Pinto Beans, Gapes, and Choice of Milk
September 30th
Breakfast: Egg Cheese Bagel Sandwich, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Spaghetti, Garlic Toast, Garden Salad, Strawberries, and Choice of Milk
October 1st
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 2nd
Breakfast: Strawberry Yogurt Parfait, Graham Crackers, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Hamburger, Potatoes, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
October 3rd
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 6th -10th
October 6th
Breakfast: Cereal Frosted Mini Wheat, Toast, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Pizza, Broccoli, Tropical Fruit Salad, and Choice of Milk
October 7th
Breakfast: Banana Muffin, Graham Crackers, Cantaloupe Pieces, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Hotdog, Baked Beans, Onion Rings, Grapes, and Choice of Milk
October 8th
Breakfast: Biscuit and Sausage Gravy, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Tacos, Guacamole, Flour Tortilla, Strawberries, and Choice of Milk
October 9th
Breakfast: Bagel, Cream Cheese, Pineapple Chunks, and Choice of Milk
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Sweet Potato Fries, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk
October 11th
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
1st: Full Day Wednesday
- Elementary Dismissal on 2:05 p.m.
- Secondary Dismissal at 3:00 p.m
2nd: School Board Monthly Meeting
3rd-4th: Cognia Strategic Thinking & Planning Committee Meetings
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
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