August 29, 2025

We are excited about the many opportunities and events planned for our students this year. Please be sure to regularly check the school academic calendar and the Family Engagement/Student Activities calendar. Stay informed by visiting our social media pages and speaking with any staff member on campus if you have questions.

Our first NWEA Beginning-of-Year testing started this week and will continue into next week.

This year, we are placing a strong emphasis on attendance. Our goal is a 95% attendance rate, and we need your help to achieve it. Please ensure your child attends school every day. Chronic absences may lead to disciplinary action, so we encourage you to review the Student Handbook for more details.

Our school newsletter will be sent out bi-weekly, keeping you updated on important school news and events. We look forward to a successful year ahead with your continued support!

Back to School Bash was held on July 23, 2025. As part of our early registration, students were entered for a bike drawing. Congratulations to our bike winners!

1. Marty Johns

2. Mia Martinez

3. Teo Tisinajinni

4. Heidi Gorman

The CBN Land Recognition event on August 13, 2025, was a meaningful day of celebration. The morning started off with a parade featuring the community participation, a live band, and honorable guest Navajo Nation Vice President, Ms. Racheal Montoya. CBN Health Center staff, students, TCS staff, and community members all joined in the festivities.

Following the parade, the celebration continued with a variety of outdoor activities for students, including a carnival hammer game, dunk tank, and jumpers. Senior class volunteers and school board member Jordan Etcitty bravely took their turns in the dunk tank, adding to the fun and laughter of the day. Guests also enjoyed visiting various vendors and informational booths. It was a joyful and memorable day filled with cultural fun!

During our Meet-the-Teacher Night, we held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of our new book vending machine! The book vending machine is part of our initiative to encourage good attendance. Students with strong attendance records will receive a special token, which they can use to select a book of their choice from the machine.

Congratulations to our student, S. Baca, who was the very first recipient of a token and chose a book. The ceremony was a wonderful event, surrounded by staff, teachers, parents, and students who came together to support our new initiative.

Families had a great time participating in our Meet-the-Teacher Night Bingo! Each family received a bingo card and had the opportunity to meet teachers and staff by asking them a question and collecting their initials. Winners received a fun prize, a Blue Bird flour bag! We were thrilled with the fantastic turnout. Many families also took the opportunity to register for Parent Portal, our school’s online platform where parents and guardians can check student attendance, grades, and more. If you haven’t signed up yet, we encourage you to register today and stay connected with your child’s progress!

Support our upcoming graduates as they begin raising funds for their class field trip. This year's fundraising is sponsored by Deana Armijo and Joshua Nez. Any questions about their fundraising efforts, you may contact them for more information.

On September 29th, TCS welcomed entertainer and performer Def-I, who shared his journey in the music recording industry and talents with our students. Students had the opportunity to participate by suggesting words for him to rap and held up various objects that he incorporated into his freestyle performance. It was an engaging and interactive experience and everyone had a great time! Students took photos and asked for autographs after the performance. Thank you Def-I for visiting our school!

Mitchell Nelson, Custodian

Mark Dryer, On-Call Substitute Teacher

Rethania Jake, Middle School Social Studies

Wendell Apache, Carpentery Training Instructor

Arlinda Begay, Attendance and Behavior Assurance Coach

Melissa Begay, School Counselor

Annadene Platero, Food Services

Ancillary Staff who will continue to provide essential support services for our students:

• Amy Rosano, School Psychologist

• Andrew Susana, Adaptive Physical Education (APE) Specialist

• Robert Williams, Physical Therapist (PT)

• Rachael Alaimo-Monson, Occupational Therapist (OT)

• Marissa Trujillo, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Before the school year began, TCS staff participated in professional development sessions that included exciting team-building activities led by Project Venture. These activities brought plenty of laughter and fun, giving staff the chance to connect and collaborate. We’re grateful to Project Venture for leading such a meaningful and energizing experience!

Congratulations to our newly certified bus driver, Corrina Francisco on reaching this exciting milestone! We’re proud of her dedication and commitment. A special thank-you to her family for celebrating the occasion by surprising the transportation staff with thoughtful goodies. Let’s give her a big cheer for her accomplishment and welcome her to the TCS Warrior Bus Transportation Team!

On the first day of school, our secondary staff welcomed students during the Welcome Back Student Orientation. Staff members introduced themselves and shared important information to help students start the year off right. Topics covered in the presentation included attendance expectations, dress code, positive behavior, class schedules, and more.

As part of our recent professional development day, staff had the opportunity to choose from three engaging sessions: Traditional Butchering, Storytelling Workshop, or Land Excursion to Visit the Great To'Hajiilee Landmarks. The photos below highlight the butchering session, which was led by various supervisors and team leaders. It was not only an educational experience but also a meaningful way to honor cultural traditions. Staff enjoyed learning and participating—especially when it came time to indulge in fresh mutton! It was a memorable day of learning, sharing, and connecting as team.

https://content.myconnectsuite.com/api/documents/0729121418ec4de8addd54d6e8565366

TCS will be partnering with CBN for Red Ribbon Week. Please see the flyers below for more information.

Join us for our first PAC meeting on Sept 4th in the Cafeteria.

Elementary - September 5th (Grades Pre-K, FACE to 5th Grade)

• 9/5 - Friday: Fire Fighters & Smokey Bear Day, Red Ribbon Relay Day

• Depart time: 8:00 am

• Return time: 2:00 pm

Secondary - September 10th (Grades 9th to 12th Grade)

• 9/12 - Wednesday: Pathway to College and Career Day

• Depart time: 8:00 am

• Return time: 3:00 pm

Secondary - September 12th (Grades 6th to 8th Grade)

• 9/12 - Friday: Science & Technology and Environmental Appreciation Day

• Depart time: 8:00 am

• Return time: 3:00 pm

Day of the Field Trip:

• Make sure your child is dressed according to weather.
• Sack lunch will be provided.
• Consent form is signed and returned to teacher.

TCS is teaming up with Alamo and Ramah Schools for their first Family Engagement Summit! Join us at Route 66 Casino for this exciting event. Registration is required and spots are limited! For more information, please contact Katrina Nez @ knez@tohajiilee.com for more information or if you wish to register.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for the following dates — please save the date!

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!

Volleyball Schedule

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SZ5xijucjDvJJfFbRgRxwqVLvRYBv11M/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109582776157305504506&rtpof=true&sd=true

Cross Country Schedule (Secondary)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d8He44E2s_xO7TYnU7v6kidIqKuNLvdc/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109582776157305504506&rtpof=true&sd=true

Cross Country Schedule (Elementary)

https://content.myconnectsuite.com/api/documents/4f57fc85ec5c4dc0b7e79143d921dd56

Let’s show our support for the Middle School Volleyball team, they just celebrated their first win!

September 1st - No School

September 2nd

Breakfast: Apple Pie Oatmeal, Graham Crackers, Watermelon and Kiwi, and Choice of Milk

Lunch: BBQ Pork Rib Sandwich, Broccoli, Squash, Strawberries and Blueberries, Cracker Mixed Berry, and Choice of Milk

September 3rd

Breakfast: Muffin Banana, Breakfast Round, Cantaloupe Pieces, and Choice of Milk

Lunch: Cheese Pizza, Corn, Spinach, Melon Honeydew, Upside Down Cake, and Choice of Milk

September 4th

Breakfast: Toast, Fruit Cup, and Choice of Milk

Lunch: Steak Burger, Baked Beans, Grapes, and Choice of Milk

September 5th

Breakfast: English Muffin, Pineapple Chunks, Fruit Juice, and Choice of Milk

Lunch: Fish Stick, Mixed Vegetables, Bell Pepper Sticks, Kiwi Fruit Salad, and Choice of Milk

September 8th

Breakfast: Cereal Honey Nut Cheerios, Blueberry Lemon Crisp Bite, Fresh Grapes, and Choice of Milk

Lunch: Salisbury Steak, Potatoes, Yeast Roll, Carrots, Apple Sauce, and Choice of Milk

September 9th

Breakfast: Biscuit and Sausage Gravy, Watermelon Chunks, and Choice of Milk

Lunch: Chili Dog, Broccoli, Fruit Cup, Ice Cream Cup, and Choice of Milk

September 10th

Breakfast: Waffle, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk

Lunch: Enchiladas, Pinto Beans, Watermelon Chunks, Animal Crackers, and Choice of Milk

September 11th

Breakfast: Cinnamon Roll, Kiwi Fruit, and Choice of Milk

Lunch: Pork Roast, Mash Potatoes with Gravy, Corn, Yeast Roll, Melon Honeydew, Bell Pepper Sticks, Dino Bite Cracker, and Choice of Milk

September 12th

Breakfast: Cereal Cinnamon Toasters, Apple Wedges, and Choice of Milk

Lunch: Catfish Tenders, Green Beans, Onion Rings, Strawberries and Blueberries, Crumb Cake Apple Cinnamon, and Choice of Milk

30th: Cross Country MS/Varsity @ ATC Invitational and Elementary at Santa Cara Pueblo

1st: Holiday Labor Day No School/Work for Students and All Employees

3rd. Full Day Wednesday (Elementary Dismissal on 2:00 p.m. and Secondary Dismissal at 3:00 p.m.)

4th: School Board Meeting

10th: Full Day Wednesday (Elementary Dismissal on 2:00 p.m. and Secondary Dismissal at 3:00 p.m.)

17th: Half Day Wednesday (All Grades Dismissal at 1:15 p.m.)

22nd - 26th: Transportation Count Week

24th: Transportation Count Week Full Day Wednesday (Elementary Dismissal on 2:00 p.m. and Secondary Dismissal at 3:00 p.m.)

Class of 2026, your senior year at TCS will be here before you know it — check out these exciting opportunities coming your way!

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

Student Handbook 2025-2026

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oDACpWU7vojtbnFfXE6XjzULuuuUbr7P/view

Volume 6, Issue 1: https://secure.smore.com/n/v0z3u