SUIMA news & upcoming events
What a wonderful week of conferences Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA) had! We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our families for your commitment to your students’ education. Your partnership and involvement play an important role in every child’s success.
This week, SUIMA experienced a few unexpected fire alarm activations. Staff responded quickly and safely by following emergency procedures and evacuating students from the building. These situations serve as a reminder of why monthly fire drills are so important. Once the Los Pinos Fire Department gave the all-clear, students were able to safely return to learning. In emergency situations such as these, students who have not been checked into school will remain with their families until an all-clear has been issued.
November is Native American Heritage Month, and we are proud to celebrate our heritage throughout the month with special activities and events.
- Every Friday: Dress in Traditional Attire
- Nov. 15 – 16: Rock Your Mocs
- Nov. 17: No After-School Program
- Nov. 18: Family Night and Round Dance
- Nov. 19: Thanksgiving Meal
- Nov. 20: Field Dressing a Big Game Animal Demonstration
- Nov. 23 – 27: Thanksgiving Break
Learning Highlights
Our kindergarten students recently conducted a science experiment using candy corn pumpkins. Students observed what happened when candy corn was placed in different liquids, including:
- Water
- Water with baking soda
- Vinegar and water
- Vinegar with salt
This hands-on activity encouraged students to make predictions, observe changes, and explore basic scientific concepts.
Primary students have been working hard learning:
- Grace and Courtesy
- Letter names and sounds
- The North American continent
- Rote counting skills
We are proud of their growing confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
Elementary students have been learning the Ute language and studying how the Ute people lived before modern technology. Students visited the museum and explored how communication and transportation have evolved over time. They learned about traditional ways Native Americans carried essential items and had the opportunity to create their own medicine pouches.
Daily Attendance Matters
With all the exciting learning taking place, we would like to remind families that instruction begins promptly at 8:10 a.m. each day.
- Breakfast: 7:30 – 8 a.m.
- Classes Begin: 8:10 a.m.
Arriving on time helps students start their day ready to learn and participate fully in classroom activities.
Important Reminder
SUIMA follows both the Southern Ute Tribal calendar and the school calendar. For weather-related delays and closures, SUIMA waits for announcements from the Tribal Chairman regarding late starts and school closures. Families will be notified as information becomes available through Dojo and Facebook.
Thank you for your continued support of SUIMA and for helping us provide a safe, culturally rich, and engaging learning environment for all students. We wish everyone a wonderful Native American Heritage Month and a happy Thanksgiving season!
