With spring fast approaching, the season of science experiments has arrived! Science is the study of the world around us. The toddlers may explore outside to gather rocks for sorting, digging the soil, investigating a puddle or planting a garden. The early childhood/primary level may explore the concept of xylem and phloem, the growth of a seed, or understanding the work of simple ants. Our older students can be found working on STEM projects such as solar robots, tracking the movement of the sun, or exploring the solar system.
The prepared environment of a Montessori classroom proved the perfect setting for scientific work, demonstrations, and experiments. Anything scientific that has to do with plants, can be done in our grow dome. With the availability of a pond and river within walking distance, our students can study types of water as well as any living creature that calls that environment home.
With the SUIMA guides and teachers, along with the Natural Resource Department, our students are provided the opportunity to learn more about the world around them just by investigating what is right in their backyard.
As COVID-19 numbers continue to drop, here is what the CDC website suggests for our area:
- Consider wearing a mask when indoors with high-risk/vulnerable populations
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
- Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible
- Follow CDC recommendation for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
Considering Tribal Councils approval of Resolution 2022-038, rescinding the Public Health Order to require face coverings, SUIMA will:
- Not require face coverings for staff, yet everyone will use their best judgement in whatever situation that comes up to bring awareness, practicality, and safety to the situation.
- Will honor the decision of parents/guardians if they request that their son/daughter continues to wear a face covering.
- Encourage everyone to wear face coverings, but not require it.
- Continue to spray and disinfect our classrooms as a precaution.
- Continue to do temperature checks as it is often one of the first signs of COVID-19 or the flu.
Tumiikukh kwanachiu – Eagles of the Week
Our first tumiikukh kwanachi is 10-year-old, Saniyya Valdez. Her Ute name is Múutatachi, which means “Hummingbird.”
Saniyya is a fourth grader who has been with SUIMA, off and on, for several years, starting in the infant and toddler level. Her favorite books are any of them from the Magic Tree House series. Her favorite subject is anything to do with STEAM projects, along with writing and drawing.
Saniyya has a kind heart and cares for her classmates, often giving them support when they are going through a rough time. She has grown in her Ute language and culture and takes immense pride and dedication in learning more. She feels connected to the school and those she has grown up with, it truly feels like a family to her.
She loves spaghetti and French bread – yummy! Saniyya is a supportive older student as she often invites younger students to join her for lunch. She is a good role-model for the lower elementary students.
When not in school, Saniyya spends time with her friends and playing Roblox. Saniyya enjoys traveling with her family, and especially likes to visit big cities.
Our other tumiikukh kwanachi is Matthew Carrillo. His Ute name is Tuku, which means “Mountain Lion.”
Matthew is a second grader, who has been at SUIMA since he was four years old and in the early childhood/primary level!
His favorite food is supreme pizza, which is healthy, yummy and delicious! When Matthew is at school, he can be found working on almost any subject, asking questions, and in STEM activities. One area that he excels in is his use of the Ute language. He challenges himself to use words that he knows and is often a helper to the other students who are not as confident.
Matthew’s favorite book is the Tale of Despereaux. Which is a book about a mouse who is strong and caring, similar to Matthew, who is also strong and caring!
When he is not at school, his favorite activity is hanging out with his grandpa, who helps him learn and do many things. Some of his other activities include playing games and spending time with friends. Matthew likes challenges and plays many games of strategy. He also enjoys being outside and guiding his sister as she is younger than he is.
Matthew loves learning new things and exploring new areas and places.
‘apagha nuu
Our monthly Family Night topic was “Being Ute” with Kerry Cesspooch and Emeline Root from our Ute sister tribes. They presented how the Ute language must be revitalized as it ties us to our identity as being Ute people. It was an amazing evening filled with information, experience and emotion. Every week, we continue to support the students as they grow to be strong núuchiu through our cultural activities on Fancy Fridays.
The Eagle Wing Drum Group also continues to work in collaboration with SUIMA to help our students become drummers and singers. Currently, these practice sessions are taking place via Zoom. On March 18, the older students will walk to the Sky Ute Event Center, so they can participate in the Yellow Nose Warrior Historical Society Event. Yellow Nose played a big part in winning the Battle of Little Big Horn.
Nuu’apaghapi – Ute phrases
Some phrases that are heard in the classrooms are simple commands. These phrases can also be used in your homes. If you need help with pronunciation of the letters, please check out Speak Ute Now on our website.
- Tawamparʉgi – brush your teeth
- KavamparʉgiKwa – wash your face
- Mɵɵparʉgikwa – wash your hands
- Napantapaunag – put on your socks
- Napanpáchʉnag – put on your shoes
- Kiagway – go play
Upcoming events
- March 11 – Upper elementary – snowshoeing
- March 14 – Progress reports sent out
- March 18 – Sunrise blessing/Yellow Nose Warrior event
- March 21-25 – Spring Break
- March 29 – Parent Advisory Group meeting