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SUIMA student, Brayden Begaye, can’t figure out how magician Brian Yazzie was able to take out the hole in the key he held and or how Yazzie later put in three holes!
SUIMA student, Yomaris Albo was stunned as Navajo magician, Brian Yazzie, used her box of crayons to magically color pages in the book that Darius Smith was holding. It still remains a mystery!
Photo Credit: courtesy SUIMA
Photo Credit: courtesy SUIMA
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Pawaaghani Pɵˈɵkwatʉ – Eagle’s Nest

Friday - November 14, 2025 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum

Parent Teacher Conferences: Culturally, socially, and academically 

SUIMA’s parent/teacher conferences were held during the last week of October with an almost 100% attendance from the families. The purpose of conferences is to help set goals: culturally, socially, and academically.  

Conferences also help build partnerships between home and school. But these partnerships involve more than just attending conferences. These partnerships build as soon as parents step through the door of the SUIMA office or their child’s classroom. I know that parents lead very busy lives and thank you for taking the time to attend the conferences.  

Helping your children get to school every day when they are not sick and getting them to school on time is such an important step and a strong message that you are sending to your children. As you may have seen throughout the area, and on almost every lit-up marquis, attendance has been a community focus. I believe SUIMA can have a daily average attendance of 90% on most days because we have some awesome parents! 

 

Comments heard during the conference week: 

  • I am so happy to see how far my child has progressed. 
  • It is good to hear the staff speaking Ute, my child is speaking more at home. 
  • He/she keeps testing us on math!  
  • My child enjoys reading and reads at home all the time. 

 

SUIMA also had an assembly on Thursday, Nov. 6 in their dining hall. The students enjoyed a performance from Navajo (Diné) magician, Brian Yazzie, who is the only Native magician in the country. With magical tricks that included cards, keys, crayons, and markers, all of the students and staff were amazed at the antics, while also celebrating the beginning of Native American month.  

 

Reminder 

The cold and flu season has arrived. Please check that your child is up to date with their immunizations and consider a flu vaccination of nasal spray.  

 

Nuu’apaghapi – Ute phrases and sentences 

 

To help the families continue using Ute language at home, refer to these sentences next week.  

  • tʉʉ’ayaqh’umuy puchuchugway – It is good to know you. 
  • Nu’ nuu apag’vach asti’i – I want to learn how to speak Ute. 
  • Nu’uchi – Ute People 
  • pa’amanuni – all/everyone 
  • nu’upacha – moccasin 
  • tʉkay – eat 
  • kumuy – corn 
  • nu’uaghatʉaghochi – spirit plate 

 

Upcoming events and activities 

  • Nov. 18 – Parent Advisory Group meeting 
  • Nov. 19 – Family Night 
  • Nov. 20 – Annual Thanksgiving meal 
  • Nov. 21 – Field dressing 
  • Nov. 24-28 – Closed for Thanksgiving 
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