November 20, 2020

Parents, guardians, and students,

What a year! I am assured though that with each other’s support and perseverance we will get through these tough times.  We miss you students but want you and your families to stay safe. Due to the recent surge in the COVID-19 virus, the dorm will continue to remain closed through January 5, 2021. The reopening date will depend on the state of the pandemic as well on the Flagstaff Unified School District governing board decision. 

We have been busy preparing for students to arrive on campus.  Some of our 21^st Century grant initiatives are being conducted virtually.  Our tutors, Erin and Tyler, are available to students who need help with their class assignments.  They are in the office Monday through Thursday, 3:00 – 6:00 pm, or by appointment.  You can email them and they can schedule virtual meetings on Zoom. Mrs. Yazzie, our rec tech, recently offered a Zoom physical activity.  There is more to come such as Country line dancing, yoga, and tai chi, to name a few.

Teen Circle and Wellbriety Warriors are also continuing with our staff, Mr. Curley and Little Owl. These two programs are designed to promote wellbeing and help students learn coping and other skills. Other components of this program will not be available until we are back in person. Please contact them if you are interested in joining either of these groups which meet weekly.

Native Cooking consultant, Vicki Anderson, recently shipped out pots and pans and food stuff to students who will be cooking delightful treats for peers and family members.  Oakley Anderson-Moore, Kinlani Film and CULTIVATE consultant, will also be sending out hands-on activity kits for students to complete at home.  Kinlani Film’s main goal is to engage students in the creative process while learning how to make films. All three programs made available internships.

Lauren Kiabetoney with our partner the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of Flagstaff is offering weekly workshops on College and Career readiness, life skills development, and other fun activities. BGC also hosts a weekly tutoring hour.  Please contact Lauren at lauren@bgcflag.org if you want more information.  The Boys and Girls Club also offers an annual college scholarship for all members in their senior year.

Due to the pandemic we only enrolled 53% of our normal capacity of 160 students.  There are currently 85 students admitted to the dorm.  In most cases, there is only one student per room except in the case of siblings or latecomers.  We have also converted one additional wing for girls. So, there are now three wings for females, and one wing for males. 

When you return you will notice many improvements.  Not only have many of the rooms been repainted throughout the whole dorm, the outside has been landscaped and looking good.  There is signage around the dorm reminding us to stay safe from the COVID-19 virus. We will continue with protective strategies when students return as well.  We have adopted a new COVID-19 policy to ensure staff and student safety. Our reopening plan has also been shared and reviewed by the Division of Diné Education, the Bureau of Indian Education and Coconino County Health and Human Service.  

Kudos to all the many students who did well during the first quarter of the semester!  Over 75% of our students were on FBD honor roll. 

I hope you all have a blessed holiday. Stay safe and warm. 

Kind regards,

Ms. Boone-Schuler, CEO

Before paint job, summer 2020

New paint on Cafeteria/Gym

Real grass out front

Newly painted North Upper wing for girls

Signage around dorm