December 22, 2020
Ya’at’eeh Navajo Head Start Staff, Family and Friends,
On behalf of the Navajo Head Start program, I am writing to send you sincere words of encouragement and holiday greetings!
It is hard to find the words to capture all that we have been through and witnessed together over the last year; it seems like only a dream that only a year ago we were able to be with family and share warm heartening holiday dinners, sacred winter ceremonies, shoe games, and much more. We all miss them immensely today as we continue to take on the daily challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic. Although we feel their absence, especially at this time of year, as a people, we have survived many challenges, we are resilient and know that the cherished routines and winter rituals will return one day soon.
We are comforted and hopeful as this winter has brought to us the Winter Solstice and the Great Conjunction. Our elders and traditional teachings are to believe and respect the higher power and allow the universe to takes its course. Although, we have experienced successes, failures, hardships during the year 2020 and it will be remembered by our children and families as a year that COVID-19’s existence impacted our families and children negatively which is of great concern, striking fear, and anxiety – yet we showed resilience as our children, families, and staff reacted quickly to do the best they can to offer distance learning when it became clear that the virus could not be held off any longer. Telework for staff although facing restrictions seemed unimaginable, however it happened and essential staff kept operations in tact and continued progress for our program, to name a few:
- Virtual Graduations
- Student graduates were provided laptops from Tribal Waterford Upstart program
- Educational program packages deliver to children and families
- ERSEA collaborative work with First Things First – Care packages
- Roadmap for Teachers
- HATCH tablets will be delivered to children for distant learning
- Quality Improvement Funds – adding an additional staff to center work force – Food Service Worker
- New Buses – delivered
- COLA salary adjustments
- Grant partnership with Navajo Technical University
- NM PED Grant for Dine language and culture learning
- Continued collaborative work with the Office of Head Start
It is our priority at NHS that amidst the struggles, pain, sorrow, and moral reckoning we face as a society that we uphold the NHS community's health and well-being, as the staff have kept in contact and provided encouragement to you. I too am inspired by these efforts and from how our program has adapted to this new reality and the power that you hold to have a positive impact on our children’s world.
NHS remains hopeful that wonderful opportunities lie ahead of us in 2021 as we continue to provide high quality early childhood educational services to 1,350 children as a tribal super-grantee. It takes a lot of work to operate Navajo Head Start and I commend each of you for your dedication and integrity.
NHS wishes you a safe, healthy, and relaxing winter break, and we look forward to continuing our journey together in the New Year as we await Daaji’ – the Spring season of renewal and continued hope. Please stay safe and well with your loved ones. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Ahéhee!
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November 25, 2020
Ya’at’eeh Navajo Head Start Staff, Family and Friends,
The Thanksgiving holiday is here and I feel grateful for the privilege of serving the Navajo Nation Head Start program. I also am thankful that our program and communities not only has risen to all of the unprecedented challenges of the past eight months, but also, in adhering to all health and safety guidelines during this world wide pandemic.
Although, the holiday season presents a worrisome stage of the pandemic, I know that our Navajo Nation President, officials and Health department will continue to keep us informed and keep us safe at home, provide the much needed guidance and protection for our communities. We all want to be with our family and friends this holiday, however we would like to remind you to be safe and practice all the Navajo Nation and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 guidelines and protocols – NN Executive Order No. 010-2020 and the strong recommendation that we refrain from traveling or gathering with friends and family outside of our immediate households. Please be reminded that we should continue taking all the prescribed facial covering, physical distancing, and hygiene measures to protect ourselves and others.
I also recognize that we are all battling coronavirus burnout and pandemic fatigue, and I sincerely appreciate the effort and commitment that everyone has made to continue to carry out our work and have been persistent in accomplishing program goals, and we should all be proud of that. Navajo Head Start (NHS) has continued to be the only tribal super grantee in the world and conducted operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic—thanks to all of you. This program has gone through many seasons and emerged stronger each time.
Please stay safe and well. On behalf of the Navajo Head Start program, I wish you all your loved ones a wonderful, restful, and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
Ahéhee!
Sincerely,
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Dr. Elvira Bitsóí
Assistant Superintendent
Navajo Head Start
Phone: 928-871-6902
Fax: 928-871-7079
P/O Box 3479 Window Rock, Arizona 86515