Isleta Social Services (2015)

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 4

Isleta Social Services

The Pueblo of Isleta Social Services would like to invite all community

members to come and take items from the donation storage bin

located at the Social Services Cottonwood Facility. The Pueblo of

Isleta Casino and Resort along with generous community members

bring us items on a monthly basis to share. The casino provides

us with linens, towels, and bath mats that are pre-laundered along

with other items such as canes, walkers, and clothes for adults

and children. We were fortunate to have received a truck load of

items from generous individuals in the Socorro area. They brought

men’s, women’s and children’s apparel along with kitchen items,

toys, and other household items. We would like to open the doors

to the community to provide the opportunity for our members to

take a look and perhaps pick up some items for themselves or to

take something that they know someone else can use. Please come

Isleta Social Services

February 2015

down to Cottonwood and any of our helpful employees will open up

the bin.

Monday thru Friday

8:00am- 4:00pm

505-869-2772

We would also like to request some community feedback regarding

the K`ea-Wah Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Program.

The program would like to provide the chance for our community

members to provide input regarding supervised visitations and safe

exchanges. Please fill out the following survey and return it to the

designated drop off locations. If you have any questions or concerns

please call 505-869-7577 to speak to a program representative.

Thank you for your participation and input.

K’EA-WAH

Supervised Visitation and

Safe Exchange Program

Questionnaire

The purpose of the K’EA-WAH Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Program is to facilitate a safe environment by minimizing the

risk for violence to occur, when exchanges take place between custodial / non-custodial parents and where non-custodial parents can

continue to have contact with their children.

Please answer the following questions to determine the expectations for the Isleta Social Services Supervised Visitation and Safe

Exchange Program. The results from this survey will help us in developing policies and procedures.

What is your age group? (Please circle

one)

15-20

21-25

26-30

31-40

41-50

51+

What is your gender? (Please circle one.)

Male

or

4. What would be the most important

aspect needed for a supervised

visitation center? i.e., Physical separation,

a warm environment, etc.)

Comments:

8. How can the K’EA-WAH Supervised

Visitation & Safe Exchange program

provide culturally responsive services

to the community and the clients we

serve?

Female

What is the highest level of education

you have completed? (Please circle one.)

Elementary School

High School

Middle School

College

1. Have you been referred to use

supervised visitations or supervised

exchanges in the past?

YES

or

NO

5. Are you comfortable with utilizing

a supervised visitation and safe

exchange program located here on the

Isleta Reservation?

YES

or

NO

Comments:

Comments:

2. Do you feel the community would

benefit from a supervised and safe

exchange program?

6. What are the biggest risks, in your

opinion, in providing supervised

visitation and exchange services when

domestic violence is present?

(Check all that apply)

YES

or

NO

Comments:

3. Where do you feel a safe location

would be for exchanges to occur?

Isleta Recreation Center [ ]

Isleta Fun Connection [ ]

Isleta Travel Center [ ]

Social Services [ ]

Other [ ]

Kicking, hitting, slapping, and biting [ ]

Controlling money/using your personal

information [ ]

Going through your phone/ social media

sites [ ]

Keeping you from family and friends [ ]

Calling you names [ ]

Put downs [ ]

Verbal threats of harm [ ]

Unwanted touching [ ]

7. How aware are you of the resources

available for domestic violence?

Very Aware

[ ]

Somewhat aware [ ]

Not Aware at all

[ ]

Thank you for taking the time to complete

this survey. Community involvement is very

important to this program. We value your

opinions and want your voice to be heard.

Drop off box locations will be at:

Governor’s Office

Isleta WIC Office

Isleta Head Start & Childcare Center

Isleta Social Services

Isleta Recreation Center

Isleta Tribal Courts

Tribal Complex Center Front Desk

Library

Phone Number: 505-869-7577

Fax Number: 505-869-7575

Physical Address:

805 Blythe Road Los Lunas, NM 87031

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1270 Isleta, NM 87022

U.S. Department of Justice

Office on Violence Against Women

Grant No. 2013-TW-AX-0013

Artwork for logo created by:

Theresa Carpio

Need more information on becoming a

Foster Parent for a Native Child?

Please contact Isleta Social Services.

505-869-2772

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 6

February 2015

Isleta Elementary School

would like to give families a few Safety tips. Winter can be Dangerous.

Winter weather can be dangerous in several ways. The dropping temperatures and wind chills create climatic hazards,

while the general indoor lethargy of winter can create health hazards due to overeating and less activity. Winter sports,

holiday gifts and winter nutrition also present unique hazards that parents should be aware of in order to safeguard their children's

health and well-being. With careful planning and supervision, however, children can enjoy the fun and freedom of playing indoors or

outdoors on chilly winter days without substantial risk.

Cold Weather Safety Tips for Kids

The season you either love — or love to hate —

is in full swing. Whether you’re out and about with

your family braving the elements, or getting cozy

at home, don’t let cold-weather fun snowball into

a safety hazard. Keep your kids protected with

these tips.

Maintain a sunny disposition - The season’s

frigid temps shouldn’t fool you — snow reflects

more than 75% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet

rays. Don’t stow away the sunscreen during

winter; use it to protect kids’ faces before they go

out to play.

Keep snug like a bug — but not too snug Winter wear should fit kids properly, but gear

shouldn’t be so tight that it restricts movement.

This is particularly true for footwear. Too-tight

boots constrict blood flow, causing feet to become

even colder. When sizing shoes, allow room for

an extra pair of socks.

Be clever about clothing choices - When

sending kids off to school or out to play, make sure

they’re dressed warmly in layers that are windand waterproof. If possible, opt for wool instead

of cotton. This durable and flexible material is an

excellent insulator that will help keep kids dryer

and warmer than cotton, which is quick to absorb

water.

Help your little ones stay warm with adequate

head, face, hands, and neck protection. You can

save time while getting your brood out the door

by storing gloves and scarves inside hats.

Get around safe and sound - Driving in winter

can be dangerous, so you should make sure

you’re ready for any situation. Prepare your car

for such emergencies by keeping the following

must-haves in your trunk: a first-aid kit, blankets,

shovel, rock salt, ice scraper, water, and

nonperishable snacks.

Staying Healthy - The long days of winter often

keep children indoors, which can lead to hours

of inactivity. Furthermore, children are more likely

to contract illnesses during the winter months

because they are in more confined spaces. To

stay healthy during the winter, consider these

safety tips:

•

Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes

fruits and vegetables.

•

Teach children proper hand-washing

techniques to kill germs and bacteria.

•

Keep children home from school and

other public places if they are sick.

•

Ask a pediatrician about the necessity for

flu vaccines for young children.

Serve superior snacks - Good nutrition

can help kids fight off cold and flu season,

so strengthen their immune system with a

balanced diet. Snack time is a great opportunity

to sneak in some extra nutrients; try dried and

fresh fruits, sliced raw vegetables, whole-wheat

crackers with cheese, and yogurt.

Keep them hydrated - Although your kids may

not be sweating as much as they do in warmweather months, they still need to keep hydrated.

Smart choices for winter are low-sugar juices

that are high in vitamin C, which studies show

can lessen the severity and duration of winter

colds. Decaffeinated tea and hot cocoa are also

wise picks — these hot drinks are a great source

of antioxidants, which are believed to strengthen

the immune system.

Make your home a safe haven - Be prepared

for unpredictable weather conditions by stocking

up on essentials, such as extra batteries for

flashlights, bottled water, first aid staples, and

nonperishable food items. Safety tips can help

protect your family in extreme situations.

•

Keep candles, kerosene lamps, and

other open flames out of reach of children at all

times.

•

Do not put a space heater in a child's

room.

•

Teach children fire safety procedures,

including how to spot potential hazards.

•

Do not allow children to play in fires such

as roasting marshmallows in a fireplace.

•

Practice family fire drills to reinforce safe

behavior.

•

Do not use electric blankets for young

children.

Get your kids prepared - Make sure your kids

have an extra pair of gloves and tissue packs

tucked into their book bags. These necessities

will help prevent the spread of germs, and come

in handy if a glove goes missing.

Heat your home safely - Before temperatures

fall below freezing, make sure your home’s

heating equipment and your smoke and carbon

monoxide detectors function properly. If you own

a space heater, keep it away from small children

or, better yet, don’t use one at all. And don’t forget

to discuss fire safety with your family each winter;

the likelihood of indoor fires increases during the

colder months, according to the National Fire

Protection Association.

Heating Tips -The natural reaction to falling

temperatures is to raise the heat, either through

external, supplemental heaters or by turning on a

fireplace or other open flames. These safety tips

can keep away the winter chill without risk:

•

Keep candles, kerosene lamps, and

other open flames out of reach of children at all

times.

•

Do not put a space heater in a child's

room.

•

Teach children fire safety procedures,

including how to spot potential hazards.

•

Do not allow children to play in fires such

as roasting marshmallows in a fireplace.

•

Practice family fire drills to reinforce safe

behavior.

•

Do not use electric blankets for young

children.

Playing Outside - The cold temperatures and

biting winds are the most obvious hazards when

children play in the snow. Children who are not

prepared for winter climates can suffer frostbite,

hypothermia and severe chills that can lead to

illness, poor judgment and even permanent

injury. To avoid the dangers of cold weather:

Dress in multiple layers to play outside,

•

including extra layers for legs, feet and hands.

•

Always wear hats and gloves when

playing outdoors in cold weather; the biggest

proportions of body heat are lost through the

head and hands.

•

Limit the amount of time spent playing

outdoors to safe intervals, and bring children

inside periodically to warm up.

•

Remove all wet clothing immediately and

change to dry clothes if going back outdoors.

•

Wear sunscreen on all exposed skin to

guard against burns from bright sunlight and

snow glare.

•

Do not permit children to play outdoors

in poor weather such as snowstorms, extreme

cold or high winds.

•

Wear brightly colored outer clothing that

is easily seen from a distance.

•

Do not dress children in winter wear

with drawstrings - they can cut off circulation

and make frostbite a greater threat, and loose

drawstrings may present a strangulation

hazard.

•

Teach children to avoid playing near

snowplow areas.

•

Do not permit children to dig snow tunnels

or forts that may collapse and bury them.

•

Avoid snowball fights that can lead to

injuries from dangerous projectiles.

•

Keep roofs, gutters and awnings free from

snow and icicle buildup that could collapse and

injure a child. Similarly, do not permit children

to pull icicles from the roof.

•

Teach children never to touch or lick

exposed metal (fences, flagpoles, etc.) in

winter.

•

Do not allow children to eat snow. It may

contain pollutants, dirt, fecal matter or other

contaminants, and the cold snow can chill a

young child’s body to dangerous levels.

•

Regularly de-ice or sand sidewalks,

driveways, patios and other areas where

children may play.

By following the proper winter safety tips for

children, parents can ensure that their sons

and daughters will be warm, happy, and safe

during the coldest months of the year, and

seeing them enjoy winter safely will warm any

parent’s heart.

February 2015

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 7

Update on the Pueblo of Isleta’s

Tribally Controlled Grant School

Hello and Happy New Year from the Isleta Elementary School

Transition Team! Just as a quick update, on September 24, 2014,

the Director of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) has

approved the Pueblo of Isleta’s Application to convert the School

to a Tribally Controlled Grant School. Furthermore, December

19, 2014, the second and final part of the application (substantial

documentation of the Pueblo of Isleta’s capacity to manage and

operate the School) was submitted to the New Mexico South

Education Line Office. This successfully completes Phases I & II

of the transfer process. So now, Phase III is next.

In order to further build on the culture/climate, academics and

needs of the current Isleta Elementary School, we will be having

another community meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2015

from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This meeting will take place at the

Rec Center Game Room. Everyone is welcome and strongly

encouraged to attend and provide your input. Members of the

Transition Team will be present for comments and to answer

questions. Ms. Debbie Lente-Jojola and Mr. Albert Cherino, Jr,

of Febasa Consulting will be facilitating the meeting. We hope

to see you there.

Phase III includes the hiring of the key personnel (e.g., the

Governing Board, the Education Program Administrator, a

school Principal—see Position Descriptions below—and various

Administrative Support staff. Also, Phase III will include

developing a strategic plan and Governing Board Policies &

Procedures.

Be sure to keep a look out for our future web page address which

will have an address of http://www.isletapueblo.com/poi-isletaelementary-school.html

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

P.O. BOX 1270, ISLETA, NM 87022

PHONE: (505) 869-7584 FAX: (505) 869-7579

EMAIL: poiemployment@isletapueblo.com

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSTING NO: 014-15

OPENING DATE: 01/23/2015

CLOSING DATE: UNTIL FILLED

POSTED: IN AND OUT

POSITION: Education Program Administrator

PAY GRADE: E11 ($61,403.00 - $75,219.00)

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Governor

EDUCATION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

This position is located at the Pueblo of Isleta Elementary School, to be formally transferred from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education to the Pueblo of Isleta

on July 1, 2015. The incumbent is responsible for the administration of the Isleta Elementary School. Acts in accordance with the polices, rules and regulations established by the Isleta Elementary (IES) Governing Board, and the Pueblo of Isleta (POI) policies and procedures. May delegate the Principal any of

the responsibilities and duties which the IES Governing Board has entrusted to him/her, but continues to be responsible and accountable for the execution

of the responsibilities and duties delegated.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

Master's or Ph.D. Degree in Education

•

•

Six years of experience in education, with a minimum of three years

in an administrative position

•

Must hold Education Administration Certification License with the

State of New Mexico as may be amended

Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements: On a separate sheet of

paper, describe how you obtained these Knowledges, Skills and

Abilities.

•

Knowledge of the New Mexico Common Core State Standards

•

Knowledge of Bureau of Indian Education System

•

Knowledge of Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

•

Knowledge of PL 107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

•

Knowledge of PL 100-297 Tribally Controlled Grant School Act

•

Knowledge of PL 108-466, Individuals with Disabilities Education

Act (IDEA)

•

Skill in school administration, with strong leadership, school

finance, and administration of federal programs

•

Skill in possessing a high degree of professional judgment, tact and

resourcefulness

•

•

•

•

Skill in operating various word-processing, and database software

programs

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with

parents, Board members, Tribal Officials, and the general public

Ability to lead, organize and plan comprehensive school reform

efforts

Ability to work in a challenging environment

Other Requirements:

Individual selected is subject to the following:

•

Satisfactorily pass a background investigation, with NO prior

convictions of any felonies

•

Valid New Mexico driver's license with ability to meet Pueblo of

Isleta liability insurance requirements and maintain eligibility for

insurance

•

Must comply with the Pueblo of Isleta Drug Free Workplace

policies.

PREFERENCE: Tribal preference and Native American Indian preference

applies to all Pueblo of Isleta positions.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSTING NO: 016-15

OPENING DATE: 01/23/2015

CLOSING DATE: UNTIL FILLED

POSTED:

IN & OUT

POSITION:

IES Governing Board Member (7-Seven)

PAY GRADE: $30.00 per hour Stipend

FLSA STATUS: Board and Commission, Compensation Through Stipend

DEPARTMENT: Isleta Elementary School

REPORTS TO: Tribal Council

ISLETA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (IES) GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER

This position is located at the Pueblo of Isleta, elected by Isleta Tribal Council. Responsible for the general oversight control and direction of the Isleta Elementary School (IES), to ensure academic program is successful; and to provide oversight of the school in order for each student to receive a high quality

education.

( Continued next page )

Page 8

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2015

(Vacancy Announcements, continued)

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

•

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a professional field such as Finance,

Accounting, Education, General Business, or Law

•

Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Member preferred

•

Parent of a child/children attending IES preferred

•

Previous or current Albuquerque or Los Lunas Public School

employee preferably in the education field

•

Non-tribal member or non-Native American professional with one or

more of the above qualifications

•

Must ensure legal and ethical integrity and accountability

•

Diplomatic skills and ability to cultivate relationships and persuade,

convene, facilitate and build consensus among a diverse

populations

Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements: Describe how you obtained

these Knowledges, Skills and Abilities.

•

Knowledge of academic expectations, adopting curriculum and

instructional materials meeting differentiated learning styles

including culturally appropriate materials for Native American

students

•

Knowledge of developing and adopting policies, procedures and

strategic planning

•

Knowledge of evaluation of programs and service to ensure that

they are consistent in meeting the mission of IES

•

Skill in planning, directing, prioritizing and adopting budgets,

monitoring budget implementation through monthly financial

and Education Program Administrator (EPA) reports

•

Skill in hiring, evaluating, and establishing goals for the EPA

•

Skill in approving annual narrative and financial reports for schools

•

•

•

•

•

that includes measurable goals, student assessment analysis,

and overall school operations to Bureau of Indian Education

and Tribal Council

Ability to provide for a written report for Tribal Council presentation

that details the IES’ mission, programs, financial conditions,

and progress made towards goals and objectives

Ability to monitor student achievement and instructional program

effectiveness

Ability to oversee an independent audit by a qualified CPA and the

Pueblo of Isleta

Ability to serve as an advocate and community representative of

the school

Ability to participate in professional development, committing time

and energy necessary to be an informed and effective board

member

Other Requirements: Individual selected is subject to the following:

•

Satisfactorily pass a background investigation, with NO prior

convictions of any felonies

•

Must comply with the Pueblo of Isleta Drug Free Workplace policies

•

Must have fingerprinting completed prior to participating in first

board meeting

•

Must commit to a minimum of 40 hours of school board training

within their first year of appointment

•

Must sign a confidentiality agreement

PREFERENCE: Tribal preference and Native American Indian preference

applies to all Pueblo of Isleta positions.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSTING NO: 015-15

POSITION:

Principal

PAY GRADE: E9 ($50,746.00-$62,164.00 Annum)

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Isleta Elementary School

REPORTS TO: Education Program Administration

OPENING DATE: 01/23/2015

CLOSING DATE: UNTIL FILLED

POSTED:

IN & OUT

PRINCIPAL

This position is located at the Pueblo of Isleta. Plans, organizes, and directs implementation of all school activities. Uses leadership, supervisory, and

administrative skills to promote the educational development of each student.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

•

•

•

Bachelor's degree or Master's in Education with completion

of at least one semester in school administration or school

management and/or curriculum development

4-5 years teaching experience and/or a minimum of two (2)

years experience as a Principal or Assistant Principal

Must be able to meet the certification standard in the State

of New Mexico

Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements: Describe how you obtained

these Knowledges, Skills and Abilities.

Knowledge of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

Knowledge of PL 100-297, Tribally controlled Grant Schools Act

Knowledge of basic fiscal management principles. Ability to

prepare and monitor budget

•

Knowledge of elementary school operations

•

Skills in high degree of professional judgment, tact, and

resourcefulness

•

Skill in operating various word-processing and database

software programs

•

Ability to supervise, lead and provide guidance to school

personnel

•

Ability to coordinate activities with the other POI tribal

•

•

•

programs; i.e., planning supervising fire drills, disaster drills

•

Ability to establish and maintain favorable relationships with

the local community groups and individuals to foster

understanding, solicit support for overall school objectives

and programs; to interpret Board policies and administrative

directives; and to discuss and resolve individual student

problems

•

Ability to make clear and convincing oral presentations; and to

write in a clear and concise and organized manner

•

Ability to work evening and weekends; travel may be required

Other Requirements: Individual selected is subject to the following:

•

•

•

•

Valid New Mexico Driver's license with ability to meet

Pueblo of Isleta liability insurance requirements and maintain

eligibility for insurance

Satisfactorily pass a background investigation, with NO

prior convictions of any felonies

Must comply with the Pueblo of Isleta Drug Free Workplace

policies

Must have fingerprinting completed prior employment

PREFERENCE: Tribal preference and Native American Indian preference

applies to all Pueblo of Isleta positions.

February 2015

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 9

WIC NOTES

Brown Rice

What is brown rice? Brown rice is the whole

rice grain before the bran layer is removed

to make white rice. The bran layer contains

vitamins, minerals and fiber and gives brown

rice a nuttier taste and chewier texture than

enriched white rice. All brown rice is whole

grain.

It easy to select brown rice since the only

ingredient listed on the package is...''Brown

Rice."

Is brown rice better for us than white

rice? Yes

• White rice is now being linked not only

to weight gain but to increased risk of

developing Type 2 diabetes.

• White rice has had the outer layers

removed which results in loss of most of

the nutrients and all of the fiber.

• Even though a few vitamins are added

back to white rice at least 11 nutrients

are not replaced.

• Brown rice is gluten and sodium free.

• Brown rice helps reduce the risk

of heart disease, diabetes and certain

cancers.

Hint: Some is better than none - you may want

to try mixing cooked brown rice with cooked

enriched white rice This brown rice recipe has

been a hit with the participants attending our

WIC classes. Kids really like it too!

Vegetable Fried Rice

Choose your favorite vegetables. The secret to

making fried rice is using leftover rice.

From Solid Waste:

Effective immediately, Solid Waste

will be implementing fees for dead

animal removal and debris removal.

Also, each household is entitled to

1 trash cart and if the homeowner

wishes to purchase an additional

cart, they may do so for $50.00.

On our trash routes, we have seen a

lot of trash carts over filled. Please

DO NOT over fill your trash cart.

When you set your trash cart out,

please make sure the lid closes. By

doing so, it will prevent dogs from This illegal dump was found outside the

pulling trash bags out of the cart.

gates. This is considered littering!

Our drivers will stop servicing cans

if they are over filled or if they have debris around the cart.

We have found a number of illegal dump sites. Please do not dump after

hours outside the gate. This is considered littering and we are working with

the Wildland Officers to identify the responsible parties. A friendly reminder

to everyone, if you need to make a trip to the Transfer Station, we are open 7

days a week from 8 am to 4:30 pm. We are closed on all federal holidays and

by order of the Governor.

Thank You,

The Solid Waste Crew

2 Tbsp. Vegetable oil - divided

1 cup chopped carrots, celery, broccoli,

green onions ( or veggies of your

choice )

3 cups chilled, cooked brown rice

2 large eggs, beaten

1. Heat 1 T oil in large nonstick skillet or

wok over medium-high heat. Cook carrots,

celery, broccoli and green onions stirring

frequently, 3-4 minutes or until tendercrisp.

2. Add 1 T oil, and rice; cook, stirring

frequently, until rice is heated through.

3. Push rice mixture toward edge of

skillet, pour egg in center and stir gently

to cook; gradually stir in rice. Drizzle with

soy sauce if desired. Toss well. Makes 6

serving.

Recipe courtesy of USA Rice Federation.

Get ahead on your next meal!

Cook extra rice for a quick start to your next

meal. Cooked rice stays fresh when refrigerated

in a tightly covered container or in an air-tight

food storage bag for 3 to 5 fays or frozen up to

3 months.

Heidi Lanes, WIC Nutrition Coordinator

Page 10

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2015

Johnson-O’Malley Program

Hello everyone! I cannot believe that the

first month of this New Year is already

behind us, it went so fast. I hope that this

article finds everyone doing well. We have

just a few announcements and reminders for

our J.O.M Community. First off I’d like to

take a moment to congratulate the winners

of our 2015 National Johnson-O’Malley

Association Conference essay contest!

We had a few submissions and I want to

thank all the students who participated.

The winning essays were well written and

very thought out. The selection committee

found the essays extremely insightful and

it was obvious that these students took

time to fully answer the four requirements.

Great job and congratulations to Kaitlin

Begay, Rhiannon Jojola, David Roybal,

and Ricky Roybal. These students will

be accompanying us to the 2015 NJOMA

Conference in Portland, OR from March 28th

to April 1st. Again, thank you to everyone

who submitted essays, and congrats to our

winners.

Tutoring at the Johnson-O’Malley Program

has started! On January 26th we started

up our tutoring program once again. If your

student is in need or could benefit from our

tutoring program, it is not too late to sign

them up. All you need to do is contact the

J.O.M Program at 869-9810 and speak to

either Lisa, Bernadette, or Mellerie, and

we will let you know how to get the process

started. Please keep in mind that this is NOT

a homework help program. We will NOT be

working on homework with students. Our

program is twice a week for an hour each

time and focuses on the student’s specific

area of need. The tutoring program is open

to all students, your student DOES NOT

need to be J.O.M eligible in order to receive

tutoring services. Students who attend

school at the Isleta Elementary School or

private school can enroll in the tutoring

program, though spots are limited. Please

give us a call for more detailed information

and a schedule of day/times. Please keep in

mind that once you sign your student up for

tutoring, attendance is mandatory.

With the new contract year, comes some

changes. Please be aware that all requests

for reimbursements of 1) all lab fees (up to

$40 total) and 2) P.E. uniforms, must be

submitted by March 2nd. Requests received

after this date will NOT be accepted.

Reimbursements for band instruments are

due at the beginning of the semester and

you are allowed only one reimbursement

per the 2015 year. We are also reimbursing

for ACT or SAT test fees, so please call for

more details. If you have any questions,

please give us a call.

Thank you, thank you, to the staff at the

Isleta Eagle Golf Course, the Isleta Resort

and Casino, the Los Lunas Schools Indian

Education Department, and the Pueblo of

Isleta Higher Education Department for all

the hard work and help that went into the

2015 College and Career Fair that was held

on January 17th at the Isleta Eagle Golf

Course. We had a great turn out with over

30 exhibitors and many students, parents,

and community members. Thank you to all

the exhibitors from colleges and businesses

that came out early on a Saturday morning

and made this a great event! And last, but

not least, thank you to everyone who came

out to the golf course! If you attended, and

have any comments or suggestions, we’d

love to hear them! A BIG thank you again

to everyone who participated, the turn out

made me happy!

A reminder for our J.O.M eligible students,

on February 12th we will be having our

first literacy night of the year. All J.O.M

eligible students are invited to come join us

at the J.O.M Classroom and browse a wide

selection of books ranging from beginning

readers to adult level. Students can pick at

least 3 books to take home and add to, or

start, their personal library. If the books

weren’t enough, we will also be having

yummy nachos! There will also be a brief

I.E.C Parent Meeting at this time. We

hope to see you all there! As always, if you

have any questions about this activity, or

any other activities or events hosted by the

J.O.M Program, please call the office. We

will be happy to answer any questions that

you may have.

Our next field trip will be to the Albuquerque

Bio Park Botanical Garden for the Winter

Wool Festival on Saturday, February

28th. Students will get to “watch artisans at

work, learn about natural dyes made from

plants and follow the process used to turn

Navajo Churro sheep wool into sweaters

and blankets. Meet the Navajo Churro

sheep that live at the Heritage Farm and

learn about how this heritage breed is being

preserved. Enjoy hands-on demonstrations

of many fiber arts, including spinning,

dyeing, quilting, rug hooking and more.”

After attending the Winter Wool Festival,

we will take the students for lunch at

Hayashi Japanese Steakhouse to experience

Japanese Hibachi first hand! This is an all

age field trip but spots are limited and filled

in a first come first served manner. Students

must be a J.O.M eligible student and have

an active file here at the Pueblo of Isleta’s

Johnson-O’Malley Program. Spots will not

be saved until a filled permission slip is

received and eligibility is verified. Sign up

for this event opens on February 16th, 2015

at 8:00am. Please call, email, or stop by the

J.O.M Office to pick up permission slips.

Pueblo of Isleta

Department of Education

The Department of Education has

three vacancies to serve on the

POI’s Board of Education. Nominations are now being accepted. If

any tribal member is interested in

serving on the Board, please submit your letter of interest to the

Tribal Council Secretary’s office at

the Tribal Services Complex during normal business hours from

8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If you should

have any questions please contact

the Department of Education at

505/869-9790.

ANNOUNCING:

The Pueblo of Isleta

Department of Education

Class of

2015

2015 Graduation Banquet & Lifetime Educator Nomination

Please contact the Pueblo of Isleta Department of Education no later

than February 27, 2015 if you or your student is graduating

from high school or college!

This year the graduation banquet will be held at Isleta Resort and Casino

on April 30, 2015. Doors will open at 5:30.

Each graduate will receive one “guest of honor” ticket along with two

complimentary guest tickets.

Due to limited seating, no additional tickets will be provided.

In conjunction with the 2015 Graduation Banquet we also select and

recognize a Lifetime Educator. This individual is one who has through his

or her professional career as a Teacher or Teacher’s Aide,

made a difference in education.

Please submit a narrative of who you believe made a difference.

Nominations are being accepted at the Department of Education

now through February 27, 2015.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the

Pueblo of Isleta Department of Education, 505-869-9790.

Page 12

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2015

Six common mistakes made by patients

when handling contact lenses

1.

Not washing and drying hands. Washing your hands

may seem like common sense, but the American Eye-Q® survey

found that 35 percent of contact lens wearers skipped this

important step. Drying is also an important part of the process

since tap water can contain harmful microorganisms that can be

transferred onto the lens and onto the eye.

4.

Sleeping in contacts overnight. The American Eye-Q®

survey revealed 21 percent of contact lens wearers are guilty of

this bad habit. Sleeping in contacts puts consumers at risk for

an eye infection. Only do so when wearing lenses specifically

designed for day and night wear and when closely monitored by

your doctor.

2.

Wearing lenses longer than recommended. Many contact

lens wearers will try to make their lenses last longer by waiting

to change them until the lenses become bothersome. According to

the American Eye-Q® survey, 57 percent of contact lens wearers

admitted to wearing disposable contact lenses longer than

directed. Not following an eye doctor’s recommended changing

schedule can cause preventable eye irritation or even lead to

permanent eye damage from bacterial infections.

5.

Reusing old contact lens solution. Only fresh solution

should be used to clean and store contact lenses. Stick to

products recommended by your eye doctor to clean and disinfect

lenses, and remember, saline solution and rewetting drops are

not designed to disinfect lenses.

3.

Not replacing contact lens cases regularly. Eye doctors

recommend that lens cases be replaced at least every three

months, and cases should be cleaned and disinfected periodically

in between. Yet, only 41 percent of contact lens wearers follow

this rule.

6.

Wearing contact lenses while swimming or in a hot tub.

Approximately 26 percent of contact lens wearers swim in their

contact lenses. This routine can lead to serious sight-threatening

eye infections and irritation. According to the FDA and the

American Optometric Association, contact lenses should not be

exposed to any kind of water, including tap water and water in

swimming pools, oceans, lakes, hot tubs and showers.

Page 14

Parks and Recreational

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2015

As we approach February, 2015 we now start to see signs of changes in the air. Days are now starting to become a bit longer with daylight.

Also, the Little League program is already starting to take registration for the upcoming season. We will also at times have such mild

days that we know spring is just around the corner. With that said, our Park Management crew is already beginning to put down tons

of compost on our parks which will result in having some of the greenest and prettiest parks in the southwest. Eugene (Shoobie) Jojola,

who is the newest employee in charge of the activities for the Elderly program, has already been by the Recreation Center setting up

practice times and activities for the Elderly in preparation for the upcoming State Senior Olympics. Our youth basketball program is in

full swing and our Adult Volleyball is starting to wind down. Also, those people who are have re-dedicated themselves with New Year’s

Resolutions have been back in the gym.

New Year’s Resolutions

January 2015 saw many of our Tribal members and Tribal

employees return to the gym, to reestablish promises made as New

Year’s Resolutions. I (Rick Giron) for one as the Director of the

Parks & Recreation Department have too returned to the gym to

try to make good on these promises. As I mentioned in last month’s

newsletter, work your way into these workouts slowly. Don’t

over-load yourself with such hard workouts, that in a few days or

weeks you give up because you are so sore or you get hurt and

or because you aren’t getting the results you thought you would.

Remember, we didn’t gain all the weight that we are now trying to

lose overnight. Same thing goes with our workouts. Results aren’t

immediate, especially for us who are a bit older like me. We must

stay constant and deliberate and make these workouts part of our

daily routine. Even if it is just walking in the gym or outdoors

etc., let’s get moving again. Bottom line, get that heart rate up a

bit and treat that heart and body like the amazing machine it is,

and feed the machine with the proper energy (nutritional foods

and less sugars) and more movement. Also, drink plenty of water

to hydrate the body and stay away from sugary drinks like sodas.

Many of us have made drinking sodas part of our everyday routine

that if you must, start slowly and cut back on this usage until you

can rid yourselves of this dependency. And by all means, keep

your children away from drinking sodas. It will go along way for

fighting obesity and diabetes especially in Indian Country which

we are known for. If we do cut back and eliminate many of these

sugary drinks and get moving again, slowly but surely we all will

start feeling a lot better. Initially, you might not notice the change

in your body, but others will! Once you make the commitment

of working out a part of your

daily routine, you will notice

a feeling of guilt when you

miss out on a workout session

(for whatever reason). Now,

that’s when you are getting

to the point you are serious

about making changes in how

you treat your body. What

do you say, let’s all make

small changes that will

have a profound effect on

healthier living?Pictured is

Evelina Lucero who has made

that commitment to working

out every chance she gets.

Youth Basketball

As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, our youth basketball program for elementary school age children is in full swing. Our goal

in this program is to teach our children the fundamentals of the game, good sportsmanship and friendship and camaraderie. Yes,

we would love to win all the games, but we know deep down inside that is not going to happen. In being involved, it also teaches our

children many valuable life lessons like competition, good sportsmanship and winning and losing with dignity. And by all means,

we want all children in the program to get the playing time to be able to experience these life lessons. If the staff and children learn

this, we will have accomplished our goal in helping our children grow to young adults. Pictured below are several shots of our youth

basketball games that were held on Wednesday, January 21st at the New Rec. Center against Sky City/Acoma. Both the Boys and

Girls games were won by the much taller Sky City/Acoma team, but both games were very competitive going down to the wire.

February 2015

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

After-school Rec. and Aquatic Program

Little League

The after-school recreation

program has been busy with

several field trips for our youth,

and swim practice for our feeder

high schools Los Lunas and

Valencia High and of course

the basketball program for our

elementary school age children.

Also the Nanas Abenita, Gloria

and Marie are gearing up for

the upcoming Valentine’s Day

with arts projects depicting

that eventful day. Speaking

of Aquatics, we are making

adjustments to our daily schedule of trying to have the proper amount

of lifeguards on duty so we can keep our program safe and operational.

Because most of our lifeguards are attending the University and or

CNM we must work around many of their schedules to make this a

reality. By law, we must have two lifeguards on duty to have the

facility open for swimming. Last month, we had two days that we

were on adjusted schedule because of that reason. Hopefully, we

have worked out the kinks with their new spring school schedules so

that we won’t have those adjusted closures. Pictured is Nana Gloria

displaying some of the art projects they are preparing for Valentine’s

Day.

Once again we welcome back as League

Director, Vernon Abeita.

Vernon

reports that he is now accepting

registration at the Isleta Little League

Clubhouse directly across the street

from the New Rec. Center. Registration

times are Saturday, January 24th from

10:00 am until 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 31st from 10:00

am until 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 5th from 6:00 pm until

8:00 pm and on Saturday, February 14th from 10:00 am until

2:00 pm. Cost is $30.00 per player and they must be 4 years

old to 18 years old. They must be 4 years old before April 30,

2015. You must bring original birth certificate and 3 proofs

of residency with physical address. (E.g. phone bill, driver’s

license, cable bill, school records, utilities, PNM and Gas bill

constitute as one proof). Please parents, make sure you get

your children registered. Right now, because it’s been cold

and snowing we may not be thinking about little league but

as soon as registration is over and the weather warms up you

will. So what do you say, let’s get them registered early so we

don’t get in that predicament. Vernon also reports that he has

our park management staff making some improvements to the

concession stand/offices for Little League. It will definitely be

much better then before.

I can’t wait to…..

…. make new friends, explore new

interests, be creative, earn

awards, go camping,

travel the world, manage

money, become a leader

.... be a Girl Scout!

Parents and Girls (ages 5-15) welcome!

Girl Scouts will be at the Isleta Pueblo Public

Library from 1-5pm the third Friday of

every month! Join us for fun, snacks, and a

free Girl Scout Registration for all girls that

participate!

Dates and Monthly Theme:

February 20th – Outdoor Education: Camp

Fires

March 20th – Outdoor Education

April 17th – Guest speaker

May – field trip, day to be announced

June – field trip, day to be announced

For more Information please contact

Sarah Downing 505-923-2526

or sdowning@gs-nmtrails.org

February 2015

WIC NOTES

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 17

February is Children’s Dental Health Month. Good news… tooth decay is preventable!

Nutrition and Your Child’s Teeth

Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth.

As soon as teeth appear, decay can occur. A baby’s front four teeth usually push through the gums at about 6 months of age, although

some children don’t have their first tooth until 12 or 14 months. Infants should see the dentist within 6 months of cutting his first tooth

and no later than age 12 months.

What your child eats affects his or her teeth. Too many carbohydrates, sugar (for example, cake, cookies, candies, milk, and other sugary

foods and beverages), and starches (for example, pretzels and potato chips) can cause tooth decay. How long carbohydrates remain on

the teeth is the main culprit that leads to tooth decay.

The best thing you can do as a parent is to teach your child to make healthy food choices. Here are some tooth-friendly foods to serve

your children along with some other tips:

• Fruits and vegetables:

Offer fruits and vegetables as a snack instead

of carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables

that contain a high volume of water, such

as pears, melons, celery, and cucumbers are

best. Limit banana and raisin consumption

as these contain concentrated sugar, or if

you serve these fruits, try to brush your

child's teeth immediately after they are

eaten.

• Cheese: Serve cheese with lunch or as a

snack, especially cheddar, Monterey Jack,

Swiss, and other aged cheeses which help

to trigger the flow of saliva. Saliva helps to

wash food particles away from teeth.

• Avoid sticky, chewy foods: Raisins,

dried figs, granola bars, oatmeal or peanut

butter cookies, jelly beans, caramel, honey,

molasses, and syrup stick to teeth making

it difficult for saliva to wash the sugar

away. If your child consumes these types

of products, have them brush their teeth

immediately after eating.

• Serve sugary treats with meals,

not as snacks. If you plan to give your

child any sweets, give them as desserts

immediately following the meal. There's

usually an increased amount of saliva in

the mouth around mealtime, making it

easier to wash food away from teeth. The

mealtime beverage also helps to wash away

food particles on teeth.

• Get your children in the habit of

eating as few snacks as possible. The

frequency of snacking is far more important

than the quantity consumed. Time between

meals allows saliva to wash away food

particles that bacteria would otherwise feast

on. Frequent snacking, without brushing

immediately afterwards, provides constant

fuel to feed bacteria, which leads to plaque

development and tooth decay. Try to limit

snacks as much as possible to no more than

one or two a day. Brush teeth immediately

after consuming the snack if possible.

• Avoid sugary foods that stay on the

teeth. Lollipops, hard candies, cough drops,

and mints all contribute to tooth decay

because they continuously coat the teeth

with sugar.

• Buy foods that are sugar-free or

unsweetened.

• Never put your baby to bed with a

bottle filled with milk, formula, juice,

or soda.

• Offer your child plain water instead

of juice or soda. Juices, sodas, and even

milk contain sugar. Water does not harm

the teeth and aids in washing away any food

particles that may be clinging to teeth.

• Include good sources of calcium in

your child's diet to build strong teeth.

Good sources include milk, cheese, broccoli,

and yogurt.

• If your child chews gum buy xylitolsweetened or sugar-free gum. Xylitol

has been shown to reduce the amount of

bacteria in the mouth and the chewing

action helps increase the flow of saliva.

• Use fluoride-containing toothpastes

and brush and floss your child's teeth

daily.

The best way to prevent tooth decay is to

use fluoride-containing toothpaste every

day. (Fluoride toothpaste should only be

used in children old enough to spit out the

remaining toothpaste.) Floss your child's

teeth at least once a day to help remove

particles between teeth and below the gum

line.

•Brush your child's teeth after giving

him or her medicine. Medicines such as

cough syrups contain sugar that bacteria in

the mouth use to make acids. These acids

can eat away at the enamel -- the protective

top layer of the tooth.

• Visit the dentist regularly. Getting

regular dental checkups will also help catch

any developing dental problems early.

Parts condensed from: Academy of General Dentistry:

"ABCs of Oral Health: Nutrition - Children."

Heidi Lanes-WIC Nutrition Coordinator

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 18

February 2015

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

Love is in the February air. Oh Happy Day to you all! The Library has now filled up with

all sorts of programs for February and the upcoming month of March. Read all about it and

keep a look out for updated information soon to come.

News

The Library staff will be visiting with

legislators in Santa Fe during Library

Legislation Day on February 5th asking

for continued support for Tribal, Public,

Academic and School libraries. The following

day on February 6th will also be American

Indian Legislation Day.

With Bullying among our youth rising, the

Library and the Pueblo of Isleta Behavioral

Health Services have decided to collaborate

on a six week Youth Bullying Awareness

Program which will take place on Mondays

in the Teen room of the Library. Each

session will be one hour, starting at 4

pm and ending at 5 pm with the first

day being on Monday, February 9. The

program will focus on Self-Awareness,

Self-Respect,

Responsibility,

Conflict

Resolutions, Communication, and Bullying.

This program is open to all youth ages 8 on

up. For additional questions pertaining to

this program, you may contact Kory Kie of

Behavioral Health Services at 505.869.5487

or Nathaniel Lujan at 505.869.9808.

Homework Help Rules. Starting the month

of February, Library patrons will receive

and acknowledge these policies when using

library services. These rules and policies will

also be posted in our general area, children’s

room and teen room of the Library.

Upcoming

For our first Library incentive program,

students will earn points towards prizes like

Lego sets, a basketball, Nerf guns, bracelet

activity sets, Ninja turtle toys, Itunes,

Google Play, and X-box live gift cards.

Starting January 6 and continuing on until

March 6, students who read or do homework

will earn points towards these prizes. If you

are reading this you still have

plenty of time to earn points. 30 minutes

of reading or homework counts as 1 point.

Open to all students. Speak with Diane if

you have any questions or concerns at the

505-869-9808.

Valentine’s Day is coming soon and why not

be prepared with a gift before Valentine’s

Day. The Library will be offering 3

Valentine’s Day event opportunities listed

below:

Valentine’s Day Box Craft - February 4th

from 4:30pm - 5:30pm. Students can come

in and start working on their Valentine’s

Day box early. Be creative and make a

unique box that will stand out and express

your imagination. No need to register, but

In addition to the Youth Bullying Awareness

Program mentioned above, the Library will

be attending a training session on Bully

Awareness & Prevention with the P.O.I.

Behavioral Health Services Department. At

the moment, a date has not been selected but

both Departments would like to conduct it

during the second week of February. What

does this mean for you? Well, the Library

will be CLOSED so the entire Library Staff

may attend this training. Once a date

and time has been selected, notices will

be posted within the Library, on our white

message boards, our Facebook Page, and on

our Event Calendar on our website (http://

www.isletapueblo.com/whats-new.html).

The Library will be closed Wednesday

February 11th from 8:00am-12:00pm for

our monthly staff meeting.

The Library will be closed for President’s

day Monday February 16. Please look for

signs posted throughout the library as a

reminder and on the Library Facebook &

Library website pages.

Sarah Downing & her colleague (Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails) conducting a

Salt Water Egg experiment with the Girl Scouts of Isleta.

Stay up to date on closures due to traditional

dances and weather related closures with

signs posted throughout the library and

updates on the Library’s Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/IsletaPuebloLibary

Reminder: Deadline for the March Isleta

Newsletter will be Thursday, February

19th at 4:30pm. Please send all articles to

poi02002@isletapueblo.com. If you do not

receive a confirmation email back please

call Nathaniel Lujan at the Library 505869-9808.

The Library has revised and implemented

new rules in our General Library policies,

Computer policies, and Afterschool &

Balloon experiment conducted with the Girl Scouts of Isleta with the aid

of the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails.

February 2015

supplies are limited. Any questions, please

speak with Valeri at the Library 505-8699808.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 19

Candy Robots Craft - February 10th from

4:30pm - 5:30pm. Patrons of all ages can

come in and make a candy robot to give to

that special person. No need to register.

Supplies are on the first come first serve

basis. Patrons that come in as a family will

have first priority. If you have questions

please speak with Cheyenne at the Library

505-869-9808.

Everybody loves BINGO! Valentine’s Day

Bingo - February 12th, 5:30pm-7:00pm

(Last game at 6:45pm). Get your bingo

dapper’s ready! Bingo Cards will cost $1

each. All funds raised during this event

will go towards to the maintenance of the

Library van, which will be used for field

trips and activities for library patrons

and students. The van was donated to the

Library from the Isleta Recreation Center.

Valentine gifts will be our prizes. Don’t

miss out on this last opportunity to try and

win last minute gifts for your Valentine. If

you have any questions, please speak with

Valeri at the Library 505-869-9808.

Do you like reading books based on movies?

Come join our next book club which is

based on the book Heart of the Sea by

Nathaniel Philbrick. Book club will meet

every Wednesday starting February 4th

from 5:15pm-6:00pm. This program is

open to the first 7 participants 18 & over.

Participants who attend 4 out of the 5 book

discussion will attend a showing of Heart

of the Sea and Dinner. Pre-registration is

required. You may call to temporarily hold

your spot however you MUST come into

the library the same day of calling to fill

out registration form to secure your spot. If

you have any questions, please speak with

Diane at the Library 505-869-9808.

This young lady decided to break out the

turquoise for the “Countdown to Noon”

event.

Students dancing the Electric Slide at the Library’s “Countdown to Noon”.

Parents, students, & patrons waiting for the Balloons to drop at the

“Countdown to Noon”.

Join us as we celebrate Chinese New Year emergency contact information so we

(Year of the Sheep) on February 19th from have it on file at the Library. Parents are

5:00pm-6:00pm. We will be making Chinese strongly encouraged to join us during the

paper lanterns for you to hang at your home first class and are invited to join us all

and discussing Chinese Horoscopes with practice times.

participants. This craft is open to the first

If you have any questions or concerns please

15 patrons. Supplies are limited. If you have

speak with Tara at the Library 505-869any questions, please speak with Cheyenne

9808.

at the Library 505-869-9808.

We are excited to announce our 2nd Annual

The Library will be starting a Girl’s Fancy Library Comic Con, Saturday March 14th

Shawl Dance Group (Powwow) starting from 11:00am-3:00pm absolutely FREE to

Tuesday February 24th and will continue the public. Scheduled events are currently

every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00pm- in the works and we will continue to post

6:00pm (Practice times will be canceled updates. We are expecting the Justice

during traditional dances whenever they League of America: New Mexico once again

may occur). This program is open to 6 and we are pleased to welcome the 501st

young ladies ages 8-16 years old and will DRG (Star Wars Cosplayers) who will be

involve physical movement and building attending this event as well. Our two crafts

stamina. We will learn powwow etiquette, for this year will be Wolverine Claws and

Fancy Shawl stories, Learn the basic steps the Hulk jumping jack interactive craft. We

of Fancy Shawl dancing, Watch fancy shawl will also have an art workshop for those

videos, learn basic sewing and listen to interested in graphic novels and comic

special speakers about powwow history. characters. If you or someone you know

This will all lead up to a mini performance is interested in setting up a booth that is

at this year’s event honoring the seniors COMIC related or if you are interested in

powwow April 18th at the Isleta Recreation helping the Library out this year, please

Center. Parents will need to come to the call the Library and speak with Tara 505library to register their child and provide 869-9808.