First and foremost, it is an honor and privilege for me to serve as your Principal, my name is Edie R. Morris, Navajo, my clans are Charcoal Streaked People (Naaneesht’ezhi) born for the Hairy Ones/Weaver/Zia People (Tl'ogi) and my respective maternal and paternal grandfather's clans are Red House People (Kinlichii’nii) and Red Running into the Water People(Tachii ’nii). I come to your school from the community of Tohatchi, New Mexico.

Thank you for choosing Chee Dodge Elementary School for your child's educational experience where our vision is "Success at Work" and our mission is "To create a community that succeeds through PAWS." As Principal, my goals are as follows: 1) fulfill both the vision and mission, 2) implement the school improvement plan, 3) ensure every grade level receives quality instruction of the New Mexico State Standards, Benchmarks, and Performance Objectives 4) ensure learning & instruction is monitored through curriculum based, short-cycle and state assessments, 3) ensure intervention is provided for students who are not meeting grade level requirements per the assessments, 4) ensure and provide a safe and supportive school environment 5) implement & advocate for Navajo Language & Culture class for all grades 6) provide afterschool programs and 6) increase communication and parental involvement.

I intend to achieve the referenced goals through the partnership of school and family using the system of continuous improvement model for success. As such, over the course of the year, Chee Dodge will meet with you and other stakeholders (community at large) to share progress toward the goals as a school and at the individual student level. At these forums, we will seek your recommendations and support toward developing action plans to support the efforts of continuous improvement. This also is an opportunity to ensure Chee Dodge is accountable for the quality delivery of education and student achievement on behalf of your children who are our priority.

Lastly, the staff of Chee Dodge and I look forward to another successful school year working with families to influence and nurture all children at all levels of their learning and livelihood. With this emphasis, our children will be successful students and leaders for which our elders envision.

Respectfully,

Edie R. Morris, Principal