Ita Lavayi

A short film about how language can change the idea of learning.

HOPITUTUQAIKI

Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

March 2024 to February 2025 Schedule

•Session One: March 4 to April 5, 2024

•Session Two: April 15 to May 17, 2024

•Session Three: May 28 to June 28, 2024

•Session Four: July 8 to August 9, 2024

•Session Five: August 19 to September 20, 2024

•Session Six: September 30 to November 1, 2024

•Session Seven: November 11 to December 13, 2024

•Session Eight: January 13 to February 14, 2025

2024-2025 Class Schedule

LANGUAGE IMMERSION PRESCHOOL 

Information

The Tsasakhoymuy Kiiyamm is designed for ages 3 to 6 year old Hopi children. It is built on 8-yearlong 5-week sessions with 1-week breaks. The class will be held at the Peace Academic Center in Kykotsmovi. Skilled teachers and teacher assistants will guide daily activities. A morning snack and lunch will be provided.

Enrollment is limited to 6 students. The deadline to register is ongoing. For more information or to register, please contact Valarie Harris, Program Coordinator, at (928) 401.6494 or email: lavayi@hopitutuqaiki.com 

Activities, lessons, field trips, and events will be scheduled before the start of each five-week session. Parental involvement is a critical component of the school and is essential for the children to continue to retain what they’ve learned throughout the program.

Holidays

The following holidays will be observed:

-Memorial Day

-Fourth of July

-Labor Day

The schedule is built to allow for other unexpected days off, such as weather, power outages, and ceremonial events. 

Tuition

Tuition is $100 per session or $400 for the entire year. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in all sessions to ensure consistency in learning the Hopi language. Tuition waivers can be requested; no one will be turned away for failure to pay tuition fees. You'll need to make tuition arrangements before attendance. 

Covid-19 Safety

For continued safety and compliance with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), each classroom will be thoroughly cleaned before and after each session. Students will be encouraged to wear a face mask (gloves are optional). Students will be reminded of safety procedures such as distancing and cleanliness. Temperatures will be taken before entering the classroom. Anyone involved in any school activity must inform mentors and school personnel of symptoms, reporting any illness or health situation immediately. Class sizes will be at most six students and 1-2 mentors. Outside visitors will only be allowed if authorized by the Facilitator. These measures will remain in place for the safety of us all.

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Meet the Teachers

  • Joannie Takala

    LEAD TEACHER

    My name is Joannie Takala. I am from Shungopavi, Arizona, and of the Snow clan. The early part of my education started at the Toreva Head Start, and completing my high school at Sherman Indian High School, receiving my HS Diploma in 1982. Later in my education, I attended Northland Pioneer College and received my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development.

    After working in the Phoenix area for a few years, I returned home to the Hopi reservation. I started my work in Special Education, helping children with autism at the various schools on the Hopi reservation. My goal has been teaching and sharing my knowledge in Hopi Lavayi. Today I am proud to say I work with an excellent team as a Teacher Assistant at Hopitutuquiki's Language Immersion Preschool.

  • Leann Lomatska

    TEACHER ASSISTANT

    Leann Lomatska, a proud member of the Koykangwungwa clan (Spider clan) from the village of Hotevilla, is deeply rooted in her culture. She currently serves as a teacher assistant at the Hopitutuqaiki Language Immersion School (tsasak’hoymuy kii’am) and is studying to be Montessori-trained, all while maintaining her strong connection to her Hopi heritage.

    Today, Leann's dedication is evident as she takes care of her mother in Hotevilla Arizona, while also finding time to create yungyapu (Hopi wicker plaque) in her spare time.

    “Nu hapi I’muy tsatsak’hoymuy ow ha’lai’ii, It hopi lavayi tuqaivani. Ovi ima tastasyom hapi qa ita’ lavayi qa sutok’nayani. Pay yan’tani asqualli.”

Contact us to Apply

lavayi@hopitutuqaiki.com
(928) 401-6494 or (928) 401-6451

Located on the campus of the

Peace Academic Center in Kykotsmovi.