Canku Ota
	(Many Paths)
	An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America
	June 29, 2002 - Issue 64
	GAP Primary School — Biggest Little School in Tuba City School District
	by Suetopka Thayer, TC Public Relations DIrector
	credits: Navajo-Hopi Observer

What they don’t have in size or numbers, they have in heart and dedication. The thirty-six students at GAP Primary School are lucky enough to have the time and attention of a small and very personal staff to oversee their classroom instruction, meals, activities and outdoor recreation and emotional well-being. The students and staff are like a little family in this area of the Navajo reservation that is nestled beneath the majestic, rust colored sandstone Echo Cliffs. Ages range from Kindergarten to second grade and there are two special teachers who provide instruction — Mary Jane Chissie and Bessie Tsingine. The rest of the staff is made up of one Navajo language instructor, one parent assistant, one foster “grandmother,” one bus driver, one secretary and one cook. Principal Richard Bermudes serves as their half-time principal, as he has oversight of the Cameron/Dzil Libei School also half time. In this community of approximately 2,100 residents, which is 98 percent native, the year ended on a high note of accomplishment and outstanding achievement. The following students at GAP Primary recently received awards : Most Improved Reading Nicholas Acothley Christine Hanks Hillary Tsinigine Jamal Blackhat Citizenship Travis Tso Most Improved Math Stefan Benally Penmanship Willana Nez Stefany ManyWhiskers Spelling Bee Shannon Tsinagine Garrison Bigman Aaron Yazzie Most Improved Spelling Leeton Manymules Perfect Attendance Tim Tsinagine Kristen Yazzie In these times when everyone thinks that bigger is better, this school is a real example of the fact that smaller and more personal service does the trick. www.expedia.com

	Canku Ota is a free Newsletter celebrating Native America, its traditions and accomplishments . We do not provide subscriber or visitor names to anyone. Some articles presented in Canku Ota may contain copyright material. We have received appropriate permissions for republishing any articles. Material appearing here is distributed without profit or monetary gain to those who have expressed an interest. This is in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107.
	Canku Ota is a copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002 of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry.
	The "Canku Ota - A Newsletter Celebrating Native America" web site and its design is the
	Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 of Paul C. Barry.
	All Rights Reserved.