Kaibeto Boarding School celebrates ‘Drums of Summer,’ calls for higher enrollment

Posted by Krista Allen | Aug 14, 2025 | Education |

KAIBETO, Ariz.

Kaibeto Boarding School opened its campus to the community on Aug. 7 for its annual “KTNN Drums of Summer” celebration – an evening that paired cultural performances with an open invitation for families to enroll their children for the new school year.

Navajo Times | Krista Allen
Kaibeto Boarding School Principal Christopher Bennett dances with community members during the KTNN Drums of Summer event on Aug. 7.

The school, which serves kindergarten through eighth grade, is pushing to bring more students back to learn close to home. Council Delegate Helena Nez Begay, who represents Kaibeto, Tonalea-Red Lake, Bodaway-Gap, Coppermine and LeChee, said the school’s success depends on keeping students rooted in their community.

“I advocate for this school out there. I want our enrollment to go up. At one time, this school had over 800 students,” Begay told the crowd. She recalled the days when Kaibeto’s athletic teams competed for state championships and the community rallied behind the Cardinals.

Navajo Times | Krista Allen
Dancers move in step as the Naat’áanii Nééz Singers perform during the KTNN Drums of Summer event at Kaibeto Boarding School on Aug. 7.

She expressed her vision for students to grow into future leaders – serving as teachers, administrators, and principals who teach and speak Navajo, helping ensure the language remains strong for generations to come.

Begay also reflected on her own education at the school, when many Diné students spoke only Navajo and non-Native teachers made up the faculty. “How many of you remember that? No Navajos,” she said. “We want Kaibeto to grow stronger.”

She thanked Principal Christopher Bennett for his leadership and urged parents to teach, guide, and discipline their children so they grow into responsible community members.

To read the full article, please see the Aug. 14, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

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