Santa Fe Public Schools

2022-23 Bus Routes are here! Check your students' school website to view the routes, or visit https://www.sfps.info/documents/departments/transportation/2022-2023-bus-routes/362057

Welcome Back to School!!! Questions about returning to your school? Visit your school's website or contact your school for any needed information. To locate your school's website, visit sfps.info (https://www.sfps.info/) and click on the schools tab at the top. You'll find school-specific calendars, school supply lists and more!

Grants, Loan Forgiveness, and Scholarships for Early Childhood! Are you an early childhood professional working toward a degree or certificate in early childhood? The Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) is hosting virtual help sessions about their Scholarship and Pay Incentive Programs. Get questions answered and help with an application. Upcoming sessions: Wednesday, August 10 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83665915394?pwd=eGxJRk5pbjc1aVlhV1lmM05IYXZndz09#success Wednesday, August 17 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89687840012?pwd=ZzlmTU02MXpPS21OZU1pYzdkMHRSdz09#success Wednesday, August 24 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86983030209?pwd=eUtkNVVPZmJwTkEzQWd5aVJRNEs2Zz09#success Learn more about the ECECD Scholarship and Pay Incentive Programs: https://ececdscholarship.org/ Are you an early childhood educator who works for a non-profit or U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government organization? If you work for a qualified employer - including many Head Start, preschool and child care programs - you may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness, even if you were not eligible before. For a limited time, you may receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF.) Some borrowers will need to consolidate their federal loans and/or submit a PSLF form by October 31, 2022 to take advantage of this opportunity. The application deadline is October 31, 2022. For more details see this flyer: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ecd/PSLF%20ECE%20Workforce_1%20pager_V2_Drupal_Ready.pdf

Just around the corner from Milagro Middle School is another powerhouse. It is the oldest public high school in New Mexico, founded in 1899 - Home of the Demons - Santa Fe High School. Santa Fe High is a Community School that is heavily involved with parents, alumni, and local businesses which support and provide programs of expanded student internship opportunities to prepare students for a career. SFHS has a strong AP program, a dominant sports program, AVID and Bilingual programs available to help all students toward college and career readiness and a diverse and varied extracurricular system built on a tradition of success and inclusion. Santa Fe High School also offers dual credit offerings, elective opportunities and unique small learning academies that develop strong teacher-student relationships. The small learning academies include: --Innovate Academy, where students take rigorous engineering and computer science courses --Culinary Arts Academy, which offers hospitality and tourism courses, baking and cooking classes --Arts and Humanities Academy, which allows our students to experience courses in choir, band, orchestra, piano, guitar, drama, ceramics and drawing. AP courses include psychology, human geography, art history, government and politics. Extracurricular and club opportunities include: --Marching and Concert Band --Choir --Guitar --Orchestra --Drama --Dance --National Honor Society --Amnesty International, a global movement to end human rights abuses --Science Olympiad, one of the premier science competitions in the nation --Key Club, which seeks to make the world a better place through service --Speech and Debate Club --Bilingual Club --Student Government --Chess --Robotics --Boxing --Yearbook --Newspaper --Thespian Club, an honor society for theater students And a full course of sports teams: --Football --Volleyball --Girls and Boys Soccer --Cross Country --Basketball --Swimming --Diving --Track and Field --Golf --Wrestling --Tennis --Baseball --Softball --Cheer The Santa Fe High Demons aren’t just a legacy in their accomplishments achieved in town through the years, but they are part of the essence that makes the “City Different.”

Don’t forget that is it Tax Free Weekend in New Mexico! Check your students schools’ website to find supply lists!

Santa Fe High Demon Volleyball 2022 tryouts will be held in the Toby Roybal Gymnasium (please see schedule below). If you are trying out for Varsity, tryouts are on Thursday, August 11 from 3pm-5pm. If you are trying out for JV, tryouts are on Thursday, August 11 and Friday, August 12 from 5pm-7pm. If you are an incoming freshman, tryouts are on Thursday, August 11 and Friday, August 12 from 4pm-6:30pm. In order to tryout, all paperwork must be submitted through a new online portal, rankonesports.com (link below) before Thursday, August 11. https://santafepublicschools.rankonesport.com/New/NewInstructionsPage.aspx Please bring knee pads, water bottle, running shoes, volleyball shoes and paperwork, if it has not yet been submitted to the online portal by the tryout date.

We turn our sights to Nava Elementary named after Francis X. Nava, the first Santa Fean to die in the Vietnam War. Nava is a STEAM school focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics bringing the arts and sciences into the classroom in an integrated way. The staff is trained using the LANL Foundation’s Inquiry Science Education Consortium, which is dedicated to increasing equity and access to quality STEM education for students in grades K–6 throughout Northern New Mexico, the Artworks/Lincoln Center Institute Model, which is rooted in collaboration between artists and teachers, and curriculum closely aligned to state-adopted standards for teaching and learning. They have an amazing 21st Century After-School program that is utilized by 36% of the student body providing academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours. They also partner with the Santa Fe Opera’s Active Learning Through Opera (ALTO) program, which brings world-class consultants and teaching artists to collaborate with Nava’s classroom teachers around the belief that successful schools are engaging, collaborative, joyful and inspiring, the Unlocked Minds Yo Soy! Arts Engagement Program (Unlocked Minds is a non-profit organization which provides access to an integrated arts program) and Talking Hands Talking Feet to create educational songs and dances. Their Thunder Council, which includes self-selected and elected officers from the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades, is very active in the school community and makes important decisions about the way they operate and their school culture. Nava Elementary thrives through their community partners. First Serve New Mexico seeks to strengthen children's lives and enhance their character through education, life skills and tennis. Through their PTSA (Parent, Teacher, and Student Association), they host many family/community events, including the Fall Festival, Turkey Bingo, art nights, literacy and engineering events and writing workshop celebrations. F.X. Nava Elementary is an honorable tribute to the brave soldier it is named for - and as they say at the school: “We’re small, but strong.”

As we make a turn on the horizon we are captivated by a set of buildings that are modern, beautiful, and inviting. It is Milagro Middle School! Named for the Spanish word - Miracle. The view is truly one of a kind with shiny solar panel car ports, a blue sports field, and gleaming white buildings. It isn’t until we land that we learn why Milagro is so special. This school was built with sustainability at the core of the campus’ design. It is 50% solar powered from those panels on the carports and it’s other innovations enable it to use half the energy of a typical school. The entire campus has rainwater catchment systems that lead to an underground cistern for landscaping needs and the synthetic turf field saves even more water. The lighting throughout is all LED and the white buildings reflect heat to help with climate control. What a befitting name to a school that also offers so many educational, elective, and extracurricular activities. Let us begin with the academic programs: --Students are offered advanced math classes with an emphasis on integrating computer science in all classes --They offer comprehensive case management for gifted students and individualized programming for students with disabilities --They have a Student to Teacher ratio of 12:1 --Classes for English Language Learners and Native Spanish speakers --7th and 8th grade Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) to help with college preparation --Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) are an integral part of its curriculum --21st Century Community Learning Center for After-School Electives that the “Thunder” may choose include: --Printmaking --3D Art, 2D Art, Painting, and Digital Art --Coding/Technology --Theater --Family and Consumer Science --Orchestra --Band/Advanced Band --Choir --Guitar --2 hour Bilingual Program & Heritage Program --Culinary Arts Their many clubs: --Robotics --Art Club --Hackers’ Club --After-School Mariachi --Project GUTS (Growing Up Thinking Scientifically) to encourage students to ask questions and develop solutions through scientific inquiry --Natural Helpers for students who want to strengthen their communication and helping skill --Student Council --Santa Fe County Spelling Bee --WAVE (Wellness Ambassadors to Voice and Empower) --Yearbook --School Newspaper And we can’t leave out the “Thunder” sports teams: --Football --Volleyball --Girls and Boys Basketball --Track and Field --Wrestling Milagro is indeed a “Miracle” as an aspiration that’s ecologically sustainable, progressively educational, and diverse in its extracurricular programs.

As we are nearing the end of our journey, we make a stop over at E.J. Martinez Elementary School to grab some lunch and learn about this storied institution. E.J. Martinez was the Postmaster of Santa Fe and served as President of the School Board. He was an avid gardener, hiker, and outdoorsman - three hobbies that Santa Fe can provide with unlimited options. E.J. Martinez Elementary is a member of an amazing program that requires a world-class opera (such as Santa Fe’s) to accomplish. Active Learning Through Opera, or ALTO for short, helps schools by making meaningful connections between an academic topic and an element of opera and demonstrating student understanding of those topics with opera elements through performance and all aspects attached. The process consists of teaching artists to collaborate with classroom teachers in multi-week residencies and students are engaged as composers, librettists, singers, dancers, actors and visual artists. The program is by invitation only, but in addition to hundreds of artist residencies, more than 12,000 children have produced 175 operas, performing to audiences of parents, classmates and friends totaling over 10,000 people. Other engaging and supporting programs at E.J. Martinez include: --5th & 6th grade Band --Community Partnerships --A very active/supportive PTA --Girls Inc., which focuses on the empowerment of girls --Boys and Girls Club --Kenpo 5.0 (with free bus pick-up from our site) --Student Council --21st Century Community Learning Center providing academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours. --Full-day PreK The fighting “Vikings” show that a complete education in the classroom is only enhanced by extra-curricular activities expanding their minds, talents, and dreams.

Our flying ship turns to the southeast and heads towards Atalaya Mountain/Trail. Atalaya is Spanish for “watchtower” and for anyone who has climbed this peak knows, it lives up to its name! Tucked in the hills near the trails is Atalaya Elementary School. This institution prides itself on being immersed in its local community and its active PTA. For instance, Atalaya has forged strong partnerships with neighboring schools Santa Fe Prep and St. John’s College, which supports students through tutoring, chess and mentorships! The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is heavily involved in sponsoring yearly events such as: The annual Turkey Trot (5K Run) on Thanksgiving Day The Back-to-School Barbecue The Fall Festival Spring and Fall Book Fairs The classroom experience includes various grade-level traditions that educate the whole child offering a balanced curriculum of math, language arts, inquiry science and social studies. They also integrated advanced programs such as DoD STARBASE, Yo Soy, National Dance Institute, Talking Hands, Talking Feet and other theatrical/movement practices! There is the Atalaya Cares after-school program providing enrichment activities and homework support. Students can also participate in the “Roadrunners” basketball teams and Santa Fe Youth Symphony programs!

Staying within the downtown area - our airship sends down some rope tethers to connect and learn about Wood Gormley Elementary School. This institution opened in 1926 and was named after two people: grocer and school board member Frank F. Gormley and James A. Wood, one of the district's first superintendents. Wood Gormley was honored in 2017 as a prestigious Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, affirming the hard work of students, educators, families and the community in creating a safe and welcoming school where students master challenging content. A major part of this is the intentional use of best practices strategically planned to teach the whole child including research based literacy, math, science, social studies, and social/emotional learning. As for programs and clubs for students - Wood Gormley excels in creative choices that service any child’s imagination or passion such as: --5th grade Upstart Crows Musical Theatre --6th grade Band --Robotics/Tech Club --Outdoor Club --Yoga --Dance --Youth Symphony strings program --After school tutoring --Basketball --Cheer team --Swim team --Volleyball team --First Serve Tennis Program --Chess Club --Scripps National Spelling Bee --RoboRave technology competition --School Garden Though the school has a bit of an arts-centric feel, Wood Gormley Elementary always excels in Core Competency and annual tests. You don’t get ranked one of the Blue-Ribbon Best Schools in the Nation for not being exceptional.

SFPS is holding another COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Santa Fe High! August 11th, 1:30 - 5:30 PM at the Tony Roybal Gym Concourse. Sign up: https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/

SFPS is holding another COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Santa Fe High! August 11th, 1:30 - 5:30 PM at the Tony Roybal Gym Concourse. Sign up: https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/

You Are Not Alone Many people are experiencing a variety of mental health concerns during these times, including depression, anxiety, stress, substance use and loneliness. If you need to talk, professional counselors can offer help on the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (https://nmcrisisline.com/) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-855-662-7474.

We cruise up the Arroyos and Santa Fe river from Carlos GIlbert Elementary to the famous waterway that has played a part in Santa Fe history for over 400 years known as the Acequia Madre (Mother Ditch). This irrigation system fed into the city’s wells, fields, and fed crops throughout the centuries for the residents of Santa Fe. It was so important that it would be cut off in times of siege to disable basic necessities. On the banks of this famous inlet is Acequia Madre Elementary School. This institution is adorned with murals, local artist paintings and cultural treasures but also a number of programs for the student body: --Gardening Program from K-6 --Violin 3rd and 4th Grade --Performing and Visual Arts Focus --National Dance Institute (NDI) --Yearbook --Basketball --Swim Team --Community Gatherings and interactions Acequia Madre Elementary School is a small school community that is dedicated to all students being educationally successful, physically sound, socially aware and artistically inspired. The students learn through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and engage with computer science opportunities. Their weekly creative Math/Computer Science after-school club “Eureka” focuses on computational and critical thinking skills. They use Responsive Classroom to build and maintain a strong culture of mutual respect and kindness while centering student ownership and voice. With one class per grade level and one additional, rotating class that’s added each year depending on enrollment, their accomplished staff teaches high academic standards while engaging families in their child’s life through their creative arts curriculum.

In the very center of downtown Santa Fe we dock at an institution that has served the community for over 75 years - Carlos Gilbert Elementary. The school is within walking distance of the downtown Santa Fe Plaza providing students with many opportunities to experience arts and culture at performing arts venues and museums. Carlos Gilbert has incredible parent involvement through the PTK (Parents, Teachers, Kids) organization. The PTK funds enrichment programs at each grade level such as mindfulness, acting, cooking, National Dance Institute and Trout in the Classroom (a project that teaches about watersheds and raising fish to stock them). The programs offered to students also include: --The National Geography Bee --Scripps National Spelling Bee --Battle of the Books --After-school choir --Band --An outdoor classroom and garden --Boys and girls basketball --Wrestling --Swim team --Cheer squad --Chess Club --Newspaper Club --Young Astronauts Club --Afterschool Program until 5:30 PM The Fighting Blackhawks pride themselves with a school-wide positive behavior system called “Catch ‘em Showing Character.” Students are recognized for showing trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Say Something Anonymous Reporting! You can submit a safety or mental health concern at sandy hook promise:(https://www.google.com/url?q=http://sandyhookpromise.org/our-programs/say-something-anonymous-reporting-system/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1659052946040787&usg=AOvVaw28YWa2_PHmzBN1U8iF6RW9). This is the only anonymous reporting system to provide a holistic solution to school violence prevention. The Sandy Hook Promise foundation provides warning signs: (https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/blog/gun-violence/know-the-signs-of-gun-violence/) of potential gun violence on its website.

School Safety --SFPS' safety plan, which has been approved by the NM Public Education Department, exceeds state requirements. --School safety is achieved through a layered approach, including cameras, fencing and gates, single points of entry, a screening system, staff vigilance and law enforcement partners. --RhinoWare is installed on school doors to eliminate any door weaknesses and fortify a door’s ability to keep our students safe. --SFPS' safety aide program, which operates in 11 schools, includes a safety aide supervisor, three lead safety aides and 22 safety aides. Students can go to safety aides for help. --New Mexico requires SFPS to do a shelter-in-place and response to active shooter drill, an evaluation drill and four fire drills within the first four weeks of school and two district-selected drills. --SFPS was the first district to place Stop the Bleed kits in our schools, which are for large wounds and include a tourniquet. --SFPS is part of Sandy Hook Promise, which encourages all if you see it, to report it - https://tips.sandyhookpromise.org/?_ga=2.95197276.1710815893.1629413175-1669150287.1629413175 - Through the Say Something Anonymous Reporting system, you can submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone who may hurt themselves or others. Submit a tip through Sandy Hook's secure website - https://tips.sandyhookpromise.org/?_ga=2.95197276.1710815893.1629413175-1669150287.1629413175 --Call Sandy Hook's 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-844-5-SayNow (1-844-572-9669) to prevent violence.

Now we take a break for a moment’s rest and some basic travel supplies at the most northern of our Santa Fe Public Schools - the idyllic Tesuque Elementary. This hidden gem has served the children of Tesuque Village, Chupadero, Rio en Medio and Tesuque Pueblo since 1930. Tesuque Elementary School provides an Innovative and Expeditionary program with a Transformational Leadership style - a multi-sensory learning “beyond the classroom” approach known as SEL/Sensory developmental academic program where children have environmental experiences and stimuli to guide their cognitive development. It is one of the most innovative and ground-breaking new forms of education. These diverse students have daily opportunities to learn about a variety of cultures, explore the attributes of living in New Mexico and make use of their ideas for the betterment of the world. In addition, Tesuque Elementary offers: --Field experiences --An award-winning art program --Music --Band (4th-6th Grade) --Choir --Violin (1st-6th Grade) --Gardening --Competitive sports teams Tesuque Elementary is also known for their supportive student families, a dedicated surrounding community and a generous volunteer group that helps them with fundraising, tutoring and much more.

Our ship descends into the northside of Santa Fe to Gonzales Community named for one of New Mexico’s most remarkable residents and former School Board of Education Member. Albert Gonzales Sr. was struck blind by a diving accident at age 16. He never let his disability deter him from greatness. He became the first blind man to graduate from NMSU and Georgetown Law School, he passed the NM Bar, and practiced law well into his late 80s and was named one of the 5 most distinguished blind persons in the nation.. Mr. Gonzales’ legacy is the basis of the Community School that bears his name with the Lobos own commitment to never giving up and fighting to make each of their students stand apart and be original and fearless. Gonzales Community School provides some great programs such as: --21st Century After-School program --An engaged PTA department --An multi-award winning institution --NDI --Cooking with Kids --STEAM and CSR The school also offers extracurricular activities such as Violin, Hiking, Chess, D&D, Inter-Tribal Culture club, Volleyball, and Football. Albert Gonzales reminds us that no matter what life throws at us, we can overcome and thrive. Gonzales Community School makes sure to honor him by setting the foundation for these young students with this in mind.