Rio Rancho schools deserve our praise for high standards
Our expectations often result in skewed reactions. For example, the New England Patriots seem to get a lot more attention when they lose a game than when they win because we expect them to win. It makes sense because their record shows a lot of wins over the last few years. So, our expectations make sense.
A losing team gets more attention just by scoring points than New England gets from winning a game. One of the perils, evidently, of being good.
Sometimes, Rio Rancho Public Schools must feel that we, the public, expect them to score well every year; therefore, our expectations get in the way of acknowledging how much work goes into those good scores and how impressive it is to achieve high scores year after year.
This year’s scores show the district and its schools doing exceptionally well. Six schools improved their grades by at least one letter grade from 2016 to 2017, one improved by two letter grades, and nine maintained their grades from last year. Three schools saw a decline, two by less than one point and one school by less than three points. More than 70 percent of our schools earned either an A or B. And we had only one D and no Fs.
The district has maintained its outstanding reputation and is continuing to do an excellent job of educating our children. If we have come to expect that and therefore do not acknowledge the hard work of the staff, students and parents each and every year, then we have a problem.
Our schools, but, more importantly, the teachers and staff deserve congratulations and recognition for a job well done, for the professional way they have handled all the changes in the system and for their concern for our children’s future. We would like to sincerely thank each teacher and staff member for their superior contribution to our children’s future. We are proud of our school district’s success.
And, we apologize if we have taken your good work for granted.
When we look at the scores from Albuquerque and other districts around the state, our pride in Rio Rancho’s schools grows even more. Not disregarding all the hard work involved each year, it must be a lot easier improving on success than it is emerging from low scores. Keep up the good work, Rio Rancho.
The quality of our schools not only benefits the students and their futures, it benefits the city and its future. When our politicians and local organizations try to improve Rio Rancho’s future by recruiting new businesses to the city, it’s a lot easier with a school system that provides good educational opportunities.
When parents decide where to buy a home, they certainly consider the quality of the schools — and the scores are available for everyone to see. Most parents, if given the choice, will choose the best schools they can for their children.
Couple good schools with low crime and a small-town atmosphere, people and businesses will find Rio Rancho a good place to call home.
So, thanks to Rio Rancho Public Schools teachers and staff. Thanks to the administration and the Board of Education. It takes a lot of dedication, hard work, and a sense of purpose to achieve the results the district has achieved. We are proud of our schools.