From the Assistant Superintendent

Greetings Taos Community,

As we approach another school year, I would first like to welcome staff, students and families to our great school community. We at Taos Municipal Schools strive to provide the best quality education for our students by implementing research-based programs which incorporate learning opportunities for all. This year we will continue to implement AVID district wide, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) provides research-based programming in kindergarten through college by incorporating strategies in Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading. Students will learn note-taking skills, organization and collaborative skills just to name a few; the premise of implementation is to prepare students to be college and career ready. Another major addition coming to us later this year will be GEAR UP, a college and career readiness program which aligns with AVID. Through GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Reading for Undergraduate Programs), students will be provided remedial support in math and language arts and will be provided opportunities to explore various careers and colleges which support programs of study. We will work to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education and the workforce.

We will also commit to continue to improve all instructional programs. Each of our schools is supported with literacy instructional coaches who support teachers in analyzing data, planning for student/classroom needs and support with implementation strategies across all content areas. This year we will also be reviewing material for a new math adoption series (kinder - 12th) which will be purchased for the next six years. If you are interested in taking part in your school’s adoption committee please reach out to the site principal or myself, your opinion is greatly needed and appreciated.

I encourage all families to participate in development and implementation of programs at your schools. We will host many after hour events that may include planning of programs, learning of programs your child participates in and of course, celebrations of your child’s successes.

Lastly, well wishes for a long, healthy and happy retirement to; Sandra Garcia, Robert V. Trujillo, Gladys Herrera-Gurule and many other valued teachers, custodians, cafeteria and office staff across all departments who provided decades of service to the Taos Community. Thank you, for your work, it has been a privilege to work alongside you.

Respectfully,

Melissa Sandoval Assistant Superintendent melissa.sandoval@taosschools.org 575-758-5204