Hondo Valley Schools Newsletter
September 2026
Liz Estrada, RN
The beginning of the school year is a very busy time, for students and for faculty. Kids are getting back in the groove; teachers are meeting new students and putting their yearly plans in place. For the nursing office, it’s also a time of reviewing records, screenings and this year – getting use to a new Health Record Documentation format called Synergy. Here are just a few reminders that all parents may see in the coming weeks and new programs in place.
IMMUNIZATIONS – PreK, Kinder, 1st, 7th, & 12th grade records will be reviewed to ensure immunizations are current. These are the ages that initial and booster immunizations are required by the NM Department of Health. You may be receiving a letter if your student’s record doesn’t show current vaccinations. A copy of the report from the state system will be sent home. I will highlight the immunizations that are required. If your student is transferring from another state, you will need to obtain your immunization record from your previous school, or your state Dept of Health site and bring it to the school. If you wish your child to be EXEMPT from these requirements, you can obtain an Exemption form from HVPS front office. You will send these to the Dept of Health office in Santa Fe and they may take a few weeks to process. Exemptions are renewed every new school year. All records must be current by December 1st. Immunizations can be obtained free from the Ruidoso Public Health Office located at 111 Kansas City Rd. These requirements include any student registered with HVPS – part-time and remote learning students (home schooled).
SCREENINGS – Vision & Hearing Screenings will be done on all Pre K, 1st, 3rd grades, and new students. These can be done for any student throughout the year and can be requested by faculty or parents. A reminder- the LIONS EYESIGHT FOR KIDS program can provide an eye exam voucher for exam at a local optometry office, and provide two pair of glasses for the students See me for more details!
EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION FORMS – must be turned in ASAP. This guides how I am able to assess and treat your student when they present to my office. Without this authorization signed and on file, I legally cannot examine the student, unless in an extreme emergency - life & death decisions. I operate under Standing Orders from our NM Dept of Health physician and allows me to treat certain problems with approved over the counter medications. Without this form, I am unable to do this for your student. These also give us direction on who to call in case of emergency and most importantly, any medical conditions or allergies your student may have.
TELEMEDICINE PROGRAM – I have access to the Ruidoso School Based Health Clinic at the Ruidoso High School for appointments if you are unable to get into your own physician timely. These are available Tuesdays and Thursdays and are free to the student. The parent/guardian must be present for the visit which takes place in my office.
PHYSICIAN TREATMENT PLANS – If your child needs a prescription medication given during school hours, a treatment plan signed by you and your physician will need to be turned in. I cannot hold or dispense your student’s medication without this plan, and an appropriately labeled prescription on the medication. This includes rescue inhalers for students with asthma.
CLASS D EMERGENCY MEDICATION PHARMACY LICENSE – This was obtained over the summer. It allows me to keep EpiPens for anaphylactic reactions, Narcan for a potential overdose, and Albuterol Rescue Inhaler for emergency use only. Specific criteria are in place when these are used. An emergency situation is a life or death situation – not because you forgot yours or I haven’t been given one to keep on hand for you. If this medication is used, I am required to call 911. This is a fantastic program to have available since we are so far away from an EMS service and the hospital.
WISHING ALL EAGLES A SAFE & HEALTHY SCHOOL YEAR!
These are some of the faces of our learning!
Michael Dominguez - Dean of Students
As Dean of Students, I oversee student discipline, attendance, academic support, testing coordination, student records, graduation progress, and college and career readiness. I also work closely with students, families, teachers, and community partners to maintain a safe and supportive school environment. I am passionate about helping students succeed academically and preparing them for college, career training, and life after graduation. I enjoy working with students and families to remove barriers and connect them with opportunities that can positively shape their futures. A fun fact about me is that, during my five years as a Skills USA advisor, I led students to the national competition four times, earning top-three national finishes in three of those years.
Sandra Medina - Secretary/Food Service Director
My duties include Front desk, Food Service Director, sunshine committee, and sometimes transportation. Fun facts about me are I like to go to the movies,cross stitch, spend as much time as I can with my family, and I'm a volunteer @ the Hondo Valley Fire Department.
Liz Estrada - RN
My Job is keeping the students healthy! I've been a nurse for 45 years, specializing in ER and Critical Care. I am also an educator and love to teach. I have certificates in Basic & Advanced Life Support and Trauma. A little about me I love to read mysteries, watch crime documentaries and thriller movies. I have 1 son, 3 grown grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. I love to cook, and travel abroad, and National Parks in my motor home! A fun fact is I own and ride 3 motorcycles!
Cynthia Narvaez - 1st Grade Teacher
In 1st grade, I primarily work on creating a diverse learning environment where students are working hard but are also experiencing engaged learning with hands-on activities. To date, after 20+ years of teaching, this is my 10th year working here at HVPS. I have taught kindergarten, 1st grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade at this site. I have also worked in Ruidoso, T or C, and in Mescalero. I grew up in the Hondo Valley, attended school here, and am fortunate to still have my parents here in San Patricio. This school, and the children who attend, will always hold a special place in my heart. A fun fact about me is secretly, I’d rather be a NASCAR driver…I love fast and old cars.
Gina Goodman - Science and Social Studies Teacher for 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade
I am originally from El Paso, Texas, but I moved up here to Lincoln County 6 years ago. Although the desert has its own special beauty, I was delighted to finally be able to come to the mountains and a cooler climate. Being outdoors is my happy place. I love hiking, skiing, and camping. As far as my teaching position here at Hondo, it is such an honor and a privilege to work in such a loving community, so rich in family and tradition. I am so happy to be here. A fun fact I am a tornado survivor!! (in Arkansas, as a child)
Lisa Wenner - Math Teacher for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade
I have been teaching 22 years. I have three kids and 3 grandkids. I grew up in Lincoln County and graduated from Ruidoso High School. Fun Fact: I am a published children's book author.
Adam Romero - Middle School Teacher
I teach 6th ,7th, & 8th Grade Math and 6th Grade Social Studies & Science. I graduated from Hondo in 1999. I like riding horses, taking care of my cattle and I enjoy working outside. This is my 21st year teaching in Hondo. I am a life long resident of San Patricio and I enjoy teaching. I am proud to be a TRUE blue Eagle! My fun fact is I eat ice cream with a fork.
Ms. King - High School Sped Teacher
I work with all students in any classroom. I make sure students that are exceptional are provided accommodations they need to be successful and keep federal documents updated. A little about myself is I've been a teacher for 13 years and became a special education teacher intentionally. I was inspired by a special education teacher who helped my daughter to become successful. I went to college after age 45 and regretted not becoming a teacher sooner. My favorite class is reading. I dreamed of living in the mountains for many years and thought I would only stay for 6 months but I will stay forever. A fun fact is that I am an archery hunter.
Melissa Richardson - High School Math Teacher
I have been married for over 10 years, 9 is my favorite number, a daughter that is 8, a son that is 7, 6 children in total, 5 cats, over 4 years of teaching high school math, 3 college degrees, 2 children in the Navy, and an elk that hangs out in my front yard. A fun fact is I love Math.
Jim Shields - High School Teacher and Secondary
I am the Social Studies, Senior Class Co-Sponsor, and Media Literacy Teacher. B.A., M.A.T., Ed.S degrees; in my 21st year of education. A fun fact about myself is I am a former broadcast journalist.
