Message from Superintendent Ross
Hondo Valley School Community,
As we welcome the new month of February, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we've made so far this year. Our students, staff, and families have come together to create a positive and supportive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, creativity, and well-being.
As we continue through the second month of the year, I would like to focus on our attendance initiative. During the spring semester, we are asking all parents to ensure that their children attend school every day. Our goal is to decrease our chronic absence rate from last year’s 30%-50% to less than 10% this year.
Daily attendance is a fundamental aspect of academic success. Being present consistently plays a crucial role in the overall development and performance of students. Regular attendance allows students to engage fully with the material and skills being taught, where each day builds upon the previous one, enabling a deeper understanding and mastery of subjects.
The habits developed through regular attendance translate effectively into future endeavors. Whether pursuing further education or entering the workforce, the discipline of showing up consistently lays the groundwork for success in various aspects of life. Studies show that attendance is directly linked to performance; missing classes often results in gaps in knowledge or productivity, which can impact grades, evaluations, and overall success.
Daily attendance is not just about being physically present; it is about being engaged, taking advantage of opportunities for growth, and laying a foundation for future achievements. I encourage all students to prioritize consistent attendance as a vital factor in their personal and academic development.
Thank you to all parents and guardians for your ongoing support and commitment to our students’ success. Your encouragement and involvement make a significant difference in their lives and in our school community. Together, we can make this a successful year for everyone!
Mary Ross
Superintendent
Welcome to Hondo Valley Schools!
We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Brandon Barry to our Hondo Valley Schools community as our English High School teacher. Mr. Barry, a longtime resident of Ruidoso, brings a wealth of experience from various fields, including nearly a decade of service with the Village of Ruidoso and teaching in Alamogordo.
With his diverse background and dedication to education, Mr. Barry is passionate about helping students understand the skills and knowledge necessary for success after high school. Outside of work, he enjoys life in Ruidoso with his wife and 5-year-old daughter.
We look forward to the positive impact Mr. Barry will bring to our school community! Welcome aboard!
Hello, everyone! I’m excited to officially introduce myself as the new Kindergarten teacher. After earning my master’s degree in Career & Technical Education, I wasn’t sure where my path would lead. I decided to start substitute teaching to gain classroom experience, and from the moment I stepped into the kindergarten classroom, I knew I had found my calling. I instantly fell in love with the students, the environment, and the school community.
I feel truly honored to be part of such a wonderful team of experienced educators. As a new teacher, I welcome any advice, suggestions, or insights that can help me grow in this role.
A heartfelt thank you to the elementary teachers, staff, and students for making me feel so welcome!
Mrs. Linda Chapman
Our Pre-K students are incredibly creative and full of imagination! They absolutely love exploring with watercolors, creating beautiful and colorful masterpieces. Their fine motor skills are also growing strong as they play with playdough, building strength and dexterity in their hands. Recently, they read The Little Red Hen, a wonderful story that teaches the important lesson that teamwork is key to achieving great things—just like working together to enjoy a delicious "cake." It's amazing to see them grasping these valuable concepts at such a young age!
- Boosts Critical Thinking: Helps students analyze stories, characters, and themes while developing reasoning skills.
- Builds Confidence and Social Skills: Provides a supportive space for students to share ideas and speak in front of others.
- Fosters a Love of Reading: Makes reading more fun and social, motivating students to read more.
- Promotes Diverse Perspectives: Encourages understanding and empathy by exposing students to different viewpoints.
- Enhances Writing Skills: Discussion prompts and book reflections improve writing and organization.
- Teaches Responsibility: Students stay on track with reading schedules and sometimes lead group discussions.
- Expands Literary Horizons: Introduces students to new genres, authors, and books they may not have chosen themselves.
Book clubs create an engaging, collaborative way for students to grow academically and socially!
Parents,
We’re thrilled to share the progress of our students during this first semester at Hondo Valley Public Schools. Through the PBIS initiative, students have been earning Eagle Feathers for positive actions and more.
However we are moving forward by focusing on behavior-based rewards, exemplified during these "second semester" opportunities. We look forward for your support and creative involvement to make your child's next steps fun, positive, and surprising✨ !
