Superintendent's District Update

Dr. Channell Segura
Superintendent

Pojoaque Valley School District

Pojoaque Valley School District is seeking feedback from students, staff, and families about their experience with the four-day school week. The information collected will help the District understand the benefits and challenges of the current schedule and identify considerations as we develop next year’s district calendar.

This survey should take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete. Responses are anonymous. Please do not include names or personally identifiable information in your written responses. The survey window will be open from October 13th-28th.

Thank you for sharing your experience and helping us plan for the future.

Daily attendance is essential to student success. Every school day provides opportunities to build academic skills, connect with teachers and classmates, and receive support. With PVSD’s four-day school week, each instructional day carries added importance.

Our current attendance snapshot shows the following results for each school's Average Daily Attendance (ADA) and Chronic Absenteeism (Students who have missed more than 10% of school days this year):

Pojoaque Intermediate has the highest daily attendance rate and lowest chronic absenteeism rate among our schools. Daily attendance exceeds 90% at four schools; however, chronic absenteeism remains a concern across the district. Pojoaque High School’s reported rates indicate a particularly urgent need to understand attendance barriers and strengthen student engagement and support.

These measures tell different parts of the attendance story: daily attendance reflects how consistently students are present, while chronic absenteeism identifies students missing a substantial portion of their school days. A school can have a relatively high daily attendance rate while many individual students accumulate frequent absences.

Consistent attendance helps students maintain learning momentum, participate in instruction, and develop a strong sense of belonging. We ask families to prioritize attendance, schedule appointments outside instructional hours whenever possible, and contact their school early when transportation, health, or other challenges affect attendance. Students who are ill should stay home as appropriate, with families communicating absences and coordinating missed work with teachers.

Every student matters, and every day of learning counts. Together, we can address barriers and help students stay connected, engaged, and on track for success.

As part of our ongoing review of the Ignite the Path Strategic Plan, Pojoaque Valley School District surveyed students in grades 3–12 to better understand their school experiences and priorities. The survey received 705 responses, providing valuable student perspectives to consider alongside achievement and attendance data as we evaluate our goals, strategies, and supports.

Student wellness emerged as the leading priority. When asked what schools should focus on most, 66.5% of respondents selected health, safety, and feeling supported, followed by college and career readiness at 60.0% and reading and math at 46.8%. These results reinforce the importance of Goal 3 and the connection between students’ well-being, their engagement in school, and their readiness to learn.

Students rated how safe and supported they feel at school at an average of 3.39 out of 5. While 44.1% selected a rating of 4 or 5, 36.9% selected 3, and 19.0% selected 1 or 2. These responses indicate that many students experience support, while a substantial number report experiences that need further attention. When asked what would make school safer or healthier, 57.7% selected kindness and respect between students, 44.3% selected more help for students who are sad or stressed, 32.5% selected opportunities for movement and exercise, and 26.4% selected healthier food and snacks. Students could select multiple priorities.

Student voice is another area for improvement. Students’ comfort expressing opinions or concerns to teachers and district leaders averaged 3.18 out of 5. Approximately 39.4% selected a rating of 4 or 5, while 27.8% selected 1 or 2. This finding highlights the need to strengthen trusting relationships, provide accessible opportunities for feedback, and demonstrate how student concerns lead to follow-up and action.

Overall feelings about school also suggest an opportunity to strengthen engagement and belonging: 60.0% said school is “okay,” 15.2% said they really like school, and 24.8% said they do not like school very much. Written comments included requests for stronger responses to bullying, more respectful interactions, greater emotional support, engaging lessons, and improvements to meals and school environments. These comments provide context for further review rather than verified findings about individual situations.

The results point to several priorities for our continued Goal 3 work: strengthening kindness and respectful peer relationships; reinforcing bullying prevention and response; improving access to counseling and emotional support; and ensuring students have trusted adults who listen and respond. Reviewing these findings alongside achievement and attendance data will help guide adjustments that support student learning, wellness, and belonging.

October: National Bullying Prevention Month—Choose Kindness and Respect

Every student deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported. This October, Pojoaque Valley School District encourages students, staff, and families to prevent bullying by practicing kindness, showing respect, including others, and speaking responsibly in person and online.

If you see something, say something. Students and staff who experience or witness bullying should promptly report concerns to a teacher, counselor, principal, or school leader. Families can help by listening and communicating with their child’s school.

Through Goal 3 of our Ignite the Path Strategic Plan, we remain committed to wellness, health, and safety. Every interaction matters—let’s work together to ensure every student feels a sense of belonging.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Pojoaque Valley School District will share weekly learning opportunities with staff, students, and families to help us recognize the cyber threats we encounter every day.

According to the FBI, Americans reported about $216 million in losses from phishing and spoofing in 2025. Complaints that referenced AI accounted for another $893 million in reported losses. These numbers show why it’s so important to pause and verify unexpected requests, whether they arrive by email, text, phone call, or video.

Throughout October, we’ll share ways to spot deceptive messages, protect personal information, use strong passwords, and report suspicious activity so our IT team can respond quickly. We’ll also send Halloween-themed practice phishing emails to staff through our cybersecurity training platform, giving employees a safe opportunity to sharpen their skills.

Celebrating National Principals Month

October is National Principals Month, and Pojoaque Valley School District is proud to recognize our strong, dedicated school leaders! Our principals help create welcoming, safe, and supportive schools where students feel a sense of belonging, staff feel valued, and families are partners in learning.

Through their leadership, our principals support high-quality instruction, guide school improvement, and bring our Ignite the Path Strategic Plan to life. They navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and keep student learning and well-being at the center of their decisions.

To our principals: Thank you for your commitment, compassion, and the countless ways you serve our school communities each day. Your leadership makes a lasting difference for our students, staff, and families. Please join us in showing appreciation for these outstanding leaders throughout October, and every day!

In recognition of National School Lunch Week, Pojoaque Valley School District thanks our dedicated Student Nutrition staff for the care and hard work they bring to our schools each day. From preparing nutritious meals to greeting students with a welcoming smile, these team members help students feel cared for and ready to learn.

Their work nourishes our students, supports their well-being, and fuels their success in the classroom. Please join us in thanking our Student Nutrition team for the difference they make every day!

National School Bus Safety Week: Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes

October 19–23, 2026, is National School Bus Safety Week! This year’s theme, “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes,” highlights the shared responsibility of keeping students safe on and around our school buses.

Pojoaque Valley School District extends a heartfelt thank-you to our bus drivers and transportation staff for their dedication, patience, and care. They help our students arrive ready to learn and return home safely, making them an essential part of our school community.

We encourage families to review these important reminders with their children:

• Arrive at the bus stop early and wait safely away from the road.

• Wait for the bus to stop completely and for the driver’s signal before boarding.

• Use the handrail, follow the driver’s directions, and treat others with kindness and respect.

• Never walk behind a bus. When crossing in front, stay at least 10 feet ahead and make eye contact with the driver.

• If something falls near the bus, tell the driver before trying to retrieve it.

Motorists can help by slowing down near bus stops, watching for children, and obeying school bus flashing lights and stop arms. Together, we can make every ride a safe ride, this week and throughout the school year!

💚 Thank you to our custodial and maintenance teams! 💚

In recognition of National Custodian Day on October 2, Pojoaque Valley School District leadership hosted a pizza luncheon to celebrate our hardworking custodial and maintenance staff.

These dedicated teams are the foundation of our schools—keeping our campuses clean, safe, well-maintained, and ready for learning. Their daily work supports our students and staff and makes the educational process possible.

Thank you for your care, dedication, and pride in our schools. We appreciate you! 🦌

Eli Garcia has been chosen as Pablo Roybal Elementary School’s Student of the Month for October! Eli was nominated by his 1st grade teacher, Ms. Ashlee. Ms. Ashlee shared; "Eli has a positive attitude and is always kind to his classmates. He comes to class ready to learn and always does his best." We are so proud of Eli and the wonderful example he sets for his peers. Congratulations again to you and your family!

Mathis Gonzales, nominated by teacher Adriana Roybal, is recognized for his hard work, kindness, and classroom leadership. Dedicated to his schoolwork, Mathis consistently strives for excellence while lending a helping hand to his classmates. His ability to build positive relationships and lead by example makes him a wonderful role model for his peers. Congratulations, Mathis!

Madilynn Brandenburg, nominated by Ms. Sara Moser, is recognized for her outstanding achievement and leadership in mathematics. After demonstrating complete mastery of core mathematical concepts, she advanced to more challenging coursework and took on a leadership role as a peer tutor. Her dedication to learning and willingness to help classmates succeed make her a wonderful example of student excellence. Congratulations, Madilynn!

Nominated by his teacher, Mr. Delman Herrera, Everett Hands demonstrates responsibility, respect, and a positive attitude toward learning. He consistently arrives on time, completes his assignments, and approaches opportunities to strengthen his skills and expand his knowledge with enthusiasm. His eagerness to learn and commitment to improvement support his continued growth and success. Congratulations, Everett, on setting a positive example!

Congratulations to Mathea Bowie, a senior at Pojoaque Valley High School, on being named Student of the Month! Nominated by Mr. Nodge and Ms. Mourant, Mathea exemplifies dedication, leadership, and school pride through her achievements in academics, athletics, and service. Mathea challenges herself with an all-Advanced Placement (AP) course schedule while participating in soccer, basketball, and golf. Across the classroom, field, and court, she demonstrates determination, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. Beyond her academic and athletic pursuits, Mathea serves as a student intern in a fifth-grade classroom at Pojoaque Valley Intermediate School, supporting younger students and serving as a positive role model. We are proud of Mathea’s hard work, caring spirit, and contributions to our school community!

Paetyn Romero, nominated by Girls Soccer Head Coach Andrew Romero, is recognized for her leadership, teamwork, and positive attitude. A senior, team captain, and center defender for the Elkettes soccer team, Paetyn leads by example and encourages her teammates to persevere through challenges and continue improving. Her enthusiasm and support help teammates feel valued while building trust and bringing out the best in others. Congratulations, Paetyn, on this well-deserved recognition!

Valentino Duran, nominated by Football Head Coach Zeke Villegas, is recognized for his outstanding performance, dedication, and work ethic. A varsity starter, Valentino had an exceptional month on defense, recording two interceptions and returning both for touchdowns! He consistently arrives on time, attends practice every day, and works hard to improve and help his team succeed. His determination and commitment set a strong example for his teammates. Congratulations, Valentino, on this well-deserved recognition!

Ms. Wenellen Aurea, Life Skills teacher, is recognized for her outstanding dedication to student growth and success. Nominated by Principals, Judy Salipan and Theresa Lovato, she and Mr. Gabales have demonstrated patience, consistency, creativity, and exceptional care in helping a student make remarkable progress in a short time. Together, they have built trust, nurtured confidence, and created opportunities for the student to take on new challenges. Ms. Aurea’s leadership and their teamwork reflect a powerful belief that every student can grow with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities.

Pam Chavez, an Instructional Assistant nominated by 3rd Grade Teacher, Angela Martinez, is recognized for her initiative, teamwork, and dedication to students. While serving in a one-to-one support role, she also goes out of her way to help students throughout the classroom. Her collaborative spirit, warm demeanor, and willingness to step in wherever needed help create a positive learning environment. Thank you, Pam, for the care and enthusiasm you bring to your work each day!

Our teachers, coaches, and leaders have been working diligently to ensure strong Layer I instruction for all students to provide equitable access and opportunity to high quality, grade level, instructional materials in alignment with Goals 1 (Literacy) and 2 (Numeracy) of our Strategic Plan.

Our district utilizes the following curricula for ELA and math:

• ELA K-12: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH)
• Math K-5: Savvas Learning
• Math 6-12: McGraw Hill

Key Characteristics of Layer 1 High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM):

• Standards Alignment: Tightly connected to rigorous grade-level academic standards rather than surface-level procedures.
• Built-In Scaffolding: Provides differentiation tools for diverse learners, English language learners, and students needing prerequisite support without dropping grade-level rigor.
• Time-Saving for Teachers: Replaces hours spent building lessons from scratch with ready-to-use source sets, rubrics, and discussion prompts.
• Embedded Professional Learning: Guides teachers on content mastery and instructional delivery alongside the curriculum.

Pojoaque Valley School District was recognized by the NM Grown Coalition for its dedication and outstanding work promoting NM Grown initiatives. Anthony Lovato attended the awards banquet, where schools were honored for their efforts. Congratulations to Anthony and everyone who contributes to the success of NM Grown in our district!

The PVSD Education Foundation is excited to announce that the Elk Rack is scheduled to open in January 2027! To help meet student needs, we are seeking donations of new shoes, new underwear, and new or gently used jeans. To arrange a donation, please contact Foundation Secretary/Treasurer Dianne Baros at diannebaros@yahoo.com.

The Foundation is also sponsoring a raffle featuring two tickets to the Denver Broncos vs. Miami Dolphins football game on December 6, plus $500 cash! The winning ticket will be drawn on November 19 during the Foundation’s regular monthly meeting. Proceeds support the Foundation’s programs and initiatives benefiting PVSD students.

Thank you for helping us support our students through your generosity and participation!

Our Four-Year Undergraduate Scholarship application is now open.

Apply by January 10, 2027

The LANL Foundation’s four-year undergraduate scholarships are open to students pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree in any field of study. Whether pursuing a degree in STEM, health care, education, business or the humanities, chances are that we offer a scholarship designed for you. If you are a student who meets the eligibility criteria (see below) or are a family member of a student, we encourage you to learn more.

Students submit one application to be considered for more than 30 unique scholarship awards. The Los Alamos Employees Scholarship Fund (LAESF) Advisory Committee evaluates all applications to match applicants with any awards for which they are eligible and selects the strongest candidates in each category to receive an award.

Four-Year Undergraduate Scholarships range from $1,000 for a single year up to $20,000 over four years. Renewal is dependent upon remaining in good academic standing and meeting minimum GPA and enrollment requirements.

While rural schools have broadband, there is often no high-speed connection for students and others once they return home. Student Connect funds are addressing that problem by establishing fixed wireless broadband. Student Connect grants will be used to construct towers, build fixed wireless service and provide receivers for the designated student homes. The state money comes from OBAE’s Connect New Mexico Fund.

​The Legislature appropriated $25 million designated for public school projects, and OBAE created Student Connect in 2024, an assistance program specifically designed to bring broadband to rural students and school staff. Students and school staff participating in the program will also get three years of free internet. OBAE will approve those applications that meet program criteria. The application process doesn’t have a deadline, but all projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. The Connect New Mexico Fund was established in 2021 by the Legislature through the Connect New Mexico Act.

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3 RENDON, AMY ANN

4 FERNANDEZ, VERONICA R.

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