I would just like to take a moment to say "Thank You" to all Parents & Guardians who attended Parent-Teacher Conference. I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child, and I'm very happy you are taking an active role in the education of your child. Thank you for working alongside my teachers to ensure your child is receiving the best educational experience possible. I look forward to the continued success of all our Arrey Elementary students with the collaboration and support from you! Happy October!

~Ms. Brandy Williams

Hi, my name is Brianna Covarrubias. I am a PreK-5th Special Education teacher at AES! I obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Child Science from New Mexico State University. I recently received my Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of the Southwest in May 2023. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Special Education at the University of the Southwest. I enjoy being outdoors, going on walks, and spending quality time with my family. Building relationships with my students is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. Arrey Elementary School encourages educators to connect with students on a personal level, and I cherish the meaningful connections I've formed with my students and their families. The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my students, collaborate with a supportive team, and engage in continuous learning, are some of the many reasons why I enjoy my role immensely here at AES.

My name is Barbra Chavez-Olivarez. I am the Pre-K 4Y Teacher at AES! I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Child Sciences with a Minor in Counseling and Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University. I am currently pursing my Master's Degree at Western New Mexico University in Early Childhood Education. On my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, dancing, listening to music, and being adventurous. My hobbies include DIY projects and photography. I am very passionate about working with students and creating a foundation of learning that will prepare our students for their educational journey. Arrey Elementary School is a wonderful school. I am grateful to work in a community that is so loving and supportive.

My name is Maximus Buckingham. I played American Football at the University of Texas at El Paso. I also graduated there with my Bachelor's Degree. I moved up to Truth or Consequences with my family just before the beginning of the school year. My family includes my lovely wife, Francely Buckingham, and our daughter who is nine months, Izara Buckingham. I love to play sports and coach the next generation in any sport whether it is football, basketball, baseball, or volleyball. I really enjoy seeing kids get better and improve themselves. My goal for this school year is to build a relationship with the Arrey community and my new students. I would also like to be involved in the community as much as possible and include any students I coach in this. My hobbies include going to the gym, playing sports, and spending time with my family (watching movies, going hiking, etc).

My name is Samantha Kuchen. I moved to New Mexico from Chicago in 2014. I went to University of Illinois in Chicago for my Bachelor’s Degree in Education. I enjoy nature, walking, dancing, painting, diamond art, and loving on animals. My goals for this school year are to complete my National Boards and, as always, show students how much fun learning can be. I am in my 9th year teaching kindergarten at Arrey Elementary, and the students of Arrey have become part of my family.

My name is Mrs. Villa. I grew up here in Arrey and went to elementary school here. It was always a dream of mine to be able to come back and teach at the school I grew up in. This year I am teaching 1st grade. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as a teacher, while getting to teach some awesome students. I attended New Mexico State University where I got my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with TESOL and Bilingual endorsements. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for nine years. I have two sons, Santiago, and Joaquin, and one daughter, Emma. I also have a dog. I love watching my sons play football and baseball. When I am not taxi driving my kids around, I love to spend time with my family. I also enjoy watching the Cowboys play on Sundays during football season.

Hi! I’m Ms. Yrene. I grew up in the mountains east of Albuquerque, then moved to T or C in high school and graduated from Hot Springs High School in 2012. GO TIGERS! I studied elementary education at Eastern New Mexico University. I love to read and write. Some of my favorite books are Pride and Prejudice, The Hobbit, and Harry Potter. An aspiration of mine is to one day write a book. For fun, I like to go paddle boarding at the lake, fishing, hiking, and traveling. Lately, I have been trying to learn how to bake and garden. I spend my free time hanging out with my energetic daughter and snuggling with my cat, Daisy. I also love spending time with my two sisters, who live here as well, (and who I’m told look just like me), and my awesome niece and nephews.

Hello, I'm Amanda Plane. I teach 3rd Grade. I received my degree in Elementary Education at NMSU. After graduating from NMSU, I taught in Farmington, NM for several years. I moved back to T. or C. in 2019 and started teaching for the T or C District. I enjoy having new adventures with my son and my daughter. My goal for this school year is to begin working on my National Board Certification. When I have free time, I enjoy reading.

I am Diana Mendoza. I teach 4th grade at Arrey Elementary. This is my sixth year teaching. I was born and raised in Mexico, moved to the United States when I was 11 years old, and have lived in Arrey ever since. I graduated from Hot Springs High School in 2008. 2017 I obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Western New Mexico University. I have been married to my husband Ignacio for thirteen years, and we have three awesome kids: Mia, Sahid, and Axel. I love reading books, watching movies, indoor plants, doing crafts with my children, and spending time with my family. As a family, we love to get together and eat delicious food cooked by my mom; she is an excellent cook. My goals for this year are to encourage my students to become better readers and teach them about their heritage and culture. Arrey Elementary is home, and I love being part of the school and the community.

Hello, I am Kamolparn “Tik” Higgins. I was born in Bangkok, Thailand and came to the USA when I was 6 years old. I graduated from Mayfield High School and received my Bachelor’s Degree in K-8 Teaching from NMSU. I am highly qualified in Language Arts. I know ‘survival Spanish,’ which I learned while in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. I love learning new languages. I am fluent in English and partly fluent in Spanish and Thai (my native language).

My first year of teaching was as an English Component teacher in a dual language setting for second grade in Arrey. After that, I was with the Hatch School District as a fifth-grade teacher at Rio Grande Elementary. One year later, I had an opportunity to teach Language Arts, for sixth grade at Hatch Middle School. While at middle school, I became a Level 2 teacher and a Level 2 coach. I coached volleyball, basketball (2 seasons), and track during my middle 7.5 years with HVMSD. Then my career took me to LCPS at Conlee Elementary. While teaching at Conlee, I also coached volleyball and basketball at Sierra Middle School. I stayed with LCPS for 4.5 years, and am fortunate to return to where I began at Arrey Elementary. I am currently teaching fifth grade and loving my job!

If you think the US Presidential elections are competitive...you should have been here! Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade participated in the Arrey Elementary School Student Council elections. I am so proud of these amazing kids! Students interested in Student Council created campaign posters, prepared speeches, rehearsed, and presented to the student body for their chance at representing our school. The student body voted for the best candidates. We had 6 candidates compete for Student Council President, 5 for Vice President, 3 Secretary candidates, 2 Treasurer candidates, and a total of 15 candidates competed to be a Student Council Representative! What a privilege it is to work alongside such hardworking, dedicated students. I am truly honored! Please help me congratulate Arrey Elementary School's 2023-2024 Student Council members:

• President: Juan Pablo Achaval
• Vice Presidents (there are 2 as a result of a tie): Jaylene Perez & Tony Aguirre
• Secretary: Ivani Requejo
• Treasurer: Johan Arguellez
• Representatives: (5th Grade) Julisa Pasillas, Alondra Ontiveros, Caleb Legarda, (4th Grade) Levi Napie, Alex Gonzalez, Sahid Mendoza, (3rd Grade) Jaime Aguirre, Santi Villa, Jaeda Davis.

I look forward to collaborating with this group of students who represent nothing less than great character! Way to go CHAMPS of AES!!!

Thank you to VFW Post #3317 in Williamsburg for your generous donation of $1,500 for our school! Your involvement in our community and your willingness to invest in the education of our children is a reflection of your profound commitment to the well-being of future generations. We will ensure that your donation is put to good use and that it benefits our students in the best possible way.

Thank you to Sierra Electric for your generous donation of $1,020 to use for our annual Cinco de Mayo celebration! Your donation will help fund new dresses for our dancers. This donation was much needed and very appreciated.

Thank you to the ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #44 for your school supplies donation! We are very grateful for your commitment and dedication to our Arrey Elementary students. Thank you for what you do not only for us, but for Veterans in our community. You are greatly appreciated!

• 10.2.23-10.3.23: Remote Learning Days (students are required to login to Schoology to access assignments given by their teachers. Attendance will be verified.)
• 10.4.23-10.6.23: Fall Break for all staff and students!
• 10.11.23: Early Release at 2:05pm
• 10.13.23: Report Cards
• 10.18.23: Early Release at 2:05pm
• 10:25.23: Early Release at 2:05pm
• 10.26.23: Bingo for Books 5:00-6:30pm (more information about this soon)
• 10.31.23: Harvest Celebration (students may wear costumes to represent a character from a storybook, such as Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, The BFG, Cat in the Hat, etc. NO MASKS, WEAPONS, BLOOD, OR SCARY COSTUMES!)
• 10.31.23: 3Y & 4Y Pre-K Pumpkin Exploration Family Engagement Event 1:30-3:00pm