CHS
Mr. Xarin Escobedo - 9th Grade Counselor
Hello, my name is Xarin Escobedo, and I'm thrilled to be the freshman counselor this year. Since moving to Santa Fe ten years ago, Capital High School has been like a second home to me. I enjoy working with our students and parents, whose hard work, perseverance, and resilience inspire me every year. Over the years, I've had the privilege of seeing so many future scientists, business students, computer geniuses, future doctors, and amazing, compassionate, and passionate individuals graduate. Watching our students grow into incredible adults is one of the many joys of my job here at Capital High School
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at xescobedo@sfps.k12.nm.us.
Ms. Janet Aboytes - 10th Grade Counselor
I have been at CHS for about 12 years now. I was born and raised in Northern New Mexico. I enjoy working at CHS due to the camaraderie that is here. The students at this school have tremendous support from teachers and staff.
Ms. Michelle Montoya - 11th Grade Counselor
My name is Michelle Montoya, and I was born and raised in Española, New Mexico. I’ve been part of the Capital community for the past 10 years and currently serve as the junior counselor. I truly enjoy working with our students each day and supporting them through their high school journey. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors and hanging out with my family.
Ms. Monica Caldas - 12th Grade Counselor
Hi Jags! My name is Monica Caldas, and I serve as school counselor for most of our current seniors. This is my fourth year working with this incredible group, and it’s been such a joy to witness their growth since freshman year. I’m passionate about working with teenagers—not just because they’re funny, smart, and full of potential, but also because I see so much of my younger self in them. I struggled as a teenager and it took the support and patience of some truly amazing people in my life to help me find my path. My personal struggles and missteps during my teenage years drive my commitment to our students. I aim to be a caring, steady presence for students navigating these pivotal years. Whether it’s through college planning, emotional support, or simply being someone to talk to, I’m here to help our students thrive. I’m so proud of how far they’ve come, and I can't wait to see where they’re headed next!
Mr. James Pearlman - 9th - 12th Grade ESS Counselor
Hello, I'm James Pearlman. I graduated from Capital High and came back to work here after some years away. I’ve been a counselor at CHS for almost 17 years. I currently am supporting students with exceptional needs in all grades. I also coach sports and love to travel whenever I can. Once a Jag, always a Jag!
September 22nd - 26th - Homecoming Week & GEAR UP Week
September 23 - SFPS Community Safety Forum 5:30 @ Santa Fe High School
September 24 - Title I Parent Meeting 5:30 @ CHS Library
September 25 - College Fair
September 25 - Board Meeting 5:30pm
September 26 - Free Movie Night @ El Camino Real Academy 5:30pm
September 27 - Homecoming Dance - 7:00 - 10:00 CHS J-Wing Courtyard
October 3, 2025 - End of First Quarter
October 9, 2025 - College Application Drive.
October 10 - Autumn Holiday - NO SCHOOL
October 13 - Indigenous Peoples Day - NO SCHOOL
Event Information
Theme: "Una Noche En Rio!"
Monday 9/22 - Anything but a Backpack Day!
Tuesday 9/23 - Teacher/Student Swap!
Wednesday 9/24 - Back to the 2000's!
Thursday 9/25 - What's your age? 9th - Babies, 10th - Toddles, 11th - Adults, 12th - Senior Citizens
Friday 9/26 - Decorate your Jeans Friday!
Royalty Campaigns: September 22-September 26
Royalty Voting: Friday September 26, starting for the assembly
Assembly: Friday September 26 @11:05am
Homecoming Game: Friday September 26 @7pm
Dance: Saturday September 27, @7-10pm (J-wing Courtyard)
Links:
- Guest Form (for Non-CHS guests attending Homecoming Dance): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m0L_vs8w8FXuXzL5X7UFGAOCkXKruhxCCb7AO2dO0ew/edit?usp=sharing
- Homecoming Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGyBo-MsMY/9rJ9j1vOMAuhwB8UT3cXUw/view?utm_content=DAGyBo-MsMY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h6025eea7f2
Monday - College Gear Monday Join GEAR UP for Lunch in the Courtyard for Duct Tape plant the seed dream challenge kick off!
Tuesday - Join GEAR UP for Lunch in the Courtyard for Military Mini Bootcamp- see if you have what it takes to grow your future!
Wednesday - Join GEAR UP for Lunch in front of the GYM for plant the seed with Battle Under the hood challenge Trade option w/SFCC Automotive Program and various community partners!
Thursday - Join GEAR UP for Lunch in front of the GYM for plant the seed with Battle Under the hood challenge Trade option w/SFCC Automotive Program and various community partners! Join GEAR UP for Lunch in the Courtyard for healthcare demo- see if you have what it takes to grow your future!
Friday - Jag or National GEAR UP week T-shirt Friday!
Madalynn Ortega, a senior at Capital High School, embodies the qualities of a true leader and role model. As an AVID scholar and member of the National Honor Society, she has excelled academically while also actively engaging in student leadership, athletics, and the arts. What sets Madalynn apart is her ability to balance so many commitments with grace and determination—whether she’s leading in Student Council, performing with the choir, or mentoring young athletes in Little League. Her service, resilience, and dedication reflect the very spirit of SFPS as she pursues her dream of becoming a sports reporter.
Madalynn’s leadership shines most when she steps up where others hesitate. Through the Student Council, she has helped organize school-wide events that build pride and bring students together. Her resilience is evident in the way she balances rigorous coursework with athletics and extracurricular activities, always keeping her long-term goals in sight. Creativity infuses her love of dance and music, where she brings fresh energy and expression to every performance. In every role, she doesn’t just participate—she inspires.
Recognized by both peers and teachers, Madalynn is known for her strong voice—on stage as a talented singer, and off stage as an advocate and confident communicator. Her passion for sports and storytelling drives her vision of becoming a sports reporter, where she hopes to combine her love of athletics with her gift for connecting with others. As a bilingual communicator, she serves as a bridge across cultures, strengthening inclusivity within her school and community.
At Capital High, Madalynn helps shape school culture by uniting academics, athletics, fine arts, and service. She welcomes new students, encourages classmates to get involved, and infuses every event, performance, and game with enthusiasm and school spirit. Beyond campus, her volunteer service and church involvement reflect positively on her school, demonstrating the kind of leadership and character Capital High is proud to foster.
Congratulations to Dafny Lopez-Sagche for being chosen to represent Capital High School as a Student Board Representative! This is a wonderful opportunity to share CHS school’s voice, celebrate its successes, and represent CHS peers at the district level. Ms. Lopez-Sagche stated, "I am very grateful for the amazing opportunity and I am excited to advocate for all students who feel they don't have a voice. I am very excited to work with the other Student Board Members this year!"
Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) is excited to announce the launch of its Listening & Learning Tour, a series of community forums designed to provide an open and welcoming space for students, families, staff, and community members to share feedback, ask questions, and connect directly with Superintendent Dr. Christine Griffin and district leadership.
“These forums are an important opportunity for our community to be heard and for us to listen carefully,” said Dr. Griffin. “Our goal is for every participant to leave feeling valued, informed, and more connected to our district.”
All community members are welcome to participate, with hybrid options offered for select sessions. Free on-site childcare for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade will be available during Forum 1 for attendees bringing children, and may also be offered at other forums depending on staff availability. Interpretation services will be provided for native Spanish speakers who wish to attend.
SFPS will host these forums quarterly. The first two sessions are scheduled as follows:
Forum 1:
Monday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Nina Otero Community School, 5901 Herrera Drive.
Format: Hybrid (in-person and live stream available)
Forum 2:
Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Early College Opportunities (ECO) High School, 2301 W Zia Rd.
Format: In-person only.
Forums 3 and 4 will be held in the Spring semester and will be announced at a later date.
For more information, including the live stream link when it becomes available, visit sfps.info.
Program overview
"Founded in 2012, the mission of Communities In Schools of New Mexico (CIS) is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Our unique model places social worker-trained STUDENT SUCCESS FACILITATORS in schools, where they build trusting relationships with students, families, and school administration to help foster community and improve school culture. Young people can thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level and support them throughout any circumstance. Whether it’s food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance or a positive role model, Communities In Schools is there to help."
With four STUDENT SUCCESS FACILITATORS (SSF) on campus at Capital High School, each SSF focuses on a specific grade level. SSFs carry a caseload of 35-45 students and offer individual support to those case managed students. Every case managed student meets with their SSF to set goals for the school year, based on a discussion about their engagement in school, grades, and attendance. SSFs check in with case managed students at least once per month to discuss student progress and any needs or barriers students are experiencing to reach those goals."
After School Tutoring - math, science, English, and social studies
NO need to sign up - JUST SHOW UP and we will connect you with a tutor
Even if you don't need help from a tutor, this is a quiet space dedicated to getting your work done.
Stop in so you can get your homework done before you go home to whatever distractions keep you from focusing on your work.
Tuesdays & Thursdays - 4:15-5:15 - CHS Library - beginning September 10, 2025
Contact Sinte Torrez for more information - LIBRARY OFFICE L12
Girls Empowerment
Meets bi-weekly - TUESDAYS from 3:00-4:05 in Ms. D's classroom
beginning OCTOBER , 2025
Contact Erika Reyes or Maria Gonzales for more information - LIBRARY OFFICE L-4
- Herff Jones/Campus Specialties Graduation Orders: Herff Jones/Campus Specialties will be on campus on October 1st to collect orders for Graduation Cap and Gowns, Class Rings, Letterman Jackets, Graduation Announcements, etc..They will be here from 11:30 - 1:30
- Bilingual Seal Informational Meeting: Ms. Vigil will host an informational meeting on October 8, during advisory in the cafetorium. If you are interested in graduating with the bilingual seal, please go to the cafetorium when we make the announcement
- College Application Drive: October 9th we will host numerous colleges and universities so that you can apply for these schools for free, and in-person, on 10/24. Please be on the lookout for more details. We want all students to apply to at least three colleges on this day - applying does not mean you have to attend, it is a way to keep your options open for life after high school.
- Grades: Remember that passing your classes should be the lowest goal that you have set for grades. Colleges and universities look at your overall grade point average so work your hardest to get the best grades that you can!
- Credits: If you are working on making up credits, please try to get caught up by the end of this semester. This might not be realistic for everyone, but if you can get caught up now, you can enjoy the second semester a whole lot more. Prescriptive testing is being phased out and by January there will no longer be prescriptive testing so PLEASE work hard in your E2020 classes or sign up for Twilight School.
