Sent: January 28, 2022
Shine in and out of the limelight
In his weekly message to staff, Superintendent Scott Elder highlights some of many examples of innovative teaching in APS.
For a quarter century, the Albuquerque Public Schools Education Foundation has provided grants for innovative and collaborative teaching, learning, and student support. More than $8 million has been poured into classrooms, schools and departments to fund everything from equipment and supplies to field trips and training. A few months ago, the foundation awarded an additional $200,000 to 30 programs and projects that support science and technology, the visual arts, literacy, social and emotional learning, and student clubs and activities.
One look at the list of scholarship recipients gives you just a glimpse of the phenomenal teaching that takes place every day in our classrooms and schools across the district. This pandemic may have overflowed our plates, but it hasn’t diminished our enthusiasm for education, our passion for the children we serve, or our determination to make a difference.
APS students learn everything from computer coding and robotics to digital theater design and jewelry making to games and 3D printing. They dance, throw arrows (in archery classes), explore their surroundings, study their cultures, work together, solve problems, develop leadership skills.
For example, at Roosevelt Middle School, teacher Robyn Clarke received support for a student-led music production that will allow students to “embody creativity and resourcefulness and strain each other to work toward the end goal together.”
At Wilson Middle School, Susan Schipull’s Garden Choice classes work with the Intensive Global Support Services class to grow plants in traditional and hydroponic/aquaponic growing systems. They are also creating a collaborative seed library, creating a cookbook, and using digital and media art to tell the garden story.
Many teachers study outdoors these days. Like Jordan Orlovsky, a teacher at eCADEMY High School, who used scholarship funds to take her students on hikes so they could explore the concepts they were studying online and escape isolation, meet friends, and build relationships.
Our grantees make up just a tiny fraction of our creative, supportive, and dedicated workforce. Lately, unfortunately, I’ve been spending a lot of time putting out fires mainly caused by COVID and the cyber attack. But when I go to the schools, I’m amazed by what I see and reminds me why I’m doing this job. It is truly an honor to work with such caring people.
Not long ago, members of the Legislative Education Study Committee visited several of our schools to learn more about how we educate and support students. We have published stories of several of these visits on our website. The stories were overlooked with all the information we needed to share with staff and families. I wanted to share them here today so you can appreciate some of the excellent work that is taking place:
- Harrison Middle School is passionate about learning: the program develops leadership skills that will help students in high school, later in college, and hopefully in life.
- Manzano’s college-bound and career-ready culture: The high school offers innovative programs, internships, resources, and even a “human library.”
- Westside Elementary School is a model of inclusiveness: SR Marmon combines general education, Indian education, special education, bilingual English language development, enrichment and gifted programs.
- Arts Integration Puts the “Art” in “Smart”: The goal of schools like the Janet Kahn School of Integrated Arts is to help children stand up for themselves, think for themselves, and question themselves.
- AHA Selections Includes Navajo Language and Culture: The unique course at Atrisco Heritage Academy includes field trips, mock experiments, art shows, cooking and catering, performances and recently a fashion show.
- Genius Hour is a recipe for success: Los Padillas Elementary School is one of several APS elementary schools that build additional elective time into the school day.
- Whittier Teachers Get Daily Professional Training: Educators at Transformation Elementary School come together every day to share success stories and challenges, and receive in-depth training and advice.
The foundation will begin accepting applications for the next round of funding next week. For more information, visit their website: APS Education Foundation Scholarships and Grants.
Even if you don’t apply for a scholarship or have a story published about your school on the website or in the local news, I know you’re doing a good job. You don’t need to be in the spotlight to shine. I appreciate you and everything you do.
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