November 3 – ACT of the class of 2024 scores above the national average
The 2024 class of New Mexico high school students scored above national and Western regional averages in all testing categories on the ACT College Readiness Assessment.
Students scored an average of 20, compared to the national average of 19.4 out of 36, ACT reported.
Although only an estimated 12% of students were tested, 54% of those tested met the English benchmark, compared to the national average of 51%; 30% met the math benchmark, compared to 29% nationally; 45% met the reading benchmark, compared to 40% nationally; and 31% met the scientific benchmark, compared to 30% nationally.
“New Mexico students continue to make progress; this is just one indication of their progress,” Public Instruction Secretary-designate Mariana Padilla said in a statement.
The state hosts the Indian Education Summit
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state education officials joined leaders of the state’s tribal nations last week for the semi-annual Government-to-Government Indian Education Summit at Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder in Pojoaque Pueblo.
The summit included breakout discussions among tribal leaders and education officials on topics such as STEM education; language immersion in preschool education; professional development and compensation incentives for bilingual early childhood educators; and building strong, culturally relevant early childhood services for tribal communities.
“Hearing directly from the governors and presidents of the 23 nations, tribes and Pueblos about their priorities and concerns will help [the Early Childhood Education and Care Department] “Better align our efforts to improve outcomes for Native American children and their families,” Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said in a statement.
2025 New Mexico Teacher of the Year announced
In a surprise announcement at Bernalillo High School, Padilla announced that Native American Studies teacher Lorilei Chavez is the 2025 New Mexico Teacher of the Year.
Chavez, from Kewa Pueblo, is the first Native American educator to be named New Mexico’s Teacher of the Year. She has worked in education for over 10 years.
Winners of the Hispanic Heritage Art Contest Announced
The winners of the October Hispanic Heritage art contest, hosted by Santa Fe Public Schools, have been announced. The winners per degree are:
* K-2: Yael Oropeza, Ramirez Thomas Elementary. Jesús Valencia, Nava Elementary, honorable mention.
* 3-5: Count Arthur Rafael Lacika, Chaparral Elementary School. Carlos Guizar Rojo, Sweeney Elementary, honorable mention.
* 6-8: Noah Mattia, Ortiz High School. Lian Diaz and Baltazar Martinez, Milagro Middle School, honorable mention.
* 9-12: Sonya Mendez, Mandela International Magnet School.
This year’s competition attracted 116 entries from across the district, a 270% increase on last year.
“It was a challenge to choose the winners, given the level of creativity,” said Cristina González, visual arts coordinator. “Ultimately, our panel focused on the overall quality of the artwork, with student artists’ statements being crucial in conveying their artistic intentions.”
González also gave special credit to Nava Elementary School, which submitted the contest’s first 3D-printed entries featuring Día de los Muertos-themed art such as skulls and marigolds.
SFPS hosts Ruby Bridges Walk to School Days
Santa Fe Public Schools invite students to a week of Walk and Roll to School programs, “for a nice walk to school” and to read and discuss I am Ruby Bridges, a children’s book about Bridges’ experience as a 6-year-old integrating into an all-white, segregated school.
On the following days, students are requested to be present at 7:00 am:
*Nina Otero Community School students are asked to meet on November 13 at the Southside Branch Library.
* Kearny Elementary School students are asked to meet Nov. 14 at Herb Martinez Park.
*Elementary students from Chaparral and EJ Martinez are asked to meet Nov. 15 at Ragle Park.
* Aspen Community Magnet School students are asked to meet Nov. 21 at John Griego Vietnam Memorial Park.
