Superintendent's News

It’s that time of year again to show your pride in being a part of the Albuquerque Public Schools family. On APS Spirit Day next Monday, Oct. 24, students, staff, and supporters are encouraged to put on their school or department t-shirts or sweatshirts, post pictures on social media using the hashtag #APSProud, decorate their doors or offices, and maybe even brag a bit about some of the many good things happening in and around our schools.

APS has plenty of reasons to be proud. But don’t take my word for it. I recently asked the high schoolers who serve on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council what they like about their schools. I have to say, their responses reassured me.  

The students said they appreciate school and district representatives who listen and communicate with them, giving students a voice. 

They described collaboration among students, staff, and schools, community building, friendly rivalries, playful competitions, and service opportunities that allow them to give back and make a difference. They volunteer for food banks, host anti-bullying and be-kind campaigns, and fundraise for worthy causes. 

The student advisors also mentioned learning and character-building opportunities – from dual language, dual credit, and advanced classes to trade, vocational and professional programs, athletics, co-curricular activities, and clubs. When they couldn’t find a club that met their interests, some students talked about the support they received in starting their own.

The students said they are grateful for efforts to make their schools feel safe and inclusive and are comforted in knowing they have grownups to turn to in times of need, whether emotional, physical, social, or mental.

And not surprisingly, the students appreciate their teachers, activities directors, principals, and other professionals who they describe as passionate, positive, and caring.

Educators, by nature, tend to be a pretty modest bunch. So, I welcome the kind, well-deserved compliments from these student ambassadors. They captured the essence of our school community and described qualities we can undoubtedly be proud of.

I hope their words inspire you to set your modesty aside for at least a little while on APS Spirit Day and share your accomplishments online. When you post your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, don’t forget to add the hashtag #APSProud and include a sentence or two about what makes you feel good about your job. What are you doing to help our students succeed? What is it about your co-workers that you appreciate? What makes you proud?

Then scroll through the feed and notice all the wonderful things going on in our schools and the district. 

The Albuquerque Education Foundation began the tradition of APS Spirit Day a few years ago to help kick off the annual United Way campaign. You’ll soon get a personalized online pledge form from United Way. I hope you consider giving. You can choose where your money goes, and so many of the nonprofits the United Way supports help our students and families. Like our very own Foundation (which you can designate as a recipient if you’d like.)  

Whether or not you participate in APS Spirit Day, please know that I am proud of the thousands of employees who make up Albuquerque Public Schools. As our student advisors said, APS may be spread out and include a lot of kids, but we are connected and intertwined – one big, diverse family that supports one another.

That makes me #APSProud.