News from 2021-2022

Four APS employees are recognized each month during the school year through the Employee Recognition Program. Anyone can nominate an outstanding employee. A committee made up of people from different employee groups reviews nominations, looking for those employees who go above and beyond to make a difference in their role. 

Congratulations to April's honorees:

• Yvonne Chavez – Family Liaison at New Futures School  
• Viviana  Gonzalez – Cafeteria Manager at West Mesa High School
• Kenneth Salazar – Zone 2 Principal Support Specialist  
• Sandra Villela – Fingerprinting Supervisor

The honorees are being featured on the APS electronic billboards around town and will be recognized by the APS Board of Education, receiving a lasting memento of the honor.

Learn More about March's Honorees

Yvonne Chavez – Family Liaison at New Futures School

Yvonne doesn't give up. She is constantly working on getting donations for our students and their babies and children. She invites students to meet with her during her lunch so she can talk more about how she can help. She has created a caring and supportive relationship, so students feel comfortable talking with her about their needs.

Yvonne has worked to build positive relationships with organizations for student donations. She has been able to get donations of new car seats for students, school supplies, food boxes, holiday gifts, and much more. She continues to get incentives to give out to students for attending school, so they are more motivated to come every day.

Yvonne is also a vital member of the school's attendance team; she compiles data regarding student absences and reaches out to students who are not attending daily. If one number is disconnected, she will contact other numbers in Synergy as well as on the student's emergency card and their daycare paperwork while asking people along the way for updated information and often does it all again the next day.

Viviana  Gonzalez – Cafeteria Manager at West Mesa High School

Viviana is described as an incredibly good person who does her job very well, always helping where needed.

Viviana's coworker, Imelda Valenzuela, said she has worked in several cafeterias, but this is the first time she has met such a responsible and hard-working manager. 

"Ella es la mejor entre muchas que he conocido (She is the best among the many I have met,)" wrote Imelda in her nomination of her manager.

Kenneth Salazar – Zone 2 Principal Support Specialist

Kenny is the utmost professional. He cares deeply for the principals he works alongside, and he strives daily to be of great service to the schools he supports within Zone 2. Kenny works tirelessly to create meaningful relationships with his coworkers. He is an incredible source of support for school site principals, staff members, and community stakeholders. 

Kenny also works very diligently to create, provide and present professional development to the Zone 2 principals, always with an eye for what will serve them best. His passion for kids and education elevates him to a place of respect, admiration, and awe among his peers. He can always be found with a smile on his face and a kind word for whoever may cross his path. He is an absolute asset to Albuquerque Public Schools.

"Mr. Salazar's incredibly positive attitude, even in the face of adversity, most definitely sets him apart," said Lisa Hertrich, Translation and Interpretation Services Coordinator. "He has a willingness and a desire to help others, no matter the circumstance. You will never cross Mr. Salazar's path without receiving a smile and a kind word!"

Sandra Villela – Fingerprinting Supervisor

Sandra always has so many tasks at hand and never lets it affect her mood. She is described as loving and caring.

She oversees the processing of employees and volunteers. The office works as quickly as possible so that individuals can move through the hiring process. Sandra helps keep the office running smoothly, said Marissa Sanchez, a fingerprinting tech who nominated Sandra. 

How to Nominate an Employee

You can nominate an employee by filling out an online application. The nomination must be completed by someone other than the nominee  (no self-nominations are eligible for consideration).

Award recipients will be selected monthly by a Peer Praise Task Force.