APS Principal Gets National Recognition
Patricia Gallegos of San Antonito STEM Magnet School Elementary School was named a principal of the year by Magnet Schools of America.
Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools, announced on Thursday, Feb. 23, that Patricia Gallegos had been selected as the Region 5 Principal of the Year.
"This award is a competitive process to honor and elevate the magnet principals who promote equity and diversity for students in magnet schools," the organization stated in an email announcing the recognition.
Gallegos has been invited to attend Magnet Schools of America's national conference in April, where she is in the running for National Principal of the Year.
Earlier this year, San Antonito was named a National Magnet School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America. Teachers at the East Mountain school implement at least eight hours of STEM integration within each instructional week and three project-based learning units per year. Students attend maker space and technology classes each week, as well as physical education, art, and library classes.
The 11-acre campus houses gardens, nature trails, an outdoor classroom, a beautiful campus that supports environmental science initiatives, and innovative learning through STEM integration.
San Antonito utilizes local experts, families, and businesses to enhance students' learning using real-world connections. The school's PTA is actively involved and supports students, families, and staff in various ways.
"I am so proud of each and every staff member of San Antonito STEM Magnet," Gallegos said. "Even through all of the COVID safety protocols, my staff continues to come up with innovative ways to incorporate environmental STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) into the weekly curriculum through grade-level project-based learning. I would like to thank Albuquerque Public Schools and the Office of Innovation for their continuous support of our STEM focus and goals."