Albuquerque Public Schools
From A to Zia, a 'Hidden Gem'
As Zia Elementary celebrates its 75th anniversary on Saturday, its many fans consider the school's magic.
It’s not exactly breaking news when students, parents, alumni and neighbors praise their nearby elementary school. After all, they are places that sharpen minds and soften hearts.
But Zia Elementary School is something beyond: a neighborhood school so sweet and strong and long-lasting that the word “loyalty” doesn’t do it justice.
There’s just a magic about the place.
“People just feel invested to Zia,” said Erika Montano, the school’s principal.
There have been many happy returns since the school opened its doors 75 years ago, and on May 3, Zia will recognize three-quarters of a century of excellence with an anniversary event at the park that adjoins its campus on 440 Jefferson NE.
Opened in 1955, as Cold War-era Albuquerque began to sprawl, Zia has seen the ebbs and flows of education through the years, but has adjusted and remained its arms-opened self. Diversity is praised and celebrated, parents say, and though enrollment took a hit during COVID-19, it is back on the upswing.
Zia boasts a dual-language and visually impaired program, and Montano says one of the things she likes best about her school is the habitual willingness of parents to volunteer to help.
“I’m feeling really proud,” she said. “We have an amazing staff. Not because of the principal, but because we have an amazing staff that has the best interest of students.”
Parents and staff members also sing the school’s praises.
James Hunter, a member of the school’s PTA, said the level of connection between students, staff and community is beyond what he’d ever witnessed.
“No. 1, you get a lot of engagement with the principal, parents and teachers,” he said. “I deal with the teachers a lot, the parents a lot, and from what I’ve seen, there are always people ready to volunteer. Our Ziathon (the school’s main fundraiser) is run by volunteers. One parent plans it all, and there are 30 to 40 parents who will help.
“The community and engagement you see, but it’s also there from the teachers. Ms. (Rachel) Norris has been there a long time. Ms. (Michelle) Trujillo is just amazing. Ms. (Sarah) Caldwell, Ms. (Christina) Trail … there’s just a really solid teaching team and a lot of them have been there a very long time.”
That togetherness is felt from within, said Norris, in her 10th year at Zia as a kindergarten teacher.
“It’s just a hidden gem, one of those schools people have heard of but maybe don’t know where it is,” Norris said of Zia. “But once you get here, you’re welcomed by staff, students, parents, families. One of the things that makes it so special is that it’s a community, all of us working together and trying to figure things out together. It’s not about any one person, but we know we can count on each other.”
The excitement of recognizing past, present and future is palpable as Zia nears its anniversary party. Clubs from within and outside the school will be on hand, and everything from a science circus show to a rock climbing wall to music provided by nearby Jefferson Middle School will be available. There’s also free food.
But mostly, there’s the camaraderie of being a Zia Eagle.
“That feeling of belonging and being together gives you that feeling,” Norris said. “Even later in life, you feel you were part of something.”
If you go
What: 75th Anniversary of Zia Elementary School party
Where: Park adjoining the school, 440 Jefferson NE
When: May 3, 4-7 p.m.
Who: The school community is hosting a party with food and soft drinks, with music provided by several groups.