Albuquerque Public Schools
Dolores Gonzales Elementary Marks 50 Years
The school community celebrated its dual language legacy and milestone anniversary with a festive fall festival.
Colorful balloons, papel picado and Mariachi music set the festive mood at Dolores Gonzales Elementary School last Friday as students, teachers, families and other community members gathered to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary.
Among those at the event was Superintendent Gabriella Blakey who noted the school’s distinction as the district’s first dual language school.
Founded in 1975, the school is named after María Dolores Gonzáles, a trailblazer in bilingual and bicultural education.
“Dolores Gonzales's vision lives on through our Dual Language Immersion Program,” school officials say. “This program offers students an enriched educational experience, empowering them to become bilingual, biliterate, and culturally aware citizens in an increasingly diverse world.”
The program strives to build a strong foundation in each student’s first language while fostering the development of their second language through a balanced 50/50 instructional model. The school also works hard to foster a sense of belonging among its students.
Principal Parisa Azgharzadeh and her staff go out of their way to make students and families feel welcome, and the recent 50th anniversary celebration was no different.
The event took on the feel of a fall festival, featuring a photo booth, cotton candy machine, cake walks, a pumpkin smashing booth, and games for kids, including a ring toss. Attendees were also treated to good food, live music and dance performances as former students returned to perform.