Albuquerque Public Schools
Trio of Excellence
Chaparral, Comanche and Janet Kahn honored by National PTA
Three APS elementary schools – Chaparral, Comanche and Janet Kahn School of Integrated Arts – have been named National PTA Schools of Excellence.
The award recognizes schools and their PTAs’ dedication to building strong family-school partnerships while creating a welcoming and engaged community.
Of the more than 300 schools receiving the designation, only five were in New Mexico.
At Chaparral Community School, located on Albuquerque’s northwest side, Principal Michelle Tudor said she was thrilled for her students and families, noting it’s the second time the school has won the award.
“It shows the hard work and dedication of our staff, families, and community,” she said. “At Chaparral Community School, we empower all to thrive.”
Janet Kahn Principal Felicia Mondragon was no less effusive.
“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our incredible PTA and the staff here at Janet Kahn, we’ve not only strengthened our family engagement efforts, but we’ve also seen meaningful growth in our student outcomes,” she said. “ … On behalf of myself and Assistant Principal Aimee Sewell, we are incredibly proud and deeply grateful. We can’t wait to show the community what Janet Kahn students and families can accomplish—especially when we do it together.”
Togetherness is in the bloodstream at Comanche Elementary as well.
“Here at Comanche, when you walk in our doors, you are part of our Comanche family,” said Principal Lisa Ulibarri-Miller. “Comanche PTA is the connecting thread that weaves and strengthens connections between our school, our families and the Albuquerque community. PTA funds buses for field trips, food for family events and helps families find the resources they need in order to feel empowered.
“Our PTA works tirelessly,” she added, “and I am filled with pride and humbled by their work that led to being nationally recognized.”