Pojoaque Valley School District -

Dear Staff and Families,

As temperatures are expected to drop significantly this week, we kindly ask families to ensure students come to school dressed in appropriate winter-weather clothing, including warm coats, hats, and gloves.

Even when roads are clear, cold temperatures can pose safety concerns during arrival, dismissal, and outdoor activities. We ask that schools create indoor activities for students during recess times to keep them inside due to low temperatures. We also ask families to wait with their students at bus stops until the bus arrives to help keep them warm during the morning commute.

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and comfortable during the colder weather. We appreciate your continued partnership.

Sincerely,
PVSD Leadership

Pojoaque Valley Little League Registration Now Open Pojoaque Valley Little League is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Little League season. The league is open to players ages 4 to 16. Baseball divisions are available for both male and female players, and softball divisions are available for female players only. Registration is available online at: https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=755049 For questions or assistance, please contact pojoaquelittleleague@gmail.com or League President Adam E. Muller at (505) 690-7193.

January is School Board Appreciation Month, and we are grateful for the opportunity to recognize and thank our dedicated Board of Education members for their service to our students, staff, families, and community. Jerome Lujan and Susan Quintana conducted their Oaths of Office for their new terms with family and friends present. Serving on a school board requires countless hours of thoughtful decision-making, courageous leadership, and a strong commitment to doing what is best for students, often behind the scenes, and always with care and integrity. Together, they share a vision for high-quality instruction, supportive learning environments, and strong partnerships with our community.

Vacancy Announcement – School Bus Driver The Pojoaque Valley School District is seeking motivated, dependable, and caring individuals who are interested in becoming School Bus Drivers. No Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)? No problem. The District will train and assist qualified applicants in obtaining the required CDL. Position Highlights Starting Pay: $25.00 per hour Full Benefits Package Paid training provided Meaningful work supporting student safety and education School-year schedule with holidays and breaks How to Apply Applicants may apply: Online at the Pojoaque Valley School District website, or In person at the District Administration Building located at: 1574 State Road 502, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506 Who Should Apply Individuals who enjoy working with children Those seeking stable employment with excellent benefits Candidates interested in a rewarding career serving the community Join our team and help safely transport the Valley of Champions—our students. 📍 Equal Opportunity Employer

Ski Club Update. Due to a bus driver shortage and an impending snow storm, the ski trip scheduled for Friday January 9 has been postponed. The ski trip will be rescheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026. Anyone interested in becoming a bus driver is urged to contact us at 505-455-2282. Thank you for your support.

Happy New Year!

May all be merry and bright!

Athlete of the WeekSanta Fe New Mexican Dec 23, 2025 Monique Arrietta scored 40 points overall during the Ben Luján Tournament to help the Elkettes win their home tournament for the first time in six years. Monique Arrietta never thought twice about diving for a loose ball late Friday. Even though the Elkettes were comfortably ahead in a Ben Luján Tournament semifinal against Peñasco, their junior point guard threw herself at the ball and faceplanted into the hardwood during a 50-35 win. Arrietta’s reward? A nine-stitch wound on her chin and an all-tournament selection as she helped Pojoaque win its own Ben Luján Tournament over the weekend for the first time in six years. Arrietta did her part by scoring 40 points over the three-day event and saved the best for last — an 18-point performance against Santa Fe Indian School in a 45-36 win Saturday night while wearing a bandage over her chin. She had 10 points in the win over the Panthers and scored a team-high 12 points in an opening-round 44-31 win over Crownpoint. Arrietta said she will wear the scar with pride. “Just another battle wound,” Arrietta said. “It’s what happens when you play hard.” Arrietta is a key cog to the Elkettes’ success, as they improved to 8-3. Honorable mentions St. Michael’s junior forward Ryan Hunt scored 29 points and had five dunks during a 70-45 win over undefeated Tularosa on Dec. 16. Peñasco’s Kaileb Atencio finished his run in the Ben Luján Tournament with a flourish. He had 18 points in a 52-49 loss to Cuba in the consolation semifinals Friday, then he dropped 38 on Moriarty to win seventh place with a 61-28 win. Santa Fe High wrestler Leyton Opare pinned four of his five opponents on his way to winning the 215-pound title at Roswell’s Rio Hondo Scuffle on Saturday. He is now 10-0. Pojoaque Valley’s Mariah Leyba won the 120-pound title at the Rio Hondo Scuffle on Friday, while Capital’s Madelyn Rodriguez claimed the 125 crown. Leyba beat Capital’s Jadyn Rodriguez by pin in the finals.

Each month, we shine a spotlight on a New Mexico student who’s making an impact through athletics and activities. This month, that spotlight lands on Pojoaque Valley sophomore Mariah Leyba—a powerhouse of energy and involvement. Mariah doesn’t just stick to one lane. She’s on the volleyball court in the fall, wrestles her way through winter, and hits the hardwood for basketball before moving on to softball in the spring. On top of that, she steps up as a leader in programs like National Honor Society, AVID, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and school leadership. Of all her commitments, wrestling holds a special place. “I’d say wrestling is my favorite sport,” she said. Inspired by her brothers who wrestled in high school, Mariah jumped at the chance to get on the mat herself. “I thought that looked so fun!” But for Mariah, it’s not just about winning matches or filling her calendar—it’s about purpose. “Keeping busy keeps you focused. Teens often lose themselves throughout high school, and staying focused and having something to work for keeps me feeling valued.” Driven, determined, and always ready for the next challenge—meet Mariah Leyba of Pojoaque Valley High School, this month’s Dion’s Student Spotlight.

At the Ben Lujan classic the Elks beat Capital high school 58 to 40 to finish in third place!

The final day at the Ben Lujan Classic you Elkettes win the championship over Santa Fe Indian School 46-36!!

The PVSD BOE and Superintendent Segura were proud to recognize our December Students, Educators, and Student Scholars of the Month! You all represent what it means to be true Elks and Elkettes! Keep shining!

Pojoaque Valley School District Succeeds in Appeal to Move from Class 4A to Class 3A in All Sports. Please click on the link to review the press release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gwHubiV3y4XFh_7V1jiD5TMe8eCBFdcL/view?usp=sharing

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Superintendent Segura co-facilitated a breakout session at the NMSBA Conference with Stephanie Wyka regarding PVSD's journey to reframe our district Strategic Plan to be student-outcomes focused. It was a packed room with standing room only and very well received.

Superintendent Segura and the Board of Education are at the NMSBA Conference to learn and collaborate. Board Vice President, Jerome Lujan, was sworn in by the Honorable Alexandra C. Naranjo.

The NM Grown Coalition recognized PVSD for its dedication and outstanding work in promoting NM Grown initiatives. The district received a certificate of recognition signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, acknowledging PVSD’s commitment to bringing local, healthy foods to New Mexico children and supporting the food and farming economy of our community. Thank you to our Student Nutrition staff for their hard work and commitment to serving healthy meals to our students.