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Dear Pojoaque Valley Students, Staff, Families, Tribal Partners, and Community Members,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I am filled with gratitude, excitement, and optimism as we begin another year together at Pojoaque Valley Schools. Whether you are returning to our district or joining our school community for the first time, we are honored to partner with you in supporting the success of every student.

Last year marked my first year serving as Superintendent, and I am incredibly thankful for the trust, collaboration, and support shown by our students, staff, families, Board of Education, Tribal leaders, and community members. Together, we accomplished important work by listening, learning, and engaging with our community to refine and launch Ignite the Path: Pojoaque Valley's Roadmap for Student Success, our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.

Through this work, we strengthened alignment across our instructional programs, resources, staffing, and systems while creating a clear focus on what matters most, improving outcomes for students. We modernized district systems, strengthened organizational and instructional coherence, and intentionally shifted our focus from adult actions to student experiences, growth, and achievement.

While we celebrate these accomplishments, we also recognize that our work is far from complete. Student achievement remains below the state average, and we remain committed to ensuring every child is supported, challenged, and prepared for the future. Every decision we make is guided by our belief that all students deserve equitable opportunities, high expectations, and the support needed to succeed.

Our Strategic Plan focuses on four ambitious goals that work together to support students from early learning through graduation:

• READING: Strengthening literacy through access to high-quality instructional materials, high-quality instruction, and targeted support so every student becomes a confident reader, writer, and communicator. We are working to increase English Language Arts proficiency in grades 3–8 from 36% to 50% by 2028. For our Martinez/Yazzie student groups, we are committed to increasing proficiency from 27% to 45%.

• MATHEMATICS: Building strong mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills through access to high-quality instructional materials, high-quality instruction, and targeted support that prepare students for future success with math confidence. We are working to increase mathematics proficiency in grades 3–8 from 13% to 30% by 2028. For Martinez/Yazzie student groups, we are committed to increasing proficiency from 10% to 25%.

• STUDENT WELLNESS: Creating schools and classrooms where every student feels safe, valued, connected, and supported while improving attendance and fostering a strong sense of belonging. We are committed to improving students' sense of safety, belonging, and support by increasing our student climate survey composite from 3.5 to 4.2, while also increasing regular attendance from 56.1% to 70% by 2028.

• COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS: We are working to ensure that 55% of graduates meet at least one College and Career Readiness indicator by 2028. These indicators include dual credit completion, Advanced Placement coursework, industry certifications, the Bilingual Seal, and Career Pathway Concentrator status.

These priorities are not separate initiatives–they represent our commitment to educating the whole child and ensuring every student graduates prepared for college, career, military service, and life.

As we begin this school year, we ask every member of our school community to join us in supporting three essential commitments that help students thrive.

Attendance Matters!

Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Students who attend school consistently build stronger academic skills, develop meaningful relationships, and remain engaged in learning. We encourage families to make attendance a priority by ensuring students arrive at school on time each day, scheduling appointments outside school hours whenever possible, and communicating promptly with schools regarding absences.

Commitment to Learning

At Pojoaque Valley Schools, we believe every student can achieve at high levels when provided with excellent instruction, meaningful support, and opportunities to grow. We encourage our students to come prepared each day, actively participate in learning, complete assignments with their best effort, and embrace challenges with perseverance and a growth mindset. Our teachers and staff remain committed to providing high-quality materials and instruction and ensuring every student has equitable access to the resources needed for success.

Positive Behavior and Respect

Positive school cultures are built through kindness, responsibility, and mutual respect. We ask students to contribute to safe and welcoming schools by treating others with dignity, demonstrating integrity, following school expectations, resolving conflicts appropriately, and seeking help when needed. Together, we create learning environments where every student feels valued and can reach their full potential. Education is most successful when schools, families, and communities work together. We encourage families to stay connected with their schools, communicate regularly with teachers and staff, participate in school activities, and support learning at home. Your partnership is essential to the success of every child.

To our students: You are the heart of Pojoaque Valley Schools. Whether you are beginning kindergarten or preparing for graduation, know that you belong here. Attend school regularly, challenge yourself, ask questions, build relationships, and take advantage of every opportunity. Your future matters, and we are committed to helping you discover your strengths and your purpose as you work to achieve your goals.

To our staff: Thank you for the dedication, professionalism, and compassion you bring to our students each day. Your work changes lives, and the progress we continue to make is possible because of your commitment to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

To our families, Tribal partners, and community members: Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we create the conditions that allow every child to thrive. Your encouragement, involvement, and support strengthen our schools and our community.

As we begin this new year, I am reminded that the greatest strength of Pojoaque Valley Schools has always been its people. Our rich cultures, traditions, and strong community connections make our district truly special. We have built a strong foundation, but our best work still lies ahead. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. Together, we will continue to Ignite the Path and ensure that every student is supported, challenged, and prepared for a bright future. I wish each of you a successful, inspiring, and rewarding 2026–2027 school year.

With great appreciation,

Dr. Channell Segura
Superintendent