NMPED News:
SANTA FE — Two New Mexico elementary schools—Dennis Chavez Elementary in Belen and Loving Elementary in Loving—are among only 100 schools nationwide to be named 2025 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools.
The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) announced today the recognition as part of a national program administered by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, which has honored high-achieving Title I schools since 1996.
“I am incredibly proud of Dennis Chavez and Loving Elementary Schools for being selected as recipients of the ESEA Distinguished School Award,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana Padilla. “This recognition highlights the hard work, dedication, and excellence of their students, educators, and communities, as well as the successful implementation of structured literacy practices that have contributed to strong student outcomes.”
The program recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students in one of three categories:
- Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth for two consecutive years.
- Category 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups.
- Category 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students.
The department nominated Dennis Chavez Elementary from Belen Consolidated Schools as a Category 3 school for their excellence in serving special populations—including students who are English learners, students with disabilities and students who are economically disadvantaged. Dennis Chavez Elementary is a Spotlight school under New Mexico’s school designation system.
“This recognition is the result of a relentless focus on growth,” said Dennis Chavez Elementary Principal David Marquez. “Our staff embraced data, strengthened our instructional core and never lost sight of the belief that every student can succeed. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
At Dennis Chavez Elementary, success stems from a strong culture of attendance, collaboration and community partnership. Through their “Every Day Counts at DCE!” campaign, they transformed attendance into a celebration of commitment, improving engagement and reducing absences. Weekly Professional Learning Communities, guided by the Belen Consolidated Schools’ Instructional Model and High Reliability Schools frameworks, have strengthened Tier I instruction and aligned teaching practices across grade levels. Staff are empowered through leadership roles and peer collaboration, building collective efficacy and professional pride as well as family and community partnerships.
Loving Elementary School from Loving Municipal Schools was nominated as a Category 1 school for exceptional student performance and academic growth in math and reading.
“Earning recognition as a Distinguished School is a direct reflection of the dedication, heart and expertise our staff brings to students each day,” said Loving Elementary Principal Haley Finch. “I am grateful for our staff’s unwavering belief in what our students can achieve.”
Loving Elementary’s success comes from a strong culture where every student is known, valued and supported. Through their “Falcon Way” expectations, family partnerships and a deep commitment to building relationships, their staff ensure students feel safe and ready to learn. Staff at Loving Elementary are intentional about using data-driven instruction, weekly team collaboration and clear learning targets to ensure every child grows. Their teachers have embraced common formative assessments, small-group instruction and consistent intervention cycles that truly move learning forward.
District and school representatives from both Belen Consolidated Schools and Loving Municipal Schools are invited to participate in the National ESEA Conference later this month in Denver, Colorado, where they will be honored as recipients of this award.