NMPED News:
SANTA FE — Pojoaque Intermediate School and Albuquerque School of Excellence have been named 2023 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA).
The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program is a NAESPA project that publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for positive educational advances and the outstanding academic achievements of their students.
State education agencies nominate schools for the Distinguished School title under three categories:
- Exceptional student performance and academic growth for two consecutive years.
- Closing the achievement gap between student groups.
- Excellence in serving special populations of students.
The New Mexico Public Education Department nominated Pojoaque Intermediate School for exceptional student performance and academic growth for two consecutive years. Albuquerque School of Excellence was nominated for excellence in serving special populations of students.
“It was an honor to nominate Pojoaque Intermediate School and Albuquerque School of Excellence as National ESEA Distinguished Schools,” said New Mexico Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero. ··Incredible student gains in performance and academic growth were achieved because of their school administrators, teachers, students and families working together in a holistic and innovative environment. Congratulations to both schools!”
“I’m so proud of Pojoaque Valley Intermediate School,” said Pojoaque Valley Schools Superintendent Sondra Adams. “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our educators, staff, students and parents who have collectively contributed to our school’s success. This is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, innovation and a collective vision for education come together.”
“Receiving the ESEA Distinguished School recognition speaks to the incredible teamwork and collaboration within our school community,” said Albuquerque School of Excellence Executive Director Mustafa Ayik. “This recognition reflects our school s collective commitment to shaping the futures of our students and preparing them for success.”
Pojoaque Intermediate School serves 192 students in the Pojoaque Valley School District. Albuquerque School of Excellence serves 942 students in the city of Albuquerque. Both Pojoaque Intermediate School and Albuquerque School of Excellence are Title I schools, meaning they receive federal funding to serve a large number of students from low-income homes.
All Distinguished Schools are honored with a commemorative award package, a dedicated section on the ESEA Network website and a special presentation at the National ESEA Conference.
Pojoaque Intermediate School and Albuquerque School of Excellence are among approximately 100 schools throughout the country that will receive national recognition for exceptional student achievement at the 2024 ESEA National Conference, Feb. 7-10 in Portland, Oregon.
Since 1996, NAESPA’s Distinguished Schools Program has been highlighting examples of high performing schools participating in federally funded school programs.
Selected schools demonstrate a wide array of strengths, including team approaches to teaching and learning, focused professional development opportunities for staff, individualized programs for student success, and strong partnerships between the school, parents and the community.
More information about all National ESEA Distinguished Schools is available on the ESEA Network website.
Pojoaque Valley Schools Superintendent Sondra Adams can be reached at 505.455.2282 or saa@pvs.k12.nm.us.
Albuquerque School of Excellence Executive Director Mustafa Ayik can be reached at 505.312.7711 or mayik@abqse.org.