SCHOOL TOURS

NEW...PRE School-Site Visits Workshops taking place Monday, October 28, 2019.

Peek inside the doors before your school visit and prepare to take your learning to the next level.

*Seats are based on first-come, first-serve. You must be registered to attend a tour. A sign-up link will be emailed beginning Tuesday, September 17.
The sign-up link is included in your registration order confirmation email.

TOUR 1: STEM | Dual Language

San Antonito STEM Magnet Elementary School

Grade(s): K-5
Theme(s): Science, Technology, Engineering Mathematics (STEM)
Principal: Patricia Gallegos
https://sanantonito.aps.edu/

A STEM Magnet Community that cultivates learning excellence in all students through integrated academic and environmental STEM experiences.

How is the magnet theme integrated throughout the school?

During core classes, STEM is integrated into six hours of instruction each week through Project-Based Learning, visiting the Makerspace called the Roadrunner Lab an hour a week, attending DigiLab for technology integration an hour a week, and through integration of the New Mexico STEM Ready standards. Students are able to explore their passions during the three STEMquiry Days by attending a club of their choice.

How are innovative practices implemented?

Students learn Environmental Science topics through many of the Project Based Learning activities. Students learn the importance of reducing food waste through school-wide composting in the cafeteria. Students learn about energy waste and reduction through connection with the local energy company, PNM and through public presentation of those ideas. STEM learning is integrated into the electives each week of PE, Art, and Library.

What are the relationships between the magnet schools’ vision, theme, goals, objectives and educational activities?

Our vision is encapsulated in our mission statement, "San Antonito STEM Magnet Community cultivates learning excellence in all students through integrated academic and environmental STEM experiences." We want our students to be successful in life, not just school. Our motto and approach to education, "Wonder ~ Explore ~ Contribute: Together we make our world better," encourages 21st century skills like collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication amongst our students as well as encourages responsibility to make our world a better place.

What partnerships have been fostered with the magnet school?

Our school actively seeks partnerships with many community sources. We have an outstanding Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that supports our school in many ways. We are connected with Master Gardeners, East Mountain Integrated Fire Protection Agency (EMIFPA), the National History Museum, Oasis, Soilutions (composted soil), Exerplay, and many other community organizations.

Hayes Middle School

Grade(s): 6-8
Theme(s): Project-Based Learning & Dual Language (English & Spanish)
Principal: Antoinette Valenzuela
https://hayes.aps.edu/

Dual Language Middle School where students speak and learn in both English and Spanish. Students also can earn a bilingual seal on their diploma by completing a dual language program in high school.

How is the magnet theme integrated throughout the school?

As Hayes develops year four of Magnet school implementation we are focused on a distinctive, and holistic approach to developing young adolescent scholars driven by technological innovation, inquiry, and collaboration. Hayes Community School provides a rigorous curriculum through Project Based Learning in a Dual Language environment. Advocacy is the heart of Hayes!

How are innovative practices implemented?

Every teacher at Hayes implements Project Based Learning as the primary avenue of instruction as the distinguishing approach of the Dual Language Magnet School approach. ( The pillars of this strand are: 1. Bilingualism & Bi-literacy 2. Sociocultural Competence 3. High Academic Achievement in both English & Spanish)Teachers also use a Whole Child approach to collaborate as a grade level and develop advocacy programs that fits the social, emotional, and academic needs of our students.

What are the relationships between the magnet schools’ vision, theme, goals, objectives and educational activities?

What partnerships have been fostered with the magnet school?

We have embraced our Hayes community to ensure that all students have the essentials needs met in order to focus on academic achievement throughout the day at Hayes. We partner with: ABC Community School Partnership, City of Albuquerque, EDAP programs and school sports with APS, The Multicultural Club, Harwood Art Center, Follow the Son Fellowship, First Nations sponsors for tutoring programs, Parent College, math tutoring with Hayes teachers, & Shine Presbyterian ABQ. We meet with our Community Council Team two times a month to align our school goals with our partners so they support our goals.

TOUR 2: Flexible Schools

eCADEMY High School

Grade(s): 9-12
BlendED Learning Studio (Project-Based Learning and EDgenuity)
Principal: Shellmarie Harris
https://ecademy.aps.edu/

Develops 21st Century skills through personalized digital and project-based learning with flexible scheduling. eCADEMY also offers classes for credit recovery and advancement.

How is the magnet theme integrated throughout the school?

The magnet theme is integrated throughout the school by using the skills and content gained in the online core curriculum to enhance and support project-based real-world learning experiences. Teachers and students are integrating horticulture, architecture, landscape design and professional writing to include business partners within the community to create a functional welcoming and esthetically pleasing learning environment for their community.

How are innovative practices implemented?

Our instructional practices are implemented through a team-teaching model using classroom instructional collaborative strategies. Ultimately, the goal of our school is to give students a voice and a choice in their learning. By having a non-traditional approach to education, we are preparing students for college and career readiness. Our school culture focuses on getting to know students inside and outside the classroom. We provide students with unique opportunities to build their identities as advocates of their own learning pathways.

What are the relationships between the magnet schools’ vision, theme, goals, objectives and educational activities?

eCADEMY High School is made up of four different programs that include students from a wide variety of backgrounds: an outreach program where eCADEMY teachers provide services in other schools, our Adult and Independent programs (also online), and our face-to-face program, BlendED, where students earn credits online and in person through the Project Based Learning (PBL) model. The majority of our students have had difficulty succeeding in a traditional high school setting, so emphasis is placed on the ability of the school to provide forward-thinking educational opportunities through a balance of personalized online delivery methods along with a challenging experience-, community- and project-based environment.

What partnerships have been fostered with the magnet school?

We have worked to inform and integrate parents into their students’ educational pathway by having parent “boot camp” which informs parents of the resources available to them regarding their student’s online content. We’ve had informal family gatherings to build community and we’ve worked to connect our school with local industries such as landscaping, architecture, green ecology, resource management, etc. to support the curriculum driven by the magnet theme of integrating 21st Century Competencies into real world applications.

Coyote Willow Family Magnet School

Grade(s): K-8
Family School (80% classroom instruction and 20% home-based instruction), Alternative K-8 Program
Principal: Adrianne Lytle
https://coyotewillow.aps.edu/

K-8 programs that combine public school classes with home-based instruction.

How is the magnet theme integrated throughout the school?

At Coyote Willow, every classroom is designed to be partially homeschooling-based and multi-age. Teachers design curriculum for parents to follow at home, to foster community and create lasting educational relationships. For Family School students, each part of their day is structured to be about learning with and from others, including their teachers and parents, who participate as members of the learning community.

How are innovative practices implemented?

When in the classroom, students are trained to use various communication strategies which are fundamental to Family School curriculum, as they let students take ownership for their classroom engagement. Teachers do not serve as lecturers, but provide lessons as needed and requested, moderate small group debate, facilitate goal identification, and create space for students to take charge of their education. Teaching constantly "at the student edge" is a paradigm shift for teachers, who must be prepared for the lesson to come authentically from students and not out of a lesson plan.

What are the relationships between the magnet schools’ vision, theme, goals, objectives and educational activities?

In Family School, we recognize that students perform best when the entire family is engaged in the learning and when it comes authentically from the student's needs and interests. Additionally, we know that all students, regardless of grade-level or age, fall along a continuum of ability and need. Therefore, we have designed a rigorous, integrated curriculum that allows students to engage with peers at different grade levels for portions of their day, and then work directly at their ability level (or grade level) for other aspects of their day.

What partnerships have been fostered with the magnet school?

Families are an integral part of Family School in the application of homeschooling, training through parent trainings, and in partnership with our parent organization, the Family Teacher Organization (FTO). As we are growing and developing our middle school service learning focus, we have begun partnerships with the Roadrunner Foodbank and the Bosque Environmental Monitoring Program to craft instruction and real-world, service learning projects that can engage middle schoolers in their relationship with the community in which they live.

TOUR 3: Dual Language | College & Career Readiness

Coronado Elementary School

Grade(s): K-5
Theme(s): Dual Language (English & Spanish)
Principal: Nathaniel Kuster
https://coronado.aps.edu/

Students speak and learn in both English and Spanish. Students also can earn a bilingual seal on their diploma by completing a dual language program in high school.

Coronado is also the first Nationally Certified Magnet School in APS!

How is the magnet theme integrated throughout the school?

The magnet theme, dual language, is integrated throughout the school. Our 80/20 model ensures that students are reading, writing, speaking, and listening in both Spanish and English in all grades. As per one of the pillars of dual language education, Coronado works to ensure that all students work towards high achievement in Common Core State Standards in both languages and in all content areas.

How are innovative practices implemented?

Coronado Elementary implements the three pillars of dual language education: Bilingualism and Biliteracy, Grade level academic achievement in both languages, and Sociocultural competence. These pillars are achieved through various programs at Coronado, such as Jardin de Coronado (an outdoor garden classroom) and La Prensa (the school newspaper).

What are the relationships between the magnet schools’ vision, theme, goals, objectives and educational activities?

We are able to reflect on our journey as we celebrate the 10th anniversary as a Dual Language magnet school by incorporating the 3 Pillars of Dual Language education in all areas of our school and community. As we celebrate receiving a letter grade of A, we are able to reflect on our best practices by conducting monthly Data Dialogues and attending ongoing professional development to ensure all students are able to reach grade level standards in both languages. In celebrating our National Magnet School Certification, we are able to reflect on how our students develop their Bilingualism and the positive impact this program has made on many students’ lives.

What partnerships have been fostered with the magnet school?

Family involvement is evident in various school events, such as; donuts with dads, mom/son night, International Cultural Celebration, Literacy night, Fitness night, Science night, Celebrating our Daughters dance, etc. Most events at Coronado yields standing room only and we are overjoyed by the amount of parent involvement in our school. Service Learning is another important strand at Coronado ES; during the past ten years our school has contributed time, money and service to the following organizations: Encuentro, Steelbridge, Roadrunner food bank, APS clothing back, and many others.

Early College Academy and Career Enrichment Center

Grade(s): 9-12
Theme(s): College and Career Readiness
Principal: Patrick Arguelles
https://cec.aps.edu/

Students experience a high school environment with Career Enrichment Center and CNM courses on site. Early College Academy is a U.S. News and World Report Silver School.

How is the magnet theme integrated throughout the school?

ECA is a small environment in which students can take a variety of college prep classes throughout the year. ECA’s magnet theme is integrated into all subjects. ECA has been very successful in recruiting students that have a strong interest in multiple pathways.

How are innovative practices implemented?

ECA cultivates creativity, curiosity and innovation by giving students the opportunity to take several hands on courses that includes job-embedded skill sets.
NMBEST or Bridging Effective practices and Schools Together is an expansive, modern digital resource library that bridges scientific research and proven practices for schools and districts to ensure smarter investment in decisions and interventions that promote student achievement. This online digital clearinghouse provides easy to comprehend and usable guides to provide schools and school leaders the tools to help refine school practices or establish a turnaround effort in their schools to ensure success for all students.

What are the relationships between the magnet schools’ vision, theme, goals, objectives and educational activities?

Preparing for the future, one student at a time, Early College Academy connects students to high-skill/high-wage careers through dual enrollment in college courses. Dual Enrollment is the centerpiece strategy to improve college access and the successful transition of students from secondary to post-secondary education.

What partnerships have been fostered with the magnet school?

TOUR 4: Engineering the Future

Mission Avenue STEM Magnet Elementary School

Grade(s): K-5
Theme(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
Principal: Frances Garcia
https://maes-aps-nm.schoolloop.com

Provides an engaging classroom environment focusing on STEM concepts and Project Based Learning.

How is the magnet theme integrated throughout the school?

All classes at Mission Avenue incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math into their curriculum. Students learn to apply the engineering habits of mind (collaboration, reflection, curiosity, and resourcefulness) and use the design process (ask, explore, model, evaluate, share) in all areas of learning to become effective problem solvers. All classes have access to the STEM lab to create and problem solve using the design process.

How are innovative practices implemented?

Mission Avenue teachers are trained on Daily 5 Literacy, Jensen techniques to combat the effects of poverty, and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies to "overcome obstacles and achieve success." Students learn through industry partnerships, role modeling, job shadowing, career fairs, internships, and more in a wide range of computer science and engineering-related fields. Mission Avenue STEM Magnet Elementary School is the only APS elementary school that is trained and teaches PLTW curriculum.

What are the relationships between the magnet schools’ vision, theme, goals, objectives and educational activities?

What partnerships have been fostered with the magnet school?

Our partners include: Apple Certified Teachers, Donors Choose, PLTW, ETF coaches, UNM, AFRL, PLTW/Verizon Innovative STEM program, Mission to Mars with Sandia Labs, Water Utility Authority and, Office Depot

Garfield STEM Middle School

Grade(s): 6-8
Theme(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
Principal: Daniel Gutierrez
https://garfield-aps-nm.schoolloop.com

Combines Science, Technology, Engineering and Math with real-world problem solving and teamwork.

How is the magnet theme integrated throughout the school?

All students at Garfield have an 83-minute block of instruction for their core classes, each using some combination of PBL, PLTW, and EHM. Daily Advisory focuses on relationship building, goal setting, team work. All students are Garfield are "scholars" and during Advisory their teachers are their "Success Teachers."

How are innovative practices implemented?

Teachers in the Humanities, Science, and Electives use Project Based Learning as foundations of their curriculum. This allows them to teach their students how to collaborate on real-world, open-ended, relevant projects. Teachers in the Math department were on the first Math departments in the district to implement the Eureka Math curriculum, which is an innovative curriculum built for the Common Core.

What are the relationships between the magnet schools’ vision, theme, goals, objectives and educational activities?

Students have the opportunity to learn in collaborative classrooms and get engaged in real life projects that pique their curiosity and imagination. They also have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including competing at a high level at robotic competitions led by teacher Chaushie Forster. Teachers also work with their new partners at Mission Avenue Elementary and Valley High School as they collaborate on a series of trainings to become part of the first K-12 STEM Pathway in New Mexico as part of a five year, multi-million dollar federal grant to bring STEM education to students in the North Valley.

What partnerships have been fostered with the magnet school?

Garfield's teachers have been working with the outside community in a variety of ways to connect to the theme of creativity and innovation. We partner with the Bosque School's BEMP program for eco-system monitoring, UNM Engineering to help facilitate our robotics competitions, and our Family Liaison has created a Parent Advisory group this year to engage more families.

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