9-22-2023 12:30pm

Alamogordo Public Schools Hosted Community Forum

Chris Edwards Editor

Under the leadership of Alamogordo Public Schools Acting Superintendent Pamela Renteria the system invited the public to come and ask questions of the 22 different department leaders as well as Colleen Tagle Operations Deputy Superintendent and School Board Members. Board members present were Board President Judy Rabon, member Amanda Jewell, and member Carol Teweleit.

Deputy Superintendent Colleen Tagle offered an overview of the goals and event details via an interview with KALHRadio.org
https://youtu.be/CG3GHKi6wzE?si=rTqEY2rIG9AURxXE

The event began with the pledge of allegiance led by the Alamogordo High School ROTC

After the pledge Acting Superintendent Pamela Rentería gave an update on the progress on several initiatives and invited the public to join each of the 22 stations to learn, ask questions or offer suggestions and feedback.

https://www.youtube.com/live/TVSL06lEGSc?feature=shared

Mrs. Rentería highlighted several points of interest. The Return of the Roar campaign has brought a renewed interest and greater community engagement with the athletics department. She highlighted the joy the athletes felt at homecoming this year with the full stands and supportive crowd. The program launch allows free entry to interscholastic activists from football to track and field and everything in between.

She then highlighted the newly introduced TeleHealth Program which provides families with an option to get an urgent care appointment for their child at the school. This service is an online connection with a local primary care provider, parent, and school nurse.

The child has an assessment done by the school RN. The medical provider, from Champion Urgent Care, will be on the screen of the Telehealth unit, and the parent or parent designee will be in the nurse's office or participating in the appointment via phone. Through the use of technology, a school nurse is able to use a stethoscope, otoscope, and dermascope at the school. The physician can see through the scopes on the camera, make a diagnosis and prescribe if necessary without the parent having to leave work or the child leaving school.

This program is intended to keep healthy kids at school and provide convenient medical care for those that need to be seen by a medical provider

Mrs. Renteria then went on to express an interest in empowering employee health of teachers, staff and administrators with the Alamogordo School System and one contributor to wellness is at “The Hub.” A facility has been established for yoga, meditation, health and wellness classes and more.

A system of support for new teachers within APS includes a mentorship program, instructional coaches, workshops and more.

She emphasized future of learning at the new Holloman Middle School and new Chaparral Middle School will be a state of the art focus on STEM. and more.

Next was an update on the career and technical education and the 12 pathways that are offered at Alamogordo High School from Biomedical Sciences, to Automotive mechanics to the Culinary Arts and beyond.

The portrait of a graduate program was recently launched and will be revisited from time to time to ensure the offerings of Alamogordo Public Schools prepares graduates for the needs of tomorrow

The 2023 school year nutrition is a major focus in the first year of free breakfast and lunch offerings to all students. The emphasis is on nutrition and over 80% of all offerings are fresh made

The general election is coming up on November 7th, 2023 and the already existing mil levy is placed back on the ballot for renewal. The mil levy ensures the system is adequately funded without increasing taxes as it’s a renewal and an already existing fee structure

And finally in conclusion Mrs. Renteria reiterated the transparency that is now afforded the public to see all expenditures and contracts awarded as part of the bond measures for Alamogordo Public Schools

Mrs. Renteria’s presentation concluded with an invitation for participants to walk the room and visit any of the 22 station leaders set up to take questions or provide advice, feedback or answers.

Alamogordo Public Schools has been working hard the last several months to improve transparency, accountability and ensure improved public communications. The event on Thursday was an example even greater public education.