By Sara Martinez
The first day of school for students at Questa Independent Schools (QISD) is Wednesday, August 4. We are excited to welcome all students back in person for the 2021-22 school year. We hope to continue to provide a safe learning environment for students as we navigate our lives in this pandemic.
Please join us on Monday, August 2 at 5:30 pm for our Back-to-School Celebration. It will be held at the Questa High School Cafeteria. There will be good food and entertainment by Chris Arellano, as well as door prizes and booths for students to learn about all the opportunities to get involved in sports, clubs, and activities.
QISD begins the year with a new superintendent, John Maldonado; new Junior-Senior High School principal, Neila Scheller; and a returning principal to AVEIS, Kimber MacDonald. In addition, Ernie Griego will be the new athletic coordinator and Mrs. Kimber MacDonald will continue as the special education director. We want to thank all the returning teachers and staff, because this past year wasn’t easy, educating through COVID-19. You came back this year and your dedication to our students is invaluable. To the new staff, thank you for listening to your intuition or whatever it is that brought you to the district—our students need you, too!
We have two new teachers we would like to welcome, and some open positions we hope to fill soon. At the Junior-Senior High School, we have a new social studies teacher, Flora Buerger, who is excited to bring hands-on learning experiences to our students. Mary Jo Kelly retired last year, so Delena Trujillo, a native Questeña, will take on the role of special education teacher for seventh through ninth grades. Jose Romero of Chacon, NM is thrilled to share his career knowledge of welding and woodworking with our students.
The Junior-Senior High School is seeking full-time science teachers, and Alta Vista Elementary-Intermediate School needs a full-time special education teacher. The district needs both educational assistants and substitute teachers. If you have ever thought of working with students, and have experience or education in a related field, we would love to talk to you about becoming a teacher.
With things “returning to normal” this school year, we anticipate that our student-athletes will play full season schedules. Students in grades 8-12 can participate in football, soccer, volleyball, cheer, girls and boys basketball, track & field, and baseball at the high school varsity level. Sports offered for middle school students in grades 6-8 are: volleyball and girls and boys basketball. Fall and winter sports held open field and gym in July, and will begin regular practice sessions during the first week of school.
Registration will need to happen online this year. Go to the school website at https://qisd-nm.schoolloop.com/ and follow the links for registration. Please don’t hesitate to call us or come in if you encounter any issues with registering: (575) 586-0421.
We know that school has been difficult for our students and staff during the pandemic and may continue to be so. We ask for your understanding and flexibility as we do our best to create the kind of learning environments our students deserve. This school year we invite the community to help the district invigorate and support our students in as many ways as possible. We need adults to show our students how important education is, in all things. If you would like to help with projects, clubs, or activities please contact your student’s principal.
To our students and staff—GOOD LUCK this year and let’s make it the BEST YEAR EVER!
