As the academic year draws to a close, it's time to take a quick look back at the happenings that have defined Farmington Municipal Schools’ journey in 2023-2024. Our school communities have been enriched with diverse stories highlighting our dedication to student success.
Food and Clothing for FMS Students and Families
FMS is dedicated to supporting our students and families with the resources they need to be successful and safe. Ensuring no child goes hungry, our commitment to providing Free and Healthy Meals for All Students has been unwavering. From August 2023 to April 2024, FMS served 1 million 683 thousand meals! That included breakfast, lunch, after-school snacks, supper, and meals during school breaks. FMS sponsored meals for 2 private schools, 6 child-care centers, and 1 family emergency center, delivering close to 100 thousand meals combined. On top of these outstanding achievements, we have also created some wonderful school gardens, a program that will keep growing next year.
The FMS Threads Student Clothing Bank has been a beacon of support, offering essential clothing to those in need. FMS Threads is a clothing bank where Farmington Municipal Schools students can find clothes if they need them. It's like a store just for students, and they can pick out a few sets of clothes, a pair of shoes, a warm jacket, new socks and underwear, and even a backpack. Families also get hygiene products and laundry detergent.
Cultural Events and Awards at FMS
Our district embraced cultural heritage through various events, including vibrant Black History Month and Native American Heritage Month celebrations, and a successful Native American Heritage Festival filled with beautiful performances and presentations. We proudly honored our Chief Manuelito Scholars for their academic excellence and community contributions. Our scholars shone in the Diné Spelling Bee, and the Spanish Spelling Bee where students made their languages come alive. Esperanza held the rich Día del Niño event where students danced to different music from Latin America. We also honored our Native American graduates during the Senior Recognition Banquet where they received Pendleton stoles and awards for their high academic accomplishments.
Apache Elementary received a Bilingual Multicultural Education Program Recognition award for their exceptional work with the community and families from NMPED’s Bilingual Multicultural Education Program. Additionally, 23 students were awarded the NM State Seal of Bilingualism and Biliteracy, with 22 in Spanish and 1 in Navajo.
FMS Educators Celebrated!
We applaud the exceptional educators who inspire our students daily. Students, parents, and staff nominated their choices for our “FMS Teacher of the Year.” We celebrated our finalists with a highlight of their classes and in the final vote the 2023 FMS Teacher of the Year award went to our fabulous high school math teacher, Ms. Jaime Long. Our educators' excellence was further recognized nationally, with two of our educators, Ms. Grace Blackwater and Ms. Carmelita Lee, named “Teachers of the Year” by the National JOM Association.
Arts, Music, and Science at FMS
Our district's commitment to the arts was nationally recognized for the eighth year in a row, while the PVC Pipettes, PV Chamber Choir, and Heights Middle School Choir won state accolades! We hosted our First Native American STEM Festival with more than 20 groups and hands-on activities to become more familiar with the wonderful world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. FMS students engaged in Great End-of-Unit Activities, creatively showcasing their learning. The Student Voices: You Are Influencers Event empowered our young leaders to share their perspectives and advocate for their peers. And culinary talents were showcased as a student Troy Longoria was crowned Top Junior Chef and awarded a $1000 cash prize to encourage his food journey.
Multicultural Programs This Year
Our Multicultural Department had a fantastic year with strong participation in various programs. This year, 1,401 students joined the English Learner Program, designed to support students whose first language isn't English and who may need help with speaking, reading, writing, or understanding English. These students receive the assistance they need to succeed in standard instructional programs. Additionally, FMS students have access to Bilingual Multicultural Education opportunities that emphasize the history and cultures associated with their home or heritage language.
Here are some highlights from our language programs:
920 students participated in Navajo Language Bilingual Programs.
59 students joined the Diné Dual Language Program at Apache Elementary.
680 students took part in Spanish Bilingual Programs.
104 students enrolled in the Spanish Dual Language Program at McCormick Elementary.
22 teachers earned their ENMU TESOL Endorsement (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
15 teachers participated in Professional Development for Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Instruction.
3,000 boxes of supplies are being delivered by Native American Programs to students in need since February.
Finally, our district’s spirit soared this year in sports too, with FMS girls' and boys' teams excelling in every arena. On the fields and courts, they showcased their prowess in football, softball, basketball, and tennis, clinching state victories in powerlifting, golf, hurdles, and e-sports. In academics, our scholars impressed at science fairs and excelled in state contests for Family Career Community Leaders of America, Skills USA, HOSA Future Health Professionals, and National History Day.
These stories highlight our students and staff rising to excellence in every pursuit, marking a year of outstanding achievements and unforgettable moments. We wish you a great summer and look forward to seeing you again soon!
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