The New Mexico Public Education Department announced this week, Apache Elementary and Animas Elementary Schools in Farmington have been selected to receive a community school planning grant worth $50,000 each. The community school model goes beyond traditional academic education to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students, promoting success and offering wrap-around services such as adult education, counseling, tutoring, family support programs, and after-school programs.
“I’m really excited to be able to create this opportunity for our families and to give the community a place where they can engage. Students and families helping each other with the school at the center will make our community better,” said Davina Terry, Principal of Apache Elementary School.
“By providing a space for community engagement, community schools will help to build even stronger relationships at our school. These relationships can support students both in and outside of the classroom, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility,” said Nicole Murillo, Principal of Animas Elementary School.
The planning grants will allow for an assessment of community assets and needs through surveys for families. Following the first year of planning grant work, schools can apply for annual implementation grants worth $150,000 each for three years to turn the vision of a community school into a reality.
“Community schools are learning centers and hubs of support, connection, and opportunity. They provide a foundation for academic achievement and build strong, thriving communities. We are looking forward to this work at Apache and Animas,” added Superintendent Cody Diehl about the work being done at the elementaries to grow their connections to our families.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s “A New Direction for New Mexico Schools” plan includes the implementation of the community schools model, among other focus areas, to help New Mexico’s students achieve their best.
The community school model aligns with Farmington Municipal Schools Strategic Plan of providing "A Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative Culture as well as school-wide support programs for students and families."