FMS In The News – New web portal developed by NMSU links farms to institutional buyers. By Algernon D'Ammassa, Albuquerque Journal. A newly launched website aims to connect New Mexico food producers with agencies or institutions such as school districts, senior centers and food banks. The program, which received development funds through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, aligns with the safety standards of New Mexico Grown, a state-recognized local food initiative. Marie Johnson, one of Path to Plate’s inaugural buyers, supervises the student nutrition program for the Farmington Municipal Schools, which serves over 10,600 students and presents thousands of breakfasts and lunches daily. She has also been proactive in regular meetings between growers and institutional buyers ahead of planting seasons. Johnson said the school district has purchased directly from producers and through the Harvest Food Hub, and will now purchase through Path to Plate as well. Johnson is not only an early registrant, but helped test the portal ahead of launch. Read more: https://www.abqjournal.com/business/article_8ea37c78-5602-4229-872d-0475a36fa9fb.html
School nurses are our first responders for medical concerns. School nurses and nurse aides are the first place a student thinks to go when they don't feel well or have been hurt. But they also provide a wealth of information that supports a successful education as well. The observance reminds us of all the great reasons the nurse is available to your school. They provide more than Band-Aids for scrapes on the playground and check for fevers when a child shows the first sign of illness. Thank you!
On April 22, all FMS students received a planting kit as part of our Earth Day Challenge. The goal is for students to plant their seeds—either in a pot or directly in the ground—and track their progress. This fun activity encourages healthy habits early in life and helps students develop a lifelong love for growing and eating fruits and vegetables. Want to join the challenge? Visit https://www.farmingtonschools.us/page/earth-day to register by May 23, 2025. Students who sign up will receive instructions for completing a short video or PowerPoint presentation showcasing their planting journey. These will be shared by Monday, June 2, 2025. Students with the best reports in elementary, middle, and high school will each win a $100 Growers Bucks prize to spend at the Farmington Growers Market.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week - May 5-9, 2025! FMS, this week is the perfect time for us to say thank you for all the love, energy, and hard work they pour into our children’s lives! Our teachers do so much more than teach—they guide, encourage, and inspire our kids every single day. Their care and dedication reach far beyond the classroom, helping shape not just smart students, but kind and curious people. Let’s show them how much we appreciate everything they do!
FMS, we are thrilled to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9) by releasing our new FMS Teacher Talk Podcast dedicated to our teaching community. In our premiere episode, we sat down with Piedra Vista's very own Ms. Mari Floyd. Listen to the full audio of this interview at https://bit.ly/FMS-Teacher-Talk-Podcast or https://www.farmingtonschools.us/page/podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes!
Coming up! ¡Ya viene!
April 28, 2025: Quick reminder that today’s SPMAC Meeting starts at 5:00 p.m. at Central Kitchen (305 N. Court Avenue). The Student-Parent Menu Advisory Committee (SPMAC) meetings are great opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas about school meals. We’d love to hear from you and work together to improve our school’s menu even more!
Estudiantes de niveles de lectura similares trabajarán en grupos de 4 con un instructor para mejorar sus habilidades de lectura y escritura en este programa gratis de 4 a 6 semanas. Los programas comenzarán en junio y durarán hasta julio. Encuentra uno cerca de ti visitando nuestro sitio web: https://www.literacy.nm.gov.
Students of similar reading levels will work in groups of 4 with an instructor to improve reading and writing skills for this FREE 4-6 week program. Programs will begin in June and run through July. Find one near you by visiting https://www.literacy.nm.gov.
Save the Date! Thank you to San Juan Pediatrics for donating their time and services!
FMS In The News – ‘Our language is alive.’ Record 22 students honored with Seal of Bilingual Proficiency. By Robert Bettis, Navajo Times. Colton George of Piedra Vista High School wears his Pendleton honor blanket after receiving his award, dedicating his achievement to his late mother, who inspired his language journey. Read more: https://navajotimes.com/edu/our-language-is-alive-record-22-students-honored-with-seal-of-bilingual-proficiency/
FMS In The News – PV sophomore repeats as state champ. By Quentin Jodie, Navajo Times. In the Class 5A girls championship, Piedra Vista senior Haleigh Doyle eked out her second consecutive state crown at 97 pounds. “I was the state champion last year, so I’m a two-timer now,” Doyle said. “I’m so excited because I really had a pretty rough start. I honestly almost bombed out, and I wasn’t expecting to get first this year, but I’m just super thankful that I was able to pull myself together.” Read more: https://navajotimes.com/rezsports/pv-sophomore-repeats-as-state-champ/
On Monday, April 7, Apache Elementary filled with warmth and excitement as more than 120 families came together for a special Diné Family Night. The event shared valuable information about Native American Programs, the work of the Indian Education Committee, assistance available for families, and the many cultural events the program organizes for students and their families. The evening was made even more special, as the school welcomed Miss Indian World Kassie John, and Grammy-nominated artist Davis Mitchell, who sang “Country Roads, Take Me Home”—inspiring our families and staff to dance. We were also honored to welcome royalty from our Native communities, including Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Queen Natiana Lynn King, Little Miss Ceremonial Makayla Jones, and Miss Avikan.
FMS, we would like to congratulate our eight outstanding student-athletes who have qualified for the State Powerlifting Championships! This incredible competition will take place at the Rio Rancho Events Center this Friday, April 4. From Piedra Vista: Haleigh Doyle (97 lb. weight class), Rebecca Laird (97 lb. weight class), Maria Laird (105 lb. weight class), Toni Hogue (220 lb. weight class), and Mariah Marquez (123 lb. weight class). From Farmington High: Liana Lucero (105 lb. weight class), Paisleigh Felder (123 lb. weight class), and Jordyn Parks (165 lb. weight class). A special congratulations to Liana, Paisleigh, and Jordyn, who have made history as the first-ever athletes from Farmington High to qualify for the State Powerlifting Competition! We are so proud of these young ladies and the incredible progress of our powerlifting programs, especially considering how new they are. Let’s show them our full support as they represent our schools at State this Friday!
Rescheduled event: You are invited to the Native American Talent Show, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, at Piedra Vista’s Turano-Chrisman Performing Arts Theater. See you there!
FMS In The News – Piedra Vista shines at 2025 Linda Crabtree Softball Challenge. By Truman Begaye, Navajo Times. Hosts of the 2025 Linda Crabtree Softball Challenge, the Piedra Vista Lady Panthers (9-5-1) rolled through their tournament schedule, winning four out of five games at the Farmington Sports Complex. Read more: https://navajotimes.com/rezsports/baseball/piedra-vista-shines-at-2025-linda-crabtree-softball-challenge/
FMS In The News – Farmington Municipal Schools begins construction of new preschool academy. By Robert Bettis, Navajo Times. Designed by FBT Architects of Albuquerque, the new facility will be one of the largest preschools in New Mexico, specifically designed for early childhood education. Sanjay Engineer, the vice president and managing principal of FBT Architects, explained how each aspect of the building was designed with children in mind. “Everything in the classrooms, from cubbies and desks to bathroom fixtures, is tailored for preschool-age students,” Engineer explained. The new building will feature soft seating, strong surfaces, and a centralized playground, a safe learning environment for children. Read more: https://navajotimes.com/edu/farmington-municipal-schools-begins-construction-of-new-preschool-academy.
FMS In The News – Farmington defeats Gallup Lady Bengals, 14-3. By Lee Begaye, Navajo Times. The Farmington Lady Scorpions (3-2-1) outpaced the Gallup Lady Bengals in five innings, securing a 14-3 victory on a cold, windy Tuesday afternoon. Read more: https://navajotimes.com/rezsports/farmington-defeats-gallup-lady-bengals-14-3.
FMS In The News – Farmington Municipal Schools breaks ground on new preschool academy. By Jacqlin Aragon, KOB. It’s an exciting time for Farmington School District. After three years, it’s finally time to put the pedal to the metal on the district’s brand new $40 million Preschool Academy. “To see it come to fruition, very rewarding, and we’re excited to see it come together in the next 18 months,” said Cody Diehl, superintendent of Farmington Municipal Schools. Read more: https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/farmington-municipal-schools-breaks-ground-on-new-preschool-academy/
The Jr. Chef Competition is happening on Saturday, April 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Farmington High School. Our panel of judges includes Ms. Tina Nichols (FHS), Mr. Raul Perez (K12 BY ELIOR), and special guest judge Mr. Justin Pioche. We’re thrilled to share that the Piedra Vista Filmmaking Class will be livestreaming the event, so you can also watch all the action from home. Plus, Student Nutrition’s very own Jojo Reed will provide special commentary to make the experience even more fun. A heartfelt thank you to Hill Corps Gas & Oil, our generous main sponsor for this event and the student scholarships, helping to support this incredible opportunity!
👩🍳 Who Can Join? Students in grades 4-12 can form teams of 1-4 members from the same school (team members can be in different grade levels). 📝 How to Sign Up? Register online at https://bit.ly/JuniorChefRegistration. The deadline to register is March 24.
