Gadsden Independent School District

This document outlines the core purpose of Desert Trail Elementary, which is to create and sustain a positive and nurturing environment that promotes continuous lifelong learning. The key goals include enabling all students to set and achieve academic goals and fostering a strong, positive school community where all stakeholders feel welcome. These objectives are supported by core values emphasizing professionalism, open communication, continuous learning and growth, and collaborative teamwork.

The strategic plan for Gadsden Independent School District outlines five core goals: developing an exemplary learning environment through diverse instruction and evaluation, providing equitable opportunities for every child, fostering systems that support a culture of readiness, adequately staffing the district with highly qualified personnel, and ensuring safe and secure schools. The plan aims to enhance student development, well-being, and academic outcomes while maintaining a supportive and secure educational environment.

The New Mexico Public Education Department's Social and Emotional Learning Framework is designed to create healthy, safe, supportive, and joyful schools, students, and families. It focuses on integrating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into all aspects of education to address challenges such as intergenerational trauma, cycles of poverty and violence, and inequities in opportunity. The framework emphasizes building stronger communities, fostering meaningful life directions, and supporting the well-being of students, staff, parents, and communities through practices that promote positive relationships, skill development, and safe environments.

The board meeting included presentations from Santa Teresa Elementary School, highlighting a Lego event and progress on a high-reliability schools framework. An update on Gaton Middle School construction was provided, detailing progress on demolition, footings, and framing. Riverside and Melinda Elementary Schools were recognized for their bilingual multicultural education program. Parent communication data was reviewed, including social media engagement. Reports were given by board members, including a trip to Santa Fe to meet with legislators. A student representative shared updates on school events and activities.

The strategic plan focuses on several key areas: building Layer I structures to meet the needs of all students through MLSS implementation, ensuring Layer 1 instruction aligns with standards for proficiency grading, and building Layer 2 and 3 structures to support students through MLSS. It defines expectations for school support, family involvement, and community schools, integrating health and wellness personnel. The plan also establishes a district-wide Structured Literacy Framework, STEM pathways, and a Virtual Academy. Additionally, it addresses alternative language programs, socio-emotional well-being, basic needs, attendance interventions, graduate profiles, transition protocols, summer enrichment programs, and support for quality teachers. Furthermore, it enhances nursing and health services, school-based health centers, mental health support, building security, and facility improvements.