Cover Photo by Tamryn Smith
DEAR NMSD FAMILY & FRIENDS
As you’ve likely noticed over the past few issues, the New Mexico Progress is evolving. The look and feel of this publication are changing, and so is the process behind it. We’re proud to now include students as active contributors to its production. This shift not only adds authenticity and vibrancy to our content, but it also aligns with a core belief I’ve held since my early days as a middle school English Language Arts teacher: writing and publishing should have authentic purpose. Students should not write simply to please teachers or meet assignment expectations; they should write—and learn to design layouts— to express, inform, and connect.
This issue reflects that belief beautifully. Our student writers take us on a journey that reminds us not all heroes wear capes. Through their lens, we get a glimpse into the lives of the many unsung heroes who help make our school community whole. From the cafeteria to the maintenance team, from cottage staff to office personnel, this
issue celebrates those who often work quietly behind the scenes, making a big impact on the daily lives of our students and the larger NMSD community.
And speaking of unsung heroes, I’d like to recognize one more: Kimm Wiens. This year, Kimm has carried the Department of Community Relations with remarkable grace and dedication. Thanks to her efforts, the New Mexico Progress continues to grow, not just as a high-quality publication, but as a living, breathing reflection of our school’s story. Often working behind closed doors and without much fanfare, Kimm has been the steady force behind this magazine. Thank you, Kimm, for your vision, commitment, and leadership.
I hope you enjoy this issue and the spirit that shines within it.
Warmly,
Dr. Jennifer Herbold, Superintendent
FEATURE: A DAY IN
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NMSD:
STUDENTS TELL THE STORY
by Laurie Anderson's Sophomore English Class
Whenwe think about our school experiences, we often picture our teachers, classrooms, and friends. But beyond the walls of classrooms, a dedicated team of support staff ensure that all runs smoothly every single day. This issue's feature, created by our NMSD Sophomore English class, shines a light on support staff who keep our school thriving.
A Student Interview Project
Over winter and early spring - six students conducted interviews with 12 staff members from non-instructional support departments. These interviews provided insight into the important roles played by staff in our Facilities, Health Center, Nutritional Services, Interpreting, Transportation, Business Office, Human Resources, Information Technology, Student Life, Early Intervention, and Outreach departments.
The Art of Storytelling & Design
After conducting the interviews, students worked with an outside design consultant, Elise Englert, to bring this project to life. Elise visited the English class, led by High School teacher Laurie Anderson, to teach the fundamentals of design—layout, color theory, typography and accessibility.
She guided students through the process of arranging text and photographs, many of which they took themselves, to create a visually compelling and informative read.
Through this hands-on experience, the students not only improved their interviewing and writing skills but also gained an appreciation for the power of design in storytelling. The result is the feature that follows—a celebration of the dedicated staff who make NMSD a welcoming and well-functioning place.
Guiding the Vision with Educators and Experts
Working on this project with my students, Kimm Wiens, and Elise Englert was inspiring! Students developed strong interview questions, conducted their interviews with clarity, and then transformed them into well-written stories that captured their interviewees' experiences at NMSD. Collaborating with Kimm and Elise to bring these stories to publication was an honor. I’m continually inspired by my students' creativity and look forward to future opportunities to explore new projects together!
~Laurie Anderson, High School English Teacher
Working with Laurie’s class at NMSD is on the list of my top career experiences as a graphic designer! I always wanted to be an art teacher as a kid, and I finally got my chance by teaching this class of engaged and charming students about over arching design principles, color theory, and typography. I’m proud of how they let their unique vision shine in their layouts and interviews. Collaborating with Kimm and Laurie on planning and making this project a reality was so special!
~ Elise Englert, Graphic Designer/Consultant
INTERVIEW & DESIGN BY NICOLE BEGAY
WHAT IS YOUR STORY?
A Day in the Life of Lisa Ortega
Lisa Ortega works as an accounting technician here at NMSD. Prior to working at NMSD, she was employed at a title company which provides title insurance for homes. After a while, she felt that she needed a change. She did not know sign language, but she saw this as an opportunity for personal growth and decided to apply to NMSD. Initially when Lisa started working at NMSD, she worked as an administrative assistant to the Director of Instruction and later in accounts payable, where she was responsible for paying NMSD’s bills.
The most rewarding aspect of her job as an Accounting Technician is knowing that she is supporting the students. She is also fortunate to have fantastic coworkers who motivate her every day. She helps ensure the school’s accounts are accurate and that funds are properly allocated. This way, students have everything they need for learning including attending trips and other necessary activities. The most challenging part of Lisa's job was when she first started and did not know ASL. Communicating was difficult, but learning ASL made a significant difference. Lisa has studied and continues to study accounting. Her current job is exactly what she expected and wanted to do. One fun fact about Lisa is that she enjoys spending time with her grand kids, going to movies, and traveling. She also likes crafting and staying home to do nothing.
A Day in the Life of Dale Loper
For Dale Loper, he wanted to work at NMSD because he wanted to help Deaf children to get a quality education. He enjoys working with technology and students at NMSD. Dale currently works in the Human Resources office as a Payroll and Benefit Administrator. His main responsibility at NMSD is to provide paychecks and benefits to all NMSD staff. Dale has been working with NMSD for twenty-six years. He worked with IT for twenty-five years, and this is his first year working in Human Resources. He went to Purdue University to get his Bachelor degree in IT.
Before that, he worked as an electronic technician at a factory for seven years before going back to university to obtain his IT degree. His work experience at NMSD has been challenging, as expected, and keeping up with changes in technology has been the hardest part of the IT job. A few fun facts about Dale are that he enjoys playing with his dogs, going out camping, and hunting. He also enjoys having quality time with his family.
An Interview with Michael Baker
Michael Baker is a Help Desk/Media Specialist with the Information Technology Department at the New Mexico School for the Deaf. He also manages the Help Desk for anyone who may need assistance. He describes the Help Desk as the frontline of the IT department. He receives reports and/or requests for assistance. He will then send the information to the right person for the job. Michael specializes in media needs such as laptops, projectors, speakers, and more, for events. He chose this job because he enjoys working with technology and he also likes helping others with his skills. When asked about the skill requirements for his job, Michael shared that basic computer knowledge as well as media technology knowledge and social skills are required for this position. You need a bachelor's degree for this job. Michael grew up in a Deaf school, so he is familiar and comfortable with places like NMSD. His wife also worked at NMSD before he came along. His goal is to attain an advanced degree/ certificate for his job.
An Interview with Orlando Obeso
Orlando Obeso loves his job as an interpreter at New Mexico School for the Deaf. He is a part of the Interpretation and Translation Department. He is one of four trilingual interpreters on the team. He provides language access to students, staff, community members, and families. He believes that everyone deserves access to communication with people. That is why Orlando believes his job is important and why he also does other work such as voice-overs on ASL videos so people can have access there as well.
Orlando likes to believe that his job chose him, not the other way around. He believes this because he never wanted to be an interpreter in the first place; he wanted to study mechanical engineering. He attended UNM and took a sign language class. He fell in love with ASL and applied to the interpreting program. He got accepted and worked his way up to become an interpreter. He graduated in 2012 and has been interpreting ever since. Orlando shared that a bachelor’s degree and four years of interpreter training are the minimum requirements to get the provisional license. Once you pass, you can take the national certification exam to get a license here in NM and become an official interpreter. But Orlando thinks there is more than that. He believes that interpreters never stop learning and there are always new things to adapt to.
Orlando really likes his job, and he feels that there are not many jobs that have changes in setting and excitement. Although the job is tough, he enjoys the challenge and the rewarding feeling. He also loves that he gets to use his native language, Spanish, to help other Latino families. Orlando chose NMSD because he found out there was a trilingual community. He fell in love with the community, events, culture, and many other things about NMSD. His goals are to keep growing as an interpreter and mastering his skills. He also strives to learn more about the language and the DeafBlind community.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF.....
ERNIE TRUJILLO
For Ernie Trujillo, there is nothing he would change about his job in the Facilities department at the New Mexico School for the Deaf. He enjoys all the various aspects of his work, which include running around fixing things, working outside a lot, cutting weeds, and taking care of plants, flowers, and trees. If needed, he also mows lawns, cuts weeds, and uses a lot of the big machines such as tractors, forklifts, weed eaters, and blowers which help to maintain NMSD’s campus. Ernie is also responsible for maintaining and fixing the equipment as well.
As a teenager, Ernie loved cars. One of his biggest dreams was to have fancy, nice, and fast sports car, specifically a Mustang. When asked if he had achieved this dream, he responded with “Yes, to an extent, but as usual, once you achieve one goal, it seems you always set a new one for yourself.” The following is a piece of advice from Ernie: “Keep chasing your dreams, work hard and you will get anything you put your mind to. I never stopped dreaming. I always want to see and experience new things in any way I can, as I believe we all should, and it all starts with hard work and dedication.”
GLORIANN GURULE
Gloriann Gurule used to dream of being a chef and training in the culinary arts. As she grew older, her dream also grew and she decided to attain a Commercial Driver License (CDL). This license allowed her to drive heavier and bigger trucks and buses rather than the typical car. As she decided to pursue this dream, she became a Program Assistant for the Transportation department at New Mexico School For the Deaf. Gloriann has been working at NMSD since the spring of 2013.
You may be wondering why she picked NMSD. This is because it is Deaf-friendly, and she is able to communicate with everyone through sign language. With this job, she is responsible for all routes that pick up students and bring them home after school. She is also responsible for covering drivers for specific routes if a driver is unable to make it. Her favorite part of working at NMSD is the students. She loves being able to watch them grow up from infants to seniors, and she enjoys being social with the students. Some skills that she finds necessary for her specific job are familiarity with driving safety and the ability to memorize directions. Her one piece of advice to people who may want to pursue a similar career is that you must develop the skill to have patience with a variety of people.
A Day in the Life of… Skye
Misty Skye Dreumont currently works as an Administrative Assistant for Student Life and Athletics Skye was very inspired to choose this job because she wanted to have the opportunity to grow her experience. She has learned many different skill sets with her job. Skye’s work benefits many students in different ways such as scheduling various activities and school events, along with planning logistics such as transportation, meals, interpreters, referees for games and matches, and many more tasks. Before signing up for her job, she knew exactly what it was going to be like, and it has been great for her. She mentioned that her job can get really crazy and busy sometimes, but that things always work out in the end. She loves her job, but her job requires having to work for a full year, so it is sometimes rough on her because she gets less breaks than everyone else. Skye said something that is important for everyone to read. She shared, “With the right mind-set, support and dedication, you can make positive changes for the better! Nothing changes unless we make continuous efforts to do and be better.” Skye believes it is important for everyone to listen and learn from others to become a more experienced person.
“It is okay to change your career if you dislike what you are doing. It is wise to choose what you enjoy. You don’t always have to be stuck with one career your whole life. Make sure you explore and find what you love doing for your career.”
“With the right mind-set, support and dedication, you can make positive changes for the better! Nothing changes unless we make continuous efforts to do and be better.”
Meena
Meena Mann is a Statewide Educational Consultant (Outreach Department) for NMSD. She works with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in the districts outside of Santa Fe by providing them with spoken/sign language support to foster their language, learning, and social growth. She works specifically with those students who do not attend a deaf school or do not have support from Deaf/Hard of Hearing teachers. Meena travels to the rural or distant places of New Mexico and supports students to receive appropriate accommodations to maximize their growth and learning. She absolutely loves her job, as she gets to travel often; she does not find the job stressful because the job suits her well.
Meena said that she experienced blockades growing up which inspired her to want to help other students who are experiencing the same types of barriers. She wants to help them find their identities. However, she mentioned that it requires an amount of time to schedule a trip with an interpreter because she herself is Deaf and needs one. Other than needing to schedule an interpreter, she would not change anything about her job. Meena wanted to share something with everyone. As she reflected on her career, she said, “It is okay to change your career if you dislike what you are doing. It is wise to choose what you enjoy. You don’t always have to be stuck with one career your whole life. Make sure you explore and find what you love doing for your career.” Meena’s words of wisdom can help all of us feel inspired to forge our career paths with joy and purpose!
Christina Brewer
Christina Brewer has worked at NMSD for seventeen years, though only two of them have been in the Nutrition Department where she currently works. She is responsible for washing dishes, cleaning tables, mopping floors, and more. She follows the schedule posted daily, whatever it may be, and advises people to be aware that her field requires swiftness in their tasks.
She has been working in the cleaning industry for a while now. Some of her past experiences include working at a hotel and cleaning family residential dorms on NMSD’s campus. She loves everything about her job, especially dish washing! She hopes to one day visit Bulgaria, where she was born, to experience the lifestyle and culture once again!
AN iNterview : whAt is your job?
Anthony Alaniz
For four years, Anthony Alaniz has been taking care of and monitoring all the students at NMSD by working as a nurse in the Student Health Center. While he loves his job, it does not come without some difficulties. His struggles include the following: the disruption of his routine, reducing the spread of diseases, and the need to communicate with teachers, students, and parents about different situations.
Prior to working at NMSD, he worked as a nurse in the critical care unit. Considering his experience in different medical venues, he has great advice for someone trying to work as a nurse; his advice is to “not burn yourself out.” He loves caring for people and hopes that more people aspire to be the same. He does, however, have an interest in pursuing different work. At one point in time, he worked at a public library, and he hopes to return to such a position, as to keep his mind open to the different perspectives of books.
An interview with Brad -
“Persistence is key, and don’t be afraid to fail. It’s through failures that we learn and make progress.” -Unknown
Brad Schanz is a Developmental Specialist for the Northeast Region in the Early Intervention Department. Brad’s work offers weekly, home-based, or virtual visits, and he supports parents, guardians, and caretakers in developing communication skills with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.
Brad was born very sick, his parents found out that he was Deaf eventually. His parents made sure that he got the support he needed by receiving services from a local Deaf school. That was his family’s first experience with early intervention, and that is what led to Brad’s career path. His journey led to obtaining his bachelor's and master’s degrees in social work. When he moved to New Mexico, he had an opportunity to be a part of the Early Intervention team. Brad loves so many things about his job. His top two favorites are supporting families through their early intervention journey and seeing kids meet their first milestones in child development such as signing their first signs, taking their first steps, or learning to go potty on their own.
When he is not working, Brad enjoys fly fishing and fly tying. These hobbies are important to him because they provide an outlet after work, and they allow him to enjoy the beauty of nature, and everything it has to offer.
An interview with Renuka -
Renu is an Art Therapist at NMSD. She was born Deaf in Canada; her family is hearing and did not know sign language. In Canada, their resources, access, and services were sparse. She moved to Missouri when she was a toddler and went to an oral school. Later, when Renu was five, she attended a mainstream school despite being the only deaf student.
Renu still felt passionate about pursuing college even though she was facing multiple barriers. People did not believe that Renu could become a doctor because she was Deaf. Renu decided to shift her path in career by obtaining a PhD in education and to become an art therapist. She connected with NMSD through a conference for individuals who are Deaf, Blind, and DeafBlind in Albuquerque where she saw her graduate school professor.
Renuka and a student working on a clay bowl.
After getting a job at NMSD, she felt nervous and at the same time excited. She loves to work with students. Renu likes creating a space in a room that creates a safe and comfortable atmosphere for students. She really enjoys interacting with students. She calls her room “her studio.” Renu shared the notion that, “Communication takes many different forms and students also teach us so much.” Renu also shared a moment of kindness that made a difference in her life which was when she first moved to New Mexico. Recently, her residence went through some repairs. She didn’t have a place to live at the beginning of the school year, so one of her colleagues offered her a hotel to stay in for a couple of nights. Three others shared their homes.
“I believe that people should believe in themselves and reach for their dreams.”
Brad and a child sitting on the ground reading a book
Sierra, a DeafBlind student sitting at a table with her hand on her chin
EARLY CHILDHOOD: SANTA FE
TINY FEET, BIG IMPACT:
EXPLORING THE WORLD OF PRESCHOOL SHOES
by Kim Hand, ECE Teacher
Lastfall, a teacher and aide noticed that their 3 to 4 year-old students were excited to share their shoes with each other. This sparked an idea for a new project. Before diving into a study on "Shoes," the teacher brought in a tote full of different shoes from the storage room. The children’s fascination with the variety of shoes was the perfect starting point for the study.
Students explored many different types of shoes, discussing their similarities and differences, examining styles, designs, and colors, and even trying on shoes like high heels, flippers, boots, and more.
Students created several drawings and watercolor paintings of their favorite shoes. They also made 3D shoes using loose parts and Play-Doh, bringing their creative ideas to life.
To make it even more fun, students helped set up a Shoe Shop where they could pretend to shop, sell, or buy shoes. They presented slippers brought from home and proudly showed off their 3D creations. The excitement continued as we hosted a Fashion Shoe Show, where everyone became models and showcased their favorite shoes.
As the study came to a close, families were invited to a special Shoes Showcase. A Power Point presentation of our project was shared, displaying the art we’d created. Our guests also got the chance to explore the Shoe Shop.
This study provided so many valuable learning opportunities. It helped the children improve their communication and language skills, build their confidence, and strengthen their social interactions—while also having a lot of fun!
EARLY CHILDHOOD: ALBUQUERQUE
FAMILY CONNECTIONS: ECE PROGRAMS IN ALBUQUERQUE
by Angela Corona, Albuquerque Supervisor & Educational Leader
Our Early Childhood Education Program in Albuquerque prioritizes family involvement. We offer numerous opportunities for parents to receive information, engage in meaningful conversations with their children, and to feel welcomed into our school community.
Digital platforms like SeeSaw and Remind both enhance communication and strengthen connections with our families.
We love opportunities for in-person interactions with our families, recognizing the invaluable benefits of strong school-family relationships.
Each month, we host Family Day, where parents, relatives, or anyone important to the child are in-
vited to join us for a presentation and discussion, followed by a fun activity in their child’s classroom. We cover many topics, including how to access interpreters, literacy, and parent well-being/self-care.
We also host Family Night three times a year, inviting families to enjoy a meal together and participate in fun activities. Additionally, we organize field trips throughout the year, and families are often invited to join us for these community experiences.
In the fall, we partner with the ECE Program in Santa Fe for a Family & Friends Feast, bringing our two programs together for a fun and interactive experience
Additionally, we offer Baby Bunch once a week for families with infants and young toddlers. This provides parents with the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations, gain valuable tips for supporting their child, and ask questions in a safe and welcoming space. We provide interpreters at all events to support communication and practice our ASL signs together.
Our commitment to supporting children and families remains strong at our ECE Program in Albuquerque. We look forward to discovering even more ways to engage with our families!
EARLY CHILDHOOD – FARMINGTON
BUILDING CREATIVITY:
HOW CONSTRUCTION INSPIRES YOUNG MINDS
by Mary Helen Perez, Farmington Teacher
Anewpreschool building is being constructed behind the Farmington Preschool, and the children have become fascinated by the construction during recess. They’ve started mimicking what they observe, like when an excavator used a jackhammer to break a concrete staircase. The children excitedly imitated the action by jumping up and down and using their hands.
The classroom library, with books on building, also fuels their creativity. One favorite, Machines at Work by Byron Barton, inspired a memorable moment when the children watched footage of a wrecking ball demolishing a building. The next day, they found a ball attached to a rope in the construction center and experimented with it as a wrecking ball. Initially, they worked solo but soon realized they needed to cooperate to knock down their block buildings. By adjusting their strategy, they successfully toppled the structures, discovering the importance of teamwork.
This experience has led to ongoing creative building projects and a deeper understanding of construction and collaboration, showing how real-world experiences can spark learning and creativity in young minds.
100 DAYS SMARTER:
A FUN-FILLED CELEBRATION WITH 2ND GRADERS!
by Hilary Frankowiak, Santa Fe Elementary Teacher
Each morning during our 2nd-grade class meeting, we excitedly track the number of school days. We have a fun fishbowl poster where we add a fish each day, marking the day with its corresponding number. The students couldn't wait to reach the big milestone—100 days of school!
On Friday, January 24th, we finally hit the 100th day! To celebrate this special achievement, the entire elementary department came together for a day filled with exciting activities. Students of different grade levels were grouped into five teams, rotating through five fun-filled stations.
Our celebration included:
• A campus-wide scavenger hunt to find pictures of "100 smiles"
• A fitness challenge with 100 exercises (10 of each movement)
• A creative craft activity where students transformed the number "100" into unique artwork
• A crown-making session to design "100" crowns
• A few games, including a "100-point" corn hole challenge and a tower-building competition using 100 cups to see who could build the tallest structure!
It was incredible to watch the students work together, supporting one another and enjoying every activity. As the day came to a close, we felt proud, accomplished, and full of joy— ready to head into the weekend with big smiles!
MIDDLE SCHOOL
LIONS PEACE POSTER CONTEST:
INSPIRING PEACE THROUGH ART
by Kimm Wiens, Public Relations Specialist
For over 30 years, Lions Clubs around the world have been proudly sponsoring a unique and inspiring art contest, inviting young artists to share their visions of peace through creativity. Known as the "Peace Poster Contest," this annual event gives children the opportunity to express their hopes and dreams for a more peaceful world, using their artistic talents to inspire others.
The Peace Poster Contest is more than just a competition—it's a platform for young people to present their personal perspectives on peace, unity,
and hope. Every year, thousands of students from all over the globe participate, creating posters that reflect their understanding of what peace means to them.
This year, a group of middle school students from NMSD once again took part in the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest. The theme for this year's contest was "Peace without Limits."
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS:
• 1st Place: Aspen Mohan-Litchfield
• 2nd Place: Asher Reyes
• 3rd Place: Alexis Brady
• Honorable Mention: Rianza Ercolino & Ariele Vest
We would like to express our appreciation for these talented middle schoolers and their thoughtful, creative submissions. Their contributions are a shining example of how young artists can use their talents to reflect on the important issue of peace and inspire others through their work.
HANDS-ON CAREER EXPLORATION:
BPBP-NM MOBILE LAB VISITS NMSD
by Jesse Woosley, Transition Coordinator
Be Pro Be Proud NM (BPBP-NM) is part of a national initiative to inspire young adults to explore technical careers through hands-on experiences. NMSD recently hosted a BPBP-NM tour, bringing their mobile learning unit—a fully equipped 18-wheeler truck that expands into a lab with simulators and virtual reality stations. The mobile unit featured modules on various technical careers, including healthcare, commercial truck driving, heavy machinery, construction, electricity, plumbing, HVAC, welding, and diesel technology.
Six senior students served as “MVP"s , assisting their peers at different stations and guiding them through VR simulations and hands-on experiences. Students shared positive feedback, noting the
interactive and engaging nature of the event. The experience helped them better understand the skills required for various technical careers and sparked interest in fields they might not have previously considered. Most importantly, it highlighted the demand for skilled workers and the well-paying job opportunities in these fields.
Representatives from the NM Department of Workforce Solutions (America’s Job Center) also attended, sharing information on pre-apprenticeship programs that offer paid job training. Students were able to gather brochures and application forms.
NMSD is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this movement and hopes to host another BPBP-NM tour in the future.
CONNECTING ACROSS CONTINENTS:
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES IN JAPAN
by Scott Mohan, Crystal Mitchem and International Studies Students
This past spring, our High School International Studies group embarked on a two-week journey to Japan. From Tokyo’s neon streets to Kyoto’s ancient shrines, students immersed themselves in a vibrant blend of culture, tradition, and innovation. In addition to sightseeing, they experienced daily life through culinary adventures, cultural exchanges, and moments of wonder; embracing Japan one bite of sushi and one shrine at a time.
Hakone / Mount Fuji
We took a bus, train, and ropeway up the mountain, enjoying amazing views of the lake and Mt. Fuji. We shopped a little and tried the famous black eggs—surprisingly just like regular eggs! On the way down, we rode a pirate-themed boat with beautiful lake views before heading back to the hotel.
~ Angelique Quiñonez
Kyoto
We went to a tea ceremony where we dressed up in kimonos and learned about the cultural and historical importance of matcha tea. We made our own tea and learned the proper way to mix and drink it, and how to display the cup. The whole experience was really fun and meaningful.
~ Kane Wilding
Nara
We stopped at a place called Fire Ramen, where not only was the ramen delicious, but the chefs literally set it on fire. They poured burning hot oil over the ramen — part cooking, part magic show. No one lost their eyebrows. So we called it a win.
~ Jesse Crespin
Tokyo
We saw a Ninja Show that told a story through movement and dance. It was really entertaining. Afterward, we learned about traditional performances and how ninjas used hand signs to communicate.
~ Isac Velo-Tarin
We visited Tokyo’s only bilingual Deaf school. The students gave us a tour, and we did a bunch of activities with them — we had so much fun! We even learned how to write our names in Japanese. It was an amazing experience meeting them and making new connections.
~ Kimora Vollmar
In Nara, the deer roam freely like they own the place — and honestly, they kind of do. The park was full of cherry & plum blossoms, quiet lakes, and tall trees.
~ Kane Wilding
Osaka
On the way home from one of Osaka's iconic mega stores, we stumbled upon the home to Japan’s only vertical oval Ferris wheel. The neon lights flickered as we treated ourselves to delicious street food and explored even more shops. By the time we called it a day, our feet were sore, our bags were full, and our hearts were happy.
~ Santiago Lopez
Hiroshima
We visited the Genbaku Dome, the only structure remaining near the hypocenter of the 1945 atomic bombing. The surrounding memorial park honors those who lost their lives and serves as a powerful reminder of the need to abolish nuclear weapons and work toward lasting peace.
~ Sierra Woosley and Wendy Fuentes
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
A TIME FOR JOY: HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR DECEMBER CELEBRATIONS
Winter Variety Show Skit
Empty Stocking Fund
Winter Variety Show Skit
Spirit Week Plaid Day
Winter Variety Penguin Awards
Holiday Feast at Superintendent's House
Hanukkah Stories with Hedy Stern
Hot Chocolate and Stories with Superintendent Herbold
CHECKMATE!
A SCHOOL-WIDE BATTLE OF WITS
by Cy Wilding, High School Teacher
This year marked the second annual school-wide Chess Tournament hosted by the high school Chess Club. Players were divided into three groups: Elementary, Middle School, and High School & Staff.
A total of 38 participants competed in speed chess matches, each limited to 15 minutes. If no checkmate occurred, the winner was determined by the total point value of captured pieces. Well played, everyone!
1st Place: Kai Newell
2nd Place: Izzy Onstine
3rd Place: Mika Yates
4th Place: Ayumi Keuma
1st Place: Anthony Ibarra
2nd Place: Rianza Ercolino
3rd Place: Jesse Jimenez
4th Place: Gabriel Ibarra
1st Place: Martin Tarango
2nd Place: Renu Sundaram
3rd Place: Joseph Rodriguez
4th Place: Jesse Crespin, Jr.
STEAM EVENT
FULL STEAM AHEAD:
STUDENT-POWERED CAR CHALLENGE
by Jonathan Smith, Elementary Teacher
At our Spring STEAM event, students tackled the challenge of building a working car run by rubber band power, balloon power or wind power. Students watched a video, received a mini-lesson, then got to work using materials like plastic bottles, bottle caps, straws, skewers, balloons, CDs and a fan.
Building on the creativity shown during our fall STEAM event, students brought fresh ideas and critical thinking to this hands-on task. These events offer a chance to collaborate with new peers, think outside the box, and share ideas in a supportive, innovative environment. The results were as imaginative as they were impressive, with each design reflecting unique problem-solving approaches. See more STEAM action here:
LEARNING WITHOUT BORDERS:
GEOGRAPHY THROUGH STUDENT EYES
by Dominic Harrison, High School Teacher
In April 2025, students from ECE to high school explored countries across all seven continents for our annual Geography Expo. Each group focused on a specific region—ECE studied Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica; Lower Elementary covered North America; Upper Elementary explored South America; Middle School researched Europe; and High
School focused on Africa and Asia. During the event, students proudly shared their detailed findings in both English and ASL through a gallery walk. Their hard work and thoughtful presentations sparked meaningful conversations and inspired a deeper curiosity about the world beyond the usual focus on the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
LITERARY ARTS
ASL LITERATURE MASTERPIECE:
A CELEBRATION OF LANGUAGE, IDENTITY, AND COMMUNITY
by Scott Vollmar, Curriculum Specialist
Our annual ASL Literature event, A Feast for the Eyes, featured 29 talented students sharing a range of expressive works—including A to Z stories, Visual Vernacular and Personification techniques,
creative Handshapes with Constraints, and Narratives of Personal Experience. Families, staff, and members of the community gathered to witness and celebrate the remarkable growth of each student's ASL fluency.
CELEBRATING OUR CHAMPIONS: RECOGNIZING
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
ROADRUNNER PRIDE AWARD
STUDENT ATHLETES
CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL
FRONT ROW FROM LEFT: Angelique Quiñonez, Tamryn Smith, Emma Gomez. Aubrianna Baca BACK ROW FROM LEFT: Serenity Adams, Assistant Coach Monique Johnson, Aleah Hernandez, Sirrah Wilding, Kimora Vollmar, Neveah Garcia, Coach Sabrina Lozada-Cabbage, Lacey Gilpin
Assistant
Lopez,
CHEERLEADING AWARDS
Assistant
SCHOLAR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD
MC AND GUEST SPEAKER
FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Mateo Perez, Henry Hauger, Madison Bunch with Jimmy Litchfield
Angelique Quiñonez with Scott Mohan
Sirrah Wilding, Kane Wilding, Principal
Maureen Yates, Greyson Lobato, Neeva Goff
Coach Scott Vollmar, Santiago
Alex Gonzalez-Lopez, Julian ArandaSotelo, Tyr Todorovic, Head Coach Robert Huizar
Coach Patricia Lowry, Tamryn Smith, Madison Bunch, Sirrah Wilding, Head Coach Skye Dreumont
Letty Perez presenting for Sierra Woosley
Warren Keller
A NIGHT IN PARIS:
A PROM TO REMEMBER
ROADRUNNER CELEBRATION DAY
PROMOTIONS
Kindergarten to 1st Grade
8th Grade to High School
5th Grade to Middle School
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
HONOR AWARDS
Cap City Quota Lions Senior Scholarship Award
Dr. Kenneth Brasel Memorial Scholarship Award
From left: Di Huizar (Principal), Elizabeth Aragon, Megan Montoya, Eliana Michel, Nicole Garcia, Tahliah Joe, Brody Keller, Jonathan Diaz-Tafolla, Jonathan Smith (Teacher), Kira Sirokman, Nicolas Cruz
From left: Chanelle Hobbs, Adreien Jaramillo, Mateo Perez, Zeriah Martinez, Elaina Politano, Anthony Ibarra (not shown), Gabriel Ibarra (not shown), Tavian Reins-Plonski, Khadija Shandor, Greyson Lobato, Brenna Gonzalez, Jody Perez Front: Neeva Goff
Thomas Herrera Eden Li Avalon Lovelace
Middle School Math Award: Adrianna Martinez (Sponsor), Rianza Ercolino, Nicole Begay
Residential Student of the Year Award: Markel Little, Roddy Cabbage (Sponsor), Austin Haley
High School Job Preparation Achievement Award: Leilani Crespo, Jesse Woosley (Sponsor), Aidan Lopez
Scott Mohan, Madison Bunch
David Weaver, Julian Aranda-Sotelo
GRADUATION - CLASS OF 2025
ABOUT THE SENIOR CLASS OF 2025
CLASS COLORS: Royal Blue & Hot Pink
CLASS FLOWER: Azalea
CLASS SONG: The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
CLASS MOTTO: “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart." ~ Gandhi~
Serenity Adams
Madison Bunch
Olivia Chaco
Amador Corral Leilani Crespo
John LJ Hernandez
Anthony Hidalgo
Melinda Johnston
Sierra Cisneros
Aidan Lopez
Angelique Quiñonez
Sebastian Rivera-Carreon
Claire Stephens Tao Williams
Julian Aranda-Sotelo
Toni Chaco
Levi James
Gabriella Rodriguez
140th Reunion & Homecoming
by Emilio Garcia, Class of 2011, NMSDAA Reunion Chairperson
Iamthrilled to announce that the Alumni Association will host its 10th reunion at NMSD on September 18-20, 2025, in celebration of the school’s 140th anniversary. Founded in 1885 by Lars and Belle Larson, NMSD has been dedicated to providing quality education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, empowering them to succeed in the world.
This reunion is a special opportunity for alumni from all years to return home to campus, reunite with classmates, teachers, staff, teammates, and friends, share cherished memories, and connect with the future generations of alumni.
What inspired you to organize this reunion, and how did the idea come about?
Growing up with parents who were NMSD alumni, I attended reunion events from a young age and always loved seeing old and new friends come together, united by their love and pride for our Deaf school. I was disappointed when the Alumni Association had to cancel our 9th reunion in the summer of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This inspired me to lead the 10th reunion—this time with a focus on reconnecting with current NMSD students and staff, inspiring future alumni, and bridging the gap that has occurred over the past decade.
What kind of activities or events can attendees look forward to during the reunion?
To create a meaningful connection between alumni and current NMSD students and staff, the reunion is scheduled during NMSD’s Homecoming weekend.
For more info: Scan the QR Code Check NMSDAA board Emilio.Garcia@nmsd.k12.nm.us
This will allow alumni to witness students’ achievements both in academics and athletics.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of exciting events throughout the reunion:
• Feast for the Eyes: Thursday (9/18), an engaging visual celebration.
• Pep Rally & Wall of Fame: Friday (9/19), honoring outstanding athlete individuals in NMSD’s history.
• Homecoming Day: Saturday (9/20), where alumni can cheer on student-athletes and take part in the festivities.
• Alumni Banquet: Sunday evening (9/20), wrapping up the reunion with a special gathering to celebrate our shared legacy.
This reunion promises to be a memorable experience, blending tradition, celebration, and the opportunity to inspire future generations of alumni.
RETIREES AND YEARS OF SERVICE
Retirees
Cindy Huff 2004-2025
2010-2025
2000-2025
25 Years
20 Years
15 Years
10 Years
The strength of any organization lies in its people.
Thank you for being a cornerstone!
Letty Perez
Christine Brewer Joanne DeBee Benny Jr. Gallegos
Julie Nagle
Mary Helen Perez
Carrie Nichols
Jose Gutierrez 2006-2025
Lisa Craig
Roddy Cabbage Joi Holsapple Emma Lozada
Scott Mohan
Dana Fields
Gloriann Gurule Dominic Harrison
Kate Lee
Sheng Li
Kevin Rittenhouse
Taiya Getman
Liliana Macias
Abenicio Martinez
David Anderson
Joseph III Lopez
Orlando Obeso
Jose Romero
Rachel Rael
