Academic Corner

Orlando Rodriguez Assistant Principal, SPX

After 45 years in education as a teacher and administrator, my journey is taking a different path. My passion in my professional career has been to use as many tools as possible to help students discover, develop, and share their gained knowledge in preparation for their future. My career in education has afforded me the opportunity for continuous improvement and knowledge in education in this ever-changing society.

I began my teaching career as a teacher of instrumental music in Roswell, Alamogordo, and Hobbs, NM. As a band director, my marching and concert bands received numerous awards and honors, and were recognized in the state of New Mexico and throughout the country. After 14 years of teaching, I was encouraged to pursue school administration and have served as both assistant principal and principal in Hobbs, Bernalillo, and finally St. Pius X High School. I also helped in the position of Middle/ Junior High School principal in Hobbs and Albuquerque with 31 years of school administration.

I have always considered myself as a catalyst for continuous school improvement to ensure that all students received the best curriculum and methodologies delivered by the best teachers. Having dedicated the last 15 years to St. Pius X High School, it will always hold a special place in my heart. I know that SPX will continue to flourish and serve God and the SPX community through faith, love, and respect.

As I reflect on my career, I have my former students and all of my colleagues to thank for being a part of a wonderful and cherished adventure that brought me much knowledge and experience.

Jeff Turcotte Director of Student Activities & Enrollment, SPX

It has been an exciting year for St. Pius X in terms of spreading the good news about our community and producing gains in enrollment numbers. This time last year, there was uncertainty with the archdiocese’s bankruptcy and fear our campus was potentially lost. Utilizing our traditional marketing efforts, including hosting the ASF 5k, visits to our Catholic feeder schools, and our strong shadow program where a potential Sartan spends a day on campus, we continued to share the Pius Advantage. This year, a marketing focus on an improved website and a vital social media presence has proven invaluable in recruiting new students. However, the most valuable factor has been the addition of an eighth-grade class, weeks after the results of the Meitler Study showed a need to better serve Albuquerque by expanding to middle school.

At press time, the first-ever eighth-grade class is approaching 100, and the incoming freshman class is already 45 students larger than last year! Like our tagline proclaims, A Legendary Past - An Exciting Future!