Gadsden District celebrates student reading achievements and attendance challenge winners

The Gadsden Independent School District (GISD) School Board meeting on May 23, 2025, highlighted significant achievements in student literacy and attendance, showcasing the district's commitment to educational excellence.

One of the most celebrated moments of the evening was the recognition of six outstanding young readers who completed the New Mexico Battle of the Books reading list. Lead librarian Denise Maldonado praised these students for their dedication, noting that they read a total of over 1 million words collectively. The top reader, Miranda Lerma from North Valley Elementary, impressively read 322,765 words. This initiative not only fosters a love for reading but also emphasizes the importance of literacy in the community.

In addition to literacy achievements, the board acknowledged the success of Alta Vista Early College High School, which was recognized as the top-performing high school in New Mexico based on graduation rates. This accolade reflects the hard work of students and staff, as well as the vital partnership with Dona Ana Community College, which provides students with early college experiences. The collaboration is seen as a model for innovation in education, offering students a head start on their higher education journeys.

The meeting also addressed attendance challenges within the district. Attendance advocates shared success stories of students who improved their attendance significantly, including Emily Palacios from Desert Pride Academy and Hannah Aguirre from Santa Teresa High School. Their journeys from chronic absenteeism to consistent attendance were highlighted as inspiring examples of the support systems in place within GISD.

The board announced the winners of the attendance challenge, recognizing schools that showed improvement in attendance rates. Desert Trail Elementary and Loma Linda Elementary were among the winners, with Desert Pride Academy and Santa Teresa High School leading at the high school level. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to combat chronic absenteeism and promote regular school attendance, which is crucial for student success.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed gratitude to parents, students, and staff for their participation in these initiatives. The outcomes of the meeting reflect GISD's ongoing commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a supportive community for all students.