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Los Ranchos Elementary cites growth, a 19% science gain and new partnerships
Summary
School leaders told trustees the elementary school enrolled 209 students, expanded its garden and nutrition program, won a three‑year structured‑literacy grant and reported a 19% gain in science assessment scores linked to agricultural STEM activities.
Los Ranchos Elementary School leaders briefed the Village of Los Ranchos Board of Trustees on Oct. 21 about programs aimed at boosting student learning and community engagement.
"My name is Cindy Smith, community school coordinator," Smith told trustees, reporting an enrollment of "209 students" and listing partnerships that support the campus: Alama Greenhouse, APS school‑resource garden program, North Valley Organic Farm, NMSU extension, Total New Mexico, the Village Agriculture & Nature Center and local volunteers. She said the school expanded garden beds over the summer and integrated gardening and nutrition into classrooms, including preschool.
Principal Lyanna Meestas highlighted assessment results. Meestas told trustees that while the Albuquerque Public Schools district showed mixed assessment results this year, Los Ranchos Elementary posted "over a 19% gain in their science assessment," which she credited in part to agricultural STEM and STEAM activities at the school.
The school is also implementing a three‑year structured‑literacy grant focused on the science of reading and plans to start a Walking School Bus program to address pedestrian safety and encourage students who live within walking distance to walk with adult supervision.
Trustees asked for detail on proficiency rates: Meestas and Smith said districtwide proficiency generally ranges 30–40% for English language arts and math and that Los Ranchos had specific gains in science that staff attributed to the new programming. Trustees discussed ways the village can help, including volunteer recruitment, field-trip coordination and promoting community‑school partnerships.
The school said it will continue tutoring, extended‑day care in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club, and parent‑advisory work to increase family engagement.
