February Roadrunner Newsletter
- Principal's Post
- Upcoming Events
- Volunteer @SASM
- Job Opportunities
- Notes from Nurse Robyn
- Mission Control - Mr. Adam
- SASM PTA
- Technology - Digi Lab
- Road Runner Lab
- Library Buzz
- Coach Harrison's Corner
- Ms. Carrie's Art Room
- Mrs. Shaub's Music Memo
- Redirector's Note
- Cafeteria Happenings
- free meals
- Transportation
Principal's Post
Happy February!
Thank you to the families who were able to join us for Math Night in January. There were lots of fun activities and games that everyone enjoyed.
Skills, Habits, and Mindsets: Student Survey
To help all our children succeed, we at APS are focusing on both academics and important life skills like self-efficacy, perseverance, social awareness, sense of belonging and self-regulation. This is in alignment with the district Goal 4.1 and 4.2. Our 3rd-5th graders take this survey twice a year. It asks how students feel at school and how they handle challenges. The feedback helps SASM staff create a more supportive and welcoming learning environment for all. Responses are confidential and will only be used by school staff—no student identities will be shared publicly.
In February, all classrooms we will be focusing on perseverance and what this means in our daily morning meeting conversations.
Students will take survey #2 in early March in one of their DigiLab classes. We will use the results to help guide our March-May’s focus for student success.
You can preview the survey click here. Also, APS and ABQ Isotopes have partnered up to create this video to share with families and students to support goal 4.
School Safety:
Throughout each school year we are required by state law to practice a variety of safety drills. Please take the time to read our parent letter to know what you can expect if an emergency arises.
#GrandSlamYear!
Proud Principal of SASM
Mrs. Gallegos
Email
gallegos_pat@aps.edu
Phone: 505-281-3931
SASM Website
Upcoming Events
February 2025
7th: Popcorn Pickle Day, SPIRIT Day: Wear your Favorite Jersey
We sell popcorn and pickles on the first Friday of each month.
Max of two items, $1.00 each.
(80% fundraising profits will benefit our Student Activities Account and 20% will benefit our General Account).
17th: No School, President’s Day
25th: PTA Meeting, 4PM Library
IMPORTANT - Testing Dates
- NM-ASR (5th grade) April 1st and 2nd, 2025
- NM-MSSA (3rd-5th grade) April 8th and 10th, 2025
- EOY istation/iReady (k-5) May 1st- May 16th, 2025
- ACCESS for ELLs(EL students) TBA
SASM Clubs
- Mondays & Wednesdays- 3:30-5:30 East Mountain Junior Jazzers (4th & 5th Graders), Cafeteria
- 1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month -3:30-5:15 5th Grade Coyote Club, Library
- Thursdays - 7:35AM-8:35AM, Chess Club, Cafeteria
- Thursdays - 3:30PM-4:30PM, Bible Club, Cafeteria
- Fridays - 3:30-5:30 Girl Scouts-troupe 1029, Cafeteria
When there is no school for students, there are no clubs. This includes inclement weather delays/cancelations, parent/teacher conferences, and Holidays.
Volunteer @SASM
Are you considering volunteering at SASM or within APS?
While encouraging family and community participation, we must consider the safety of every child in the district. State law requires a background check from volunteers before participating in any volunteer activity at any APS school.
There are two categories of volunteers who receive differing levels of background check clearances and badging:
- Unsupervised School Volunteers: preferred by SASM as you can be “alone” around campus and with students on field trips, etc. This background is a full FBI Fingerprint clearance initiated only by Mrs. Gallegos. The cost is $56 and the clearance is good for two years.
Cleared individuals receive a Unsupervised volunteer badge from APS Police.
If your interested in obtaining this badge, please email gallegos_pat@aps.edu the following information:
- Full Name of Volunteer
- DOB
- Last 4 SS Number
- Address
- Phone Number
- Email address
OR
- Become a Supervised Volunteers. The cost is $12 for two years. These volunteers must always be in line of sight supervision by an APS staff member.
Begin the Supervised Volunteer Clearance Request (you will be a new user)
Are you interested in volunteering but the cost or the steps of obtaining volunteering clearance is preventing you? Complete this form, and we will do our best to provide assistance.
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Job Opportunities
Come Work With Us!
We have three job vacancies at our school. If you or anyone you know is interested in working with our staff and students, please apply to aps.edu. Thank you!
1.0 cross cat teacher
0.5 counselor
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Notes from Nurse Robyn
February is American Heart Month!
Being active, eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep are just a few of the ways families and students can stay heart healthy this February and beyond!
“Our habits in adulthood begin in childhood, and we know that a sedentary lifestyle that’s spent in front of screens and not being outside, having fun with friends and being physically active puts children at a variety of health risks,” said Federico Asch, M.D., a volunteer member of the American Heart Association’s Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee, a cardiologist at MedStar Health and a professor of medicine at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
The American Heart Association suggests a few tips for helping keep kids heart-healthy:
- Schedule family time for physical activity. Weather permitting, go outdoors for a walk, a hike or even just some backyard games. Indoor activities can actually incorporate active screentime, like playing a dance-off or interactive sports video game.
- Plan a weekly menu and prep your meals. Encourage kids to help with meal planning and even grocery shopping. Make sure you have on hand foods they will eat that are also healthy for them. Taking the time to prepare for the week ahead – even cutting up fruits and veggies for healthy snacks – can help improve overall diets.
- Simplify your family’s schedule. In today’s society we’re expected to do it all. But this type of non-stop lifestyle isn’t sustainable or healthy. Try prioritizing your activities and see what you can do without so you’ll have more time for the things that matter. You can also work on ways to manage stress.
- Set a regular bed time – and wake-up time. Develop bedtime routines to wind down after a busy day. While it may be unrealistic to expect older kids to turn in early, have them to turn off their phones and other devices prior to bedtime. Encourage them to develop their own rituals for a good night’s sleep – and trying to catch up on the weekends doesn’t count.
- Live by example. Be a role model for healthy behaviors. It doesn’t mean you have to change-up everything at once, set goals and take baby steps. Teaching your kids about heart health now will help them live longer, healthier lives for their own future.
Nurse Robyn Blomberg, RN, BSN
SASM School Nurse
Email
robyn.blomberg@aps.edu
Health Office Webpage
Phone: 505-281-3931, ext. 25604
Mission Control - Mr. Adam
From the Desk of Mr. Adam
Happy February Families!
I hope you’re all settled in and ready to finish the year strong!
We’re approaching the time to register for the 2025-2026 school year, and Mr. Adam will be reaching out once the registration window opens (potentially mid-February). Please ensure that all your information is up-to-date in ParentVue, including emergency contacts, pick-up details, and more. Once the window opens, I’ll contact everyone to make the registration process as smooth as possible for our kiddos!
For current 5th-grade parents planning to attend Roosevelt Middle School: If Roosevelt is not your “home school,” you’ll need to apply for a new transfer, as the San Antonito transfer will not cover middle school enrollment.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to call or email me!
Have a Lovely Month!
Thank you and GOOO Roadrunners!
Mr. Adam
Front Office Clerk
Email
Adam.Sandoval@aps.edu
505-281-3931, ext. 25600
SASM PTA
SASM PTA
Please join us for our February PTA Meeting on Tuesday February 25th. Please note that this is a change from the previously set date. The meeting will be held in the SASM library at 4 pm. Children who attend with their parents need to follow library rules and stay seated quietly for the duration of the meeting. Feel free to bring books, activities, or tablets with headphones to help children sit quietly. There is no food allowed in the library. We will also have a Google Meet option for the meeting:
https://meet.google.com/aas-vbjr-qau.
It’s not too late to join the PTA! We have volunteer opportunities coming up:
- March 31st-April 4th: Scholastic Book Fair
- May: Teacher Appreciation Celebrations
Register here to become a PTA member https://sanantonitopta.memberhub.com/store.
Or if you’d like information on volunteering without joining please email sanantonitopta@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list!
It’s also time to start electing Board Members for the next school year. If you are interested in serving on the board, or volunteering for other future PTA opportunities, please reach out to Veronica at sanantonitoPTA@gmail.com. PTA is a volunteer run organization and PTA and San Antonito STEM Magnet needs your help!
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Thank you!
Veronica Ligon
PTA President
Email
sanantonitopta@gmail.com
PTA Google Site
Membership Hub
Technology - Digi Lab
Dear Parents and Students,
Happy February! This month in the DigiLab, we’re combining digital skills with hands-on exploration to make learning exciting and interactive. Here’s what your students are working on:
Robots and Coding in Action
All grades are working with robots and applying the coding skills they’ve learned in Robotify to control them in real-life scenarios!
- Grades K, 1, and 2 are exploring Ozobots and Edison Robots, using simple coding concepts to guide their robots through fun and creative challenges.
- Grades 3, 4, and 5 are working with Dash & Dot Robots and iRoot Robots, applying more advanced coding techniques to complete tasks and solve problems.
It’s incredible to see their programming knowledge come to life as they engage with robotics and work collaboratively to achieve their goals.
Google Suite and Digital Valentines
Students will continue enhancing their skills with the Google Suite, including Google Slides, Docs, and Sheets. This month, we’re adding a fun and creative project to the mix: students will learn how to design and send digital valentines using Google Slides! It’s a great way to practice their digital communication and design skills while spreading kindness.
Thank you for your support in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in our DigiLab. We’re proud of our students’ growth and can’t wait to see what they accomplish this month!
Help Support the DigiLab - Donors Choose Project
Warm regards,
Mrs. Apodaca
SASM DigiLab Teacher
Email
valerie.apodaca2@aps.edu.
505-281-3931
Road Runner Lab
Hello STEM Families,
The RR Lab has been continuing to receive support with material donations from both inside and outside of the school community. On behalf of the students who consume the repurposed materials for various tasks, thank you all! It makes our work more sustainable and offers abundant opportunities for creative exploration. On numerous occasions classroom teachers have needed supplies for various projects which have ultimately come from stores in the RR Lab, so these donations support more than the RR Lab alone.
The Lab can continue to receive donated materials moving forward, but with space at a premium there are specific items which offer more utility than others. Anything that presents an interesting geometric shape which would otherwise be time consuming or difficult for a child to produce is a valuable item so long as it is safe and clean. Items which are difficult to manipulate, cut, or attach to other items offer less opportunity in the maker-space. Examples of such materials are below.
Items that are consumed in larger quantities and we are glad to receive include:
-paper towel/toilet tissue rolls, gift-wrap rolls, etc. (cylinders)
-tissue boxes or small shoeboxes, items made from paperboard rather than cardboard (a single layer of material, not corrugated)
-Clamshell plastic, such as produce containers or for individually packaged items hanging on display hooks
-Plastic cylinders, like yogurt containers or single use water bottles
Items that offer less utility or pose safety hazards (unneeded at this time):
-glass of any kind
-aluminum or steel cans
- styrofoam (blocks, sheets, or packing peanuts)
-anything contaminated with significant food debris, unwashed (allergen concerns)
-thick corrugated cardboard in large sheets, such as appliance boxes (students struggle to cut these items, so their work is less refined. At this time we have lots of cardboard for use with the laser cutter, but may need large sheets again once it's consumed)
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Thank you,
Mr. Buchanan
STEM Coach
Email
matthew.buchanan@aps.edu
Library Buzz
We are into the second half of the year and off to a busy start! I’m excited for all the learning and fun ahead. I wanted to let you know that if your child has an overdue book or an outstanding fine, they may not be able to check out a book from the library during their class time. However, they are welcome to take a book or two from our discard bin in the library or from the Little Free Library near the K-1 pick-up area. These gently used books have been donated to our school or are recent discards from our collection.
I also want to let you know about Sora that was recently acquired by APS. What is Sora?
Sora is a dynamic reading app designed specifically for students, providing access to a wide variety of ebooks, audiobooks, comics, manga, magazines, and read-alongs 24/7, both at school and at home.
Key Features of Sora include:
Access Anywhere: Students can log in to Sora any time, ensuring that their digital library is always available.
Personalization & Accessibility: Customize reading experiences with adjustable fonts, high-contrast modes, and a dyslexic font option.
Interactive Features: Add notes, highlight text, and use Google Translate for language support. Achievement Badges: Gamify the reading experience with badges and earn rewards. Reading Statistics: Track progress with personal reading statistics available on the Me tab. Language Collections: Explore ebooks in Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese.
Getting Started with Sora:
1. Log in to Classlink: my.aps.edu
2. Open APS Libraries folder
3. Click on the Sora app
4. Click on the “Sign in using Albuquerque School District” button
5. Start Reading: Browse, borrow, and enjoy a world of reading.
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Happy reading,
Mrs. Gaddis, Librarian
Email
carol.gaddis@aps.edu
Library Webpage
Phone: 505-281-3931
Coach Harrison's Corner
Hello Families,
Happy February! I don’t know about you, but I’m already ready for warmer weather and spring sports. 😀
Update: We are currently in the middle of our annual hockey unit. All students have rotated through stations practicing some of the basic skills in hockey. Next, we will play a game called “knock out” that will help develop some of those basic skills. The older grades will also have the opportunity to play scrimmage games during PE
Upcoming: The month of February is dedicated to healthy choices. We will discuss healthy eating and learn about the food groups. This year, I hope to add dental hygiene to my curriculum and spend at least one PE class, incorporating the importance of taking care of our teeth. We will also spend a week learning about circuit training and how cardio and strength exercises help build our endurance.
Announcement: Congratulations to Lauren Edmonds in Ms. Grey’s class for taking home the gold in our 1st annual jump rope contest. Ariana Journey, a fourth grader, got 2nd place and took home the silver. Going home with the bronze medal was 2nd grader Charlotte Smutz from Ms. Coffey’s class!
In the Hula Hoop contest, Liam Gyorgy, a fifth grader in Mrs. Carver's class got 3rd place and received the bronze medal. Going home with the silver medal was Poppy Romph, a third grader in Mrs. Hollin's class. Our first place winner, taking home the gold, is Ariana Journey, a fourth grader in Mrs. Sonderer's class.
Thanks for the continued support I consistently get from our families and community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I’m always looking for parent volunteers for my Kinder - 2nd grade classes.
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Thank You,
Coach Harrison
Email
monica.harrison@aps.edu
505-281-3931
Ms. Carrie's Art Room
Hello SASM Families,
Look for artwork coming home this month! As part of our artist practice, students will be leaving one artwork from this last trimester to keep at school to be a choice for their best artwork for the art show in May. By the end of the year, students will have saved 3-4 pieces of art to choose from that they have kept at school all year and they will pick their very best piece to show in the school art show. Students will reflect on their artwork by writing an artist statement and sharing their best work with the class. This process is an important part of artmaking and reflecting on their learning and counts toward their grade for the semester. Please ask your student/s to show you the work that they bring home and tell you about the one they left at school. Let them know how excited you are to see their artwork in the art show!
Students finished a tinwork project where they learned about the history of tinwork in New Mexico as well as a self expression lesson where they made an artwork representing themselves using symbolism. Next, all students will be working on a lesson in printmaking and creating prints using the printing process.
As always, please consider volunteering in the art room. It’s always fun to have an extra hand.
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Sincerely,
Carrie Sanchez
SASM Art Teacher
505-281-3931
Email
carrie.sanchez@aps.edu
SASM Art Google Site
Mrs. Shaub's Music Memo
Dear San Antonito Families,
This month in music, students will be learning:
Kindergarten will be exploring rhythms and creativity through songs about love and a theme of transportation.
1st Grade will be reviewing the rhythm notes and singing notes, identifying them and notating with them. They will learn a new singing pitch, La.
2nd Grade will be focusing on singing and recognizing Mi-Re-Do.
3rd Grade will continue to explore rounds and will learn the solfege syllable low La which will get them singing in minor.
4th Grade will continue practicing recorder. They will also be refining improvisations to end on Do.
5th Grade will learn high C and D on recorder. They will also discuss concepts of part singing and constructing melodies.
I would like to share news with everyone. I am expecting a baby. He is due at the beginning of the summer, so I hope to be able to teach through the end of this school year.
Redirector's Note
Hey there families,
With the 100th day of school I would like to celebrate friendships! Healthy friendships are an important part of your child’s development. We encourage every child to make friends and have healthy bonds with other students. Be sure to talk and have open communication with your child about what a good friend looks like.
Let’s remember to BEE KIND AND BEE GREAT!
Sincerely,
Shannon Winters
Best Wishes,
Shannon Winters
SASM Redirector
Email:
shannon.winters@aps.edu
Phone:
505-281-3931 ext. 25635
Cafeteria Happenings
Welcome Families,
I have amazing news this school year! Students are able to receive 1 breakfast and 1 lunch at no charge. This year we will also be classed as a CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) school, meaning we will not need to fill out any eligibility lunch forms this school year. That being said they may still pay for any second meals (main $2, sides, milk $0.40)
I will still need any student with food allergies to have a current dietary needs form filled out as soon as possible. This ensures that I can provide a safe option for those in need. www.aps.edu/food-and-nutrition-services/dietary-needs-forms
Please call or email me if you have any questions.
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Jasmine Padilla
SASM Site Supervisor
Email
jasmine.padilla@aps.edu
505-281-3931
505-253-9345
free meals
Free meals
All APS students will receive free meals this year, regardless of their family’s income. State lawmakers and the governor signed off on Senate Bill 4 earlier this year, which requires public schools to provide healthy breakfasts and lunches to students at no charge.
And while all New Mexico students will get free meals, the state Public Education Department is nevertheless urging families throughout the state to fill out the free and reduced lunch application. PED says filling out the form ensures children will receive maximum funding for benefits like Summer EBT. An accurate count of qualifying students is also used to determine funding for such things as after-school programs, technology, and quality internet.
Apply online by filling out the
- Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application
- External link
- Note: Please spell out Albuquerque or use 505 and our district will appear in the drop down list.
LINQ Connect Menu System
- APS School Menus are now at your fingertips on the LINQ Menu
- External link
- Discover more information regarding APS school menus, nutrition, and allergens.
- LINQ Connect is also available on Apple and Android devices.
- The LINQ Connect Menus app is an easy way to keep track of your weekly/monthly menus!
Transportation
TRANSPORTATION BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Riding the bus is a privilege.
Appropriate behavior is expected whenever a student is on the bus. Suspension from riding the bus does not mean suspension from school. Instead, the parent/guardian will be responsible for transporting the student to and from school. The bus driver or bus assistant shall submit a referral to the school administrator to manage the consequence. Bus disruption occurs anytime a student deliberately or inadvertently interferes with the safe operation of a school bus, which is stopped or moving; behaves in a manner adversely affecting an individual or property on or near the bus itself, at bus stops, or at pick-up areas.
Please, speak with your children about bus safety.
- Listen to the bus driver
- Students need to remain seated and facing forward
- Students may not move around on the bus
- Be kind to one another
- Using foul or vulgar gestures is inappropriate
- Nothing goes out the window
Consequences/Disposition
1st Violation - Written Warning
2nd Violation - Up to 5 days Suspension from the bus
3rd Violation - Up to 10 days Suspension from the bus
4th Violation - Suspension from the bus Up to the End of the Semester
5th Violation - Suspension from the bus Up to the Remainder of the Year
Severe Disruption
• Physical harm to other students or staff
• Physical damage to the bus (restitution may be required)
1st Violation - Up to 10 days Suspension from the bus
2nd Violation - Suspension from the bus Up to End of the Semester
3rd Violation - Suspension from the bus Up to the Remainder of the Year
Visit my bus stop to locate your child’s bus stop. The bus company has informed me that they will not honor "temporary" bus/bus stop changes this school year. Your child must ride their assigned bus and get on/off at their assigned stop.
Remember, there are no bus options for transfer students.
The bus company can be reached at 505-253-0287 with any transportation questions.
Click on image to visit the Box Top For Education website.