September 28, 2020
Peñasco ISD Weekly Update
Due to the rapidly-changing nature of the Covid-19 crisis, all school plans are subject to change based on orders from the governor and recommendations from scientific health organizations.
Census Drive-Thru at Peñasco ISD
On Monday, September 28, 5-7 p.m., Peñasco schools will partner with the Taos Chamber of Commerce and Paso a Paso Network to host a Census Drive-Thru. The event will follow social-distancing guidelines. You must wear a mask.

There will be opportunities to receive gift cards to be used for gas.

Don't miss this opportunity to use your census report to gain funding for our schools and county!
Childcare Available at Vadito YDI
The YDI Headstart program in Vadito currently has open slots for children:
  • 3-5 year old program: 8 slots
  • 8 month-2 year old program: 4 slots
For more information, call Frances Romero: 575-758-4558
Notes From Last Week's PTO Meeting
The first PTO meeting of the school year was held last Wednesday via Google Meets. You can read the notes from the meeting here:
Parenting Classes
Internet Update
If you have given your info to the district or Kit Carson and not heard back from Kit Carson, please let Community Schools Coordinator Michael Noll know: mnoll@penascoisd.com, 575-779-1466. He is working with Kit Carson to ensure that everyone is contacted and scheduled for installation. To get service from Kit Carson, fill out this form: https://5il.co/k8b0.
P-EBT Card Update
The state says that all cards and monies have been sent out. If you have not received your card or money added to your current food stamps, call 1-800-283-4465 to update your address or request a new card.
El Centro Updates
Reminder: Let the district know if you want to take advantage of in-person help for your students.
PISD is developing several new options for getting your students in-person help and Internet access, following all Covid-safe guidelines.
Option 1: Supervised Public Hotspots at PISD
PISD is working to open supervised public hotspots in empty district buildings and classrooms during school hours (8 a.m. to 1 p.m., M-Th) . Students could meet at these sites to access the Internet and receive help and supervision from school staff.

If you are interested in this option, please contact Community Schools Coordinator Michael Noll: 575-779-1466, mnoll@penascoisd.com. Or fill out this short survey to indicate your interest.
Option 2: Boys & Girls Club of Picuris Pueblo at Peñasco Elementary
The Boys & Girls Club is planning to begin meeting with students at Peñasco Elementary School. The club will meet in three different elementary classrooms, using Covid-safe and social-distancing practices. This program will be open to all elementary students in the district, with fees paid by the district.

If you are interested in this option, please contact Boys & Girls Club Director Carmen Romero: (575) 999-5018, bgc@picurispueblo.org.
Option 3: Taos Behavioral Health
TBH is meeting with their student clients at the Penasco Elementary building, in a 5-1 ratio, following all Covid-safe practices. Students in the program receive help and supervision with their online school work, counseling, and help accessing any other health or wellness resources they might need (speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy).

If you would like your child to take part, please do the following:
  1. Fill out this referral form: https://5il.co/kndb. If you need help filling it out or emailing it to Rachael Pyne at TBH (tbhccssrp@gmail.com), please contact the Community School Coordinator Michael Noll: 575-779-1466.
  2. Call TBH and ask for an intake: 575-758-4297
After-School Programs
To watch a short video about the available after school programs, click here.

The latest info will always be found on the Afterschool Programs Canvas Class.

Questions? Contact Community Schools Coordinator Michael Noll: mnoll@penascoisd.com, 575-779-1466.
Have Questions or Concerns?
Let us know.
The district has set up an email address specifically for questions and concerns: questions@penascoisd.com.

If you have suggestions for the newsletter, contact Michael Noll: mnoll@penascoisd.com, 575-779-1466.
Important Links
(Check here for updates from the state.)
(Check here for activities and videos for kids.)