September 22, 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.
PTO Meeting
The first PTO meeting of the school year will be held this Wednesday at 6 p.m.

To be discussed at the meeting:
  • Issues families are having with Internet, online school, utilities, rent, mental health, or anything else
  • Info for how to help with any of the issues above (connecting people to Kit Carson, tech help, other resources)
  • Areas of success families are having
  • Afterschool programs
  • Community Schools Grant
  • Extended Learning Days

Please attend the meeting and share your experiences! If you are unable to attend but want to share your experiences with any of the items above, feel free to send your thoughts/questions to Community Schools Coordinator Michael Noll (mnoll@penascoisd.com, 575-779-1466).
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.
Census Opportunities
Enter to win a $500 Gift Card of your choice when you complete the 2020 Census! AND win $2000 for your school or $500 for your early childhood organization!


Last Chance Drive-Through Census Data
  • Friday, 9/25, noon to 4pm at Dixon Elementary School parking lot. A Census worker will be on hand to assist you in responding to Census 2020. $10 and $15 gift cards for the first 30 cars driving through. Masks required. Call 505-579-9181 for more information.  

One-on-One Help from PISD
  • If the options above do not work, please contact Community Schools Coordinator Michael Noll (mnoll@penascoisd.com, 575-779-1466) to schedule a time to receive one-on-one help with the Census from district staff.
Internet Update
Kit Carson Telecom is offering families of students in its service area discounted installation and service. To get service from Kit Carson, fill out this form: https://5il.co/k8b0 and email it to Mark Poche (mpoche@kitcarson.com) and Nadine Varela (nvarela@kitcarson.com). You can also call (575) 758-2258 between 8-4:30, M-F.
P-EBT Card Update
The district is checking with the state about cards that were not sent out. Updates will be posted as we receive information.
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.)