October 19, 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.
P-EBT Card Update
The state has created a new P-EBT hotline: 1-833-415-0569. The line will be answered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call this number if you haven't yet received your card or money. If you have problems with the hotline, please let Michael Noll know: mnoll@penascoisd.com, 575-779-1466.

The state is also issuing more money. Peñasco students will receive benefits of $5.86 per child per day for the dates their individual school was 100 percent virtual up until Sept. 30.

  • If you have never received SNAP and received the summer P-EBT benefit, the fall benefit will be issued onto the same card.
  • If you have never received SNAP and did not receive the summer P-EBT benefit, you will receive a P-EBT card before the end of October.
  • If you are an existing SNAP customer and received the summer P-EBT benefit on your SNAP EBT card, you will receive a separate P-EBT card for the fall benefit before the end of October.
  • Only one card will be issued in the eldest child’s name per household -- if there are multiple children in the same household, all the benefits will be issued on the same card.
  • For frequently asked questions and to view the amount of benefits issued based on each school schedule, please visit: https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/LookingForAssistance/p-ebt.aspx.
Internet Update
Kit Carson now has an online form in order to get Internet at the $29/month rate for students.


If you have trouble getting Internet, please contact Community Schools Coordinator Michael Noll: mnoll@penascoisd.com, 575-779-1466.
Peñasco Schools Podcast
Check out the first edition of the Peñasco schools podcast! See teachers at work, local puppies, a cartoon review, NFL pics, newsletter highlights, a floating egg, info about a pumpkin carving contest, and WHAT'S IN THE BACKPACK?! Thanks to our podcast students and leaders, Ms. Alessandra and Mr. Duran, for this excellent production!
Halloween!
Peñasco ISD is hosting a drive-thru haunted house with candy for all kids!

The event will be take place the evening of Halloween, Saturday, October 31. We will have a prizes for the best decorated car! (No costume prizes since we don't want kids out of their cars.) All kids will receive a bag of candy at the end of the route.

Does your organization or group want to set up a spooky scene along the drive-thru route? We'll have prizes for best scene!

Want to donate candy? Please leave all candy donations at the elementary school office by Thursday, October 22, so that they can be packaged into bags well before the event.

Want to donate spooky stuff? We need stereos for spooky music, projectors for spooky images, a fog machine, lights, and volunteers to build the haunted house.

We might even have a drive-up spooky movie! If you have projects or screens or ideas for how to make this work, please let us know!

The event will require masks and follow all social-distancing guidelines.

Questions or ideas? Contact Michael Noll: mnoll@penascoisd.com, 575-779-1466.
Blood Drive: October 30
Daily Opportunities to Get Help for Students from Teachers
Progress reports are going out. Do your children need some extra help from their teachers?

Time is scheduled into every afternoon for students to get help from their teachers. Please ask your teachers for an appointment to meet online with them during these times:

Elementary:
M-Th: 3:00-4:20 p.m.

Middle and High School:
M/W: 12:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
T/TH:1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Adobe Creative Tools for Students
Every student in our district can receive a free subscription to the Adobe Tools Suite, which includes a lot of tools for video and sound editing, app development, and graphic design. To get their subscription, students need to get the permission slip signed by their parents/caregivers.

Find a printable permission slip here: https://5il.co/lrq0

Your student should have also received an email with a version of the form that you can fill out and sign online, if you prefer that method.
LIHEAP
It's time to apply for LIHEAP funds (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)! Click here for the application form.
Childcare Available at Vadito YDI
The YDI Headstart program in Vadito currently has open slots for children in the following programs:
  • 3-5 year old program
  • 8 month-2 year old program
For more information, call Frances Romero: 575-758-4558
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.