Next week, the bulk of Archuleta School District (ASD) students will head back to their classrooms for the new academic year, which will run until the end of May.
“We look forward to a great year of learning, growth, and engagement for every student,” ASD Superintendent Rick Holt states in the district’s August newsletter.
This year, the district will see familiar faces in new places, new faces and changes in how it looks at absenteeism and artificial intelligence (AI).
“This year, our work will center on three strategic priorities: Academic Excellence, Exceptional Teaching, and Student Engagement,” Holt announced in the district’s August newsletter. “We are also focusing on two important districtwide initiatives: improving student attendance and thoughtfully integrating AI into teaching and learning.”
Pagosa Springs Elementary School
Pagosa Springs Elementary School will continue to be led by Principal Kelly Vining and Assistant Principal Nicolle Looper.
“As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, Pagosa Springs Elementary School is celebrating the strong foundation we have built together,” Vining wrote in an email to The SUN. “Our students continue to demonstrate meaningful academic growth, reflecting the dedication of our teachers, staff, and families. This year, we are building on that momentum through consistent, high-quality programming and instruction across our school.
“Just as importantly, we remain committed to creating a culture where every student feels known, valued, and that they truly belong. We believe that when students feel safe, connected, and supported, they are better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive. We look forward to another year of learning, growth, and partnership as we continue working together to make PSES a place where every child and family member can say, ‘I belong here.’”
This year, the school will implement a new language arts curriculum, Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA).
In a presentation to the school board last spring, Vining highlighted the move will give the district consistent curriculum from kindergarten through eighth grade.
She also noted in the presentation that the curriculum helps disadvantaged kids close achievement gaps and indicated the middle school has seen “great growth” with it.
Pagosa Springs Middle School
Pagosa Springs Middle School (PSMS) will be under the helm of a new principal, Janae Ash, who previously served as PSMS assistant principal.
She will be joined by Megan Gurule as assistant principal.
“Pagosa Springs Middle School is excited to welcome students and families back for the 2026–27 school year with a continued focus on strong relationships, high expectations and improving outcomes for every student,” Ash wrote in an email to The SUN.
She adds, “This year, I am honored to step into the role of principal at Pagosa Springs Middle School, and we are also excited to welcome Megan Gurule as our new assistant principal. Megan brings a strong commitment to students, staff and families, and I am looking forward to working alongside her as we continue building on the many strengths and traditions that make PSMS such a special place.”
Ash indicates she and the rest of the PSMS are focusing on growing each student.
“As we prepared for the year, our staff has spent a great deal of time talking about what it means to truly grow every student, every day, through every opportunity,” she wrote. “We know that academic growth is an important part of that work, but middle school is about much more. We want our students to grow academically while also developing confidence, character, leadership, belonging and the skills they will need to successfully navigate their futures.”
Ash notes the school will focus on both relationships and rigorous academics through added programming at the school.
“One of our biggest areas of focus this year is strengthening the connection between relationships and rigor,” she explains. “We believe relationships make rigor possible. When students know they are cared for, supported and truly known by the adults in their school, we can also challenge them to think deeply, persevere when learning becomes difficult and take greater responsibility for their growth. Our goal is not simply to make school harder; it is to make learning more meaningful, challenging and engaging while providing students with the support they need to be successful.”
Ash notes a “significant” addition on the academic side is the addition of a “What I Need,” also called WIN, block that students will attend Monday through Thursday.
“This dedicated time will allow us to provide more consistent intervention, enrichment and targeted support based on individual student needs,” Ash states. “Teachers will use multiple sources of information, including classroom performance and assessment data, to identify what students need and adjust supports throughout the year. For some students, WIN may mean additional help with an essential math or reading skill; for others, it may provide enrichment and opportunities to extend their learning.”
Ash indicates, however, that the school will be focusing on more than academics.
“At the same time, we want our students to experience everything that makes middle school such an important and exciting time in their lives,” she wrote. “PSMS students have opportunities to discover new interests, take healthy risks, build friendships, develop leadership skills and find places where they belong. Whether that happens in the classroom, on an athletic field or court, through a club, during an outdoor or adventure learning experience, or while serving our community, we want students to find something that connects them to their school and helps them discover who they are becoming.
“Most importantly, we want every student who walks through our doors to know that they belong here and that there are adults who know them, care about them and believe in what they can accomplish. We want every Pirate to feel challenged, supported and proud to be part of PSMS.”
Ash indicates that partnering with others will be critical in helping students succeed.
“We also know that we cannot do this work alone,” she wrote. “Our families and community are essential partners in helping our students thrive. When students see the adults in their lives working together, communicating and sharing high expectations for their success, it sends a powerful message that they are surrounded by people who believe in them.
“That idea of being Stronger Together will continue to guide us this year. It means students supporting one another, staff working collaboratively, families partnering with the school and our community continuing to invest in its young people. Each of us plays a different role, but we share the same goal: helping our students grow into confident, capable and caring young people who are prepared for whatever comes next.”
Ash also shared excitement for the new year.
“There is tremendous energy heading into this school year, and we are excited about what lies ahead,” she states. “We are fortunate to have incredible students, dedicated educators, supportive families and a community that cares deeply about its schools. Together, we have an opportunity to make the 2026–27 school year one filled with growth, connection, challenge, joy and countless opportunities for our students.
“We are excited to welcome our Pirates back. We are PSMS, and we are stronger together.”
Pagosa Springs High School
Pagosa Springs High School (PSHS) will be under the leadership of Principal Josh Sanchez this year, who moved into the role following Sean O’Donnell’s retirement.
He will be joined by Assistant Principal Angela Ayers.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to lead the Pagosa Springs High School community,” Sanchez wrote in an email to The SUN. “As a proud graduate of Pagosa Springs High School myself, I have a deep appreciation for and understanding of the culture of excellence that exists throughout our school—in the classroom, in athletics and activities, in the performing arts, and in so many other areas.”
This year, PSHS will have a new start time of 8 a.m. in order to accommodate a new class schedule.
“This year, we are implementing a new eight-period schedule designed to provide students with greater opportunities to prepare for success beyond high school,” Sanchez explains. “With this schedule, students will have the opportunity to take all of their core classes every day throughout the school year. Research has shown that increased consistency and access to core instruction can positively impact student learning and academic achievement.”
Sanchez continues, “I am excited about what this new schedule, combined with the dedication of our outstanding staff and the commitment of our students and families, will mean for the future of Pagosa Springs High School. Together, we will continue building on our strong tradition of excellence while creating even greater opportunities for every student to succeed.”
San Juan Mountain School
San Juan Mountain School (SJMS), the district’s alternative high school, will again be led by Principal Stewart Bellina.
“San Juan Mountain School staff members are all excited for another year, and look forward to taking time when students return to develop the culture of our school before diving into academics,” Bellina wrote in an email to The SUN.
Bellina also notes the staff will include two new members this year.
“We are welcoming 2 new staff members this year, Sam Peters for Social Studies and Leslie Hutchison as our Resource Interventionist. They are great fits for our team, both bringing lots of experience in adventure-based learning and a history of working with students who perform better in an alternative environment,” she wrote.”
Bellina also highlights this will be the school’s seventh graduating class, adding, “we are already looking forward to supporting our seniors in their last year of high school.”
Pagosa Peak Open School
Pagosa Peak Open School (PPOS), which is chartered by the district, began classes on Aug. 17 under the helm of School Director Emily Murphy.
This year, PPOS unveiled its newly renovated middle school area, which features three classrooms with offices/small group spaces attached — an upgrade from one room with a curtain.
The middle school area will also see the addition of new technology soon — a Promethean interactive digital display that takes the place of whiteboards and projectors.
“Our community is awesome and within a week we got $3,000 funded,” middle school math advisor Joey Wychesit said with a smile.
Murphy noted this year’s goal is to fund the renovation of the school’s other downstairs area, which is currently a large room that features a library and spaces for art and music.
“Right now it’s very makeshift,” Murphy said.
The school also has a new outdoor classroom and amphitheater space in progress, Murphy shared.
Murphy also shared excitement that middle school students will be able to take electives this year, including orchestra, learning an instrument or football.
Murphy noted it’s a lot of small groups, but students are able to choose what they do.
“We’re just excited,” Murphy said, highlighting the school’s enrollment is 142 currently. “We growing, which we’re really happy about.”
District changes
Last year, the district began a stronger focus on combating absenteeism — something work will continue on this year.
“We will continue our focus on reducing chronic absenteeism and helping students be at school, engaged, and ready to learn,” Holt explains in the newsletter. “This year, we are changing how we respond to attendance concerns. Rather than distinguishing between excused and unexcused absences, we will look at the percentage of school days a student misses. Every absence represents missed instructional time, regardless of the reason. School-sponsored activity absences will not count toward this percentage. Our goal is to identify concerns earlier, partner with families, and provide support before absences significantly affect student learning.”
On the AI front, Holt explains the district will continue developing “a thoughtful districtwide approach that prepares both students and staff to use AI ethically, responsibly, and effectively.”
“There is no doubt that AI is changing how we learn, work, and communicate,” he notes.
Holt adds, “This work will include continued staff learning, clearer student expectations, resources for teachers, and opportunities to explore how AI can strengthen teaching and learning.”
School and road construction
With construction continuing downtown, ASD is encouraging families to use school transportation whenever possible.
ASD notes in its newsletter that families should check bus routes, as some routes and pickup/drop-off times have changed this year.
The newsletter points families to the district’s website, www.mypagosaschools.com, to review the current information before school begins.
U.S. 160 reconstruction
In its newsletter, the district offers the following general safety tips related to the ongoing construction work:
• “Ride the bus whenever possible, including on the first day of school. Fewer cars around the schools will reduce congestion and improve safety for everyone.”
• Students walking or biking to school should use the open crosswalks at 2nd, 3rd, 4th/Hot Springs Boulevard, 5th and 8th streets. Barriers are there for safety: Do not walk into the construction zone.
• Parents and student drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes during drop-off and pick-up.
• Always stop before crosswalks, follow all traffic signals and flagger instructions, and put phones away when driving.
For additional information on the reconstruction work, see the information on page 3 weekly and the related article in this issue of The SUN.
Additional information is available at codot.gov/projects/us160pagosasprings.
randi@pagosasun.com
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