

Tiger News
Arrey Elementary Newsletter, September 2023
A WORD FROM YOUR PRINCIPAL
Hello Arrey Elementary Families!
Dear Arrey Elementary Parents and Guardians,
I am thrilled to have the privilege of introducing myself as the new Principal of Arrey Elementary School. It is with great enthusiasm and a strong commitment to education that I step into this role, ready to embark on a journey of growth and excellence alongside our wonderful students, dedicated staff, and supportive community.
With a passion for learning and 24 years of experience in education, I bring a diverse background to my position. Over the course of my career, I have served as a teacher, instructional coach, university instructor, and mentor teacher. Each role has contributed to my deep understanding of the educational landscape and my unwavering belief in the power of quality education to transform lives.
As I take the reins at Arrey Elementary, I feel a sense of homecoming, as I hail from the charming town of Truth or Consequences. Returning to my roots fills me with joy, and I am eager to contribute to the success of this remarkable school that holds a special place in my heart.
My overarching goal is to see Arrey Elementary flourish to its highest potential. Together, we will create and environment where every student feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach for the stars. I am dedicated to fostering positive relationships - with students, their families, our esteemed staff members, and the wider community. Collaboration and open communication will be the cornerstones of our journey forward.
I am excited to meet each of you and to work together to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. Please know that my door is always open, and I welcome your insights, feedback, and ideas. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and set them on a path to success.
Here's to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and memorable moments. Thank you for entrusting Arrey Elementary School with the education and well-being of your children.
Warmest Regards,
Brandy Williams
Principal
Arrey Elementary
Hello, my name is Kenia Villa, and I am the new Arrey Elementary School Administrator Assistant.
I am delighted to be working with amazing staff and helping students thrive in their education. I have
always had a calling for a helping hand, either with kids or adults. I come from a 10-year medical and
administrative background, in which I was the doctors second hand. So, this new position for me does
not come so unfamiliar. I am married and have three handsome boys, who keep me on my
toes. You will always find me after school at soccer, basketball, and baseball games, in which my
boys participate in. So don’t be afraid to say hello! I was born in Delicias, Chihuahua Mexico, but raised
in Las Cruces most of my life. I moved to Arrey, NM six years ago. It has been an amazing
decision. The people in Arrey are so humble, and slowly but surely, I’m getting to know everyone. I am
bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish. I am thrilled to be part of the Tiger Family.
Arrey Elementary Admin Assistant: Ms. Kenia Villa
Community Schools
Arrey Elementary Community Schools Coordinator: Ms. Yolanda Tafoya
Hello. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Yolanda Tafoya. I am Arrey Elementary Community Schools Coordinator. I am your link between school and community. Community Schools is a nationwide initiative that is focused on academic, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement, all which leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities by bringing more resources into our schools. I work with our students and families to ensure that they have what they need to be successful. I am here to help connect you with essential services you may need. Arrey Elementary Community Schools Pantry is one of those services. We distribute food boxes every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at noon.
I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I am located in the AES building, but at times will be out in the community. You can reach me at 575-897-8251 or by email, ytafoya@torcschools.net.
Nurse Notes
Arrey Elementary School Nurse: Annette Miyamoto
From the Nurses Desk September 2023
Hello and welcome back to a new school year!!! My name is Annette, and I will be your school nurse for this year. I am very excited to see all the new students and returning students.
Just a couple of things coming up in the next two months, we will be doing our DOH Dental screening in September and I will be sending permission slips home for parents who wish to have their child seen. She will also be doing Fluoride treatments as well and I will also send information on the treatments.
This is a good screening to catch those cavities early, so please sign the forms when I send them for those of you who want your child screened.
Our Lion’s Club will be here in October to do vision screenings, and a Nurse from the Deptartment of Health will be here to do a BMI (It measures students body mass index) surveillance study - it is population based and anonymous, it is not a screening.
I have an open-door policy and you can call me or visit anytime.
Nurse Annette
Upcoming September Dates:
- 9.1.23 4Y pre-k no school. All others K-5 Regular schedule.
- 9.4.23 Labor Day Holiday (No School)
- 9.6.23 No early release. Regular school day. Dismiss at 3:05pm.
- 9.13.23 Picture Day
- 9.14.23 Parent-Teacher Conferences (evening)
- 9.15.23 (No School) Parent-Teacher Conferences (morning)
- 9.29.23 End of Quarter 1 Grading Period
*Wednesday, Sept. 13, 20, 27 are all early release days. Dismissal will be at 2:05pm on these days.
Arrey Elementary is the place to be!!
Superhero Reader Challenge
"Ralph & Ricky" from the New Mexico Public Education Department visited our school. They launched their Level Up Reading Challenge. Their mission is to motivate students to read and excel in all aspects of literacy instruction.
Open House & Watermelon Bust
On August 9th, we hosted our annual Arrey Elementary Open House & Watermelon Bust. Thank you all for attending. We had a great time!
2023 State Fair Artists
These amazing artists will have some of their artwork displayed in Albuquerque at the 2023 New Mexico State Fair. If you wish to see the display, go to the NM State Fair September 7-17. The display is in the African American Pavilion. Congratulations Brooklyn, Johann, Alison and Jaylene! Arrey Elementary is very proud of you! Also, hats off to Ms. Storz for all your hard work!
Important Arrey Procedures
- School drop-off time is at 7:45am. Students should not arrive before this time, as we do not have supervision available.
- School dismissal is at 3:05pm, with the exception of some early release Wednesdays (please refer to the school calendar.)
- If your child arrives after 8:15am, or is picked up before 2:45pm, it is considered an unexcused tardy, unless you have a doctor's note. (please refer to the Student & Family Elementary Handbook.)
- Any time your child is absent, please send in a written excuse or a doctor's note.
- Every Wednesday, students have PE. Please dress your child appropriately for athletic activity.
- If you wish to enter the school, or check your child out, you must have proper ID.
- Only individuals listed on the emergency contact form are allowed to pick-up students. You can update this information in PowerSchool. If you have questions, Ms. Kenia can assist you.
- Important messages are sent out via text, email, and phone calls. Please make sure your information online is up to date to ensure you receive these messages.
- 3Y Pre-K dates have changed. Students will attend on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. No school for 3Y Pre-K on Wednesdays.