Taos’ Celebration Day

A day full of celebration at Taos Day School highlighted staff and educator accomplishments through the Bureau of Indian Education’s Strategic Transformation of Education Plan (STEP).  

The Taos School Board president summed up the significance of the moment. 

“We want our students to know, the most important thing here today is them,” said Linda Yardley Monteau in her opening remarks.  

BIE students were at the center of a day celebrating local leaders, educators and STEP team who dedicated themselves to implementing three powerful objectives. Taos Day School was the first STEP school to complete IT infrastructure improvements, implement Schoology (a new learning management system) and launch blended learning strategies focused on closing the digital-use gap for students. 

“Our Taos Day School is moving toward closing the gap between traditional education and digital learning by creating a blended learning system – an approach our children can use today and into the future,” Principal Andy Haimowitz said. “Moving from a bandwidth of 40mg to 1 GB is monumental for a 130-year-old school built by Tribal members who made the adobes and brought the vigas from the canyons themselves.” 

Throughout the day, guests at Taos’ Celebration Day saw firsthand students and teachers using the newly implemented digital learning opportunities. With the improved bandwidth and connectivity, the most current resources and tools are available for educators ready to teach with innovation, including robotics, coding, dynamic digital curriculum and media communications.   

Digital learning is used to increase student opportunities, provide culturally responsive educational experiences, increase student self-advocacy and prepare future Tribal and community leaders. 

Honorable Tribal Governor Gary J. Lujan recognized the importance of a “symbiotic relationship between community and reaching out to the greater world through technology” in his comments to families, students and guests.   

Image

BIE Director Tony Dearman recognized the outstanding leadership of Principal Haimowitz, Taos Day School staff and teachers leading the way in Blended Learning strategies. Darlene Archuleta and Claireen Espinoza shared their experience and led breakout sessions at the 2023 BIE Innovation in Education Summit in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

“All of this technology is only a tool. The difference makers are all the staff, our teachers, our leadership. You are the real difference-makers,” Director Dearman said. “Our kids deserve the same opportunities as every other kid out there.”

As honored guests, families and staff joined students in a culminating circle dance, all were reminded of the reason for the celebration, transforming education for the future of the kids.

Find out more about the STEP program at bie.edu.