Dear Aztec Families,
Following recent events at Aztec High School, we want to share the proactive steps we are taking districtwide to address concerns related to vaping on campus. Our top priority is maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. Our approach centers on prevention, accountability, and student well-being.
As part of this effort, we are exploring the purchase of a program called Hall Pass, which helps schools monitor student movement throughout the day. The program tracks when and how often students leave class and provides real-time reports that help administrators identify patterns, respond promptly to concerns, and reduce unsupervised time in hallways.
We have also implemented a restroom monitoring schedule for staff to help ensure that inappropriate behaviors are not occurring there. In addition, all exterior doors remain locked during passing periods to improve building security and help manage student traffic. These measures enhance safety while minimizing opportunities for vaping or other unsafe activities.
In the area of policy, we will be presenting proposed updates to the Policy Committee to review and strengthen consequences for students who bring prohibited items, such as vapes, onto campus. This process will ensure expectations are clear, consequences are consistent, and district policies align with state guidelines.
We are also exploring ways to add educational support and interventions. One option under consideration is the Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit, an evidence-based curriculum that provides targeted lessons for students suspended for possession of prohibited items. Completion of these lessons would be required prior to returning to school, reinforcing learning and accountability.
Additionally, we are looking into opportunities to provide small-group supports, modeled after successful programs such as Be The Hope, but focused specifically on vaping and related risk behaviors. These groups would emphasize education, peer support, and healthy decision-making.
We recognize that this is not just a school issue, it is a community issue. Students often gain access to these products through peers, relatives, or other sources outside of school. Addressing this concern effectively requires collaboration between schools, families, and the wider community. By working together, we can help reduce access to harmful products, support positive choices, and create safer spaces for our students.
Finally, these proactive measures will be implemented across all of our secondary campuses, not just Aztec High School. This unified approach ensures consistency in expectations, accountability, and support for all middle and high school students.
By combining monitoring tools, security measures, policy updates, educational support, and community partnerships, we are strengthening our collective ability to prevent vaping incidents and support students in making healthy, positive choices. We appreciate your continued partnership as we work to uphold student safety, health, and success.
Sincerely,
Lauren Laws
Superintendent
Following recent events at Aztec High School, we want to share the proactive steps we are taking districtwide to address concerns related to vaping on campus. Our top priority is maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. Our approach centers on prevention, accountability, and student well-being.
As part of this effort, we are exploring the purchase of a program called Hall Pass, which helps schools monitor student movement throughout the day. The program tracks when and how often students leave class and provides real-time reports that help administrators identify patterns, respond promptly to concerns, and reduce unsupervised time in hallways.
We have also implemented a restroom monitoring schedule for staff to help ensure that inappropriate behaviors are not occurring there. In addition, all exterior doors remain locked during passing periods to improve building security and help manage student traffic. These measures enhance safety while minimizing opportunities for vaping or other unsafe activities.
In the area of policy, we will be presenting proposed updates to the Policy Committee to review and strengthen consequences for students who bring prohibited items, such as vapes, onto campus. This process will ensure expectations are clear, consequences are consistent, and district policies align with state guidelines.
We are also exploring ways to add educational support and interventions. One option under consideration is the Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit, an evidence-based curriculum that provides targeted lessons for students suspended for possession of prohibited items. Completion of these lessons would be required prior to returning to school, reinforcing learning and accountability.
Additionally, we are looking into opportunities to provide small-group supports, modeled after successful programs such as Be The Hope, but focused specifically on vaping and related risk behaviors. These groups would emphasize education, peer support, and healthy decision-making.
We recognize that this is not just a school issue, it is a community issue. Students often gain access to these products through peers, relatives, or other sources outside of school. Addressing this concern effectively requires collaboration between schools, families, and the wider community. By working together, we can help reduce access to harmful products, support positive choices, and create safer spaces for our students.
Finally, these proactive measures will be implemented across all of our secondary campuses, not just Aztec High School. This unified approach ensures consistency in expectations, accountability, and support for all middle and high school students.
By combining monitoring tools, security measures, policy updates, educational support, and community partnerships, we are strengthening our collective ability to prevent vaping incidents and support students in making healthy, positive choices. We appreciate your continued partnership as we work to uphold student safety, health, and success.
Sincerely,
Lauren Laws
Superintendent
Hello Tiger Community,
This morning a report was received of a possible threat at Aztec High School. Out of an abundance of caution, the school immediately went into lockdown and coordinated with law enforcement.
As the investigation developed, district officials determined it was prudent to place other school sites in a secure status until the situation was resolved.
We want to assure you that students are safe. The individual involved has been located, and law enforcement is continuing their investigation.
At this time, all schools have resumed normal operations.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to keep our students and staff safe.
Sincerely,
Aztec Schools
Aztec Municipal School District will be providing free summer meals to all children 18 and under from May 27 through August 7. Meals will be served Monday through Friday, with no service on July 4.
Meal Times:
Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
(Unless otherwise noted)
Meal Locations:
-Aztec High School
-Minium Park
-Park Avenue Elementary
-McCoy Avenue Elementary
-Riverside Park
-Aztec Church of Christ
(Breakfast: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM, Lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
Important Guidelines:
-No Grab and Go: Meals must be received and eaten on-site.
-Separate Service Times: Breakfast and lunch are served at different times and cannot be picked up together.
-Child Must Be Present: Children must be present to receive a meal.
Additional Notes:
-Meals will be served at Mosaic during June only for students participating in the Summer Reading Program.
-Students attending the Boys and Girls Club will be served meals at that location.
Please help spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals this summer.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Aztec Municipal School District will be providing free summer meals to all children 18 and under from May 27 through August 7. Meals will be served Monday through Friday, with no service on July 4.
Meal Times:
Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
(Unless otherwise noted)
Meal Locations:
-Aztec High School
-Minium Park
-Park Avenue Elementary
-McCoy Avenue Elementary
-Riverside Park
-Aztec Church of Christ
(Breakfast: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM, Lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
Important Guidelines:
-No Grab and Go: Meals must be received and eaten on-site.
-Separate Service Times: Breakfast and lunch are served at different times and cannot be picked up together.
-Child Must Be Present: Children must be present to receive a meal.
Additional Notes:
-Meals will be served at Mosaic during June only for students participating in the Summer Reading Program.
-Students attending the Boys and Girls Club will be served meals at that location.
Please help spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals this summer.
Dear AMSD Families,
As we wrap up the 2024–2025 school year, we want to remind you of several important dates and schedule changes.
Early Release – Last Day of School (Friday, May 23):
All schools in the Aztec Municipal School District will release one hour early on the last day of school. Elementary Schools: 1:55 PM
Koogler Middle School: 2:00 PM
Vista Nueva High School: 2:05 PM
Aztec High School: 2:10 PM
Please plan accordingly for pick-up and transportation.
Graduation Dates:
Kindergarten Graduation: Tuesday, May 20 at 9:00 AM at Fred Cook Stadium
Vista Nueva High School: Tuesday, May 20 at 6:00 PM at SJC Connie Gotsch Theater
Aztec High School: Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00 PM at Fred Cook Stadium
Looking Ahead – 2025–2026 School Year: The 2025–2026 school calendar is now available. You can view it here: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2292/AMSD/5655924/AMSD_Calendar_25-26_Approved.pdf
Thank you for your continued support throughout the school year.
We wish you and your family a restful and fun summer!
Sincerely, AMSD
Dear Koogler Families,
Today at Koogler Middle School, a student’s personal cell phone malfunctioned and began to emit smoke. As a precaution, the 8th grade hallway was briefly evacuated, and our staff responded immediately by following all safety protocols.
After the area was safely cleared and inspected, students returned to class and the school day resumed as normal. We are thankful to report that no students or staff were injured.
We appreciate everyone's cooperation in ensuring a calm and safe response. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.
Sincerely,
AMSD
Dear Aztec Families,
Please be advised that on Thursday, May 1, 2025, a Law Enforcement training will be conducted on the Aztec High School campus.
You may notice an increased presence of police vehicles from multiple jurisdictions in the area. The training will run from 8:15 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m. and will not disrupt normal campus operations.
We appreciate your understanding as local agencies work together to enhance public safety and preparedness.
Sincerely,
Aztec Municipal School District
Dear VNHS Senior Parents,
We are excited to announce that we will be featuring a Senior Spotlight in our upcoming newsletters!
We invite each family to submit a short paragraph highlighting your senior’s achievements and sharing how proud you are of them. Please also include a photo to accompany your write-up. The paragraph does not need to be lengthy—just a heartfelt message celebrating your senior and all they have accomplished.
To participate, please email your submission to Ms. Kayla at vnwingka@aztecschools.com.
We look forward to celebrating your senior with you and sharing these special moments with our school community!
-VNHS
On Sunday (4/27/25), the Aztec Police Department received a threat involving Aztec High School. The threat was reportedly intended for today (4/27/25). There were no activities scheduled at the high school today. The investigation has not confirmed any information to validate the threat.
As a precaution, there will be an increased police presence around Aztec schools this week. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and these measures are being taken out of an abundance of caution to keep our children safe. We appreciate your understanding, and if you have any concerns, please contact Central Office.
Happy Friday! Nueva News - Edition No. 31
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGk7Ue_NE4/J-UeN5Ujhj-7h5rYBEWbnA/edit?utm_content=DAGk7Ue_NE4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Earlier today, Vista Nueva High School was placed on a brief hold as a precautionary measure. The situation was quickly resolved, and at no time were students or staff in danger.
We are pleased to report that the school has resumed normal operations, and all students and staff are safe.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our school community.
-AMSD
REMINDER: In Observation of Good Friday on Friday, April 18th there will be NO School! Have a safe and Happy Holiday!
Aztec Municipal School District invites all coaches, parents, booster club members, and community members to a collaborative meeting to review and discuss the booster policy. We value your input and would love to work together to move forward with the best approach for our community.
Date: Wednesday, April 16th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Lillywhite Gym at Aztec High School
We look forward to seeing you there and working together for the benefit of our students and programs!
-AMSD
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to inform you that the remainder of the C-Team softball season has been canceled. We appreciate your understanding and support of our student-athletes.
If you have any questions, please contact the Athletics Department.
-AMSD
Due to an official shortage, the C-Team Baseball game against Bloomfield that was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM has been rescheduled.
New Game Date & Time:
Wednesday, April 16 at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Location: Aztec
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and support of our Aztec Tigers.
Emergency Responders on Campus:
From time to time, emergency personnel may be on campus for medical situations or safety reasons. Please know that moving forward not all of these visits will result in a district-wide notification.
We will only send a notification if:
-There is a disruption to the school day (such as an evacuation or lockdown),
-The incident is highly visible and may raise concern, or
-Additional communication is needed to keep families accurately informed.
If the situation involves only one student and does not impact others, the school will contact that child’s parent or guardian directly.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support in helping us keep our schools safe and focused on learning.
-AMSD
Happy Monday, Here is Nueva News Edition No. 20
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Please note the following rescheduled C-Team baseball games:
-April 14 – vs. San Juan High School (Home)
4:00 PM & 6:00 PM
-April 21 – at Bayfield (Away)
3:00 PM & 5:00 PM
-May 1 – vs. Piedra Vista (Home)
4:00 PM & 6:00 PM
We hope to see you out supporting our Tigers! Thank you for your continued support and flexibility throughout the season.
Go Tigers!
Dear Park Avenue Families,
We are excited to invite you to Family STEAM Night on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in a fun and engaging way.
-The evening will feature:
-Free pizza for all attendees
-Fun games and activities for the whole family
-Exciting prizes to win
-A sneak peek at the upcoming Science Fair
Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Park Avenue Elementary
We hope you can join us for this exciting event.
Hello Tiger Community, Today, emergency personnel responded to a medical situation at Koogler Middle School. We want to assure you that all students and staff are safe, and the responders have completed their work. We appreciate the quick action of our team and local emergency services. Thank you for your continued support. - Aztec Municipal School District