Adopt-A-School Overview

What is Adopt-A-School (AAS)?
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The Santa Fe Alliance for Science (SFAFS) initiated in 2018 an innovative Adopt-A-Schoool program to provide ongoing STEM learning experiences for students, their families, and school faculty at a specific shool. The Adopt-A-School Program offers unique opportunities to our Nina Otero Community School (NOCS) to support their teachers and students with scientists, engineers, and other STEM volunteers. The Adopt-A-School Program is one of 30 programs to receive the 2021-2022 ACT on Health Equity: Community Solutions Challenge grant from AstraZeneca. This support helps us to expand the AAS programming to meet the needs of Nina Otero. 

The AAS Site Coordinators work closely with the Co-Leads of the Program and the volunteers to tailor all activities to the specific needs of Nina’s school population including the summer science program, class science experiment demonstrations, science fair preparations, and assisting regularly in grades 2-8. The goal of the AAS Program is to make available academic support from a dedicated team of SFAFS volunteers who serve as powerful role models and wrap-around STEM services to the elementary and middle school students and teachers. The AAS monthly presentations bring SFAFS volunteers to all students at NOCS.
Our  Adopt-A-School Partner
Nina Otero Community School has been our Adopt-A-School partner since 2021. We also welcome inquiries from other interested Santa Fe Public Schools.  Nina Otero is a K-
More about the person of Nina Otero, and the US quarter with her likeness.

Principal Valarie Apodaca:
"We have partnered with the Santa Fe Alliance for Science for several years. Their generous support has come in many forms. The volunteers work with teachers and students throughout the school year and with our summer program. Every class, Pre-K through 8th grade has an opportunity to experience informative presentations, have small group support, and/or be guided through engaging science explorations to strengthen skills. With their help, we will reach our goal of becoming a model STEM school! "

AAS Site Coordinators-2025/2026
Daniel  Dennedy-Frank, 3rd Grade Teacher
Bio:Daniel Dennedy-Frank is a 3rd grade teacher at Nina Otero Community School. He has 20 years of experience in education, which include: teaching in grades Prek-5, serving as a mentor teacher with Stanford University, directing summer programs for multilingual learners in grades K-8, and leading schools as a principal for 5 years. He holds a B.A. in Psychology/Spanish from Whitman College, an M.A. in Educational Psychology from UC Berkeley, and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Stanford University. 
Daniel is excited to collaborate with the Santa Fe Alliance for Science to increase students' access to science in their everyday learning. 
Karrye Ramos, 8th Grade Teacher
Bio: Karrye Ramos is an ELA teacher at Nina Otero Community School and a veteran
educator with 25 years of experience in Santa Fe Public Schools, including 11 years at Nina
Otero. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Educational Leadership. Karrye
has taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grades throughout her career and is a strong advocate for
expanding STEM/STEAM and science education opportunities for middle school students.
For the past five years, she has collaborated with the Santa Fe Alliance for Science, helping to
grow the 8th Grade Science Mentor Program. She looks forward to continuing this partnership
and supporting the program’s ongoing success and development.
Rae Sue Vigil, 4th Grade Teacher
Bio: Rae Sue Vigil is an Elementary teacher at Nina Otero Community School.
She has 20 years of experience as an educator, teaching with The Santa Fe Archdiocese and
Santa Fe Public Schools, including 7 years at Nina Otero. She holds a BA in Psychology, MA in
Elementary Math and Science, and Endorsements in Elementary Math Specialist and TESOL.
Rae Sue has taught 3rd, 5th, and currently 4th grade throughout her career.
For the past ten years, she has collaborated with the Santa Fe Alliance for Science, helping
students in different schools develop their love of Science through the School Science Fairs.
She looks forward to continuing this partnership and supporting the Santa Fe Alliance for
Science as they continue to provide support to students and teachers at Nina Otero Community
School.​
How does AAS work?
Each year, we partner (through an application process) with select elementary schools (K-6 or K-8) to coordinate a variety of STEM activities such as:
  • Classroom presentations and experiments led by “real scientists” and STEM education experts who team up with teachers.
  • Real-life STEM discovery activities.
  • School-based family STEM/STEAM events.
  • Student STEM fair coaching and judging.
  • Student tutoring in STEM topics.
  • Science and language literacy professional development (PD) and ready to use lessons.
  • After school STEM offerings.
How can AAS benefit a school?
STEM professionals assist with STEM activities in a school to:
  • Build student and teacher knowledge and confidence in STEM subjects.
  • Enhance current lessons and help schools implement Next Generation Science Standards.
  • Help students understand how STEM relates to everyday life.
  • Expose students to STEM career paths.
  • Develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Extend STEM learning during the summer
Our AAS Team Members
Program Co-Leads:
  • Judy Reinhartz Ph.D.
  • Hubert van Hecke, Ph.D.​
SFAFS Board Committee Members:
  • Penny Bennett
  • Kathy Brechner
  • John Dressman​​​
For further information contact Judy Reinhartz