Adopt-A-School Overview
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE ADOPT-A-SCHOOL PROGRAM:
The mission of the Adopt-A-School Program (AAS) is to connect students and teachers with on-school site, day-to-day academic STEM support from a dedicated team of Santa Fe Alliance for Science volunteers who serve as powerful role models and provide wrap around services by creating a collaborative partnership with the Nina Otero Community School in the Santa Fe Public Schools that demonstrates and reinforces the idea that “Science is Everywhere.”
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Background of the Adopt-A-School (AAS) Program?
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-8 Community School. Learn about the School's Namesake, 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-2026/2027
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. Rose E. Mills, 5th Grade Teacher Bio: Rose Mills is a 5th grade teacher at Nina Otero Community School. The 2026-27 school year is her 12th year in the classroom, and 6th as a licensed teacher. Rose started in the classroom as a one-on-one, and then moved to an Educational Assistant in Kindergarten where she fell in love with the art of teaching. She holds a BA in University Studies with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education Gifted Services from New Mexico Highlands University. She taught 3rd grade for one year and has been teaching 5th grade for 5 years. Rose understands the importance, and has a passion for, science education and exploration among the 5th grade age group. She is excited to be collaborating directly with the SFAS, for the first time. Rose is also very excited to share the joy of science and wonder with her classroom. Stephanie Benavidez, 2nd Grade Teacher Bio: Stephanie Benavidez is a second-grade teacher at Nina Otero Community School and is currently in her fifth year of teaching second grade. She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Santa Fe Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education from New Mexico Highlands University. She is currently completing a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Grand Canyon University and expects to graduate in October 2026. Before becoming a classroom teacher, Stephanie worked as a Head Start lead teacher with children ages three to five, a kindergarten educational assistant, and an educational assistant supporting students in a life skills program. She is a strong advocate for providing elementary students with engaging, hands-on science experiences. Stephanie looks forward to collaborating with the Santa Fe Alliance for Science and supporting the program’s continued growth and success. |
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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:
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How can AAS benefit a school?
STEM professionals assist with STEM activities in a school to:
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Our AAS Team Members
SFAFS Team Volunteers:
For further information contact Judy Reinhartz
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