Hello Valley View Families,
My name is Travis Ackerman, and I am the Principal at Valley View Elementary School. I grew up in a family of teachers. My mom was a teacher to her “super tots”, and my brother has taught art in New Mexico, Oregon and Pennsylvania. My wife is also a science teacher at Roswell High School. I am originally from Pennsylvania where I completed my bachelor’s degree in history at Penn State University. I went on to receive my teaching certification at Arcadia University before moving to New Mexico. I taught history at Roswell High School and then moved into assistant principal positions at both Mesa Middle School and Roswell High School after completing my master’s in education administration at Eastern New Mexico University. I am entering into my 4th year as principal for Valley View Elementary, and I am beyond excited to continue to work alongside the staff, families and community. My wife and I have two children that have enjoyed their times as a Valley View Viking and one child that is a future Viking!
Our vision for this school is to create a passion for learning that will pave the way to a brighter future for all. Through my experiences working with the staff here at Valley View, I am confident in saying that your children are in good hands. These teachers are committed to setting high expectations for the students here at Valley View, and they will help your children exceed those expectations. The staff at this school as a whole has continuously created a nurturing and safe environment for all students to learn and the past school grades here at Valley View are evidence of exactly that. In order to reach our vision, we have set school-wide goals in reaching the behavioral and academic needs of our students.
We will provide SEL support through the Positive Actions curriculum where students will learn about self-concept, self-image, self-regulation and more to help build up their confidence, work ethic and more. Last year, we were recognized nationally as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts Rising Star School after our first year of implementing CKH. Capturing Kids’ Hearts focus is empowering our students to be leaders within their own education and make all learners feeling comfortable in their learning! The students develop social contracts, share Good Things, affirm each other, and more through Capturing Kids’ Hearts. We are also a PBIS school (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. Our students follow the Viking Code of Conduct expectations, which is bringing your best, doing what is right, and treating others the way you would like to be treated. When students are meeting those expectations, they receive a Caught Your Heart ticket and are rewarded for exemplifying the characteristics of our Viking Code of Conduct.
In order to support the academic needs of our students our staff is well-versed in the core curriculums for ELA, math, science, and social studies, and our Valley View teachers like to add their own spices to the curriculum to maintain high levels of student engagement and understanding. Valley View Elementary is an AVID school as well. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a system focused in on getting our students college and career ready. Yes, it may seem early to start talking about colleges and careers, but if not now, then when? We want to instill in our students the mindset that if they continue their learning beyond high school they will continue to open doors for themselves. Our AVID staff will provide a culture of college and career readiness by displaying college pennants in the halls, holding future College and Career fairs and more. The staff will also equip the students with strong writing, inquiry, collaborative, organization, and reading skills for them to excel in their future endeavors of a career and college.
Of course, we cannot paint that picture and achieve that vision alone. We will need and welcome your support as well as the community’s support. My office door is always open, and you can reach me at [email protected] or 575-637-3600. I just ask that you fill out one of our school’s appointment cards if you would like to sit down and meet with me as I will be busy going in and out of the classrooms seeing what the students are learning and supporting the teachers in maintaining a positive learning environment.
Please pay close attention to any messages on our school’s class dojo account, VVE’s PAC Facebook page, or RISD’s district website and Facebook page for any new updates pertaining to this upcoming school year.
I am anticipating a productive and positive year ahead as our Viking ship is ready to set sail towards future success!
Sincerely,
Travis Ackerman
Valley View Elementary School Principal