Resilience in Roswell: NMANS Visits Schools Rebuilding After Floods

Dear Leaders of Non-Public Schools,

As we approach the end of the first semester of the 2024-25 school year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you—whether you are member schools or not—for your dedication to serving the students and families of New Mexico. In this newsletter, we are excited to introduce a new board member, invite your input through a brief survey, and celebrate the essential work of private schools in Roswell, a community still recovering from recent flooding. We also remember our sister private schools in other states that have faced tragedy, including the recent shooting at Abundant Christian Life School.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or suggestions. You can contact me at nmansinfo@gmail.com or bippel@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Bob Ippel
Executive Director
New Mexico Association of Non-public Schools

Last Call for Survey

The NMANS Board is planning an in-person conference for the 2025-26 school year. We are grateful to the many schools that have already completed the survey to help us prioritize topics important to you and your school. If you haven't done so yet, please take a moment to fill out this brief SURVEY.

Introduction of a New Board Member

We are pleased to welcome Vince Torres as NMANS's newest board member! Vince brings extensive expertise in public policy, with over 15 years of experience in New Mexico state government. He has served as the deputy chief clerk for the New Mexico State Senate, the legislative liaison for former Lt. Gov. John Sanchez, and most recently, as the chief of staff for the Senate Republican Caucus. Additionally, he was the former president of the New Mexico Family Action Movement, a local public policy organization that advocates for school choice and religious liberty.

In 2021, Vince and his wife founded a Christian school in Santa Fe, where she serves as head of school, and Vince contributes in a volunteer capacity as a grant writer, donor relations manager, and assistant coach for the boys' basketball team.

Vince believes that moving forward, NMANS will play a vital role in protecting our private schools and advancing policies that benefit our students and families. We are excited to have him serve our non-public schools on the Board.

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School Snapshots

Roswell, New Mexico, is home to several private schools, including the three I recently visited. Just a few months ago, the Roswell community was devastated by floods, and each school shared stories of staff and families whose lives were upended by this catastrophe. As is true in all our communities, private schools can provide stability and hope in a chaotic world. A heartfelt shout-out to the private schools of Roswell, New Mexico! Below are snapshots of three of those schools.

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Gateway Christian Academy

Robin Parker, head of Early Childhood and Elementary grades, and Justin Stephens, head of Middle and High Schools, are leading this initiative. It is clear that Robin, a NMANS Board member, has a wonderful rapport with students of all ages. During my visit, students gravitated toward her, and she even had four grandchildren come to give her hugs!

Gateway Christian Academy is undergoing significant changes with a $3.5 million addition that will relocate middle and high school students from the basement of Gateway Christian Church to the main school building, which currently houses most Pre-K to 6th-grade students. This expansion will include 12 additional classrooms, office space, and a drop-off loop, fulfilling a dream after many years of planning and fundraising.

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All Saints Catholic School

Dr. Cheryl Martinez is the head of All Saints Catholic School, which serves Pre-K through 8th grade and the Catholic Churches of Roswell, as well as other families. Approximately 45% of the families qualify for free or reduced lunches. Dr. Martinez ensures that staff are well-trained experts in their fields, passionate about inspiring students. For instance, Science teacher Peggy Bohlin has connections with the NASA program and has brought astronaut Duane Carey to inspire students on multiple occasions.

She has raised $30,000 to create a state-of-the-art science laboratory for first-rate instruction. Three staff members, proficient musicians who participate in the Roswell Community Band, will join the 5th to 8th-grade students in their upcoming band concert, which is a required activity for all students. The school emphasizes excellence in instruction while nurturing the spirit; students and staff are reminded to pause and pray each hour by a ringing bell.

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Immanuel Lutheran School

Pastor Benjamin Holt serves as both the head of the school and a full-time middle school teacher. He is enthusiastic about the "grammar, logic, and rhetoric" framework of classical Lutheran education being taught to the 59 students. All Pre-K through 8th-grade students learn Latin, and Holt's middle school students have recently read Beowulf and Macbeth. Students experience a liberal arts education through the arts, music, and specialized athletic training, including archery taught by certified staff on campus and tennis at the nearby New Mexico Military Institute.

The family atmosphere at Immanuel Lutheran Christian School was evident when I visited during lunchtime. All children sat with their classmates by grade, and staff members gathered at a communal table, fostering a sense of community. The school begins meals with an opening prayer, followed by food, fellowship, and the sung doxology. During chapel, older and younger students are interspersed to encourage relationships between "chapel buddies."