Shifts to in-person learning begin

Some schools shift slowly to hybrid models
As COVID cases fall nationally, some New Mexico schools have taken advantage of the lowered risk of community spread by adopting a hybrid learning model that allows some in-person classroom time. Both Pecos and Mora school districts are moving into hybrid models gradually by staggering the return for different grades of middle and high school students, as reported in the Las Vegas Optic. By limiting the number of people on campus at a given time in this way, the school is better able to facilitate and enforce social distancing, keeping students and staff safe.
Even with some on-campus time, however, students will still have few classes that are taught in person. Instead, they will use on-campus time mostly to continue to attend online classes and complete digital assignments, working from campus classrooms rather than from home.  This allows small groups of students to work together in a shared space and enables in-person social interactions with peers. Santa Fe Public Schools, facing the reluctance of many unvaccinated teachers to return to campuses, is leveraging the hybrid model to re-vision how on-campus learning can occur. Following  informal learning models used by non-traditional schools and higher education, the district is introducing “internet cafe” style environments and providing opportunities for brief one on one learning and support sessions through "help desks".  Participation in the hybrid learning model is optional for families, and at present is not available for many elementary school students in many districts.  
Both the Las Vegas City Schools and the West Las Vegas School district have voted to remain in distance learning mode exclusively until the end of the year, as has the Belen district in Valencia County. Other districts, such as Roswell, are returning to in-person learning more rapidly.

New resources from the Villanueva Library
The Villanueva David Cargo Library at the El Valle Community Center is now offering Electronic Library Accounts. An Electronic Library Account (ELA) will provide immediate access to our growing digital collections as well as to digital resources from the New Mexico State Library. Together, these include:

• Numerous digital magazines and newspapers
• Extensive online learning resources and tutorials
• Dozens of research databases for learners
• Real-time online tutoring for school students
• eBooks and Audiobooks for all ages

      How to Apply

• Web submission  Complete the online application form and click “Submit.”  You will receive a return email confirming your account, providing you with your Electronic Library Account number, and instructions for how to login to your library account.
• Email submission  Complete the PDF application form, sign, scan or print, and send via email to library@elvallecenter.org.You will receive a return email confirming your account and providing details about about your Electronic Library Account and instructions for how to login.
• In person  Stop by the El Valle Community Center – Villanueva Library during open hours of operation, complete a paper application, and return to one of our staff. Upon verification of contact information, you will receive your electronic library account information details, including access code and PIN.
• By mail   Send your completed application by mail to El Valle Community Center – Villanueva Library, P.O. Box 61, Villanueva NM  87583. Upon verification of contact information, you will receive your electronic library account information details by mail, including access code and PIN.
• Problems signing up?  Give us a call at 575-421-0808 or 505-660-3434.  Our current hours of operation are M-TH, 10-3. If we miss your call, please leave a message and someone will return you call as soon as possible.