Escalante Middle/High School, located in Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, serves students from grades 7 through 12. As of the 2023-2024 academic year, the school has an enrollment of approximately 165 students, with a student-teacher ratio of about 13:1.
The 2026–2027 school year began with excitement and tradition as the senior class welcomed their final first day of high school with a Senior Sunrise at Escalante Field. Accompanied by their class sponsors, Valerie Martinez and Richard Amora, along with guidance counselor Ms. Anna Atencio, students gathered at 5:30 a.m. to watch the sunrise together. They enjoyed breakfast burritos and doughnuts while sharing laughs, conversations, and memories, making it a morning they will always remember.
After the sunrise celebration, students headed home before returning to campus for the official first day of school. Around 8:00 a.m., many students arrived with their parents, some walking to school together to mark this special milestone—their last first day of school. Adding a fun touch to the morning, several seniors carried colorful kindergarten-style backpacks, bringing back memories of where their school journey began.
Before classes started, students signed their names on the glass doors and windows at the front of the campus, leaving messages and memories that celebrated the beginning of an unforgettable senior year. It was a wonderful start to the 2026–2027 school year, filled with tradition, friendship, and excitement for the journey ahead.
Escalante Mid High School is excited to welcome Ms. Dawn Salazar as our new principal for the 2026–2027 school year.
Although she is new to this role at Escalante, Ms. Salazar is no stranger to the district. She previously served as principal of Tierra Amarilla Elementary and brings many years of experience in education. Throughout her career, she has also worked as a literacy coach with CREC 5 and as an educational diagnostician for Dulce Schools.
Outside of school, Ms. Salazar enjoys spending time with her family, especially relaxing at the lake. She has two daughters—one who is an eighth grader here at Escalante and another who is a senior in college studying occupational therapy.
When asked about her vision for the coming year, Ms. Salazar summed it up in three words:
Reset, Rebuild, and Rise.
Above all, she is committed to keeping students at the center of every decision and creating a positive learning environment where they can succeed.
Please join us in giving Ms. Dawn Salazar a warm Escalante welcome!
Mr. Javier Vigil of Northern NM Recreation and Outdoor Conservation Foundation in partnership with the Chama Peak Land Alliance with the renowned filmmaker Renea Roberts, had a presentation and film viewing of “Thinking Like Water" to our 7th Grade students during Mr. Jesus Maes's History class. This is an educational program focused on the importance of water, acequia traditions, conservation, and our connection to the land and community.
This presentation provided students with valuable insight into local culture, environmental stewardship, and the role water plays in our daily lives. Thank you to everyone for this meaningful learning opportunity for our students!
Our recent Career Day was a great success, with a strong turnout and enthusiastic participation from students and guests. The event gave students valuable insight into the many opportunities available after graduation.
A special highlight was the return of former students, who shared their experiences and offered real-world advice about different career paths. Their stories helped inspire and guide our current students.
From college and trade programs to various careers, students explored a wide range of options and gained helpful resources to support their future plans. Events like Career Day remind us that our students have many paths to success and we are proud to help prepare them for what comes next.
Last March 19th, 17 members of Dream Makers took an important step toward community readiness and personal development by earning their CPR certification. The training was spearheaded by Dr. Jodi Casados alongside the dedicated team from La Clinica del Pueblo de Rio Arriba.
Our middle school winners will represent our school to the Regional Spelling Bee contest on March 31, 2026 at Northern New Mexico College, Espanola.
7th Grade contestants: Rhaya Ulibarri and Jaiden Gomez
8th Grade contestants: Christina Martinez and Celeste Sanchez