Inside SFPS

In this episode of Inside SFPS Athletics Edition, we sit down with David Manning, Santa Fe High Athletic Trainer, and Stephanie Oellien, Capital High Athletic Trainer — two SFPS alumni who have returned to the district to support the next generation of student-athletes.

David and Stephanie share their journeys through Santa Fe Public Schools, education and athletics, and what it means to now give back to the schools and community that helped shape them.

They also talk about the importance of putting being a student first — making sure student-athletes understand that success on the field starts in the classroom. To participate in the sports and activities they love, students have to meet the mark academically and stay committed to their goals.

Thank you for listening!

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🏈 Inside SFPS Podcast: Athletics Edition

What does it take to build a football program—and more importantly, to build young people?

In this week’s Inside SFPS Podcast: Athletics Edition, host Nick Salazar sits down with Adrian Gonzales, Head Football Coach at Santa Fe High School, for a conversation about leadership, mentorship, discipline, and what it takes to keep getting better—one play at a time.

Coach Gonzales shares his perspective on growing the Santa Fe High football program, reflecting on the season so far, upcoming games, and the lessons that happen both on and off the field.

For Coach Gonzales, coaching is about much more than football. It’s about mentoring students through the good moments and the tough ones. A missed shot, a missed opportunity, or a mistake doesn’t mean it’s time to tear an athlete down—they already know when they’ve made a mistake. The goal is to help them learn, move forward, and focus on the next play.

As both a coach and a freshman health teacher at Santa Fe High, Coach Gonzales emphasizes a simple philosophy: students come first. Discipline, accountability, and doing things the right way—in school, in the classroom, at home, and on the field—are all connected.

He also talks about treating his players with the same care, expectations, and guidance he gives his own son.

Because success brings success—and building a successful athletic program starts with building successful students.

This work is part of a larger effort to strengthen and support SFPS Athletics. Johnathan Salazar, Community Partnership Director/Development Specialist, is working to grow community partnerships and increase funding for athletic programs so that our athletes have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed.

🎙️ Listen to the latest Athletics Edition of Inside SFPS Podcast and hear what it means to coach, mentor, lead, and always come back ready for the next play.

#SFPS #InsideSFPS #SFPSAthletics #SantaFeHigh #Football #StudentAthletes #NextPlay

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🌱 New Episode of the SFPS Sustainability Podcast!

What does sustainability look like across Santa Fe Public Schools?

In this episode, Ryan Harris, Melissa Wackerle and Alexa Hempel take us behind the scenes of the SFPS Sustainability Office and the work happening across our schools. From school gardens and waste diversion to solar power and utility conservation.

They also talk about the ways we’re helping students connect with the outdoors, including rain gardens, bike rodeos, balance bikes, and hands-on learning experiences. 🚲🌿

And did you know SFPS is also bringing electric buses into our transportation fleet?

It’s all part of creating healthier, more sustainable schools and investing in the future of our students and our community.

🎧 Listen to the newest episode and learn more about sustainability at SFPS!

Thank you for listening!

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In this episode of the Inside SFPS Athletics Podcast, host Nick Salazar is joined by Ray Salazar, Assistant Athletic Director at Capital High School, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to make game day happen.

It takes a strong team behind the team to create a successful experience for student-athletes, families, staff, and fans. From planning and coordination to all the details that happen behind the scenes, Ray shares what goes into making SFPS athletics possible.

Thank you for listening!

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42 is the answer—but do you know why?

In the latest episode of Inside SFPS, Arturo Lujan, STEM Coordinator, talks about a new approach to math instructional materials and why understanding the how and why matters just as much as getting the right answer.

We’re taking a closer look at how math materials can help students build conceptual understanding, make connections, and think beyond memorization.

🎙️ Listen to the latest episode of Inside SFPS!

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What does a day look like for a Community Schools Coordinator? In this episode, we dive into the vital work these coordinators do every day to support our schools. Learn how they bridge the gap between families, staff, and students by connecting them directly to critical resources. From planning engaging family events and launching yearly fundraisers to organizing staff appreciation, discover how they build a deeply supportive school ecosystem.

🎉 Special Event Announcement:
Don't miss out! On Saturday, Community Schools is hosting a free event for all our families from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more details, visit sfps.info and scroll down to the Live Feed section.

Thank you for listening!

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In Episode 76, Joe Abeyta sits down with Student Wellness Assistant Director Jenn Jevertson and Executive Director Sue O’Brien to discuss the vital role student wellness plays in helping every child succeed.

Every generation faces its own challenges, and every student's journey is unique. Learn how Santa Fe Public Schools is committed to ensuring students have the support, resources, and tools they need to thrive because mental health is just as important as physical health.

In this episode, you'll hear about:
• Why student wellness is essential for learning and attendance.
• Nearly 200 staff members to recognize the signs when a student may need additional support.
• How more than 1,000 students have been trained through freshman health classes to better understand mental health, recognize the difference between a difficult day and a situation requiring help, and know when and how to seek support.

Together, we're building a school community where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to succeed.

🎧 Listen now!
#SFPSProud #InsideSFPS #StudentWellness #MentalHealthMatters #FutureReady

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In our newest episode of Inside SFPS Podcast - Athletic Edition, SFPS Athletic Director Nick Salazar sits down with Brooklyn Lyric Cardenas of Capital High School, who shares what it takes to compete in both softball and powerlifting while balancing the demands of her senior year.

After hitting 13 home runs and finishing second in district home runs, while also placing third in powerlifting, Brooklyn explains the discipline, sacrifice, and daily routine required to excel in two sports at once. She also talks about the responsibility that comes with being a leader—supporting teammates, setting the standard through hard work, and embracing the role of coaching and encouraging those around her.

Beyond athletics, Brooklyn completed Capital High's Nursing Pathway and earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification through Santa Fe Community College, proving that excellence extends far beyond the field and weight room.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of SFPS' exceptional student-athletes.

Thank you for listening!

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🎙️ Inside SFPS – Athletics Edition | Episode 74: Community, Passion & the Power of Sports

In this episode of Inside SFPS – Athletics Edition, SFPS Athletic Director Nick Salazar sits down with Sports Primohost and SFPS's own Aaron Abeyta for a conversation about the power of sports, community, and purpose.

Aaron shares his inspiring journey, reflecting on the experiences that shaped his passion for telling the stories of student-athletes and the people who support them. Together, they discuss the lifelong lessons that come from being part of a team—building trust, developing leadership, overcoming challenges, and learning that success is achieved through commitment to one another.

The conversation also highlights the incredible impact that fans, families, coaches, and communities have on our athletes, and why encouragement from the stands can make all the difference. From the locker room to the sidelines, this episode celebrates the relationships and support systems that help student-athletes thrive both in competition and in life.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about teamwork, resilience, community, and the lasting impact of school athletics.

Thank you for listening!

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In this episode of Inside SFPS, we welcome Sarah Keller, Chief Community Engagement Officer at Nusenda Credit Union, to discuss Nusenda’s partnership with Santa Fe Public Schools and its role as the title sponsor of the upcoming Back to School Supply Giveaway on July 31.

Sarah shares how Nusenda’s commitment to community engagement goes beyond financial support, with team members actively volunteering and showing up for students, families, and educators. The conversation highlights the importance of removing barriers for students by ensuring they have the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn.

Listeners will also hear about Nusenda’s broader support for education, including new student orientations, teacher hiring events, and special community projects. Sarah also introduces free financial education tools available through Nusenda, including My First Nest Egg, Cashy, and Bonsai, which are designed to help children, teens, and adults build financial confidence and long-term well-being.

Tune in to learn more about Nusenda’s partnership with SFPS, its commitment to economic mobility, and how families can connect with Nusenda representatives at the Back to School Supply Giveaway.

Thank you for listening!

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