Meet Alyssa Maestas: Leading with Love at Salazar Elementary
If you step into Salazar Elementary School, you’ll instantly feel it – the warmth, the energy, and the deep sense of belonging. That’s no accident. It’s all thanks to the incredible leadership of Principal Alyssa Maestas, whose every move is rooted in love, compassion, and community.
Her day starts with a powerful message during morning announcements: “You are loved. You are safe. You belong.” And it’s not just words – it’s a promise. A commitment to every student, every family, every teacher. It sets the tone for an environment where kids thrive academically and emotionally.
Alyssa isn’t just leading Salazar Elementary – she’s shaping it with her Santa Fe heritage in mind. She understands the power of connection, so she’s built a school culture that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and multilingualism. Every child sees themselves reflected in their learning, and soon, Salazar will host a spring cultural showcase to highlight the beautiful backgrounds that make up their community.
Holidays can be tough, especially when families can’t attend school events. That’s why Alyssa started a heartwarming Thanksgiving tradition, inviting community members to step in as special guests for students. No child sits alone – everyone has a seat at the table. It’s just one of the many ways Salazar Elementary truly feels like a home away from home.
For immigrant families, schools should be a place of trust, not fear. Alyssa works closely with Santa Fe Public Schools to ensure students’ rights and privacy are protected, reassuring families that they are not just welcome, but vital members of the community.
When she’s not leading a school, Alyssa is cheering on Salazar’s basketball team, where teamwork and sportsmanship take center court. As a sports mom and enthusiast, she knows the best lessons aren’t always in textbooks – sometimes they come from passing the ball, cheering for a teammate, and learning resilience through play.
At Salazar Elementary, education isn’t just about test scores – it’s about building a strong, loving, and inclusive community. And with Principal Alyssa Maestas at the helm, that vision is a daily reality.
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Join Lorenzo Dominguez as he sits down with Alyssa Maestas, the inspiring principal of Salazar Elementary School. Discover how Alyssa fosters a nurturing environment filled with love and compassion in Santa Fe, New Mexico. From morning announcements to multicultural celebrations, learn about the incredible community initiatives that put students first and celebrate diversity every single day.
