Home - Judy Nelson Elementary School

Welcome to JNE!

Welcome Back!

Hello JNE parents and students! Welcome back to a new school year at Judy Nelson Elementary.

I have been a part of the Central Consolidated School District community for 10 years, having spent time as a third-grade teacher right here at Judy Nelson before stepping into administration. It is a true honor to serve our vibrant school alongside Dr. Tom and our incredible team of teachers and staff. Our educators and service staff are dedicated, selfless, and truly passionate about helping your children thrive every day.

At JNE, we proudly live by our motto: “Where Learning Comes First!” We know that our success relies on strong partnerships with our families, and we are so grateful for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

Welcome to another wonderful school year!

District News

Judy Nelson Elementary School District News

Oct 18, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Remote Learning for KES, JNE, KCHS and KMS (not including OJO)

Central Consolidated School District will move four Kirtland schools to remote learning on Monday, October 19, 2026:

Judy Nelson Elementary School

Kirtland Elementary School

Kirtland Middle School

Kirtland Central High School

Students at these schools will not report to campus. Teachers will provide assignments and instructions through Schoology.

All other CCSD schools will hold a regular school day on Monday. These schools, including Ojo Amarillo Elementary, receive water from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA). NTUA has confirmed the boil water notice does not apply to its water system, which uses a separate water source and remains safe.
Oct 16, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
In this week’s address, Superintendent Carlson thanks families for their students’ attendance on the 40th-day count, when 91 percent of CCSD students were in class, and explains why reducing chronic absence matters. He recaps the PSAT, the student-led Navajo Nation Council Delegate Forum, and a visit from National Geographic photographer Pete McBride to Shiprock High School and Eagle Peak Career Academy. He also shares news of a state grant that will replace routers in seven district schools, along with first-quarter gains in attendance and grades at Eagle Peak Career Academy.

The superintendent invites families to student-led parent/teacher conferences on October 22 and 23, encourages them to complete the Panorama family survey, and explains how to manage ParentSquare notifications. He closes with sports updates from Newcomb, Kirtland Central and Shiprock high schools. For more news, events and resources from Central Consolidated School District, visit centralschools.org.
Oct 16, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Photo from Central Consolidated School District
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Oct 15, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Seeing Water Through a Different Lens 📸💧 Shiprock High School and Eagle Peak Career Academy students had a special visit from award-winning photographer and National Geographic filmmaker on Disney+, Pete McBride, who shared his photos and the story behind his journey documenting the Colorado River.

Through his images, students saw how water shapes life across the Southwest and how much our communities depend on it. For students here in the Four Corners, where the San Juan River runs right through Shiprock, that message hits close to home.

Pete also donated several of his award-winning books to our library, so students can continue exploring his work long after his visit. We’re also looking into a possible presentation for the public and other students in the region. Stay tuned for details!

We are very thankful Pete came to our area to share his work and bring awareness to our region and its resources. A special thank you to Andrew Weber for helping organize this amazing presentation for our Shiprock students. Thank you both for inspiring the next generation to think about the future of water in the West.
Oct 15, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Check it out Chieftain Community! 🤩🏓 Pete Meets Pete! Every Tuesday evening, the Shiprock Pickleball Club meets in the SHS auxiliary gym and welcomes all comers. Pete McBride, who is an award winning photographer and Disney+ filmmaker, joined in to play and he ended up meeting another big local name: Shíyazh Pete! It was a great moment for everyone in the gym.

Pete McBride also left town as an honorary Shiprock High Chieftain. He was spotted wearing his new Chieftains shirt on his way to Flagstaff, and he's been challenged to snap a photo in it the next time he's somewhere amazing, whether that's Everest, Antarctica or the Serengeti. We'll be watching for it! 🏔️🐧🦒

You can follow Pete McBride on Instagram or watch is films on Disney+ as he worked with National Geographic to share his story and awareness of the Colorado river.

Thank you again, Pete, and thank you to Andrew Weber for sharing these moments with us.
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Oct 14, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Thank you, CCSD Families, for your support on 40th Day Count! 📅 Based on preliminary numbers, several elementary schools led the way, with Kirtland Elementary at 95.3%, Eva B. Stokely Elementary at 94.9% and Judy Nelson Elementary at 94.3% attendance. More schools and their numbers may rise once all schools finish reporting. Thank you to every parent, grandparent and guardian who made sure your student was in class today.

Why count days matter? New Mexico funds public schools based on the number of students enrolled and attending on official count days. These counts help determine the resources CCSD receives for the year, including teachers, classroom materials, transportation, and programs for students. When your child is in school on count day, they are counted, and our schools and communities benefit.

Of course, every school day matters. Students who attend regularly build stronger skills, stay on track and stay connected with their teachers and classmates.

✏️ Mark your calendar: Our next count day is Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Please plan ahead to have your student at school that day. Schedule appointments after school when possible, and contact your child’s school if you have any barriers to attendance. We are here to help.

Thank you for your partnership. We’ll see you on December 1!
Oct 14, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Can’t make it in person? The Navajo Council Delegate Forum will be livestreamed, so you can watch from anywhere. Find the stream link on our district website under Upcoming Events on the homepage or in the District Calendar. You can also view it on our YouTube Channel.
Oct 13, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Are you prepared for Count Day tomorrow? 🤔 New Mexico uses the 40th Day enrollment count to help set each school’s state funding, which pays for teachers, programs, and classroom resources for the rest of the year. Every student in their seat counts, so set that extra alarm, get your things ready the night before and head out the door early. Be Here on Count Day!

New Mexico Public Education Department Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education