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Superintendent's Corner

Message from Superintendent
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Superintendent’s Corner

A Message From the Superintendent
Dear Parents, Guardians, Families and Community Members

Welcome Back to a New School Year!

On behalf of the entire Toltec School District staff, I am delighted to welcome you to a new school year! We are excited to open our doors for the 2026-2027 school year and to begin another year filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and success for every student.

Portrait of the Superintendent

Our district is proud to be a comprehensive school district dedicated to providing a rigorous, engaging, and enriching educational experience for all students. We believe every child deserves access to high quality instruction and meaningful opportunities that prepare them for success in school and beyond. From strong academic programs to hands-on learning experiences, our goal is to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. ln addition, we provide transportation services to eligible families and participate in the free breakfast and lunch program.

What makes our district truly special is our caring, dedicated, and talented staff. Every day, our teachers, administrators, support staff, and coaches work together to create safe, welcoming learning environments where students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We recognize that every child learns differently, which is why we are committed to providing differentiated support that meets the unique needs of all learners. Whether students need additional academic assistance, enrichment opportunities, or advanced learning experiences through our gifted programming, we strive to ensure each student is challenged, supported, and empowered to succeed. Most recently, we were excited to learn that several ofour students placed in the top 10% in one or more of the state assessments.

Portrait of the Superintendent

Education extends well beyond the classroom. Students have opportunities to explore their interests and talents through music, art, physical education, and a variety of extracurricular activities. Our after-school programs and athletic opportunities help students develop leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and school pride while creating lasting friendships and memorable experiences.

As a proud Kids at Hope school district, we embrace the belief that all children are capable of success—no exceptions. This philosophy guides everything we do and reminds us that every student has unlimited potential when surrounded by caring adults who believe in them and provide the support they need to thrive.

We are deeply grateful for the confidence and trust you place in our schools to educate and care for your children. The partnership between our families, schools, and community is essential to student success, and we appreciate your continued support and involvement. Together, we can provide an exceptional educational experience that prepares every student for a bright and promising future.

As we begin this new school year, I encourage each of us to embrace the opportunities ahead with optimism, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to excellence. We look forward to celebrating our students' achievements and working together to make this an outstanding year for everyone.

Thank you for being an important part of our school community. We are honored to serve your family and wish everyone a successful, safe, and rewarding school year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michelle Poppen
Superintendent
— Message updated for the 2026–2027 school year
Get to know your superintendent

About Me

Portrait of the Superintendent

It is with great excitement and a deep sense of privilege that I introduce myself as the Superintendent of the Toltec School District. Having proudly served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the past two years, I am honored to continue supporting our students, families, and staff in this role. I will be starting my 34th year in education and my experience encompasses a strong foundation in teaching, athletic training and leadership across PK-12 settings.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Arizona State University, a Master’s Degree in Health and Sports Sciences from Ohio University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. As a teacher, I taught classes at the middle and high school levels in P.E., Health, and Sports Medicine. I also worked extensively as an athletic trainer, primarily at the high school level throughout Maine and Arizona.

My administrative journey includes serving as an assistant principal at both the elementary and high school levels, a principal at the elementary, middle school and high school levels, along with district experience as a Director of Career and Technical Education and a Director of Curriculum and Instruction. All of which have given me an extensive PK-12 perspective.

My goals as superintendent are centered on providing a safe, academically rich, student- focused learning environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and achievement. I believe in the power of collaboration and am dedicated to involving parents and the community throughout the educational process to ensure that every student has an equitable opportunity to thrive. I look forward to working with you to build a strong, successful future for all students in the Toltec School District.