Home - Judy Nelson Elementary School

Welcome to JNES!

A Message from the Assistant Principal

Hello JNE parents and students! My name is Heather Dryden and I am the Assistant Principal of Judy Nelson Elementary. I've been with CCSD a total of 9 years. I was a third grade teacher at Judy Nelson for the past 5 years. I am proud to serve in the administrative capacity at this dynamic school with the best teachers and service staff! They are hardworking, self-giving, and passionate about their role as teachers to your children! I'm grateful to be working alongside Dr. Tom!

JNE is the place “Where Learning Comes First!” and a large part of that does not happen without you. We are excited to be able to have family nights again in our building. We are excited to continue the success for our students.

Sincerely,

Heather Dryden, Assistant Principal Judy Nelson Elementary School

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District News

Judy Nelson Elementary School District News

Aug 13, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Yá'át'ééh Naschitti Community,

It has come to our attention that rumors regarding the closure of Naschitti Elementary School have continued. We recognize the concern this has caused, and we want to speak to it plainly.

Naschitti Elementary School is not closing. This remains true today, just as it was when we first responded to this story in May 2026. There is no vote, no proposal, and no plan before the Board of Education or district administration to close this school.

We recognize that repeated rumors, even when addressed once, can continue to cause real worry for families, and that worry can lead to difficult decisions about where to enroll your children. The facility master plan document that originally prompted this story in the Navajo Times does not reflect current district direction. Our current, publicly available Facility Master Plan can be reviewed at any time

Plan Board Report: https://go.boarddocs.com/nm/ccsdnm/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CRGRM76C1CA1

Naschitti Elementary's designation as a Community School reflects an active, ongoing investment by this district in your families and your children. That investment has not changed, and it is not under discussion.

We are committed to keeping this community informed, and we will continue to correct misinformation as it arises. Thank you for your continued trust in Naschitti Elementary School and in Central Consolidated School District.
Aug 11, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Welcome back, CCSD families! Every school day is a chance for our students to connect with friends, discover new interests, and build a bright future.

Remember: Every day counts, so let's #BeHere and make it shine! 🌟 Visit ccsdnm.org/attendance for resources, or call your school.
Aug 8, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Welcome back to another school year at CCSD! We are thrilled to have you, and we thank you, parents and guardians, for choosing a "community of learners dedicated to building lives." We cherish our students greatly and are eagerly anticipating the opportunities and achievements that our schools will bring to the table. Here's to a bright and promising future!

“I would first like to thank all the families of CCSD for entrusting us with the education of your children. We are committed to providing a quality education for your children. I believe that we have the best students in the state of New Mexico, and that they are just as capable as any students across this country! Thank you again, and may you and your children have a productive year.” - Gary J. Montoya, CCSD Board President
Aug 7, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
We are looking for safe, dependable Substitute Bus Drivers and Bus Aides to transport students to and from school on an as-needed basis. This is an ideal role for retirees, parents, or anyone seeking a flexible work schedule. Competitive hour pay.

✅ Must be at least 21 years old. ✅ Hold a valid driver's license. ✅ Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and physical exam.
Aug 7, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
In this week's back-to-school address, Superintendent Steve Carlson welcomes CCSD families back for the 2026-2027 school year and highlights the district's expanded Career Technical Education programs, giving secondary students a hands-on pathway into the skilled trades starting as early as middle school. He shares the exciting rebrand of Career Prep High School to Eagle Peak Career Academy, a renewed commitment to equitable CTE access across Kirtland, Shiprock, and Newcomb, along with the historic launch of the MC3 Apprenticeship Readiness Program in partnership with the Local 412 Outreach & Education Foundation, which saw its first cohort of CCSD graduates complete training this summer.

Superintendent Carlson also announces the launch of CCSD's brand-new district website, aimed at improving communication and access to information for families and community members, with a school app on the way soon. Tune in for a look at all the growth happening across Central Consolidated School District as we kick off a new year full of opportunity.
Aug 5, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Meet Dineh Blackhorse Abreu, Shiprock High School 2026 Chief Manuelito Scholarship recipient! 🎓 This fall, she’ll continue her education at San Juan College, taking the next step toward her future while staying close to home and community. Congrats, Dineh!
Aug 5, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Meet Cuyler N. McDonald, Kirtland Central High School 2026 Chief Manuelito Scholarship recipient! 🎓 This fall, he’ll head to the University of New Mexico to continue pursuing his education and his goals. Congratulations, Cuyler!
Aug 5, 2026 · Central Consolidated School District
Four alumni students in CCSD just earned one of the highest academic honors available to Navajo Nation youth! 🎓 Congratulations to our 2026 Chief Manuelito Scholarship recipients: Jordon Mae Holyan of Newcomb High School, Dineh Blackhorse Abreu of Shiprock High School, and Cuyler N. McDonald and Georgia Linn Ryals of Kirtland Central High School.

The Chief Manuelito Scholarship is one of the most competitive honors a Navajo Nation student can receive, awarded to those who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement alongside a strong commitment to their culture and community. Earning this recognition reflects years of hard work in the classroom, dedication to Navajo values, and the support of families, teachers and communities.

We are incredibly proud of Jordon, Dineh, Cuyler and Georgia, and we can’t wait to see where their hard work takes them next!