Dear GCMS Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year at Guadalupe Centers Middle School!

As I begin my third year as principal, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. Over the past two years, we’ve grown stronger as a community—more aligned in purpose, more united in vision, and more committed to providing every student with the tools and support to thrive.

This year, we continue to ground our work in the powerful theme:
Aztecs Unidos: Belong. Empower. Achieve.

This is more than a slogan. It’s our daily commitment:

• To create a school where students feel safe, known, and valued.

• To build learning experiences that empower voice, agency, and curiosity.

• To set high expectations, support individual growth, and help every child achieve their personal best.

We’re also making bold moves this year to deepen and strengthen our academic practices:

• We are revisiting our grading practices with a focus on fair, transparent, and growth-minded assessment. Our goal is to ensure that grades reflect learning—not compliance—so students and families have a clearer picture of academic progress.

• We’re rolling out exciting new curriculum resources in science and social studies. These materials are aligned to Missouri Learning Standards, culturally responsive, and designed to increase engagement, critical thinking, and real-world connections.

• Our team continues to prioritize rigorous and joyful learning environments, supported by academic interventions, SEL integration, and intentional systems of recognition—including our Aztec Badge program.

Whether it’s celebrating growth, solving problems together, or helping students build confidence—they are at the center of everything we do.

To our families: thank you for your continued partnership. You are a vital part of this work. Please stay engaged—through communication, events, or simply checking in with us. Together, we’re shaping a future where every Aztec knows they belong, they are empowered, and they will achieve.

Let’s make 2025–2026 a year full of purpose, progress, and pride.

With appreciation,
Luis Posada
Principal, Guadalupe Centers Middle School