Pleasant Valley Middle School principal Michael Archibeque talks with students via satellite and computer link while stationed in Kuwait.

PV's principal talks to students from Kuwait
Capt. Michael Archibeque, principal at Pleasant Valley Middle School, spent time talking with his students via satellite and computer link from Kuwait to encourage them to do well this school year. Archibeque, who's in the Army Reserves, was deployed to Kuwait in March. Archibeque said he missed being involved in the start of the new school year and missed his students and staff. Acting principal Ron Van Sickle worked with the Army to allow AVID students and Leadership cadets to talk with him about life in Kuwait.

"There's sand, sand, and more sand," Archibeque said. "Sometimes you see a group of camels, but mostly it's sand."

Archibeque encouraged his students to get involved in community service. He said he is proud to serve his country and to serve others.

"I challenge you to get involved. I challenge you to do well for yourself and others," he said. "As a soldier in uniform, I am performing a service to others and I am an ambassador of the United States. When you perform a service for your community, you are an ambassador of our school and for yourselves."

Michael Archibeque told his students that he reads all the time and has access to books while in Kuwait. Photo courtesy U.S. Army.

A staff member asked if he was reading 25 books, which is a new initiative to encourage middle school students and staff to read more books. He said he reads all the time. He was also informed that the students did very well on the state assessments last spring, with more students meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

"That's fantastic. I knew you had it in you," he told his students.

"I'm glad that I finally got a chance to see him," said Rafael Romero, eighth-grade student. "It was nice for him to tell us to help our community. He's the reason why I am in Leadership."

"It's scary to know he's over there," said Ali Ritthaler, eighth-grade student. "But it's pretty cool to see him again and to know he's working over there."

Archibeque is with the 441st Medical Company, where he works as an emergency medical technician. To see video of him talking about his duty in the Army Reserves, click here.

Archibeque has 80 troops under him. He said what they really enjoy most is receiving letters, and he asked that students and adults send letters to continue to send letters. Those interested in sending letters to Archibeque and his company can send them to Pleasant Valley Middle School, via interschool mail or to 2220 W. 29th Street North, 67204.

Archibeque is scheduled to return home the end of April.

Aug. 19, 2008