One more round of applause for the next deserving Standing Ovation Award winner.....Kimberly Gomez, Counselor with the Virtual Learning Academy.
This award is extra special because it comes from a former student whose life was forever changed by the unwavering support, kindness, and encouragement of their school counselor. In their nomination, they shared that during some of their toughest times, this counselor was their safe place—a constant source of reassurance and guidance. Even now, though they have moved on to a different school, they still seek out her wisdom and comfort because of the trust and care she has built. It is a testament to the incredible difference one person can make—not just in the moment, but for a lifetime. This counselor shows us that support doesn’t end when a student leaves a school, and that a listening ear and a compassionate heart can change a life.
WOW! Thank you for making such an impact, Kimberly! -LCPS Foundation
You are cordially invited to join in celebrating our selected Las Cruces Public Schools 5th grade elementary students, their parents/guardians, and their elementary music teachers for the 2025 “LC Sings! 5th Grade Honor Choir” performance. The concert will be in the OMHS Performing Arts Center at 2:30pm. The concert is free and open to the public. #thrive575
As we recognize Black History Month, we honor the incredible contributions of African Americans who have shaped our nation's history. Today, we celebrate Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm— the first African American woman in Congress (1968) and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties (1972).
This month, take the time to learn about other monumental figures like her—voices that have made a lasting impact on American history and continue to inspire us today.
Learn more about the life of Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/shirley-chisholm
Attention Parents: Early Childhood Program Enrollment for the 2025-2026 School Year!
It’s that time of year again! Las Cruces Public Schools is now accepting applications for the Early Childhood Programs for the 2025-2026 school year.
This program is a fantastic opportunity for young learners! To be eligible, children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2025.
Learn more: https://www.lcps.net/article/2021778
¡Atención padres! Información sobre las inscripciones para el Programa de educación temprana para el año escolar 2025-2026
¡Ha llegado el momento! Las Escuelas Públicas de Las Cruces ya están aceptando solicitudes para los Programas de educación temprana para el año escolar 2025-2026.
Este programa es una oportunidad fantástica para los aprendices pequeños, ya que para ser elegibles, los niños deben tener 3 o 4 años antes del 1 de septiembre de 2025.
Más información: https://www.lcps.net/article/2021778
Congratulations to the students who showcased their talent and determination at the NMAA 2025 State Chess Tournament held at Centennial High School! Your dedication and skill truly shined. A big thank you to LCPS Activities for organizing such a fantastic event.
Get ready to experience the thrill of strategy, skill, and competition as Centennial High School hosts NMAA Chess State Championship, streaming right here on the Las Cruces Public Schools YouTube channel!
Watch as talented students showcase their moves in intense matches that promise to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIDotW3e_PY
🌟 Thrive Thursday Spotlight: Carla Daniels! 🌟
Meet Carla Daniels, a dedicated 2nd-grade dual language teacher at Hermosa Heights Elementary with 15 years of teaching experience!
For Carla, bilingual education is more than just learning a language—it’s about embracing different cultures and instilling pride in students’ identities. She believes that speaking multiple languages opens doors to more opportunities and empowers students for the future.
What keeps her motivated? Her students. Every day, she walks into her classroom knowing it’s a safe space where they can learn, grow, and explore—and she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Help us celebrate Ms. Daniels and the impact she’s making!
Starting next school year, the LCPS bell schedule will accommodate for new scientific research that shows later school times correlate with more sleep, better academic performance, mental and physical health benefits and more efficient bus routes.
There will be no change for elementary bell schedules, but middle school will start 20 minutes later (the first bell is now at 9:15 a.m.) and high school will start 10 minutes later (8:35 a.m.).
Questions? Please contact your school principal.
Don't miss the Second Golden Tortilla Rolling Contest, where locals will compete to roll the best golden tortilla! Enjoy live music, a rapid raffle, and plenty of tortilla rolling fun with some of your favorite folks.
All proceeds benefit the LCPS Foundation's mission to support Las Cruces Public Schools educators!
Join us to cheer on your favorite celeb! https://lcpsf.org/golden-tortilla-rolling-contest/
Join us this Thursday and Friday at Centennial High School for the NMAA 2025 State Chess Tournament. Team play will be in the Performing Arts Lab, and individual play in the cafeteria. Don’t miss out—check the flyer for all the details.
As we recognize Black History Month, we honor the incredible contributions of African Americans who have shaped our nation's history. One such hero is Harriet Tubman, who bravely led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Tubman’s courage, resilience, and dedication to justice make her a symbol of strength and determination in the fight for freedom.
Throughout this month, take time to learn about other monumental figures like her—voices that have made a lasting impact on American history and continue to inspire us today.
Learn more about the life of Harriet Tubman: https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plans/harriet-tubman-and-underground-railroad
This week’s #ThriveThursday spotlight honors Lupe Lujan, a true pillar of LCPS! For over 42 years, she has served in various schools and administrative offices, bringing dedication, kindness, and expertise to every role. Now, as the Office Manager for our Materials Management Department, she continues to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
And here’s something extra special—she’s celebrating her 85th birthday in March! Her commitment to LCPS is nothing short of inspiring, and we are beyond grateful for her years of service.
Please join us in thanking Lupe for her incredible contributions! Drop your well wishes in the comments below!
Let’s get kids connected to careers & community!
CommunityShare connects PreK-12 educators with community partners to create real-world learning experiences for your students. 🤝 Find mentors, internship hosts, guest speakers, and more. Bring their skills, knowledge, and experience to your students.
Learn more about how to make the most of CommunityShare's digital matching platform on February 4 at 4 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. ET
Sign up now at bit.ly/orientationcs
#NgageNewMexico #LasCrucesPublicSchools
#ThomasBraniganMemorialLibrary
#EducationInnovation #ConnectShareInspire #CommunityEngagement #CommunityShare
Introducing Thrive Thursday!
Every Thursday, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals who make our LCPS team thrive!
This week, we’re kicking off Thrive Thursday with a spotlight on staff members -Sean Barham, Matt Dawkins and Carrie Hale—who over the weekend played a critical role in a successful search and rescue mission to locate a pair of hikers lost in the Organ Mountains during dangerous cold temperatures. In addition to their roles with the district, these individuals volunteer their time as part of a local search and rescue team, demonstrating their commitment to making our schools and our community a place where all learners thrive. Their efforts remind us that the spirit of teamwork thrives not only in our schools but also in every corner of our community.
In honor of National School Board Appreciation Month, the Mayfield High School FFA Chapter expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the LCPS Board of Education last night, recognizing their dedication and tireless efforts to ensure every student receives the education they deserve.
The New Mexico Music Educators Association has awarded the 2025 District Award of Distinction to Las Cruces Public Schools. Last night the board recognized the district’s fine arts program for this prestigious honor and outstanding commitment and dedication to music education. Joseph Flores, Director of Fine Arts, accepted the honor.
Let's give a big round of applause to Beth Borchert-Thomas, Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Las Cruces, for being honored as the NMMEA Emeritus Teacher of the Year! Although retired, Beth remains a dedicated advocate for music education, continuing to serve both the music community and students at LCPS with unwavering passion and commitment.
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.
Dear Parents and Families,
We are thrilled to announce that this summer, we are partnering once again with NM PED to bring back the Literacy Summer Institute! This program is designed to help Kinder through 8th-grade students strengthen their reading skills through intensive, focused instruction.
If you are interested in this opportunity for your child, please visit the Literacy.NM.Gov link on the flyer for more information and to register.
Here are some key details:
Dates: June 2 – June 27, 2025
Days and Times: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (4 hours/day)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 1:4
Sites: Six locations in our district (4 elementary schools and 2 middle schools, specific sites TBD)
Meals: Will be provided at the sites
Transportation: TBD
We look forward to another impactful summer of learning! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Esther Peterson at epeterso@lcps.net with any questions, and don’t forget to check out the flyer for more details.
Thank you for supporting your child’s growth and success!
Las Cruces Public Schools is seeking feedback from families regarding calendar options for the 2025-26 school year. Three calendar options are currently under consideration, and drafts for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years will follow similar structures to the proposed options (A, B, and C).
Learn more: https://www.lcps.net/article/1969982
