When pandemic-related funds ran dry, some school districts across the country started cutting positions where they needed them most – in the school nurse’s office. In Las Cruces Public Schools, nurses are still taking charge, and the district still boasts a rare distinction: LCPS is one of the few school districts across the country with a registered nurse in every school.   “Right now, we have 47 nurses on staff and 27 health assistants,” noted Shawna Bailey, Director of Health Services for LCPS. Bailey leads a team of nurses who ensure all school buildings are staffed with RNs to care for the daily needs of students, assist with medically fragile students, or connect families with needed resources.   Nicole Chavarria is one of the 47 registered nurses in LCPS and is celebrating her fifth year as the school nurse at Organ Mountain High School. Overall, she has been with the district for 11 years and has held positions at Alameda Elementary School and Picacho Middle School.   “The most rewarding part of being the school nurse is making a difference,” said Chavarria. “Every opportunity is a teachable moment, from washing your hands to staying properly hydrated.”   Chavarria says the exciting part of the job is not knowing what situation might walk in her door at any given moment.   “We get the typical bumps and scrapes,” she adds. “And then there are the more urgent matters, like when we had a student in the construction trades class come in with a nail puncture in his thumb.”   Chavarria says working in a field where she could help people was always on her mind, and at one point she thought about being a doctor.   “But nursing is a much more versatile field, especially for a working mom with a family.”   After graduating from New Mexico State University, Chavarria took a position at Mesilla Valley Hospital. She also spent 11 years at the Student Health Center at NMSU. Prior to that, she was part of the float pool at Memorial Medical Center.   “You got to work in all areas of the hospital,” she says of her time at MMC. “It was a good opportunity to get a wide variety of experience. In some ways, that’s what my job is as the school nurse – there are a variety of challenges each day. After 11 years in the district, there is still so much to learn.”  National School Nurse Appreciation Day is May 8. For more information on joining the Health Services team at LCPS, click here.
Super News, Season 2, Episode 7
photo of students publicizing the Dona Ana County Summer Internship Program
Seniors Recognized on Academic Signing Day
Parents, Community Can Access Online District Report Card
green and gold flyer with information on Mayfield's new head coach, Ben Trujillo
Lawmakers Back Over $5 Million in Essential District Programs   CTE, family support, outdoor classrooms, aviation program included
Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent visits White Sands Missile Range
LCPS Leader Recognized in National 2024 EdTech Awards
LCPS Campus Employees of the Year
The NMSU Physical Science Laboratory team is proud to announce their two-week summer camp for high school students. This two-week camp provides STEM Kits and Challenges to student participants that include all the hardware, software, and expert instruction they need to grow their STEM skill sets by solving real world challenges related to public safety and disaster relief.
LCPS logo for article on culture and climate survey
Doña Ana Counties 1st Mobile Children's Museum!
The Second Annual Tell the Story LCPS Film Showcase — Motion Picture Roundup
 Las Cruces Public Schools Proactively Ensures Lead-Free Drinking Water Ahead of 2025 Regulations
Online Registration Open for New and Current/Returning Students
The Second Annual Tell the Story LCPS Film Showcase  Motion Picture Roundup
The FirstLight Community Foundation Scholarship Program is now accepting applications through April 26
FirstLight Community Shred Day Event
LCPS logo