The Las Cruces Public Schools Foundation is proud to support outstanding educators through Innovative Teaching Grants. These grants fund creative programs that enhance learning, inspire student achievement, and bring innovative ideas to life in classrooms across Las Cruces Public Schools.
Who Can Apply?
• Teachers
• Principals
• School Administrators
• Social Workers & Counselors
• Ancillary Support Staff
Grant Information
• Awards from $200–$4,999 per project
• Projects may benefit a single classroom or an entire school community
Eligible Project Categories
• STEM & Student-Centered Technology
• Arts & Literacy
• Agriculture & Horticulture
• Educational Field Trips
Making an Impact
In Fall 2025, the Foundation awarded 11 Innovative Teaching Grants totaling $28,072.33, helping educators create engaging new learning opportunities for students.
Applications Open August 3!
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://lcpsf.org/innovative-teaching-grants/
Reminder: LCPS Food Distribution on Thursday, August 6
LCPS will host a drive-thru food distribution on Thursday, August 6, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in front of the LCPS Family Support Center, located at 505 S. Main St., Suite 249.
Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 75 families. A line begins forming a couple of hours before the scheduled start time, so families are encouraged to arrive before 9:00 a.m.
Families are asked to remain in their vehicles throughout the distribution.
LCPS will host a drive-thru food distribution on Thursday, August 6, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in front of the LCPS Family Support Center, located at 505 S. Main St., Suite 249.
Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 75 families. A line begins forming a couple of hours before the scheduled start time, so families are encouraged to arrive before 9:00 a.m.
Families are asked to remain in their vehicles throughout the distribution.
Applications are open for the 2026–27 Junior Leadership Las Cruces class!
Designed specifically for high school juniors, students are invited to go beyond the classroom through nine all-day sessions featuring field trips, community experiences and opportunities to meet local leaders in government, education, healthcare, the arts, nonprofits and the military.
Participants will build confidence, strengthen communication and public-speaking skills, and learn what it takes to lead. Junior Leadership is a highly engaging opportunity for students, and spots are limited.
Scan the QR code on the flyer to apply, or access the application using the link in comments. Questions may be directed to juniorleadershiplc@gmail.com.
Application deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14
Designed specifically for high school juniors, students are invited to go beyond the classroom through nine all-day sessions featuring field trips, community experiences and opportunities to meet local leaders in government, education, healthcare, the arts, nonprofits and the military.
Participants will build confidence, strengthen communication and public-speaking skills, and learn what it takes to lead. Junior Leadership is a highly engaging opportunity for students, and spots are limited.
Scan the QR code on the flyer to apply, or access the application using the link in comments. Questions may be directed to juniorleadershiplc@gmail.com.
Application deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14
♻️ Turn empty ink and toner cartridges into brighter futures for New Mexico children!
LCPS schools are supporting NM Lions Operation KidSight by collecting empty ink and toner cartridges for recycling. Proceeds help provide vision screenings, eye exams and glasses for children in need throughout New Mexico.
Save your empty cartridges and bring them to your school’s collection box. When the box is full, NM Lions Operation KidSight will pick it up.
To schedule a pickup, call 575-525-5631.
LCPS schools are supporting NM Lions Operation KidSight by collecting empty ink and toner cartridges for recycling. Proceeds help provide vision screenings, eye exams and glasses for children in need throughout New Mexico.
Save your empty cartridges and bring them to your school’s collection box. When the box is full, NM Lions Operation KidSight will pick it up.
To schedule a pickup, call 575-525-5631.
Flashback Friday takes us back to the first student government group at Arrowhead Park Early College High School.
APECHS opened in 2010 as New Mexico’s first early college high school. As some of the school’s first student leaders, this group helped build its culture, establish its traditions and shape what it would mean to be a Trailblazer. In doing so, they lived out the school’s motto from the very beginning: “The road to success is not a path you find, but a trail you blaze.”
This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.
APECHS opened in 2010 as New Mexico’s first early college high school. As some of the school’s first student leaders, this group helped build its culture, establish its traditions and shape what it would mean to be a Trailblazer. In doing so, they lived out the school’s motto from the very beginning: “The road to success is not a path you find, but a trail you blaze.”
This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.
There's still time to help us shape the future of our new 6-12 school! The survey ends today...visit https://www.lcps.net/article/3023391 to give your input. Staff, students and community members are welcome to participate!
Thrive Thursday: Turning Reading into a Family Experience 📚
This #ThriveThursday, we’re celebrating Christopher Love, a sixth-grade English language arts teacher and instructional lead teacher at Camino Real Middle School, whose work is receiving national recognition.
Love was selected as a 2025–26 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, joining a group of educators from across the country recognized for finding innovative ways to make reading for pleasure part of students’ everyday lives.
Through the fellowship, Love created the English Language Arts Family Literacy Project, which brought students and families together through culturally and linguistically responsive books. Students received novels of their own to keep, explored their cultural identities, gathered information about family reading habits and participated in literacy events designed to connect books with their school and community.
This summer, the National Book Foundation highlighted Love’s completed project in its newly released 2025–26 Teacher Toolkit, a national resource sharing ideas and recommended reading from this year’s fellows. The toolkit also features Tortilla Sun by local author Jennifer Cervantes and The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez among its teacher-selected, student-approved middle school titles.
We are proud of Mr. Love for creating meaningful opportunities for students and families to read, connect and learn together—and for showing educators nationwide how Camino Wildcats thrive! 💜
This #ThriveThursday, we’re celebrating Christopher Love, a sixth-grade English language arts teacher and instructional lead teacher at Camino Real Middle School, whose work is receiving national recognition.
Love was selected as a 2025–26 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, joining a group of educators from across the country recognized for finding innovative ways to make reading for pleasure part of students’ everyday lives.
Through the fellowship, Love created the English Language Arts Family Literacy Project, which brought students and families together through culturally and linguistically responsive books. Students received novels of their own to keep, explored their cultural identities, gathered information about family reading habits and participated in literacy events designed to connect books with their school and community.
This summer, the National Book Foundation highlighted Love’s completed project in its newly released 2025–26 Teacher Toolkit, a national resource sharing ideas and recommended reading from this year’s fellows. The toolkit also features Tortilla Sun by local author Jennifer Cervantes and The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez among its teacher-selected, student-approved middle school titles.
We are proud of Mr. Love for creating meaningful opportunities for students and families to read, connect and learn together—and for showing educators nationwide how Camino Wildcats thrive! 💜
A new chapter is underway across our district as students filled classrooms with energy, curiosity, and big smiles on the first day of school.
At Hermosa Heights, Superintendent Ruiz welcomed students with an encouraging message, reminding them that being present each day and ready to learn is the first step toward success.
At Organ Mountain High School and Mayfield, freshmen took in the excitement of a brand-new campus experience while seniors kicked off a milestone year filled with memories, celebrations, and preparations for the road to graduation.
Video: https://youtu.be/ZYtX_yQHblA
At Hermosa Heights, Superintendent Ruiz welcomed students with an encouraging message, reminding them that being present each day and ready to learn is the first step toward success.
At Organ Mountain High School and Mayfield, freshmen took in the excitement of a brand-new campus experience while seniors kicked off a milestone year filled with memories, celebrations, and preparations for the road to graduation.
Video: https://youtu.be/ZYtX_yQHblA
LCPS Food Distribution on Thursday, August 6
LCPS will host a drive-thru food distribution on Thursday, August 6, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in front of the LCPS Family Support Center, located at 505 S. Main St., Suite 249.
Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 75 families. A line begins forming a couple of hours before the scheduled start time, so families are encouraged to arrive before 9:00 a.m.
Families are asked to remain in their vehicles throughout the distribution.
Distribución de alimentos de LCPS el jueves 6 de agosto
LCPS llevará a cabo una distribución de alimentos en modalidad drive-thru (sin bajar del vehículo) el jueves 6 de agosto, a partir de las 9:00 a. m., frente al Centro de Apoyo Familiar de LCPS, ubicado en 505 S. Main St., Suite 249.
Los alimentos se distribuirán por orden de llegada a las primeras 75 familias. La fila suele comenzar a formarse un par de horas antes de la hora programada de inicio, por lo que se recomienda a las familias llegar antes de las 9:00 a. m.
Se les pide a las familias que permanezcan en sus vehículos durante toda la distribución.
LCPS will host a drive-thru food distribution on Thursday, August 6, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in front of the LCPS Family Support Center, located at 505 S. Main St., Suite 249.
Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 75 families. A line begins forming a couple of hours before the scheduled start time, so families are encouraged to arrive before 9:00 a.m.
Families are asked to remain in their vehicles throughout the distribution.
Distribución de alimentos de LCPS el jueves 6 de agosto
LCPS llevará a cabo una distribución de alimentos en modalidad drive-thru (sin bajar del vehículo) el jueves 6 de agosto, a partir de las 9:00 a. m., frente al Centro de Apoyo Familiar de LCPS, ubicado en 505 S. Main St., Suite 249.
Los alimentos se distribuirán por orden de llegada a las primeras 75 familias. La fila suele comenzar a formarse un par de horas antes de la hora programada de inicio, por lo que se recomienda a las familias llegar antes de las 9:00 a. m.
Se les pide a las familias que permanezcan en sus vehículos durante toda la distribución.
LCPS is hiring temporary security officers to support weapon detection systems at district middle and high schools.
These temporary positions offer on-the-job training, approximately 30 hours per week and pay $17.13 per hour. Law enforcement experience is preferred.
Virtual interviews will begin Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To apply, email your résumé and preferred interview time to Anisa Schomburg at aschomburg@lcps.net.
These temporary positions offer on-the-job training, approximately 30 hours per week and pay $17.13 per hour. Law enforcement experience is preferred.
Virtual interviews will begin Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To apply, email your résumé and preferred interview time to Anisa Schomburg at aschomburg@lcps.net.
ParentVUE Has a New Look!
The ParentVUE app has been updated with a new icon. Families can continue using ParentVUE to complete online registration, view grades and stay connected with their child’s school.
Look for the purple icon shown here when opening the app. No action is needed, and your login information will remain the same.
The ParentVUE app has been updated with a new icon. Families can continue using ParentVUE to complete online registration, view grades and stay connected with their child’s school.
Look for the purple icon shown here when opening the app. No action is needed, and your login information will remain the same.
The halls are buzzing, classrooms are full of smiles, and a brand-new school year is officially underway!
It was an incredible first day back across Las Cruces Public Schools, as students reunited with friends, met their teachers, and took the first steps toward an exciting year of learning and growth.
Superintendent Ruiz stopped by Hermosa Heights Elementary and Organ Mountain High School to welcome students back, encourage them to make every day count, and remind them that showing up every day and arriving on time is the first step to success.
From finding classrooms to meeting new teachers and making first-day memories, these snapshots capture the excitement and anticipation of the new school year.
Here's to an amazing year ahead!
It was an incredible first day back across Las Cruces Public Schools, as students reunited with friends, met their teachers, and took the first steps toward an exciting year of learning and growth.
Superintendent Ruiz stopped by Hermosa Heights Elementary and Organ Mountain High School to welcome students back, encourage them to make every day count, and remind them that showing up every day and arriving on time is the first step to success.
From finding classrooms to meeting new teachers and making first-day memories, these snapshots capture the excitement and anticipation of the new school year.
Here's to an amazing year ahead!
Welcome Back, LCPS!
Monday, July 27 marks the first day of the 2026–2027 school year, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome our students, families, and staff back!
Every new school year brings a fresh start filled with endless possibilities. Whether you're stepping into a new school or returning to a familiar classroom, remember to:
Meet someone new
Ask questions
Be kind
Know that you belong here
To our amazing families—thank you for your trust and partnership. Together, we help every student succeed!
This year, we encourage students to explore new interests, challenge themselves, and make the most of every opportunity—inside and outside the classroom.
Video: https://youtu.be/0liLw8Gh2Xw
Monday, July 27 marks the first day of the 2026–2027 school year, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome our students, families, and staff back!
Every new school year brings a fresh start filled with endless possibilities. Whether you're stepping into a new school or returning to a familiar classroom, remember to:
Meet someone new
Ask questions
Be kind
Know that you belong here
To our amazing families—thank you for your trust and partnership. Together, we help every student succeed!
This year, we encourage students to explore new interests, challenge themselves, and make the most of every opportunity—inside and outside the classroom.
Video: https://youtu.be/0liLw8Gh2Xw
Reminder, LCPS families!
The 2026–2027 bell schedule is listed in the graphic below. Please take a moment to review your student's school start and dismissal times, including alternate schedules for Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute, and Arrowhead Park Early College High School.
We'll see everyone back in the building on Monday morning! We can't wait to welcome our students and staff for another great school year.
The 2026–2027 bell schedule is listed in the graphic below. Please take a moment to review your student's school start and dismissal times, including alternate schedules for Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute, and Arrowhead Park Early College High School.
We'll see everyone back in the building on Monday morning! We can't wait to welcome our students and staff for another great school year.
Flashback Friday: This week, we're turning the pages back to the 1948 Las Cruces Union High School Yearbook to recognize the school's Cheerleaders for the 1947–48 school year.
Pictured are Carlene Law, Conrad Salas, Marjorie Baker, Arnold McMillan, and Janis Rodgers, who were selected to lead school spirit at games and assemblies. The yearbook praised these students for bringing enthusiasm and energy to every game, helping rally their classmates throughout the school year.
Nearly 80 years later, we're proud to celebrate these student leaders and the spirit they helped create for their school and our community.
This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.
Pictured are Carlene Law, Conrad Salas, Marjorie Baker, Arnold McMillan, and Janis Rodgers, who were selected to lead school spirit at games and assemblies. The yearbook praised these students for bringing enthusiasm and energy to every game, helping rally their classmates throughout the school year.
Nearly 80 years later, we're proud to celebrate these student leaders and the spirit they helped create for their school and our community.
This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.
Our friends with Safe Routes to School are back for another exciting school year!
The Walking School Buses will be up and at 'em during the very first week of school, and we hope you'll join the fun!
Walking to school is a great way to:
• Get active and start your day with exercise.
• Make new friends and enjoy the walk together.
• Collect fun charms and earn prizes throughout the year.
• Walk safely with the support of our amazing Safe Routes to School staff and local safety teams, who are there to walk alongside students and help everyone get to school safely.
Whether you're joining for the first time or returning for another year, everyone is welcome.
We can't wait to see you walking with us during the first week of school!
See you on the route!
Learn more: https://www.lcps.net/page/safe-routes-to-school-lcps
The Walking School Buses will be up and at 'em during the very first week of school, and we hope you'll join the fun!
Walking to school is a great way to:
• Get active and start your day with exercise.
• Make new friends and enjoy the walk together.
• Collect fun charms and earn prizes throughout the year.
• Walk safely with the support of our amazing Safe Routes to School staff and local safety teams, who are there to walk alongside students and help everyone get to school safely.
Whether you're joining for the first time or returning for another year, everyone is welcome.
We can't wait to see you walking with us during the first week of school!
See you on the route!
Learn more: https://www.lcps.net/page/safe-routes-to-school-lcps
As we welcome students back to school, let's work together to keep our school zones safe.
Whether you're driving, walking, or biking, everyone plays a role in protecting our students.
🚸 Slow down and follow posted school zone speed limits.
🛑 Never pass a school bus with flashing red lights.
✋ Obey crossing guards and always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
👀 Stay alert—children can be unpredictable, especially near buses and parked cars.
🚶 Walk on sidewalks when available, use marked crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing.
A few extra moments of caution can make all the difference. Thank you for helping keep our students, staff, and families safe as we kick off a great school year!
#LCPS #BackToSchool #SchoolZoneSafety #SafeRoutesToSchool
Whether you're driving, walking, or biking, everyone plays a role in protecting our students.
🚸 Slow down and follow posted school zone speed limits.
🛑 Never pass a school bus with flashing red lights.
✋ Obey crossing guards and always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
👀 Stay alert—children can be unpredictable, especially near buses and parked cars.
🚶 Walk on sidewalks when available, use marked crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing.
A few extra moments of caution can make all the difference. Thank you for helping keep our students, staff, and families safe as we kick off a great school year!
#LCPS #BackToSchool #SchoolZoneSafety #SafeRoutesToSchool
We value your feedback! Your input is important as we continue improving our Family Support Center and ensuring we provide programs and resources that best meet the needs of our families.
Please take a few minutes to complete our Parent Feedback Survey. Your responses will help guide future programs, services, and resources for our Family Support Center.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We truly appreciate your partnership and support.
To complete the survey, please scan the QR code on the attached flyer or click the link below:
Link to survey
🚗 Looking for a local driver education option?
Families with students who are ready to begin learning to drive may be interested in Zia Drive Academy, a local provider offering behind-the-wheel training.
For information about schedules, eligibility, costs and registration, visit their website or call the number provided.
This information is shared as a resource for families only, and does not constitute an endorsement by Las Cruces Public Schools. Families are encouraged to review the provider’s qualifications, services and requirements before enrolling.
Families with students who are ready to begin learning to drive may be interested in Zia Drive Academy, a local provider offering behind-the-wheel training.
For information about schedules, eligibility, costs and registration, visit their website or call the number provided.
This information is shared as a resource for families only, and does not constitute an endorsement by Las Cruces Public Schools. Families are encouraged to review the provider’s qualifications, services and requirements before enrolling.
Flashback Friday: This week we're heading back to the 1990 OHS/OMHS yearbook to celebrate the dedicated cafeteria team that kept the Castle running and the Knights well-fed every day. Pictured from left to right are Mary Jane Lewis, Ila McCaskill, Gloria Madrid, Hilda Holguin, Lupe Jimenez, Angie Amezola, Anna Gutierrez, and Christina Jimenez.
Behind every great school are the people whose hard work often happens behind the scenes. Thank you to these staff members for the care, dedication, and countless meals that helped fuel generations of students.
And as we get ready to kick off a new school year, we continue to appreciate our Nutrition Service staff that prepares over 15,000 meals every day!
This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.
