
Catch all the action live on LCPS.TV, streamed by Michael Rodriguez!
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/B5aeQo2d0Ew?feature=share

During the 2026 Spring Sports Media Day, LCPS.TV interviewed our high school athletic trainers to get an inside look at their responsibilities, the rehab process, and how they support teams all year long. Don’t miss it!
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkHoELNaJ9s
Nos complace invitarlo a unirse virtualmente al Concurso de Ortografía en Español LCPS 2026, que se llevará a cabo el miércoles 25 de febrero a las 9:00 a. m. en la Escuela Secundaria Las Cruces, 1750 El Paseo Rd., en el Laboratorio de Artes Escénicas.
Acompáñenos y celebre a nuestros estudiantes en este evento especial, reconociendo su esfuerzo, dedicación, logros y bilingüismo.
El concurso se transmitirá en vivo exclusivamente en LCPS.TV: https://www.youtube.com/live/IbO16PvAQwA?si=SdCmi9Ps3LGbL3xA

This week, the Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education welcomed Josiah, a student advisor from Mayfield High School, who represented the Student Advisory Council and shared perspectives from students across the district at Tuesday night’s Regular Session.
A big thank you to Branyeicker from University Hills Elementary School for leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the Salute to the State Flag in both English and Spanish.
Congratulations to the select members of our first-ever LCPS Honor Orff Ensemble for their outstanding performance of “Ding Dong, Diggy Diggy Dong!” by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman at the LCPS Board meeting.
The district Honor Orff Ensemble was comprised of students and teachers from Columbia ES, Loma Heights ES, Sunrise ES, Tombaugh ES, and the Centennial HS percussion section, under the direction of Paul Hallsted. Participating teachers included Leah Mathe, Alex Bullard, Tiffany Ward, Antoinette Gucela, Jared Davis, Alex Ellenwood, and Karen Padilla.
We are proud to recognize Margaret Collins, a senior at Las Cruces High School who will represent New Mexico later this year as part of the 64th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C.
Margaret Collins was selected among the state’s top student leaders and will join a delegation of 104 outstanding high school students for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it.
Hats off to our CTE (Career and Technical Education) team at LCPS, recognized at the LCPS Board of Education meeting and honored by Joni Deberry, New Mexico HOSA State Advisor representing the technical leadership program at Eastern New Mexico University. She expressed gratitude to the entire CTE team for their hard work and dedication in providing meaningful opportunities for students to learn, excel, and gain the experience they need to pursue careers in the medical field after high school.
LCPS families are invited to join this free, fun, and friendly workshop series for parents, guardians, and caregivers.
🍽 Dinner included
💛 Bilingual & culturally relevant
🤝 Learn easy ways to connect with your child
📅 Orientation: February 24, 2026
🎓 Graduation: April 2, 2026
🗓 Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM (No sessions during spring break)
📍 Organ Mountain High School, 5700 Mesa Grande Dr., Las Cruces, NM
👉 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/mtwe858x
Space is limited! For more information, call (575) 286-4061.


When a student recently boarded a school bus he wasn’t assigned to, driver Marcelino Gonzalez Bejar noticed something wasn’t right. He paused. He asked the right questions. He trusted his instincts. And because of his quick thinking and attention to detail, he safely returned the student to school — ensuring he made it home safely that day.
As the student’s parent later shared, “He possibly saved my son’s life.”
Marcelino is a school bus driver for STS-New Mexico, the transportation partner with Las Cruces Public Schools. Every day, he helps ensure students arrive at school and return home safely. But this moment reminds us that student safety goes far beyond driving a route — it’s about vigilance, care, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Marcelino’s actions reflect the heart of our district and our community partners. His commitment to doing what’s right, even in small moments, made a life-changing difference.
Marcelino, thank you for going above and beyond. Because of you, our students get to school ready to thrive. 💜🚌

Way to go, Sophia!





Congratulations to Paige Jorge of Centennial High School, our LCPS Athlete of the Week! A Regional Champion in girls wrestling with an outstanding 23–2 record, Paige leads with resilience, determination, and heart. She inspires her teammates on the mat and excels in the classroom. Way to lead by example, Paige!

Preparing for Our Incoming Kindergarteners (Class of 2039)
At Arrowhead Park Early College High School, students came together to help prepare backpacks for our incoming kindergarteners, the Class of 2039! Students worked together to organize and fill backpacks with school supplies, helping ensure our newest learners will be ready for their first day of school.
This was a great opportunity for students to show teamwork, kindness, and school spirit while supporting the next generation of learners. We are proud of their effort and dedication to making our incoming kindergarteners feel welcomed and prepared.
We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2039 and see all the amazing things they will accomplish!
Watch here: https://youtu.be/ZoWiL3xzkHo

¡Nos complace compartir que ahora hay apoyo en el sitio disponible todos los miércoles en el Centro de Apoyo Familiar de LCPS!
A través del 100% Family Center, en colaboración con Las Cruces Public Schools y los Doña Ana Resilience Leaders, las familias pueden conectarse con un navegador de 8:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m. cada miércoles.
Los servicios incluyen:
• Conectar a las familias con recursos confiables para salud, vivienda, alimentos, empleo, cuidado infantil y más
• Apoyo para la crianza y servicios de seguridad infantil, incluidos grupos de apoyo y revisión de asientos de automóvil
• Asistencia para completar solicitudes y formularios
• Respuestas a preguntas sobre elegibilidad y próximos pasos
• Seguimiento para apoyar conexiones exitosas
¡Estamos aquí para facilitar el acceso a apoyo para su familia! Para obtener más información o conectarse directamente, comuníquese con
Alexis Espinoza, Navegadora, al 575-396-5063. El Centro de Apoyo Familiar está ubicado en 505 S. Main St., Ste. 249.

We’re excited to share that on-site support is now available every Wednesday at the LCPS Family Support Center!
Through the 100% Family Center, in partnership with Las Cruces Public Schools and the Doña Ana Resilience Leaders, families can connect with a navigator from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM each Wednesday.
Services include:
• Connecting families to trusted resources for health, housing, food, employment, childcare, and more
• Parenting support and child safety services, including support groups and car seat checks
• Assistance with completing applications and forms
• Answers to questions about eligibility and next steps
• Follow-up to support successful connections
We’re here to make accessing support easier for your family!
To learn more or connect directly, contact Alexis Espinoza, Navigator, at 575-396-5063.
The Family Support Center is located at 505 S. Main St., Ste. 249

"Promoting school spirit at Mayfield was sometimes hard, but always fun. With the help of ribbon sales, kiss a pig’ contests, and other spirit raisers, we succeeded in our task. Cheerleading brought along many great times and lifelong friendships. These are the days we’ll never forget."
-Leah Stephens, Head Cheerleader, Mayfield High School Yearbook, 1984
Stories like this reflect what has always defined Las Cruces Public Schools: pride in our schools, joy in coming together, and traditions that build lasting connections. From spirit rallies decades ago to the classrooms, activities, and celebrations happening across our district today, that sense of belonging continues to shape who we are.
This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.

The heartbeat of Las Cruces Public Schools isn’t just found in our classrooms, it’s felt the moment you walk through our doors.
These incredible professionals are the friendly faces who welcome you into our vibrant schools and buildings each day. They are the organizers, planners, schedulers, problem-solvers, and quiet champions working tirelessly behind the scenes to support students, staff, and families. Their dedication keeps everything moving forward, often without fanfare, but always with heart.
Today at the 2026 LCPS Office Professionals Conference, the legendary professional speaker Maureen G. Mulvaney delivered an electrifying presentation that energized the room and won the hearts of our amazing team. Her powerful message sparked meaningful conversations, inspired fresh perspectives, and reminded us all of the profound impact our office professionals make every single day.
Their work is more than a job, it’s the foundation of connection, care, and excellence across our district.
Because of them, we ALL Thrive in the 575.

Gus Macker Basketball Tournament Comes to Las Cruces!
The Mayfield High School Football 12th Man Club, in partnership with the City of Las Cruces, proudly welcomes you to the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament!
A longtime favorite in our community, Gus Macker is known for bringing energy, competition, and fun to the streets of Las Cruces. With Mayfield Football’s proud tradition of excellence leading the way, the goal is to bring an unforgettable tournament experience for players and fans alike.
We invite everyone to be part of the action! Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome, whether you’re competing for the championship or just playing for fun.
Scan the QR code or click the link to register your team and learn more: https://macker.com/local/las-cruces-nm

Aubrey is a senior varsity softball player at CHS and has earned this recognition for her outstanding dedication, leadership, and academic excellence. She maintains a 3.68 GPA and is involved in the ACE Program and the National Honor Society.
Aubrey has interned at Memorial Medical Center and Three Crosses Regional Hospital and is continuing to gain experience this semester at MountainView Regional Medical Center.
Way to go, Aubrey!

Celebrating Kristi Valdiviezo, Counselor at Alameda Elementary 💜**
This week, we’re shining a bright Thrive Thursday spotlight on Kristi Valdiviezo, who has dedicated 16 years to supporting students as the beloved school counselor at Alameda Elementary! 🌟
Kristi is known for the joy, kindness, and creativity she brings to her work. One of her favorite parts of being a counselor is watching students grow from shy kindergarteners to confident fifth graders — and then seeing them return years later for their senior walks. 🎓💛 Many still remember her unforgettable lessons, including Tattle Tongue and the famous fly swatter game! 🪰📚
Her days are filled with supporting students one-on-one, leading groups, teaching classes, and connecting families with community programs. Kristi proudly infuses her quirky, fun personality into everything she does — and it makes a lasting impact. 💡💬
She has also mentored several interns (including one who is now interviewing for a school counselor role!) and serves as a mentor for ACE students exploring school counseling. One of her former mentees is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. 💼🌱
For more than 11 years, Kristi has organized Alameda’s annual Career Day, bringing community members together to help students discover future possibilities. And this year, she launched a new PawTV segment: “Coping Skills from A to Z with Mrs. V.” 🎥🧠 The weekly Wednesday feature has quickly become a favorite for students and staff alike!
Kristi is originally from Wisconsin — Go Pack Go! 🧀💚 — and moved to New Mexico to attend New Mexico State University, strengthen her Spanish, and become a bilingual counselor serving even more students and families.
At home, Kristi has been married for 13 years and is the proud mom of three energetic boys who keep her busy with weekend basketball and soccer. 🏀⚽ She loves baking Christmas cookies and snuggling her boys whenever she can. 🍪❤️
Kristi, thank you for your heart, your creativity, and the joy you bring to Alameda Elementary. You help our students thrive — every single day. 🌈🙌

