This week, we’re celebrating Mr. Eduardo Espinoza-Vazquez, a dedicated 3rd and 4th Grade Bilingual Teacher at Booker T. Washington Elementary School who goes above and beyond for his students in so many ways every day!
In addition to inspiring young learners in the classroom, Mr. Espinoza-Vazquez also serves as the Wildcat Cheerleading Coach and e-Sports Team Coach, creating opportunities for students to grow, compete and thrive beyond academics. Earlier this year, his team won the Judge's Choice award and placed 2nd in the Small Elementary Division at the NMSU Spirit Competition at the Pan American Center. 🐾🎮📣
As if that wasn’t enough, he recently added another accomplishment to the list by winning the first-ever district pickleball tournament! 🏓🏆
Thank you, Mr. Espinoza-Vazquez, for your energy, leadership and commitment to making a difference for students at Booker T. Washington Elementary. We appreciate all you do! 💜

Video: https://vocalvideo.com/embed/v1/slots/16532?shadow=large
If there’s a special senior you’d like to shoutout, record a short video message and help us celebrate their journey and achievements!
Record a message: https://vocalvideo.com/c/lcps2026

Students, staff, and community members from across the district are taking the time to share messages of appreciation for all that YOU do each day.
This message comes from the support team for the Las Cruces High School feeder pattern.
Video: https://vocalvideo.com/embed/v1/slots/16311?shadow=large

This message comes from Olga R. to the staff of Cesar Chavez Elementary.
Video: https://vocalvideo.com/embed/v1/slots/16436?shadow=large

This message comes from Principal Victoria Franks of Hermosa Heights Elementary.
Video: https://vocalvideo.com/embed/v1/slots/16424?shadow=large

This message comes from Izabel Hernandez.
Video: https://vocalvideo.com/embed/v1/slots/16361?shadow=large

ENLACE — Engaging Latino Communities for Education, continues to make a powerful impact by supporting students, families, and educational success across the district.
This outstanding group was nominated by LCPS Board of Education Secretary Patrick Nolan in recognition of their dedication, leadership, and commitment to student achievement.
Congratulations to these amazing educators and leaders:
• Adrian Gaytan – Zia Middle School
• Adryana Krynitz – LCHS
• Aracely Torres – LCHS
• Delia Torres – Centro
• Bunny Medina – Picacho
• Nicole Scott – Picacho
• Victoria Apodaca Fisk – Lynn
• Arthur Nevarez – Mayfield
• David Morales – Mayfield
• Vincent Aguirre – Mayfield
• Laura Valdez – Mesa
• Diana Hernandez – APECHS
• Henry Jasso – University Hills
• Jese Gonzalez – OMHS
• Magaly Silveyra – Vista
And a special thank you to ENLACE Director Delma Tafoya for her leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to empowering students and families throughout our community.
As Karen Trujillo often reminded us:
“Remember to have some grace for yourself and go above and beyond every day… for each other.”
Your work is changing lives and building brighter futures every day.
We are currently hiring for the 2026–2027 school year and are looking for passionate educators ready to make a difference in the lives of students.
✨ Competitive pay
✨ Benefits package available
✨ Additional stipends for select positions
And good news — a SPED license is not required to apply!
LCPS offers pathways for candidates to pursue alternative licensure, including opportunities through NMSU Global Campus
, which provides a 44%–50% tuition discount for current LCPS employees. Eligible Level II and Level III teachers may also qualify for the SPED Alternative LEAP Program for just $2,000.
📧 To schedule an interview, email:
ashomburg@lcps.net
Please include:
• Full name
• Cell phone number
• Preferred interview time
• Resume
Join a district where all learners thrive! 💜

VLA offers personalized online learning opportunities for students in grades 3–12 across New Mexico, with options designed to meet a variety of student needs and learning styles.
✨ Full-time online learning
✨ FLEX scheduling options
✨ Online courses for middle and high school students
✨ Licensed, highly qualified teachers
✨ AP courses, electives and more
Whether your student thrives in an independent environment or needs a more flexible schedule, VLA may be the right fit.
📲 Apply today by scanning the QR code or visit https://vla.lcps.net/o/vla

Nominated by President Cort of the LCPS Board of Education for the 2026 New Mexico School Boards Association Excellence in Student Achievement Award, this dedicated team continues to make a lasting impact on the health, safety, and well-being of our students and community.
A special spotlight shines on Grace Holguin, who has become a true beacon for the city of Las Cruces, inspiring confidence, connection, and a love of bike riding throughout our community.
Recognized team members include Ashley Curry, Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Kenny Coppedge, Arturo Sanchez, George Pearson, Jeanne Brown, and Grace Holguin.
Thank you for helping students build confidence, independence, and healthier futures, one ride at a time!
Congratulations to the Activities, Arts, and Athletics teams, who were collectively nominated by Robert Wofford, Vice President of the LCPS Board of Education, for the 2026 New Mexico School Boards Association Excellence in Student Achievement Award!
Representing Athletics: Michelle Ronga, Bobby Campos, Michelle Lucero
Representing Arts: Joseph Flores, Paul Hallstead, Jennifer Rogers, and Emily Bennett
Representing Activities: Melanie Stuart and Marissa Prentice
The junior Trojan shines on the mound and in the outfield, posting a 4-1 record, 50 strikeouts, and a 1.30 ERA this season. His coach calls him a hardworking leader, great teammate, & fierce competitor.

A sprinter for the Track & Field team, Isobella competes in the 4x100m, 4x200m, medley, & 4x400m relays. Her coach says she leads with enthusiasm, brings great energy to practice, & sets a strong example.

El superintendente de las Escuelas Públicas de Las Cruces, Ignacio Ruiz, invita a nuestras familias hispanohablantes a asistir a Cafecito con el Sr. Ruiz. Este evento es una oportunidad para que las familias conozcan al superintendente, hagan preguntas y conversen en un ambiente acogedor.
Cafecito con el Sr. Ruiz se llevará a cabo el martes 12 de mayo a las 8:30 a.m. en el Centro de Apoyo Familiar de LCPS, ubicado en 505 S. Main St., Suite 249.
¡Esperamos verlos allí!

And for students, the teachers who go the extra mile are never forgotten.
Here’s a message from Andrew L. at Organ Mountain High School.
Video: https://vocalvideo.com/embed/v1/slots/16350?shadow=large

Every student can name someone who changed their life simply by never giving up on them. Today, we’re giving students the chance to say thank you and share their stories.
This one comes from Lola Z.
Video: https://vocalvideo.com/embed/v1/slots/16421?shadow=large

We’d love to hear from the people who have supported them every step of the way. Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, staff, and friends if there’s a special senior you’d like to recognize, record a short video message and help us celebrate their journey and achievements!
Record a message: https://vocalvideo.com/c/lcps2026

As we look back on this special moment, Monte Vista Elementary is also preparing to celebrate a major milestone of its own. On May 15, the school will celebrate its quinceañera and 15 years of serving students, families, and the Las Cruces community.
This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.

Teachers are often the first to see who we might become before we can see it ourselves. They plant ideas that take root and grow. Eventually, those ideas shape the way we think, learn, and move through the world long after graduation.
This month, we are celebrating those extraordinary teachers whose impact does not end with the final bell, but continues to echo through every life they have helped shape.
This message comes from Conner C. at Organ Mountain High School.
Watch here: https://vocalvideo.com/embed/v1/slots/16359?shadow=large

As we celebrate and honor our educators, we’re sharing words of gratitude from around the district.
Today’s message of appreciation comes from Pamela Cort, President of the LCPS Board of Education.
Watch here: https://vocalvideo.com/embed/v1/slots/16395?shadow=large

