Class of 2024 Commencement Hosted at the Pan American Center
New Mexico State University's Alternative Licensure Residency Program is a competitive post-baccalaureate, graduate certificate approved by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) as a licensure pathway designed to prepare qualified classroom teachers. The NMSU Alternative Licensure Residency Program aims to recruit highly qualified individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field and are eligible for a New Mexico alternative license pathway. We seek individuals who will have a positive impact on the social, cultural, emotional, and intellectual growth of children and youth with whom they will work throughout their career. Applicants must be able to collaborate with a mentor teacher throughout the 2024-2025 school year. NMSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. The application process includes two steps, the first is the successful completion of the application. During step two, eligible applicants will be invited to a 15-minute interview with a small committee via Zoom.
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
Seniors Recognized on Academic Signing Day
Parents, Community Can Access Online District Report Card
Lawmakers Back Over $5 Million in Essential District Programs   CTE, family support, outdoor classrooms, aviation program included
LCPS Leader Recognized in National 2024 EdTech Awards
LCPS Campus Employees of the Year
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
FirstLight Community Shred Day Event
University Hills Elementary is Recognized by Special Olympics NM as a National Unified Champion School
2nd Annual Plan My Future Event:  Students Explore Career Opportunities
Girls Can! For LCPS 6th Graders - March 23
For the Love of Music: Documentary Details How LCPS Marching Bands ‘Show Up and Show Out’