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Las Cruces Public Schools begins the 2023-24 school year Wednesday, July 19, as the school district continues its year-round school calendar.
Kindergarten, sixth- and ninth-grade students return to classes July 19. All other students return July 20.
In August, LCPS will welcome new Superintendent Ignacio Ruíz, whose contract begins Aug. 1. Until Aug. 1, Sherley O’Brien continues as interim superintendent. She is expected to return to the position of chief of staff for the school district.
Free meals
Because of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, all LCPS elementary and middle school students will receive free breakfasts and lunches during the 2023-24 school year.
School safety
LCPS reviewed its lightning protocol, and will keep the 10-mile safety radius, said Communication Director Kelly Jameson. “That means if lightning is detected within 10 miles of a school, the building will shelter in place, along with any outdoor activities including practices, games and scrimmages. Because school starts during the monsoon season, LCPS anticipates lightning could disrupt the school day, including dismissal times. Please know these safety protocols are for the safety of all students and staff,” Jameson said.
School hours
Elementary school: 8 a.m.-2:40 p.m.
Middle school: 8:55 a.m.-3:55 p.m.
High school: 8:25 a.m.-3:25 p.m.
Arrowhead Park Early College High School, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute and Mesilla Valley Learning Academy: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Athletics
For LCPS athletic events, visit www.lcps.net/page/athletics.
Transportation
For school bus routes and other LCPS Transportation Department information, visit www.lcps.net/page/transportation.
Calendar
Wednesday, July 12: Teachers return to classrooms
Friday, July 14: Safe schools training
Wednesday, July 19: Fall semester begins; kindergarten, sixth- and ninth-grade students return to class
Thursday, July 20: All students return to class
Friday, Sept. 1: Parent-teacher conferences (no school)
Monday, Sept. 4: Labor Day (no school)
Monday, Sept. 25-Friday, Oct. 6: Fall break (no school)
Friday, Nov. 10: Educator planning; Veterans Day observed (no school)
Nov. 20-24: Thanksgiving break (no school)
Friday, Dec. 15: Fall semester ends
Monday, Dec. 18-Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024: Winter break (no school)
Thursday, Jan. 4: Spring semester begins
Monday, Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Jr. holiday (no school)
Thursday, Feb. 15: Next Step planning, grades 9-12 (no school for those grades)
Friday, Feb. 16: Next Step planning, grades 8-11; parent teacher conferences, K-7 (no school)
Monday, Feb. 19: Presidents Day (no school)
Tuesday, Feb. 20: Educator planning (remote learning activities)
Monday, March 4-Friday, March 15: Spring break (no school)
Friday-Monday, March 29-April 1: Spring holiday (no school)
Thursday, April 6: Educator planning (no school)
April 7-10: Spring holiday (no school)
Monday, April 22: Educator planning (remote learning activities)
Thursday, May 23: High school graduations: 9 a.m.: Arrowhead Park; 6 p.m.: Organ Mountain
Friday, May 24: High school graduations: 9 a.m.: Rio Grande Preparatory Institute; 6 p.m.: Las Cruces High School
Saturday, May 25: High school graduations: 9 a.m.: Mayfield, 6 p.m.: Centennial
Monday, May 27: Memorial Day (no school)
Friday, May 31: Spring semester ends
Arrowhead Park Early College High School
Arrowhead Park Early College High School and Arrowhead Park Medical Academy operate on a separate calendar. Their 2023 summer session began Monday, June 26. Visit https://arrowhead.lcps.net/ and click on 2023-2024 Calendar.
Board of Education
The LCPS Board of Education is elected by districts. District 1: Patrick Nolan, appointed by the board in 2023 to replace Ray Jaramillo, who resigned, term ends 2023; District 2: Pamela Cort, term ends 2025; District 3: Bob Wofford, term ends 2025; District 4: Teresa Tenorio (board president), term ends 2023; District 5: Carol Cooper, term ends 2023;
Regular board meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m.: July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 28, Dec. 12, 2023; Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 19, April 16, May 21 and June 18, 2024.
Work sessions are scheduled for 4 p.m. Sept. 5 and Oct. 3, 2023; April 2 and June 4, 2024.
Board retreats are scheduled for Aug. 4 and Nov. 7, 2023; Feb. 6 and May 7, 2024.
Visit www.lcps.net/page/board-of-education LCPS policies and regulations, board meeting agendas and other information, board member biographies and district maps. Contact the board of education through LCPS Administrative Assistant Robinette Van Sant at 575-527-5805 and rvansant@lcps.net.
The board holds work sessions beginning at 4 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. Regular board meetings begin at 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month. The board meets at the Karen M. Trujillo Administration Building, 505 S. Main St., suite 249.
Overview
LCPS has nearly 24,000 students in 40 schools in the City of Las Cruces, Town of Mesilla, Village of Doña Ana and on White Sands Missile Range. The district has approximately 3,400 employees. The school district was created Jan. 1, 1954.
LCPS app and more information
The main LCPS phone number is 575-527-5800. Visit www.lcps.net.
Download the LCPS app on Android: bit.ly/3z1L88X or iPhone: apple.co/3BYAOAh.
Find the 2023-24 calendars, school hours, the LCPS student and family handbook in English and Spanish and links to individual schools at www.lcps.net/page/calendars-handbooks-school-hours.
