Seniors staying on track to graduate

After an announcement by the New Mexico Public Education Department Friday, March 27, that schools would remain closed through the rest of the year and students would be on a pass/fail basis rather than a letter-grade system for the duration, Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Karen Trujillo said Las Cruces schools will move forward.

Trujillo said LCPS is developing learning plans for district seniors who should be graduating. Most seniors should have already been contacted through their schools to talk about their needs. By April 6, LCPS will have a learning plan for all students through the end of the year.

“Our instructional specialists are developing a plan for delivery of the content, keeping in mind some of our students have digital access and some will get their information in packets,” she said.

Seniors looking to graduate will need to keep up and pass competency requirements as determined between themselves and their respective educators.

During a March 27 on-line press conference, Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said no qualifying high school senior will be denied the ability to graduate, and he said alternative learning opportunities will be available through mid-June. Individual schools and systems will create plans with seniors in mind.

Milestone moments for seniors still need to happen, he said, citing proms and graduation ceremonies.

“These events have to happen,” he said. “If that means we have to postpone them to a later date, we will look at the prevailing public health order at the time and make a decision as to when they can be held.”

For college purposes, the grade-point average graduating seniors ended up with as of the 2019 fall semester is the one they will be going forward with into the future. Students currently in dual credit courses with Doña Ana Community College or New Mexico State University will also be receiving pass/fail credits for those classes.

“Be patient and give your children grace,” Trujillo said. “In the grand scheme of 12 years of education, six weeks is not going to make or break your child’s education. Exercise every day, read, play games, have conversations and connect with friends and family.”