A Message from Our Superintendent

July 3, 2024

Dear Bears,

August is just around the corner, and we are gearing up for another school year. We have a few new changes and faces in our staffing this year. Please visit our website under “About Us”/” Staff Page” to see our new staff in all three schools and our Administration. As one of those changes, I would like to introduce myself as the Interim Superintendent. I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to act in this role and look forward to a prosperous 2024-2025 school year.

To meet all of the Staff (existing and new), I would like to invite you to our Back-to-School Barbeque on Saturday, August 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at our Bear Football Complex on Lost Lodge Road. It has been a great time of community and fellowship, and I look forward to it again this year.

We want to welcome our students back on Tuesday, August 6. At present, we will remain a four-day-a-week school for the 2024-2025 school year. However, the change from a four-day to five-day school week is still under consideration. As we receive more updates and information, we will pass that on to our parents and community members.

I am very happy to announce that at the June School Board meeting, Cassandra Saffle was voted in to fulfill Kody Adams’ remaining term. Cassandra has been very involved in our schools since she and her family moved here in 2021. She reestablished the PTO at CMS and has been active on the budget committee and the Equity Council. She also has three sons - one at each of the schools. She will be a welcome addition to our School Board. Congratulations Cassandra!

FFA competed at State at the end of May. The results were as follows:

• First - American degree Candidate- Jesi Watson (2022 Graduate): According to the NM State FFA records, she is the only American Degree for Cloudcroft. Notably, less than 1% of FFA Members receive their American degree.
• Second - State Degrees: Kylie Adams and Taylor Curtis.
• Fifth - Ag Sales: Tylan Bragg, Braden Groesbeck, Garrett Gutierrez, Gunner Wolfe (not pictured).
• Third - Bronze rating for Ag Science Fair: Bryanna Bradshaw, Alyssa Singer, Kacie Hughes
• Cloudcroft FFA: Recognition for Superior Chapter
• First - Honorary State Degree: Joni Watson (Sponsor)

Great Job FFA and Sponsor, Joni Watson.

We have sports camps and open gym happening all summer long. Our Girls Basketball Team traveled to Denver and did well in their camp. For all the times, places and sports, see our website on the homepage under “Upcoming Events”.

I would like to wish TSA Good Luck at Nationals in Orlando, Florida, at the end of the month. We will keep you updated on their successes on our social media pages. Good Luck TSA!

We also have our annual Summer Youth Program going on through July 19. It is full of fun activities for students entering Kindergarten through fifth Grade. For more information, contact the Director, Jessica Ham at (575) 703-2891.

I look forward to seeing everyone back at school and at the Back-to-School Barbeque.  Until then, enjoy the rest of your summer!

Jocelyne Driscoll-Gillespie

Jocelyne Driscoll-Gillespie
Interim Superintendent
Cloudcroft Municipal Schools