A Message From Our Superintendent

September 2026

Dear Cloudcroft Bears,

There is something special about the start of a school year in a small community like Cloudcroft. You see familiar faces in the hallways, in the grocery store, at community events, and around town. Our schools are truly a reflection of our community, and one of the things I appreciate most is the way our families, staff, and community members come together to support our students.

Thank you to everyone who braved the inclement weather at our Back-to-School BBQ! As those of us who live in Cloudcroft know, the weather forecast is sometimes more of a suggestion than a guarantee. Earlier in the day, we were promised a 100% chance of a wonderful storm—then Mother Nature apparently adjusted her schedule and decided the middle of our “picnic” was the perfect time to make her appearance! We weathered the storm together, and once it passed, our students did what Cloudcroft kids do best: made the most of it by turning a summer hailstorm into an opportunity to make “snow” angels. It may not have been the Back-to-School BBQ we planned, but it certainly made for a memorable start to the school year! Our door prizes will take place on Friday, September 11 at Cloudcroft High School’s Homecoming game.

We were very fortunate to welcome Senator Townsend and Representatives Block, Henry, and Vincent to our District on August 28. The day was filled with meaningful conversations about legislative issues that directly impact our students and staff, an engaging discussion with our student panel, and an insightful presentation on the significance of Lexile scores in understanding student reading achievement and growth. Our legislators also visited classrooms, interacted with students and staff, and gained a firsthand look at the exceptional learning opportunities taking place throughout our District. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with our legislators, continuing these important conversations, and advocating together for the needs and opportunities of our students, staff, and community.

As we move into September, I want to thank our students and staff for the wonderful start to the school year. The energy in our schools has been exciting to see. A new school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, build relationships, and discover what each student is capable of accomplishing.

September is also a good time to settle into routines and remember that every day matters. Regular attendance, staying connected with teachers, completing assignments, and asking for help when it is needed all make a difference. We appreciate our families partnering with us to help our students make the most of every school day.

Growing Our Teachers, Growing Our Students

One of the things that makes me especially proud this month is the continued professional growth of our teachers.

On September 15, five of our staff members will travel to Alamogordo for Reading Apprenticeship training. With their completion of this training, 100% of our core teachers will be trained in Reading Apprenticeship.

That is a tremendous accomplishment for a district our size.

Our teachers work hard every day to provide meaningful learning experiences for our students, and investing in their professional learning is an investment in our children. Having Reading Apprenticeship training across our core teaching staff gives us an opportunity to build consistency in literacy instruction and help students become stronger, more confident readers and learners across all subject areas.

I am grateful for the commitment our teachers continue to show to their students and to their own professional growth.

There’s Always Something Happening in Bear Country

One of the best parts of being a Bear is that our schools are more than classrooms. They are places where students find their people, discover their interests, try new things, and learn what it means to be part of a team.

Our fall activities are getting underway, and I encourage our families and community members to support our students whenever you can. Whether you are in the stands, volunteering, attending a school event, or simply asking a student how their day went, your encouragement matters.

Important September Dates

September 8-12 – Homecoming Week
Each day our campus and community will be filled with school spirit and fun activities. Watch the best small town Homecoming parade on Burro Street on Friday, September 11 at 1:30 p.m., then fill our stands for the big football game against Grady that evening.

September 8 – Be Here NM Day
Join us on Tuesday, September 8 in celebrating excellent school attendance across our district and the state of New Mexico with Be Here Day! Our goal is 100% attendance on this day.

September 15 – Reading Apprenticeship Training
Five CMS staff members will attend training in Alamogordo, bringing our core teaching staff to 100% trained in Reading Apprenticeship.

Please continue to check our school calendar for the most current dates, events, and schedule information. For athletic schedules and updates, please visit our CMS Athletics page.

As we head into another beautiful fall in the Sacramento Mountains, I am reminded how fortunate I am to be part of a community that cares so deeply about its children.

In a small town, we know that we are all connected. A teacher who encourages a student today may see that same student at the post office tomorrow. A coach may have taught their family member. A neighbor may be the person cheering from the stands. These connections are part of what makes Cloudcroft such a special place to learn and grow.

Thank you to our parents and families for trusting us with your children. Thank you to our teachers and staff for the care you give our students each day. And thank you to the Cloudcroft community for continuing to show up for our schools.

Let’s make September a great month of learning, connection, and Bear pride!

Go, Bears!

Jocelyne Driscoll-Gillespie

Jocelyne Driscoll-Gillespie
Superintendent
Cloudcroft Municipal Schools