A Message From Our Superintendent

August 2025

Dear Bears,

Summer brought the Cloudcroft community some much-needed rain, a wide variety of family activities, and a chance for school staff to recharge before we come together once again for another successful school year!

Registration for all new and returning students took place Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25. The 2025–2026 school year kicks off on July 30 with professional development for our dedicated staff, and August 6 is the first day of school for students. Be sure to join us for our annual Back-to-School BBQ on August 8, along with open houses on August 5 and 6. Our first Bear Facts meeting is scheduled for August 21 in the high school commons. For specific dates and times, please visit the district calendar on our website. We’re excited for all that the new year has in store!

We are incredibly proud of the exceptional students who represented Cloudcroft this summer. Our TSA team traveled to Nashville, TN, for the 2025 National TSA Conference, where Alexander Newton earned an impressive 5th place for his dragster. Logan McNeil demonstrated his talents on the national stage in the SkillsUSA Firefighter competition held in Atlanta. Additionally, recent Cloudcroft graduate Taylor Curtis was recognized with the prestigious Excellence in STEM Award at the 2025 New Mexico STEMYS ceremony. Cloudcroft FFA had an exciting and successful trip to the New Mexico State FFA Convention held May 27 through 30. Eight dedicated students represented our chapter, competing, learning, and leading alongside FFA members from across the state.

In the Agriscience Fair competition, Kacie Hughes and Peyton Corvin earned a gold rating, qualifying them to compete at the National FFA Convention this fall. Taylor Curtis also represented Cloudcroft well, receiving a silver rating in the same event.

In addition to the state convention, Bella Johnson and Gunner Wolfe attended the prestigious Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) in Washington, D.C. This week-long event focuses on personal growth, leadership development, and community impact. Bella and Gunner return inspired and ready to implement new ideas that will benefit our FFA chapter and the wider Cloudcroft community.

Be sure to follow our Facebook page to celebrate their achievements and stay connected to their ongoing success.

Our summer youth program was a huge success. Between rain showers, our staff and students participated in many activities – arts & crafts, reading programs, scavenger hunts, and swimming! I want to thank our director, Marion Parker, for her dedication and energy in delivering this valuable program to our community. A huge thank you to Written in Red and the Yates Family Foundation for their generous donations to help create the many learning activities for our youth and to keep our program running well.

At our July school board meeting, we had some very generous donations:

• Penasco Valley Telecommunications – Summer Youth Program – $250.00
• Written in Red – TSA – $5,000
• Written in Red – Summer Youth Program – $5,000
• PY Foundation – Summer Youth Program – $5,000

Thank you all for supporting our programs and our students!!

I encourage all of our families to regularly visit our website for important updates, including the 2025–2026 school calendar, updated handbooks, and other key information. Staying informed and actively engaged in our school community plays a vital role in supporting our students’ success and creating a strong partnership between home and school.

Enjoy these sweet final days of summer! We miss hearing our classrooms and hallways full of chatter and can’t wait to welcome each student back through our doors on August 6!

Jocelyne Driscoll-Gillespie

Jocelyne Driscoll-Gillespie
Superintendent
Cloudcroft Municipal Schools