A Message From Our Superintendent

April 2026

Dear Bears,

Welcome to the fourth quarter! For educators, this time of year is notoriously full – our schedules, our classrooms, and, of course, our hearts, as we watch students demonstrate the results of all the hard work they have put in this year. Our mountain community continues to be a special place for young people to grow, sharing our many joys and challenges together.

This month, we are focused on state testing and encouraging students to finish strong in our final term. Our teachers are creatively engaging students and preparing for state testing by supporting a rich space for learning and growth. We are cheering on our all-star basketball player, Rylee Pahl, the firefighting students who traveled to the SkillsUSA state competition, the FFA members who competed in Roswell, and the powerlifting and track and field student-athletes for their ongoing commitment and fortitude. Looking ahead, we have several noteworthy events this month:

• March 30 (Monday): School Day, All Grades
• April 3: No School, Good Friday
• April 11: Prom, Lodge Pavilion
• April 15: White Sands Senior Trip
• April 16–19: FFA Envirothon

We encourage you to visit our Athletics page for the latest powerlifting and track and field schedules. We hope to see you out there supporting our Bear athletes! Stay tuned for information on registration and kindergarten enrollment for the upcoming school year.

As we enter the drier, warmer months, we will be conducting more frequent fire evacuation drills to ensure that our students and staff are well-prepared to respond quickly, calmly, and safely in the event of an emergency. Given our unique environment and the increased risk of wildfire in our region, it is essential that everyone understands established protocols, evacuation routes, and expectations. These drills are not only a compliance measure but a critical component of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all.

At the same time, we acknowledge that this season can bring challenges, and recently we have navigated some difficult situations within our school community. We are grateful for the professionalism and compassion our staff consistently demonstrate, and we ask that you keep our students, staff, and families in your thoughts during this time. Our collective focus remains on supporting one another while ensuring that our schools remain safe, responsive, and grounded in care for every individual we serve.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our teachers, staff, and families for their support and resilience this year. As always, I am available and would love to speak with you. Please reach out via email at jocelyne.gillespie@cmsbears.org or by phone at 575-601-4416. If you would like to stop by, please make an appointment with our administrative secretary, Grace White. Wishing you a vibrant spring.

Go, Bears!

Jocelyne Driscoll-Gillespie

Jocelyne Driscoll-Gillespie
Superintendent
Cloudcroft Municipal Schools