A Message From Our Superintendent

February 2026

Dear Bears,

Welcome to the 3rd quarter, a time of year typically marked by demanding academics, wintry weather, and a full calendar of activities. On the academic front, our dedicated staff continue to guide learners in meaningful ways and our students consistently rise to the challenge. Our 2024–2025 NM Vistas District Report Card reflects this high performance, which we will keep striving for every day. All students are receiving excellent instruction in both core and elective subjects, and having plenty of fun in the process. We have 33 high school students taking dual credit classes and earning high marks. As a staff, we provide data-driven instruction while building strong relationships and championing each students’ success.

We have several noteworthy student spotlights this month. Our school mascot, Alyssa Singer, represented our district as “Hotshot” at the Citrus Bowl. FFA students Preston White, Madilynn Hare, and Avalyn Ross qualified for state – a wonderful achievement for Cloudcroft. TSA participants are preparing for CTSO Roundhouse Day and State championships with impressive innovation. Congrats to our newly-pinned CNAs Tylan Bragg, Rhiannon Eldridge, Hannah Ferdetta, Sage Greenwood, Carolina Loper Flores, Jade Merrill, Cassia Moore, Adrianna Ortega, Kaylee Pinon, and Aurora Trejo. Employable skills such as Firefighting, Agriculture, Art, Computer Design, Welding, and so much more are being developed daily. The senior class is looking ahead to deadlines and future plans with confidence. Young readers and mathematicians are learning BIG skills at the elementary level. Fourth grade is learning all about Flamenco dance. The Basketball and Powerlifting athletes are strong and determined. Middle schoolers are literally reaching new heights, growing right in front of our eyes! Culinary students are wowing us regularly. Many hardworking students were recognized at our elementary and middle school honor roll assemblies. It’s all a privilege to witness.

Believe it or not, February 18 will be our 100th day of school, leaving 75 school days remaining in the school year. Over these upcoming days, we invite you to join us for several exciting events and opportunities to connect with other families and celebrate our students:

• February 5: 9th grade to ENMU – Ruidoso Freshmen Day
• February 6–7: Governor’s STEM Challenge
• February 7: FFA State, Albuquerque
• February 11: Wellness Room Grand Opening
• February 12: Kids Heart Challenge Assembly
• February 13: FFA LDE, Roswell
• February 17: Board of Education Regular Meeting
• February 18: Quiz Bowl
• February 21: FFA CDE, Carrizozo
• February 25–27: TSA State, Las Cruces
• February 28: FFA CDE, Las Cruces

We encourage you to visit our Athletics page for up-to-date schedules, and we hope to see you out there cheering on our Bear athletes.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our schools. As always, I am available and would love to speak with you. Please reach out via email at jocelyne.gillespie@cmsbears.org, phone 575-601-4416, or, if you would like to stop by, make an appointment with our administrative secretary, Grace White. I wish you all a rejuvenating February!

Go, Bears!

Jocelyne Driscoll-Gillespie

Jocelyne Driscoll-Gillespie
Superintendent
Cloudcroft Municipal Schools