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A Message From Our Superintendent

September 2025

Dear Bears,

Our back-to-school season has been extremely full and productive – in the best way possible. Teachers and staff hit the ground running, bringing life into their classrooms with new supplies, projects, and, of course, students! Our school community is thriving with a number of enriching activities in full swing and a dedicated staff that makes Cloudcroft an extremely special place to learn and grow.

We are delighted to welcome a number of new staff this school year, across all departments. Please read our staff responses to the following questions: 1) Why did you choose Cloudcroft schools?, 2) What is your job position?, 3) What do you like about your job or what is your favorite pastime?

Welcome Our New Staff Members

Name

Location

Primary Job Title

Intro

ABEYTA, MARISA

Elementary

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT

1. I moved to Cloudcroft due to my husband's job. 2. My kids are students here! 3. I'm an educational assistant.

MOORE, MELANI D

Elementary

CERTIFIED STAFF

1. I grew up in Cloudcroft! 2. It's a great school and I've had great memories - and it is close to my kids! 3. I am a second grade teacher.

SHELTON, RAINI E

Elementary

CERTIFIED STAFF

1. My family grew up in Cloudcroft. 2. Started working in Georgia. 3. I'm a 5th grade ELA and history teacher.

STERBENZ, SHAYLA M

Elementary

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT

1. I moved for the job opportunity! 2. I love taking care of kids and teaching them new things.3. I'm the middle school special education aid.

ALM, RACHEL K

Admin

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK

1. I moved here because I wanted a small town environment. I've worked in schools a long time, and recognized Cloudcroft as a very special place. 2. I am the accounts payable clerk, NOVA coordinator, and community engagement manager. 3. Anything outside in nature!

NAJERA, MELISSA M

Elementary

CUSTODIAL

1. Cloudcroft is a peaceful and secluded area. 2. My kids are going to school here. 3. I am a custodian

MYERS, SERENA

Middle School

CERTIFIED STAFF

1. I wanted my career to culminate in Cloudcroft. 2. The job opening came with perfect timing. 3. I am a technology elective teacher.

ALVAREZ, LARYSSA JADE

Middle School

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT

1. I chose Cloudcroft because I love nature! 2. I love working with young people and getting them excited to learn. 3. I'm a middle school special education aid.

BREWER, AMANDA R

High School

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

1. I love the mountains, small schools and the kids and staff. 2. SPED teacher 3. Spending time with my kids, riding horses, art, and movies.

COVILLE, BRITTNEY N

High School

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT

1. I graduated from Cloudcroft Schools and wanted to move back. 2. I enjoy the environment and the kids. 3. Our students and staff inspire me.

FINCH, NICOLE

High School

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT

1. I wanted to be part of the bear community. 2. I love all the students and the working environment. 3. I'm inspired by Mrs. Garcia and there's work to be done

HON, CHARLES EDWARD

High School

CERTIFIED STAFF

1. I worked at a private school, but wanted a better paying job. 2. I enjoy helping students and seeing their smiles. 3. I like Dr. Pepper, coffee, and inspiring students.

NEWELL, MARYMAR A

High School

CERTIFIED STAFF

1 .The small class sizes and forming a better relationship with students. 2. Science teacher 3. Cooking

Just before the school year began, Mrs. Watson took the initiative to organize a support group dedicated to flood relief for our mountain neighbors in Ruidoso. Together with students and community members, she traveled to Ruidoso to deliver much-needed assistance and compassion to those affected. It is helping hands like these that strengthen our communities and remind us of the power of service and kindness.

Students working with shovels and dirt on an outside project

Fall sports kicked off in full swing with our coaches, athletes, and supporters investing valuable time and energy into our cheer, football, cross country, and volleyball programs. We are so proud of the dedication shown by all and appreciate the strong community support. As well, you may have noticed our Bear band. Under the guidance of Ms. Kathy Draves, these musicians are flooding our community with a spirit we haven’t heard for far too long. On that same note, we would also like to introduce you to our mascot, Hotshot! Our Hotshot, Alyssa Singer, has been recognized as an all-american mascot–an amazing honor! She will be performing in front of a crowd of over 60,000 people at the Citrus Bowl later this year. Please help her in her traveling efforts through donations and our cheer fundraisers.

Alyssa Singer, has been recognized as an All American Mascot

Homecoming week kicks off the week of September 1. Our students are ready for a fun filled week with zany dress-up days, a bon fire, teacher vs students volleyball game, PowerPuff, our annual parade, the Friday night homecoming, football game, and a dance. Whew! Join us in our celebrations! See our website for all the athletics events, and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for news and announcements.

Our high school counselor, Ms. Adkins, hosted a highly successful senior information and scholarship night, guiding students and families through key details about graduation, postsecondary pathways, the college application process, and financial aid opportunities. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Adkins for further information. Mrs. Newton and Ms. Brokaw will continue to guide the TSA program this year as they gear up for the 2025–2026 competition season and expand enrollment and new events like fashion design, music production, CAD engineering, and more.

Looking ahead to September, we have much to announce. Join us for Bear Facts on September 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the commons. We honor your participation as we discuss school safety, AI in the classroom, attendance for success, and our upcoming bond election. We really hope you can attend.

This year, voters will see the GO bond on their November ballot. This bond is commonly used to fund school renovations, reconstruction, building improvements, and equipment upgrades. Among many exciting projects, bond funds have already provided our liability to upgrade our weight room, construct our much needed bus barn, and provide significant upgrades at our elementary/middle school including new windows, doors, locker rooms, and bathrooms. With future bond funds, CMS will continue to upgrade our facilities, focusing on school safety and creating modern, welcoming learning environments that support student success for years to come. These projects protect the taxpayers’ investment in our buildings and assure school facilities are safe, functional places for teaching and learning. Cloudcroft students need your support! Vote by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, 2025.

As a reminder, the Cloudcroft Board of Education will hold their September regular meeting on September 16, 2025, at the Weed Baptist Church. Please join us.