SW New Mexico News

Las Cruces Public Schools announced that seven of its schools have been awarded the Traditional designation by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED). Representatives from NM PED visited the schools earlier this week to commemorate their achievement and presented them with banners as a symbol of their progress.

The schools that achieved this designation are East Picacho Elementary, Lynn Community Middle, Mesa Middle, Picacho Middle, Sierra Middle, Sunrise Elementary, and Vista Middle School. These schools were previously classified as Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) during the 2022-2023 school year but improved to receive a Traditional designation for 2023-2024.

The designations are part of NM PED’s accountability system which recognizes excellence and identifies areas needing support. The categories include Spotlight for top-performing schools, Traditional for those in good standing, Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI), ATSI for underperforming groups, Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI) for lower-performing Title I schools or low graduation rates, and More Rigorous Interventions (MRI) for prolonged CSI status.

Schools are evaluated on a point system assessing achievements in math, reading, science assessments, growth over time in these subjects, student attendance rates, English language proficiency progress for English learners, post-secondary readiness indicators at high schools such as graduation rates and growth.

LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz praised the community's effort: “This accomplishment reflects the collaboration, determination and resilience within our school community. Together, we are creating an environment where every student can thrive,” he said.

LCPS expressed gratitude towards NM PED for their support and acknowledged all stakeholders contributing to this success. This achievement underscores the district's commitment to academic excellence and fostering student growth.

For further details contact LCPS Communications Office at (575) 527-5811 or via email commsteam@lcps.net.