Seven Las Cruces schools celebrate traditional designation success
NM Public Education Department recognizes academic progress and community collaboration across LCPS campuses
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces Public Schools recently announced that seven of its schools have successfully achieved Traditional designation as determined by the New Mexico Public Education Department. Earlier this week, representatives from NM PED visited these schools to celebrate their achievements and present them with commemorative banners, symbolizing their dedication and progress.
The schools include East Picacho Elementary, Lynn Community Middle, Mesa Middle, Picacho Middle, Sierra Middle, Sunrise Elementary and Vista Middle School. All were designated as ATSI schools (Additional Targeted Support and Improvement) during the 2022-23 school year. For the 2023-24 school year, each of the schools received a Traditional designation.
School designations are part of NM PED’s accountability system, which aims to recognize excellence and provide targeted support where needed. The designations include:
- Spotlight: Highest recognition for schools ranking among the top 75%.
- Traditional: Schools in good standing without designation.
- Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI): For schools with consistently underperforming student groups.
- Additional Targeted Support & Improvement (ATSI): For schools needing support with one or more of the lowest-performing student groups.
- Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI): For schools in the bottom 5% of Title I schools or with graduation rates below 67%.
- More Rigorous Interventions (MRI): For schools not exiting CSI status after three years of support.
Schools are evaluated using a point system which considers several factors. These include achievement in math, reading and science assessments, as well as growth in math and reading performance over time. Student attendance rates and progress towards English language proficiency for English learners are also assessed. For high schools, additional metrics are included, such as post-secondary readiness, graduation rates and growth in graduation rates.
LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz commended the hard work of students, staff and families.
“This accomplishment reflects the collaboration, determination and resilience within our school community," Ruiz said. "Together, we are creating an environment where every student can thrive.”
In a news release, the district expressed its gratitude to the NM PED for the agency's ongoing support and to "all stakeholders who contributed to these schools’ success. This achievement is a testament to the district’s commitment to academic excellence and student growth," the release stated.
For more information, please contact the LCPS Communications Office at 575-527-5811 or email commsteam@lcps.net.