APS Community Newsletter - November

November is a time to pause and reflect on the many reasons we’re grateful—and in Alamogordo Public Schools, there’s so much to celebrate. From family Thanksgiving lunches, Veterans Day programs, and classroom celebrations, to the daily moments of connection that make our schools feel like home, this month reminds us how important it is to be present for one another. Our Be Here theme, “Thankful to Be Here,” encourages students and families to show gratitude by showing up—because every day together helps our students learn, grow, and thrive. As we head into the holiday season, we’re especially thankful for our dedicated staff, engaged families, supportive community, and the incredible students who make our schools shine. ✨

Alamogordo Public Schools (APS) is proud to announce that Alamogordo High School (AHS) senior Jayson Coleman has been named a Semifinalist in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. This recognition places Coleman among the nation's academic elite, representing less than one percent of the 1.3 million juniors who entered the competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Coleman is one of more than 16,000 academically talented high school seniors nationwide who have earned the opportunity to compete for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million. To advance to the Finalist level of the competition, Jayson and an AHS official must submit a detailed application highlighting his outstanding academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, and an essay.

"I was pretty excited when I found out, and I'm eager to continue the process to become a Finalist," said Jayson Coleman. "Earning a scholarship will be key to pursuing my goal of studying computer science. I'm thankful for all my teachers who have helped me along the way."

Coleman, an Alamogordo resident since kindergarten, excels particularly in mathematics, his favorite subject, and is highly active in the local robotics community as a member of the ASTRO Vikings team. He credits consistent hard work and paying attention in class, along with utilizing free online resources for test preparation, as key factors in his success.

AHS Principal, April Shay, shared, “Jayson is set to finish high school at the top of his class with a substantial amount of college credits, and I feel this quote by Thomas Jefferson represents him. ‘I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.’ Jayson likes to learn for the sake of learning; he devours knowledge!”

“Over the past three years, as both his teacher and robotics coach, I have been consistently impressed by Jayson Coleman’s intellectual curiosity, perseverance, quiet determination, and leadership. He combines analytical precision with creativity, approaching every challenge, whether in the classroom or on the robotics field, with integrity and purpose. Jayson embodies what it means to be a FIRST robotics student, understanding that Gracious Professionalism is more than a core value; it is a lifestyle. 1 His recognition as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist is a reflection of his passion for learning and commitment to excellence,” shared Dr. Sarah Cerra.

As Jayson Coleman continues his senior year, he represents the pinnacle of academic achievement at Alamogordo High School. With approximately 95 percent of Semifinalists expected to reach the Finalist level, the entire AHS community eagerly anticipates the final results. National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced nationwide in spring 2026.

The next School Board Meeting will be on Wednesday, November 19th, at 6 pm

Find more information on our website.

Dear APS Families,

We know that many families in our community are feeling the impact of the federal government shutdown. Alamogordo is home to a large number of federally connected families, including those serving and working at Holloman Air Force Base, and we understand that furloughs and delayed paychecks can cause significant stress.

Alamogordo Public Schools cares deeply about our students, families, and community, and we want to ensure that everyone has access to the support and resources they need during this time.

Here are some of the resources available to help:

• APS Mobile Food Pantry: Our next Mobile Food Pantry will be held on Wednesday, November 5th, at 2:30 pm at the Riner Steinhoff Soccer Complex on First Street. It is open to all APS families. (First Wednesday of each month)

• Tiger Care Center: The Tiger Care Center provides hygiene items, clothing, and emergency food support assistance to students who qualify. For families who may not meet the qualifications, our staff can help connect you with other local resources.

• Otero County Resource Guide: View the full list of Otero County Resources ➜ https://5il.co/2qtcu

• Otero County Food Pantries & Community Meals: Find local food pantries and meal locations ➜ https://5il.co/2qtct

If your family is in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor, principal, or the H.O.P.E. Team at hope@alamogordoschools.org or 575-430-0191. They can help connect you directly to the support available through APS or through our community partners. Learn more about H.O.P.E. and available community resources on our website at: https://www.alamogordoschools.org/page/hope

We are grateful for the strength, compassion, and resilience that make our Alamogordo community so special. We’re all in this together, and help is available if you need it.

Our Guiding Principles are Alamogordo Public Schools' updated Vision and Mission.

Vision

All are empowered to lead with heart and learn with purpose to thrive as lifelong learners.

Mission

Our mission is to foster engagement, exploration, and discovery through exceptional educational experiences for all.

The Learner Profile, shaped by students, parents, teachers, and community input, highlights the skills all APS students will have when they graduate. They include being a Skilled Communicator, Resilient Achiever, Innovative Thinkers, Self-Aware Learner, and Global Citizen.

Learn more about the Framework for the Future and the Instructional Roadmap that guides this work as it is implemented throughout our schools.

Watch the Framework to the Future Introduction Video!

Alamogordo Public Schools is excited to welcome you back to our campuses for Thanksgiving Lunch with your student! We can’t wait to celebrate this special time together with great food and even better company.

Here’s what’s on the menu:
Turkey, roll, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin squares — yum!

Thanksgiving Lunch Dates:

• High School: Wednesday, November 19
• Middle Schools: Thursday, November 20
• Elementary & PreK: Friday, November 21

Please check your student’s schedule for their special lunch times.

RSVP & Tickets
To help us prepare and create a smooth entry to the school, please complete your Raptor RSVP online using the link below:
Thanksgiving Lunch RSVPs

After submitting your RSVP, you’ll receive additional details and a link to purchase your meal tickets.

• Adult meal cost: $7
• Non-school age siblings, age five and under - Free
• Please ensure the names on each meal ticket match those on your RSVP.

Raptor Reminder:
If your physical ID has not yet been scanned through the Raptor system at any APS school or district office, please complete this step before the event so your badge can be printed in advance. Keeping our schools safe is always our top priority.

RSVPs and tickets are available through Thursday, November 13 — don’t delay, sign up today!

If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school or call Let’s Talk! at 575-812-8573.

We can’t wait to see you for a delicious and festive Thanksgiving celebration!

2025 Thanksgiving Lunch Flyer

This month, we are accepting toiletry donations to help families in the APS community!

We're collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, lotions, and many more items!

Donations can be dropped off at any Alamogordo Public Schools site, at the APS Administrative Building (1211 Hawaii Ave), or at the HUB (805 12th St.)

Donations will be distributed to displaced students & families in need throughout the holiday season.

For more information on how you can help, please contact Family Engagement Coordinator, Monica Steeby at (575) 430-8177 or Monica.Steeby@alamogordoschools.org

Find the athletics calendar of events and printable schedules on the APS website.

Need Tickets? All sports Season Passes are available now! Your one-time purchase will give you access to all sports at all levels all year long, or you can purchase individual game tickets on our website or through the Hometown Tickets app.

Don't forget, there is Free admission to all regular season sporting events for APS staff, APS students, and children five and under!

November’s Be Here Alamo campaign, “Thankful to Be Here,” focuses on gratitude, connection, and showing appreciation for the power of showing up — every day, in every way. This theme ties beautifully to the values in our Framework for the Future and Learner Profile Outcomes, reminding students that being present helps them grow as learners and as people.

Below you’ll find a themed coloring page/placemat, and the student absence tracker. Additional tools and information are always available on our Attendance Matters webpage.

https://www.alamogordoschools.org/page/attendance

The Alamogordo Public Schools Chatbot is available 24/7 to answer frequently asked questions. Start chatting now to get your questions answered. You can also call or text Let's Talk! during regular business hours at 575-812-8573.