APS Community Newsletter - August

A new school year is here, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome our students, families, and staff back to Alamogordo Public Schools! Throughout the summer, dedicated employees across our district worked tirelessly to prepare our campuses, classrooms, buses, technology, and facilities to ensure an outstanding start to the year. From completing important maintenance and campus improvements to planning engaging learning experiences, every effort has been focused on creating safe, welcoming schools where students can thrive.

As we kick off the 2026–2027 school year, this newsletter is filled with important back-to-school information, including open houses, school supply lists, our new Rooms communication platform, Parent University resources, and much more. We're also celebrating the success of our annual Back-to-School Block Party, recognizing an outstanding teacher, and highlighting the many people who helped make this exciting new beginning possible. Together, let's make this a year filled with learning, growth, and endless opportunities!

Thank you so much to all the staff, community supporters, donors, food trucks, families, and students who came out for the 5th Annual Back to School Block Party! It was a great event with so many resources, information, and FUN! We appreciate you braving the weather, and we hope everyone had a blast!

For families who were not able to pick up supplies because the event ended early, our commitment to supporting you continues. If your student still needs basic school supplies to start the school year, please contact the APS H.O.P.E. Team. They will work with families to determine available resources and assist as supplies allow.

(575) 430-0191

HOPE@alamogordoschools.org

Please leave a voicemail if they are assisting other families and aren't able to answer, and they will return your call as soon as possible.

Thank you to our families for your understanding as we made the difficult decision to end the event early for everyone's safety. We appreciate your patience and wish all of our students a wonderful start to the new school year!

Congratulations to one of our Career & Technical Education teachers, Ms. Misty Ferguson, on receiving the 2026 Educator Award from Nusenda Credit Union.

Ms. Ferguson was recognized for her dedication to equipping students with the financial literacy skills they need for success beyond the classroom. By creating engaging, real-world learning experiences, she empowers students to make informed financial decisions while building confidence in budgeting, saving, managing credit, and planning for their future. As part of the recognition, Ms. Ferguson received a $5,000 classroom award to support and enhance learning opportunities for her students. Congratulations on this well-deserved award!

As students and staff prepare to head back to school, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our custodians. All summer long, they have been hard at work deep-cleaning classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, gyms, and every corner of our campuses to make sure our schools are clean, safe, and ready to welcome everyone back. Thank you to our amazing custodial team for your dedication, hard work, and the pride you take in preparing our schools for a successful new school year. We appreciate everything you do!

Our APS Facilities team and contractors have been busy throughout the summer completing improvement projects across the district to get our campuses ready for the first day of school.

From upgrading Career & Technical Education classrooms and replacing kitchen equipment to enhancing playgrounds and completing maintenance and improvement projects, their work helps create safe, welcoming, and inspiring spaces for our students and staff. A huge thank you to our APS Facilities team and dedicated contractors for their hard work and commitment to preparing our schools for a successful school year!

The next School Board Meeting will be on Wednesday, August 19, at 6 PM

Find more information on our website.

We’re excited to share that Alamogordo Public Schools is launching Rooms, a new way for families to connect directly with their child’s teachers, coaches, and school staff, all within the existing APS app. Starting in the 26/27 school year, Rooms will become the go-to place for classroom updates, one-on-one conversations, and group messages. This allows us to provide you with one secure place to stay informed and connected with Alamogordo Public Schools.

Say hello to even more in the APS App
▪️Receive instant notifications of new messages even if you haven't downloaded the district app.
▪️Get one unified hub. All school and district communication, updates, and alerts are conveniently located in one single app and web experience, with one single login.
▪️Read updates in your preferred language. All messages, announcements, and updates can be translated to your preferred language.
▪️Message staff in one click. Easily connect with teachers, coaches, counselors, and more, and see all of your messages in one inbox.

Invite emails have been sent to families so they can create a password for their account. Families will automatically start receiving messages once teachers and coaches create 'Rooms' for the 26/27 school year, even if they have not downloaded the app or created their password yet. Parents/guardians will be able to view and respond to messages right from their mobile phone, through the APS app or mobile web. Watch the video below to learn more or visit our website: https://www.alamogordoschools.org/page/aps-has-an-app-for-that

*Please note, if your student is new to the district, you may not have received an invite to create an account. Additional invites will be sent out soon.

Introducing Parent University: Partners in the Journey!

We're excited to launch a new parent involvement initiative designed to help APS families better understand our schools, district programs, and the many resources available to support student success. Join us on Thursday, September 17 at 5 p.m. at the HUB located at 805 12th St. for our APS 101- Understanding Our School Session.

Learn how to navigate the essential tools every APS family uses, including:

• PowerSchool Parent Portal

• District Communications - "Rooms"

• School Websites and Mobile App

• Student Access to Technology

• Best ways to stay informed throughout the school year

Learn more at: https://www.alamogordoschools.org/o/aps/page/parent-university

Save the date for our APS Open Houses.

Students will have the opportunity to meet their teacher, see the other students who will be in their class, and explore their new classroom & school! Principals & other staff will be on-site to greet you and answer questions. Swing by and meet your all-star team!

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 our APS Call Center during regular business hours at 575-812-8573.