Weekly updates

I want to express my deepest gratitude for the warm welcome I have received as I step into the role of Principal at Tularosa Middle School. It is a true honor to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I am excited for the opportunity to serve this community and our students.

My career has been dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. I bring with me a strong background in school leadership, having served as Assistant Principal and as the Alternative Education Administrator for Las Cruces Public Schools. In those roles, I oversaw critical areas such as school safety, special education, athletics, testing coordination, and student support services. These experiences have prepared me to lead with vision, structure, and high expectations—qualities I believe are essential in helping students achieve their full potential.

As I begin this journey in Tularosa, my focus is clear: to create a school environment where every student feels safe, supported, and challenged to grow academically and personally. I am committed to building strong partnerships with families, staff, and the community to ensure that our students not only meet expectations but exceed them.

I am proud to join the Wildcat family and look forward to the incredible work we will do together. The future is bright for Tularosa Middle School, and I am honored to be part of it.

🎓This is our new daily schedule. We have transitioned from a 6-period day from last year to a 7-period day in order to better meet the needs of our students. This change allows us to provide more course offerings, balance class sizes, and ensure students receive the academic support and enrichment opportunities necessary for their success. The Rally Schedule will only be used on days when we have end-of-day activities, such as pep assemblies or reward events.

Next week also marks the kickoff of our athletic season! To celebrate, we will hold a pep rally on Monday, August 25th, at 3:00 PM to introduce our Volleyball and Football teams. Parents of players are invited to attend, though please note that space is limited to standing room only, as our bleachers will be reserved for our 6th–8th grade students.

On Thursday, August 28th, at 3:00 PM, we will hold our 2nd Annual Burning of the Zozobra (Tuli Style). Parents are welcome to join us for this tradition. Students will also have the opportunity to submit a “gloom thought” to burn. These forms will be sent home, and students should return them to their first-period advisory teacher.

Homecoming week is just around the corner — September 2nd–5th! Please see the flyer for information on dress-up days. Since there is no school on Monday, September 1st, we will have school on Friday, September 5th to make up for the holiday.

We are excited to celebrate school spirit, athletics, and traditions with our students and families. Thank you for your continued support in making Tularosa Middle School a place of pride and community!

As we begin the school year, our students are taking their Beginning of Year (BOY) assessments in reading and math. These assessments are not used for grades but are an important tool that helps us understand each student’s starting point. The data allows teachers to identify strengths, pinpoint areas for growth, and create targeted plans to ensure every child receives the support they need to succeed.

Our overall goal is for 100% of our students to show progress in both reading and math by the time we reach the End of Year (EOY) assessments. This growth mindset ensures that every student, no matter where they start, moves forward academically. We believe that with focused instruction, intervention when needed, and strong family support, this is a goal we can achieve together.

Thank you for encouraging your child to do their best on these assessments and for partnering with us in their academic journey. Together, we will make sure all Wildcats grow and succeed!

Our academic schedules are now finalized, and classes are set for the school year. At this point, any schedule changes will only be made on a case-by-case basis. These adjustments will occur only if there is a clear academic need or unique circumstance that requires a change.

This consistency is important because it allows students to settle into their routines, build strong relationships with their teachers and classmates, and remain focused on learning. Our staff has worked hard to ensure that classes are balanced and designed to give all students the best opportunity for success.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we keep academics at the center of everything we do at TMS.

At Tularosa Middle School, student safety is always our top priority. I want to take a moment to share a few important updates that are designed to keep our campus safe and running smoothly.

Student Hallway Flow
To ensure the safety of all students, we have established one-way traffic in the main hallway loop. This clear flow of movement helps reduce congestion, keeps students visible, and allows staff to supervise more effectively. By following these expectations, we are creating a safer, calmer, and more efficient environment for all Wildcats.

Locker Usage
This year, locker access is limited to before school, at lunch, and after school. This adjustment helps us reduce hallway congestion, maintain safety, and ensure students are in class on time and ready to learn. Lockers are for personal items such as lunch bags, practice gear, and cell phones. All academic items will remain in their backpacks.

Backpacks
Students are allowed to carry their backpacks with them throughout the day, with the exception of lunchtime when they should be stored in lockers. This policy ensures that students have their academic materials with them while also maintaining safe and organized common areas. So if they need it class, keep in it the bags!

Updated Fire Exits
We have also successfully updated our fire exit procedures. All students now exit the building in an orderly manner and gather in the same designated meeting area. This system ensures accountability for every student and allows us to transition quickly to a secondary route or full evacuation if necessary.

Emergency Drills
By state law, schools are required to practice a variety of emergency drills at the start of each year. These include fire drills, evacuation drills, and shelter-in-place drills. These drills are essential for teaching students how to respond quickly and calmly in case of an emergency. I am pleased to share that we have already successfully completed our required drills during the first two weeks of school and will continue to practice throughout the next couple of weeks and throughout the year to ensure that our students and staff remain safe and prepared at all times

Student Pick-Up and ID Requirement
To further strengthen accountability, we will soon be shifting to a new late arrival and student check-out system. Parents/guardians will be required to present a valid ID when picking up students. An iPad in the front office will guide you through a quick check-in/out process, asking simple questions and confirming your identification. This added layer is designed to ensure both safety and accuracy during student pick-ups.

Morning Drop-Off Procedures
For safety reasons, we ask that parents do not use the bus lane for student drop-off. Instead, please drop students off across the street at the Elementary School. Students will then safely cross using the crosswalk, where staff will be present to assist. This process helps keep both bus traffic and student pedestrians safe.

Student Handbook

Student handbook is currently under review and should be provided to students by the end of September.

These procedures may seem small, but together they create a safer, more structured environment for all Wildcats. Thank you everyone for your support!

Student Hallway Flow