
Courtesy of LCPS Federal Programs Department and Bilingual Education, Translation/Interpretation and Community Outreach (BETICO)
Las Cruces Public Schools successfully hosted its 4th Annual Back-to-School Summer Camp from July 14–18 at Loma Heights Elementary, welcoming students from programs designed to support some of the district’s most vulnerable populations. Eligible participants included students from the McKinney-Vento Homeless Program, American Indian Education Program, Migrant Education Program, as well as immigrant and asylum-seeking families.
The summer camp is designed to remove barriers and reduce anxiety associated with the return to school by providing both essential resources and meaningful experiences. The goal is to ensure every student begins the academic year prepared, confident, and supported, helping to combat issues like chronic absenteeism. Some of the resources provided to each student included a backpack full of school supplies, new shoes and a complete outfit, a lunch bag with reusable water bottle, age-appropriate books, a haircut courtesy of Olympian School of Cosmetology, an eye exam and glasses if needed, a dental exam, a vaccination review and a box of groceries from Roadrunner Food Bank.
Summer camp activities included many enriching activities throughout the week,
including:
-
A planetarium experience from the NMSU STEM Outreach team
-
NM Engage Discovery Boxes
-
Bike safety lessons and a guided ride with LCPS Safe Routes to School
-
A visit from local author Mike Hoskins
-
Reptile and amphibian petting zoo hosted by Shelby’s Critters
-
A visit from Ranger, an emotional support dog with the City of Las Cruces
-
Parks and Recreation activity rotations from the City of Las Cruces
-
Meals and treats from a food truck sponsored by Las Cruces First
“This camp is about more than school supplies,” said Carla Ragan, Executive Director of Federal Programs, “It’s about helping students feel seen, supported, and excited to return to school. When we remove the obstacles that can cause stress or anxiety, we empower students to thrive from day one.”
The LCPS Back-to-School Summer Camp continues to be a collaborative community effort, with local partners and volunteers playing a vital role in its success. For more information about the programs or how to get involved, please contact Carla Ragan, LCPS Executive Director of Federal Programs at (575)527-5870.
School starts for all LCPS students on Monday, July 28. Kinder, sixth and ninth grade students return on Friday, July 25 for Transition Day.
Comments