DHS MESA Team posing with their prototype, Interactive Community Playground Powered by Renewable Resources

Photo from left to right: Mr. Valdes, Crystal Galarza, Julisa Echavarria, Xavier Lozano, Nathaniel Barron, Gisselle Reyes, Addison Schulke, Alexia Echavarria, Ayshleen Lopez, Sebastien Lescombes, and Mr. Belen

Not in the picture: Daniel Mosier

More than 400 high school students from 41 schools across New Mexico gathered at the University of New Mexico Student Union Building Saturday, January 20, 2024, to present their projects at the annual New Mexico Governor’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Challenge.

The New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge is a unique partnership between the public and private sectors that fosters the next generation of STEM leaders and innovators from our state. Started in 2019 by then-Secretary Bill McCamley of the Department of Workforce Solutions, the Challenge was created to be both a competition and a collaboration between students, schools, government, business, and industry. These participants have been brought together by the LANL Foundation, which has overseen the Challenge since its inception( https://newmexicostem.org/ ). It recognizes achievement and develops potential in New Mexico's diverse student population by exploring how STEM careers can address local, state, and global challenges.

Deming High School (DHS) MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement) team were excited to compete and presented their prototype to judges from the following companies: Chevron, Exxon Mobil, El Paso Electric, PNM, Pattern Energy, and Meta (formerly Facebook and Instagram). DHS MESA students presented a five-minute elevator pitch for their project, Interactive Community Playground Powered by Renewable Energy, and how they answered this year’s challenge question: “Now that we live in a post-pandemic world, how can we improve overall mental, physical, or relational health and wellness in our homes, schools, and communities through the use of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)?

The DHS MESA team came up with a project that would benefit not only Deming High School, but the entire community of Deming. The student’s project was focused on building an interactive community playground integrated with various fully functional mini games that were embedded in solar tables powered by renewable energy (wind and solar energy). The project blended entertainment with education and hosted an array of engaging activities where families can play, interact, and learn about energy conservation in a fun and immersive setting.

Using the microprocessor, Arduino, and C++ programming, the team designed different interactive games that children can play while visiting the playground. The prototype games included digital dice for board games, whack-a-mole, and a coin counter game. The prototype also included an auto-watering system for park landscape, rainwater catchment, and water filtration system for an interactive garden. Weather data monitoring system and smart benches were also integrated in the proposed park. Students were given training by their coaches, Mr. Reynaldo Belen and Mr. John Bernard Valdes, on basic circuits and basic C++ programming to familiarize themselves with how microprocessors are designed and programmed to work.

During the announcement of winners, the Governor’s STEM Challenge committee asked each sponsor to introduce themselves, give a brief background of their company, and a short explanation on why they picked the specific school to recognize and sponsor. Deming High School MESA’s interactive community playground was recognized and selected by Meta. Meta explained that they had chosen Deming High School’s project because it aligned with their mission and vision “to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together” especially during this post-pandemic era. Apart from recognition, a reward for participating in the challenge, up to a total of $5,000 ($500 per student), is awarded to the winning teams.

“Most importantly, NM Governor’s STEM Challenge helped our students develop skills like teamwork, problem-solving, innovation, STEM development, communication skills, and students experienced breakthrough technologies.” said Mr. Reynaldo Belen, MESA coach “On behalf of Deming High School MESA team, we would like to extend our sincerest thank you to Deming Public Schools, Deming High School teachers and administration, and Deming Public Schools Activity/Athletic Office director and staff for their unwavering support to our program and students.”

In between their presentation while waiting for their judges, the local TV News, KOB 5, interviewed Deming High School MESA Team and was featured later that day (https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/new-mexico-high-schoolers-present-projects-at-annual-stem-challenge/).

Photo with representatives from Meta after announcing their recognition and sponsorship.

Back: Gisselle Reyes, Alexia Echavarria, Crystal Galarza, Julisa Echavarria, Addison Schulke, and Ayshleen Lopez

Front: Meta rep, Ms. Ramirez, Mr. Valdes, Mr. Belen, Nathaniel Barron, Xavier Lozano, Sebastien Lescombes, Meta rep, and Meta rep

Not in the picture: Daniel Mosier

Project/Proposal: EcoPlay: A STEM Project that Integrates Engineering, Environmental Science, and Technology to Create an Interactive Community Playground Powered by Renewable Energy

Deming High School MESA Team:

1. Addison Schulke (10)
2. Alexia Echavarria (10)
3. Ayshleen Lopez (11)
4. Crystal Galarza (10)
5. Gisselle Reyes (10)
6. Julisa Echavarria (10)
7. Daniel Mosier (10)
8. Nathaniel Barron (10)
9. Sebastien Lescombes (12)
10. Xavier Lozano (10)

DHS MESA Advisors/Coaches:

Mr. Reynaldo Belen and Mr. John Bernard Valdes

Project Google Site:

https://sites.google.com/view/dhsnmchallenge2024/home

Congratulations to all the students that competed at the District Spelling Bee today. Our District Spelling Bee Champion was awarded to Diego Quintana from Red Mountain Middle School and Runner-Up was awarded to Georgis Khammoo from Chaparral Elementary Deming.

School Valentine's Day Deliveries:

• Bataan Elementary will be accepting deliveries between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 14. All deliveries must include students first and last name, and their teacher's name.

• Bell Elementary will be accepting deliveries until 2:30 pm on Wednesday, February 14. All deliveries must include students first and last name, and their teacher's name.

• Chaparral Elementary will be accepting deliveries from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm on Wednesday, February 14. All deliveries must include students first and last name, and their teacher's name. Students with large items and balloons will not be allowed on the bus and will need to be picked up at 3:00 pm.

• Columbus Elementary will be accepting deliveries between 8:00 am and 1:30 pm on Wednesday, February 14. All deliveries must include students first and last name, and their teacher's name.

• Memorial Elementary will be accepting deliveries between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm on Wednesday, February 14. All packages should be clearly labeled with the first and last name of the student and the name of the teacher. Parents, please only send smaller items that your student can carry independently.

• My Little School will be accepting deliveries between 9:00 am and 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 14. All deliveries must include the students' first and last name, and their teacher's name.

• Ruben S. Torres Elementary will be accepting deliveries between 9:00 am and 1:45 pm on Wednesday, February 14. Items must have student's name, grade, and teachers name on it. Students with large items and balloons will not be allowed on the bus and will need to be picked up at 3:00 pm.

• Deming Intermediate School will be accepting deliveries between 8:30 am and 1:30 pm on Wednesday, February 14. First name and last name must be written on the front of the card.

• Red Mountain Middle School will be accepting deliveries between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 14. First name, middle initial, last name, and grade must be written on the front of the card.

• Deming High School and Mimbres Valley High School will be accepting deliveries between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm at the Hofacket Campus Gym on Wednesday, February 14. First name, middle initial, last name, and grade must be written on the front of the card. All gifts must be ready for delivery upon arrival at school.

• Early College High School will be accepting deliveries at 720 W. Buckeye St. until 3:00 pm on Wednesday, February 14. All items will be held at the Front Desk until end of day.

If you have any questions, please contact your school for more information.

Deming Public Schools is currently working on the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2025(FY25). Your input is important to us. Please click the link below to provide input on the district budget. The survey will close on Thursday, February 29 at 4:30 p.m. The results will be presented at an open meeting once the survey is closed.

https://forms.office.com/r/3cxeQ9bhxj

Students in Ms. Moncada’s Kindergarten Class celebrated the 100th day of school at Bell Elementary.

Columbus Spanish Spelling Bee Winners

1st Place Aquiles Sandoval

2nd Place Galilea Pacheco

3rd Place Mario Guerrero

4th Place Sebastian Renteria

5th Place Janeth Grado

Sponsors: Mrs. Venzor and Mrs. Loya

Our kindergarten students celebrating being 100 days smarter.

We are proud of our Spanish spelling bee contestants. Congratulations to America Palacios! She is our winner. 2nd: Johana Cerda Gonzales, 3rd: Arturo Almanza, and 4th: Zuria Rincon.

RST's "Word of the Month" for January is Kindness. RST Elementary kicked off the 2nd semester by taking part in the 13th annual Great Kindness Challenge January 22-January 26, 2024. Students were given their checklist to complete, and we also had a Kindness Spirit Week.

5th graders practicing the Life Skill of the week (Listening) and doing a Write it/Do It lesson

DIS congratulates the winners of our Spanish Spelling Bee.

1st Place - Evelyn Favila

2nd Place - Alexandra Ibarra

3rd Place - Camila Vazquez

4th Place - Montserrat Marinelarena

5th Place - Yahir Avitia

In Ms. Lucas' 6th grade science class, students observed and sketched fossils from a variety of geologic eras as they learned about the Earth's history and how paleontologists use fossil records.

DIS congratulates the winners of our Spelling Bee.

Left to right:

Avani Nieves, Zoe Sanchez, Darius Baldonado, Isabella Newberry, Melani Soto

Wednesday evening, Dec. 13th, students shared their projects from their 8th grade ELA classes. Families and DPS staff came out to see the students’ hard work and learn their perspective on topics of their choosing for research.

It was a good night to see a snap shot of the amazing things our students accomplish in their classes.

On Dec. 1st a special Attendance Challenge was issued and students who attended school would be entered in a chance to win a set of wireless earbuds. The following students won the drawing (see picture of winners):

Kenya Lozano

Viana Perez Lara

Aron Molina Erives

Gabrielle Holguin

Areli Estrada

Jose Escobar Majalca

Kash Albrecht

Gloria Mendoza

Walter Ortega*Not pictured

Edgar Duran*Not Pictured

The Attendance Challenge is part of promoting regular attendance by students. The biggest contribution to a student’s success in receiving their education is being present for lessons and activities that will help them grow and learn. We encourage all our students to come regularly so they don’t miss out on getting a quality learning experience that their teachers work so hard to provide for them.

On Dec. 15th students who earned straight As or As+Bs during the fall semester were awarded with a certificate and medal for their achievements. We want to provide special recognition to them and all their hard work. Congratulations Wildcats!

Straight A Honor Roll Recipients:

Andrea Garcia, Diego Quintana, Jaime Solis, Nohemi Gavirio, Adylenne Enriquez, Areli Estrada, Angela Wardi, Chelsea Aguilera, Persayus Griffin, Lluvia Herrera, Keyra Sedillo, Zakary Ausmus, Antonio Valenzuela, Jeremiah Hernandez, Joshua Arenibas, Angelina Wardi, Shams Harb, Jasmin Salinas, Fernanda Gonzalez, Sedra Stefan, Madison Stevens, Jasmine Pena, Christian Twiddy, Ali Westenhofer, Jessica Toma, Ana Fierro, Henry Gutierrez, Genesis Gutierrez, Leslie Ruiz, Yeraldy Osorio, Evangelina Palomarez-Escalante, Elijiah Wyman, Samantha Garcia, Cristalynn Talbot, Alexandria Coulter, Melanie Figueroa, Brian Sepulveda, Kara Fetrow, Gema Sanchez, Jeremiah Contreras, Ronald Milo, Frank Lozano, Alan Rascon, Estela Sandoval, Kolette Cardoza, Almarae Schultz, Abigail Cordova, Jivana Lopez, Isaac Meza, Lillyanna Lemasters, Charlize Pacheco, Anthony Gentile, Julie Silva, Nathan Parrel, Jacob Mendoza, William Hofacket, Marcus Garcia, Ezra Baeza, Isabella Giron, William Bingham, Darnell Carreon, Eglaim Maciel

A+B Honor Roll Recipients:

Jose Chavez, Yuliana Ramirez, Delanie Amaya, Isha Holguin, Alex Arrey, Leilani Sera, Joeni Salinas, Izabel Pacheco, Jorge Enriquez, Brayden Lane, Azul Nevarez, Violet Salas, Maiyah Molina, Dayami Gonzalez, Jaydyn Ornelas, Genesys Rivera, Leah Flores, Jonathan Calderon, Ariana Corral, Robert Sweetser, Jose Nevarez, Nevaeh Rudolf, Samantha Ramirez, Cristian Mendoza, Jayde Olivas, Fernando Aragon Zamora, Tasnim Alshamali, Xena Sanchez, Diego Escareno, Jacob Sanchez, Aixsa Alvarado, Athziri Blanco, Vianey Hernandez, Daniella Lopez, Ariadne Baca, Gustavo Gamez, Ximena Vazquez, Julieta Carrillo, Adriana Chavira, Lucio Caballero, Emireth Zuniga, Hailey Castro, Camila Duran, Aiza Chairez, Samantha Castro, Yaretzi Maldonado, Judy Reyes, Jackelyn Soto, Adriana Soto, Alejandra Bravo, Kolter Clayton, Dayleen Mesa, Sebastian Chacon, Pedro Ramirez, Lisset Milo, Ulises Nunez, Maite Barraza, Anastacia Rodriguez, Yailin Mejia, Nathan Scofield, Oscar Rodriguez, Juan Cereceres, Alan Jimenez, Anahi Chavez, Miguel Amaya, Destiny Hildago, Luz Ramirez, Jasmine Juarez, Jayden Metz, Allison Hermosillo, Kristina Valdez, Luis Martinez, Leander Garcia, Yannei Salinas, Jayla Alvarez, Aden Narvaez, Kendahl Bingham, Michael Richmond, Hector Robles, Karen Cardoza, Megan Loredo, Nadia Parra, Angel Moreno, Aaliyah Carrillo, Brianna Ortega, Noah Grado, Serenity Martinez, Anthony Franco, Ryan Baez, Angelique Leon, Zoe Jaquez, Allisson Reyes, Jakob O'Toole, Victor Munoz, Hadasa Hernandez, Abigail Saenz, Adrian Proano, Gabriela Sanchez, Darren Westbrook, Delilah Barron, Damian Hernandez, Jorge Zavala, Valentin Solis, Jasper McGinnis, Joseph Morse, Gabriel Lozano, Pierson DeLaney, Daxton Schulke, David Castro, Anayeli Alonzo, Cristian Corral, Micah Guevara, Cheyenne Fetrow, Jose Ramirez, Harmony Morales, Ethan Avila, Santiago Soto, Adrian Quintana, Scarlett Tijerina, Sajad Khalaf, Ella Baca, Nathaniel Ponce, Isai Saenz Salomon, Pablo Covarrubias, Cristian Corral

On Dec. 5th, the Red Mountain Middle School Reading and Writing Committee hosted a literacy event. The evening’s theme centered around folklore of different cultures.

Families that came were able to create their own origin story books, have fun with MadLibs that re-wrote favorite folktales, as well as had stories from different cultures and time periods read to them. As they left for the night families were gifted a free bag of books to bring the joy of reading home with them.

Assisting the committee was our school's Jr. Honor Society. The students guided little ones and their parents through the activities and gave voice to the stories being read.

The following students (see images) received positive recognition for their outstanding citizenship qualities at RMMS.

On Dec. 13th, thirty-seven students competed to be one of the top five spellers in the Spanish language. Spelling words in front of a panel of judges until the very end, the following are this year’s winners for the school based National Spanish Spelling Bee:

1st Place: Andrea Garcia, 8th (center)

2nd Place: Cristofer Lopez, 7th (center left)

3rd Place: Jorge Zavala, 8th (center right—requested not to have his face shown)

4th Place: Aylin Hermosillo, 8th (left)

5th Place: Diana Torres, 7th (right)

Special thanks to Ricardo Medrano, Cynthia Vega, and Alexis Marquez for helping by being judges or the official word reader. We also want to thank, Raquel Calles who is an ESL teacher and the Spanish Spelling Bee coordinator for the school.

The top five students will go on to compete at the district level, the date and time to be released later. We are so proud of all our Wildcats who competed and wish the best of luck to the top five winners as they move on to advance in the National Spanish Spelling Bee.

Deming High School student and MESA member, Aarlet Hermosillo, was selected as one of the senior students across New Mexico to participate and represent Southwest MESA region and DHS MESA in 2024 MESA's Incentive Field-trip on April 2-5, 2024, at Charleston, South Carolina. Highlights of the trip include visits to South Carolina's various ecosystem. Congaree National Park, the University of South Carolina, Cultural and Industry areas, and many MORE!

In addition, she was also selected to visit the Roundhouse (NM State Capitol) in Santa Fe to attend the New Mexico MESA Legislative Field-trip: STEM Day Press Conference at the Legislature.

Congratulations Aarlet!!

Softball Field upgrades have been completed!

Early College High School will be accepting 60 ninth-grade students for the 2024-2025 school year. The Early College High School was created by Deming Public Schools to provide a challenging academic program in a smaller setting. Students complete their core high school required credits during the first two years and then take college classes for the remaining two years. The goal is to graduate with a head start on college and an Associate degree.

The application process is open to any student who exhibits a sincere interest in academics and is willing to work hard to meet the demanding expectations. Free DPS busing and meals are provided as part of the school. Early college students can still enjoy the high school related activities and social experiences such as school sponsored dances, clubs, extra-curricular programs, sports, and so much more.

Early College High School is graduating its third cohort of students but has already seen great student achievement being ranked in the top ten percent of all New Mexico schools with a “School of Excellence” designation.

Applications to The Early College High School will need to be submitted by Monday, April 15, 2024. Applications can be found at http://echs.demingps.org or by contacting the school at (575) 543-1643. A parent informational meeting will be held at the school, 720 W Buckeye St on Wednesday, March 20, at 5:30 pm. This meeting is for parents and students who want more information about enrolling in The Early College High School for the Fall 2024 school year.

“Please come join us at the meeting and learn more about how The Early College High School Experience can help you prepare for your future!” expressed Bryan Simpson, Principal, Early College High School.

The Leopold Writing Program invites New Mexico students in grades 6–12 to submit original essays for their 2024 writing contest. Students respond to a carefully crafted and thought-provoking prompt, inspired by the writings of Aldo Leopold. Students are encouraged to delve into Leopold‘s philosophies of a land ethic, especially as set forth in A Sand County Almanac.

Cash prizes will be awarded to winning essayists and honorable mentions. For complete instructions and the contest entry form, visit the Aldo Leopold Student Writing Contest webpage.

Submissions are accepted through Feb. 15, 2024.

For questions, contact Nina Simon.

Program Overview

1. Recipient must be an active member or of the immediate family of an active member of Columbus Electric Cooperative, Inc.
2. First time applicants must complete the required Scholarship Application Form and present three letters of recommendation attesting to the character and capability of the applicant. These letters may be from guidance counselors, principals, superintendents, teachers, business leaders, employers or others.
3. The application must be submitted to Columbus Electric Cooperative, Inc., 900 N. Gold Ave./P.O. Box 631, Deming, New Mexico 88031, by March 4, 2024.
4. The grant shall be in the amount of $2,000 per year ($1,000.00 per student per semester). The number of grants issued each year will be determined by the Trustees.
5. Academic accomplishments, character and need will be the determining factors in selecting the persons to receive these education grants.
6. Should the student be selected for the grant, the grant will be made available upon proof of registration for the first semester. Upon completion of the first semester, a statement will be required from the institution certifying the applicant is considered by the Registrar to be a regular full-time student in good standing with a grade point average of at least 2.5, using a 4.0 grading system. Upon receipt of this statement and proof of enrollment for the second semester, the grant will be issued to the student.
7. The maximum any student can receive is four grants for eight semesters. Should a student be awarded a grant and wish to reapply for the next school year, the statement of certification as specified in paragraph (6) of this schedule, proof of enrollment for the following semester and an Application for Scholarship Renewal Form must be received by the Trust prior to the due dates specified in paragraph (3).

Applications will be accepted from December 1, 2023 through March 4, 2024

Distinguished Young Women of New Mexico (DYW of New Mexico) is an organization that showcases young ladies and inspires them to develop their full, individual potential and affords them an opportunity to earn college scholarships and provides a Life Skills program to prepare them for their life after high school. It strives to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future!

We are currently recruiting high school girls from the graduating Class of 2025 and beyond. Please feel free to share this information with young women in their JUNIOR year of high school. They can visit us at http://nm.distinguishedyw.org to apply to our free program. Deadline for applications from the Class of 2025 is July 31, 2024. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Dora Jasso, DYW of New Mexico State Chair at (575) 644-4514 or email her at newmexico@distinguishedyw.org.

Your CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys. In 2023, we are honored to have awarded roughly $148,000 in scholarships!

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

With a wide range of categories, your CFSNM offers scholarships for everyone including, but not limited to:

• Healthcare
• Volunteerism
• CTE, Trade, Vocational
• LGBTQIA+
• Students with disabilities
• In-state and out-of-state
• All degree paths for undergraduate to post-grad
• Students returning to school
• African American, Indigenous, Hispanic (BiPOC)

Deadline to apply: March 17, 2024

Apply for a Scholarship Here

The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of New Mexico is offering a $1,620 scholarship for individuals who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary vocational school, community college, college, or university.

More information about qualifications and criteria for the 1620 Annual Scholarship is available on their organization website: 1620 Scholarship Application.

Application postmarked due date: March 2.