This week, students from Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School in Manhattan, NYC, traded the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple for the serene beauty of the Land of Enchantment as they visited Las Cruces Public Schools. The trip was part of an annual junior trip that allows students to explore other cities and gain valuable insight into the meaningful work happening in education.
This year, the students focused on studying the importance of equity in public education and engaged in rich, thoughtful discussions about the ongoing efforts within Las Cruces Public Schools to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
Accompanying the group were Michel de Konkoly Thege, Special Assistant to Administration and High School Humanities Teacher at LREI, and Allison Isbell, Assistant Director at LREI.
LCPS Board President Pamela Cort warmly invited the NYC group to the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Administration Office. There, they gathered in the boardroom and had the unique opportunity to ask Dr. Roberto Lozano, Chief of Educational Equity and Support Programs, questions about the significant strides LCPS has made in creating a more equitable environment where every student feels welcome and supported.
Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz emphasized the importance of securing support not only from the federal government to fund essential programs but also from the state level to ensure the success of these initiatives.
The group was also invited to attend the LCPS Board of Education meeting, where they continued their learning about the critical role the Board plays in adopting policies that prioritize the health and well-being of students.
However, the most magical moment of the trip came when the NYC group was invited to visit community schools in Las Cruces. There, they witnessed firsthand the positive impact of services that support the diverse needs of students and their families.
MacArthur Principal Yuri Castillo enthusiastically welcomed the students and their advisors to her school, where they toured a range of health services from local community partners, such as La Clínica de Familia. Services are available to students on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with hours for students and staff from 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and community hours from 2:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MacArthur Community School Coordinator Tatiana Del Toro-Frank guided the group through the school, where they learned about the bi-weekly and monthly nonprofit food distribution partnerships with Roadrunner Food Bank, Casa de Peregrinos, and Brighter Bites. These partnerships provide rotating services that deliver fresh food and produce to not only students but their families as well.
The group also had the opportunity to engage in conversations with MacArthur students from various bilingual classes, who were eager to learn more about life in New York City. In return, the NYC group shared stories of their favorite places in Las Cruces, highlighting their love for the beautiful Organ Mountains and the delicious Mexican food at La Posta.
In the afternoon, students visited Mayfield High School, where Principal Eric Fraass welcomed the NYC group and introduced them to the ENLACE Club.
“The visit sparked powerful conversations about identity, education, and community,” said David Morales, ENLACE advisor. “Despite the thousands of miles between us, our students found common ground, shared experiences, and forged new friendships—proof that connection knows no borders, only open minds.”
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