Alamogordo NM
2-21-2025 4:26am

APS “Be Here Day” Deemed a Success

Across the country, more than 8 million students are missing so many days of school that they are academically at risk. Chronic absence — missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason—excused, unexcused absences and suspensions, can translate into third-graders unable to master reading, sixth-graders failing subjects and ninth-graders dropping out of high school

Alamogordo Public Schools (APS) has taken on the absentee challenge and this week announced that it is celebrating the success of Be Here Day, which held on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 as part of the district’s ongoing #BeHereAlamo initiative to promote strong attendance habits. The day was filled with school-wide challenges, fun activities, and exciting incentives to encourage students to be present and engaged in learning.

This project is an ongoing effort to increase attendance. 

Average daily attendance across the district was up, but more importantly, students had a great time while reinforcing the message that showing up to school is key to achieving their future goals. Each campus found creative ways to celebrate, offering rewards for attendance achievements such as 100% classroom attendance or school-wide attendance improvements.

Student Nutrition Services joined in the fun by providing freshly baked cookies for all students at lunch, APS Transportation held a coloring contest, and every student received a special Be Here Day sticker as a reminder of the importance of attendance. Schools took the celebration to the next level with exciting rewards like:

School-wide dance

Popcorn & popsicle parties

Pieing teachers in the face

Principals kissing a goat

Board games & movie fun

Teacher swap day

Some incentives were enjoyed on Be Here Day, while others continued into the following days, extending the excitement and reinforcing the message that attendance matters every day.

Interim Superintendent Michael Crabtree praised the efforts of students, families, and staff, stating, “Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in student success. We are incredibly proud of the participation and enthusiasm we saw on Be Here Day. Thank you to our students, families, and staff for making this day a success and for continuing to prioritize attendance every day.”

Be Here Day was an event to support the #BeHereAlamo and #BeHereNM statewide attendance campaign, which continues to build awareness about the importance of regular school attendance. While APS understands that students may need to stay home when unwell, prioritizing attendance whenever possible is a cornerstone of student success.

APS extends a huge thank you to students, families, and staff for making Be Here Day such a fantastic event.

Let’s keep the momentum going—because when students show up, they succeed!

For more information on the Be Here Alamo initiative, visit their website and check out the APS district and school Facebook pages for photos and videos of Be Here Day activities:

APS Attendance Resources

APS Facebook Page

While on the subject of attendance, have you attended any of the great music events or concerts hosted by the students of Alamogordo High School? Upcoming events are free to the public and hosted to showcase some awesome local talent. 
 You are invited!  Don’t miss out on these incredible concerts to be hosted at the Flickering Center in Alamogordo’s Historic and Cultural arts district of the 1100 and 1200 Blocks of New York Avenue. 

Come experience the amazing talent of our Alamogordo High School students as they take the stage with captivating performances.  All three concerts will be held at the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts —completely free of charge. Bring your friends, enjoy the music, and show your support for our Tigers. These are community events, and everyone is invited February 21st and 27th, 2025.

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