Silver Consolidated Schools reported during a recent board meeting that the district has been invited to participate in a mental health initiative in partnership with the New Mexico Public Education Department and the New Mexico Department of Health. The initiative includes funding anticipated to last two to three years, enabling the district to retain its team of three mental health professionals and an intern, as well as continue offering student-accessible mental health support software. The main focus of this initiative is to continue to prioritize mental health programming, interventions, and student support services.
Western New Mexico University biology professor Bill Norris, has released findings from a multi-year study documenting the flora of Silver City, representing a significant contribution to urban ecological research in the Western United States. The research found that approximately 70 to 75 percent of the town’s plant species remain native, with surveys conducted across public and private lands, including areas such as Boston Hill and San Vicente Creek. With one year of fieldwork remaining, the team continues searching for about 100 native species noted in historical records before publishing a comprehensive account of the town’s botanical landscape.
The Copper Cowbelles have announced that Brennan Shock, a graduating senior at Cliff High School, has been selected as a recipient of the Copper Cowbelles Trade Scholarship. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brennan offered affordable, high-quality HVAC and plumbing services to those in need. He will continue building on that experience this fall by pursuing formal training in the HVAC and plumbing trades at New Mexico State University Doña Ana Community College, while also enrolling in general business courses to support his long-term career goals. Congratulations to Brennan and good luck on your future endeavors.
Last in our news:
The U.S. Forest Service has announced $182 million in retroactive 2024 Secure Rural Schools payments to eligible states and counties with National Forest System lands. The funding supports public education, road maintenance, and other essential rural services through Title I and Title III allocations. The payments also strengthen local wildfire preparedness by assisting Firewise Communities programs, reimbursing counties for emergency services on national forests, and supporting Community Wildfire Protection Plans.
