Welcome to a New School Year!
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. ROBERT W. DODD
Dear Rio Rancho Public Schools Families,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited to begin a new year of learning, growth, and opportunity for all of our students across the City of Vision.
Every new school year brings fresh opportunities to learn, build friendships, discover new interests, and achieve new goals. Our dedicated teachers, principals, and support staff have been preparing throughout the summer to create safe and engaging learning environments where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.
A strong school year depends on meaningful partnerships between students, families, educators, and the community. We look forward to working closely with you to ensure our students have the best possible educational outcomes.
As stated in my 100-Day Progress Report published in June, the 2026-2027 school year will serve as a “bridge year” to accomplish some much needed goals and priorities. This includes implementing the district’s new math curriculum, strengthening special education, and beginning the process of creating a new long-term strategic plan, among other important objectives. Your insight and participation in these processes will be crucial, so please keep an eye out for involvement opportunities.
This Back-to-School Guide is designed to serve as a helpful resource for your family throughout the year. Inside, you'll find important information about our schools, programs, services, and key dates. We encourage you to stay engaged with your child's school, communicate regularly with teachers and staff, and take advantage of the many opportunities available to support your child's success. Above all, please understand that our staff, whether they work at your child’s school or RRPS Central Services, are here to support you and your child.
We look forward to partnering with you to support your child's learning, personal development, and success. We wish you and your family a wonderful school year!
Sincerely,
Robert W. Dodd, EdD
Superintendent, Rio Rancho Public Schools
Before the First Day
Student Registration
2026-2027 Calendar and Key Dates
School Schedules
School | Start & End Time |
High School | 7:20 a.m. - 1:50 p.m |
*Early Elem (CDN, ESE, PDS) | 8:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. |
Middle School | 8:40 a.m. - 3:10 p.m. |
**Late Elem (All other Elementaries) | 9:20 a.m. - 3:50 p.m. |
Shining Stars Pre-School AM | 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. |
Shining Stars Pre-School PM | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
*Colinas Del Norte, Ernest Stapleton and Puesta Del Sol Elementary Schools
**All other Elementary Schools
Meet the Teachers/Orientation Events
Preschools
Puesta del Sol: August 4 from 4:30-6:00 PM
Shining Stars: August 4 from 3:00-5:00 PM
Elementary Schools
Cielo Azul: August 5 from 3:00-4:30 PM
Colinas del Norte: August 5 from 5:00-6:30 PM
Enchanted Hills: August 5 from 3:00-4:30 PM
Ernest Stapleton: August 4 from 4:30-6:00 PM
Joe Harris: August 4 from 3:30-5:30 PM
Maggie Cordova: August 5 from 3:30-5:30 PM
Martin Luther King Jr.: August 4 from 4:30-6:00 PM
Puesta del Sol: August 4 from 4:30-6:00 PM
Rio Rancho: August 5 from 4:30-6:00 PM
Sandia Vista: August 5 from 2:00-4:00 PM
Vista Grande: August 4 from 3:00-4:30 PM
RRPS secondary schools (middle and high school) offer an orientation event called Jump Start for incoming 6th and 9th grade students as well as students who are new to the district. This event is an opportunity for new students to meet their teachers, connect with friends and peers, and familiarize themselves with their new campuses ahead of the new year. Transportation to these events is provided for all events except for Independence High School and Rio Rancho Cyber Academy. Students may catch their bus from their assigned bus stop.
Middle Schools: August 5 from 8:40-11:40 AM
Rio Rancho High and V. Sue Cleveland High: August 5 from 7:20-10:10 AM
Independence High School: August 5 from 9:00-10:00 AM (No transportation)
Rio Rancho Cyber Academy: August 5 from 9:00-10:00 AM (No transportation)
RFID Card Information: Your child will receive a unique RFID card from their bus driver within the first few weeks of school. Students should scan the card every time they enter and exit a school bus. While this process is not mandatory for students to ride the bus, it provides an extra layer of security, and helps us keep track of where our students are.
For updates on your student’s bus, please download the My Ride K-12 app for Apple or Android.
Supply Lists
Middle School
High Schools do not publish universal supply lists, as different classes require different materials. Information regarding necessary supplies for high school students will be given within the first few days of school.
In an effort to simplify monetary transactions for parents and staff members, all RRPS campuses have expanded the use of KEV School Cash Online and Point-of-Sale platforms for school-related payments. This transition applies to a wide range of activities and transactions, including but not limited to:
School-associated fees
Field trip funding
Student athletic/extracurricular fees, fundraisers, etc.
School-affiliated concessions (excluding Booster Clubs)
Fundraising events
All other school activities requiring cash collection
Families are encouraged to create or update their KEV SchoolCash Online accounts ahead of the new school year.
Student Services
Student Nutrition
All students in New Mexico will once again receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-2027 school year. For more information about this program, visit the links below:
S.A.F.E. Before and After School Program
Student Health Services
Technology
Policies and Safety
Personal Electronic Device Policy
All students are prohibited from using personal electronic devices during instructional time, per state law (Senate Bill 11). All electronic devices, such as cell phones, gaming devices, computers, etc., must be stored in a backpack, purse, locker, or vehicle and powered off during the school day.
School Safety
STOPit Anonymous Reporting
Communication
Stay Connected
RRPS App
Share the Good News!
Do you know about something cool happening at your child’s school? Want to shout out a teacher or staff member? Has your child done something outstanding relative to school? We want to know about it! Please use the form below to share good news with Rio Rancho Public Schools!