The Sacramento School of Engineering & Science (SSES) Phenoms are Houston bound after an outstanding performance in the next level competition at the FIRST Robotics Amarillo District Championship held April 2ā3, 2026, in Amarillo, Texas.
Competing in only their first year, the Phenoms earned multiple top honors, including:
ā¢ Rookie All Star Award
ā¢ First Place District Finalist Alliance
ā¢ #1 Ranked New Mexico Team
ā¢ 22nd Overall Ranking in Texas
ā¢ Haas Award ā $3,000 Grant
Their success continued during the Alliance draft process, where top seeded teams draft partners for the final rounds. The Phenoms were selected by the #1 ranked team in Texas, Max Throttle Mavericks, and joined by Mercenary Robotics to form a powerhouse three team alliance. Together, they secured a commanding championship victory with a final match score of 508ā147.
SSES Robotics Coach Mr. Kerry Miyoshi praised the teamās dedication, saying the achievement was āa result of hard work and team effort.ā He added that the students, staff, and the entire Sacramento School of Engineering & Science community are proud of the teamās accomplishments.
While the awards are significant, SSES emphasizes that the true value lies in the journey. Through design, engineering, building, teamwork, and fundraising, students gain essential life skillsāperseverance, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and gracious professionalism. These lessons endure long after trophies fade.
The Phenoms are honored to represent the Alamogordo and Tularosa communities and are grateful for the continued support that has fueled their success.
With the Houston State Championship ahead, the team now turns its focus to fundraising efforts to support travel and competition expenses.
The Phenoms are ready for Houstonāand ready to make New Mexico proud.
CO2 Car Racing at SSES
April 9th will be the first CO2 Car Race at Sacramento School of Engineering & Science. What is CO2 Car Racing?
Students receive a block of wood and shape it into an aerodynamic car with wheels and axles. There is a slot in the back to accommodate a CO2 cartridge that propels the car down the 65-foot track. To ensure stability down the track, the cars are placed on a wire or fishing line to maintain lane integrity on the track. Once the cars are lined up on the starting line, the CO2 cartridges are pierced which is the propulsion down the track. Off they go at speeds up to 35 mph with some capable of 70 mph depending on the size of the cartridge used. The speed is determined by the aerodynamic design of each car based on each studentās design. A true drag race.
This is a STEM project utilizing design, manufacturing, and math. Each project begins in the planning stage recorded in the studentās workbook design.
Come watch the races beginning at 10:30 am at Sacramento School of Engineering & Science, 7035 Hwy 54/70. Call 575-888-3421 for more information.
Everyone is welcome.
ONLINE DANGERS
For Parents -
Online dangers have changed.
Recent lawsuits against major platforms show how harmful content can affect kidsā mental health, behavior, and sense of belonging. Influencers chase clicks, not safety, and toxic communities can pull young people in before anyone notices.
Watch for sudden changes in attitude, interests, or online habits. Limit screen time, keep devices out of bedrooms at night, and talk openly about what your kids see online.
You are still the strongest safeguard your child has.
For Students -
Social media isnāt just āfun scrollingā anymore. Some content is designed to pull you in, make you angry, or keep you watching even when it hurts your mental health. Influencers often post outrageous stuff just for clicksāthey donāt care if someone else gets hurt copying it.
Pay attention to how certain accounts make you feel. If something online is stressing you out, making you angry, or changing how you act, step back.
Talk to someone you trust. Use your STOPit! app.
Your mindāand your peaceāmatter more than any trend.
Read full article at Online Safety ā The New Dangers | Sacramento School of Engineering & Science
SSES Robotics Team Earns Top Honors at FIRSTĀ® Robotics Competition in Waco
Alamogordo, NM ā The Sacramento School of Engineering & Science (SSES) Robotics Team, known as the SSES Phenoms, achieved major success at the FIRSTĀ® Robotics Competition held in Waco, Texas, marking an impressive debut in their inaugural year.
The Phenoms earned the Team Spirit Award, finished as District Event Finalists, ranked 55th out of 246 teams in Texas, and secured the No. 1 ranking among 20 New Mexico teams participating in the Texas district.
SSES, which opened in August 2025, is celebrating its first year as a new STEM-focused, public charter school in Alamogordo. The robotics team is coached by Mr. Kerry Miyoshi, whose leadership has guided students through months of design, engineering, and preparation.
According to FIRST Robotics, the Team Spirit Award recognizes a team that demonstrates exceptional collaboration, respect, and professionalism both on and off the competition field. The honor reflects the teamās commitment to the core values of FIRST, including Gracious ProfessionalismĀ®.
With their strong performance in Waco, the SSES Phenoms have qualified for the next level of competition in Amarillo, Texas, scheduled for April 2ā4, 2026.
To help cover travel and entry expenses, the team will hold a fundraiser on March 27, selling enchilada plates for $12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Orders may be placed by calling or texting 575-495-5187. Large business orders are welcomed.
The SSES Phenoms say they are proud to represent Alamogordo, New Mexico and surrounding areas, and grateful for the communityās support as they advance to the next stage of competition.
Fundraiser for SSES Robotics Team, The Phenoms, For Next Level First Robotics Competition
Dear Community Business Owner and Valued Community Member,
The Phenoms is the robotics team from Sacramento School of Engineering and Science. Our students develop critical skills in engineering, programming, teamwork and leadership while building competitive robots.
Weāre hosting an enchilada fundraiser sale at Tularosa Baptist Church on March 27, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to raise money for competition fees, robot parts, and team activities. This community-centered location allows us to serve families, supporters, and neighbors in a welcoming space.
We need your support to make our enchilada fundraiser a success. We are seeking donations of: Cheese, Corn tortillas, rice, beans, to-go boxes (for customer orders) or monetary donations to purchase additional supplies and cover team expenses.
Your support helps us: Fund robot competitions and materials, develop future engineers and innovators, build community through delicious food, Represent Sacramento with pride.
Contact Jessica Carrillo, Fundraiser Coordinator (575) 495-5187
Weāll arrange convenient pickup and keep you updated as we prepare for our enchilada sale Tularosa Baptist Church on March 27,2026, so you can enjoy the results of your generosity. We happily accept small or large orders.
Whether you donate supplies, funds, or encouragement, your support means everything to our students. Together, weāre building the next generation of problem-solvers while bringing our community together.
Thank You,
Amanda Allen
SSES Director
Behind the Scenes at First Robotics Competition in Waco - Setup Time for the SSES Phenoms!
The SSES Phenoms have officially arrived in Waco for their rookie year at FIRSTĀ® Robotics Competition! Once at the venue, the team got straight to work setting up their pit area ā laying out the Phenom booth, organizing tools, and unpacking their robot for tomorrowās big event.
Hereās a behind the scenes look at all the action.
This moment is the result of months of teamwork, problem solving, fundraising, and dedication. Guided by Mr. Miyoshi, the students have learned what it truly takes to design, build, and prepare a competition ready robot.
Now itās time to compete. Win or lose, the experience, growth, and memories theyāre gaining are absolutely priceless.
GO PHENOMS !!!
SSES Phenoms Enjoy a Great Start to Robotic Competition Week!
Before diving into the FIRSTĀ® Robotics Competition in Waco, our Sacramento School of Engineering & Science Robotics team, the Phenoms, enjoyed a little exploration time at the Carleen Bright Arboretum and the Mayborn Museum.
The chance to relax, recharge, and have fun together was the perfect break before heading into the excitement of check in and the first rounds of competition.
Get Ahead - SCHEDULE NOW!
January is the kickoff month for the FIRSTĀ® Robotics Competition (FRC) teams. The SSES team, the Phenoms, is divided into groups to complete their robot. Designing and assembling the robot is a collaborative effort, bringing in skills from mechanics, electronics, and software development.
The Construction Group
Construction consists of creating the framework of the robot prior to the internal workings and the software coding for functioning. An important aspect of construction is the build of the bumpers and padding to cushion the robot from collision damage. Framework is the skeleton of the robot.
Bumpers
Bumpers are mandated by FIRSTĀ® Robotics Competition because they absorb impacts, prevent frame damage, and ensure consistent robot-to-robot contact during gameplay. They reduce the likelihood of bent frames, broken welds, or damaged electronics.
The bumpers are cut and constructed with a wooden framework then covered with red or blue padding to display highly visible team numbers. Bumpers must also pass inspection prior to competition.
If you would like to support or donate to the Phenomsā build and competition, please contact SSES at (575) 888-3421 or email ssesadmin@charter-sses.org.
Gerard Gibbs, Guest Lecturer, grew up on the East Side of Detroit in a working-class family shaped by migration and discoveryāhis mother a first-generation Italian immigrant, his father adopted at birth, later revealed to be of German heritage. His path to music was entirely his own. With no musicians in the family, everything changed the day he heard Mozartās Symphony No. 40 on the radio and knew, instantly, that the oboe was his instrument. A natural aptitude for German led to a full scholarship as a year-long exchange student in Germany, a formative experience that would echo throughout his musical life.
Returning home, Gerard studied oboe at Wayne State University with Donald Baker, Principal Oboist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and a student of the legendary Marcel Tabuteau. Deeply conscious of lineageāa central value in classical trainingāGerard takes pride in tracing his musical ancestry to the great French oboists of the 19th century, fitting for an instrument born in France. His curiosity soon expanded to historical performance, and he became an early adopter of the Early Music movement, performing on modern, Baroque, and Classical oboes as well as recorders with leading ensembles across North America, including the Waverly Consort, Seattle Baroque Orchestra, Los Angeles Baroque Orchestra, and numerous symphony orchestras in the U.S. and Canada.
Parallel to his performing career, Gerard built a substantial presence in arts leadership, working with orchestral management and historic theaters. From 2002 to 2010, he directed Albertaās Empress Theatre and co-founded the Fort Macleod International Festival with Rivka Golani. He later worked in London with Sir John Eliot Gardiner to strengthen the American Friends of the Grammy Awardāwinning Monteverdi Choir. Back in the United States, Gerard held leadership and teaching roles with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Utah Tech University, and New Spire Arts in Frederick, Maryland. He now serves as Executive Director of the Flickinger Center for the Performing Arts, where he brings together a lifetime of musical lineage, performance, and leadership to shape a bold new artistic vision.
SSES Students Speak at the Alamogordo Rotary Club
Two of our students, Angelita Guilez and C/CMSgt Christopher Stephens, recently had the opportunity to speak at the Alamogordo Rotary Club. Christopher has been active in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) since age 12, and they shared what life is like as students at the Sacramento School of Engineering & Science.
Rotary members were eager to learn more, asking thoughtful questions about student life, academics, and experiences in CAP. Angelita and Christopher answered with confidence and clarity, representing SSES with pride.
Angelita is a 10th grader from Tularosa, and Christopher is a 9th grader from Alamogordo.
Weāre incredibly proud of both students for volunteering to speak and for doing such a fantastic job. They continue to show the leadership, curiosity, and character that make SSES such a special place.
Dear Students and Families, SSES will be on a delayed start tomorrow, Monday, January 26th. Buses will run on a two-hour delay, and all students will report two hours later than usual. Breakfast will not be served tomorrow, but lunch will be served as normal. Stay Warm!
š¢ Important Notice
On Monday, January 19, school buses will not be in operation and school meals will not be available.
Please arrange transportation and be sure students bring a packed lunch. Thank you for your cooperation.
Next Governing Council Meeting is on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 5:00 at SSES. Visit our website for the agenda. www.charter-sses.org
Next Governing Council Meeting is on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 5:00 at SSES. Visit our website for the agenda. www.charter-sses.org
Next Governing Council Meeting is on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 5:00 at SSES. Visit our website for the agenda. www.charter-sses.org
CAPT. GORDON McCULLOH - Guest Lecture Series
Captain Gordon McCulloh, U.S. Space Force, is an experimental flight test engineer specializing in GPS navigation at Holloman Air Force Base. He holds graduate degrees in astronautical engineering and flight test engineering and has accumulated over 330 flight hours in 28 different aircraft. Originally from New England, Gordon graduated high school in 2016 from the Maine School of Science and Mathematics, a public magnet school, and has since dedicated himself to multiple disciplines in aerospace engineering.
Captain McCulloh presented various STEM-focused topics across his educational and career path as a flight test engineer, covering coursework from high school to his day-to-day job at Holloman Air Force Base. This included his experiences as a cadet, graduate student, SpaceX intern, active-duty military officer, and more.
Thank you, Capt. McCulloh!
Visit us at - www.charter-sses.org
Jacquelyne Nichols Inspires SSES Students
Guest Lecture Series
Jacquelyne Nichols, a major airline pilot and U.S. Marine Corps aviator, visited SSES to share her career journey and life lessons. She encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning with her philosophy of being a āsponge,ā reminding them that every room is full of people they can learn from.
She explained the demanding academic path to becoming a pilot, highlighting the value of science and engineering studies. Her career has taken her around the world, giving her opportunities to experience new cultures, food, and peopleāinsights that also fuel her nonprofit work and passion for helping others. She began her career with American Airlines in 2022.
Marine Corps Career
Nichols flew both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, including the CH-53E Super Stallion and UC-35D Cessna Citation Encore. She deployed to Okinawa, Japan and Al Udeid, Qatar and a combat deployment to Afghanistan earning a Strike Flight Air Medal with Numeral 3 while flying the CH-53E. After transitioning to the Marine Corp Reserves, she served as an instructor pilot and Marine Liaison Officer at Andrews AFB. She now continues her professional development at Command and Staff College.
Life in New Mexico
Since 2020, Nichols has lived in La Luz, NM, where she and her husband help run his familyās ranch. Alongside cattle and orchards of apples and cherries, she tends to her own lively herd of horses, goats, and mini donkeysāmore than 25 animals in all!
She has served as the President of the New Mexico Chapter of Women in Aviation International from November of 2020 to October of 2024 and is currently the Otero County Coordinator for the chapter. She is a member of 100 Women Who Care Alamogordo and serve on the Board of Directors for the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation.
More at https://www.charter-sses.org/
