Sunset Mesa News

Sunset Mesa School Community Rallies for Kids Heart Challenge

Sunset Mesa Gopher character holding newspaper.
November 7, 2025
Sunset Mesa student pours slime on Sunset Mesa School teacher for the celebration of top earning students for Kids Heart Challenge.

November 7, 2025 – Sunset Mesa School community kicks off the school year with the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. As highlighted by KRQE, Sunset Mesa has earned the title of top-earning school in the state of New Mexico, raising more than $345,000 over the past five years.

Proof that great teachers will do anything for their students — even get slimed!

Last year alone, students raised more than $40,000, and this year our community once again stepped up — raising an incredible $32,000 to support heart health education, research, and advocacy.

More About Kids Heart Challenge

The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, a nationwide program that teaches students about heart health while raising lifesaving funds. Students learn the importance of heart-healthy habits, the basics of hands-only CPR, and how kindness, gratitude, and stress mangagement support overall wellness.

Fun With a Purpose

It’s a celebration that brings laughter, teamwork, and school spirit together — all for a meaningful cause. Through fun activities and school-wide challenges, students are encouraged to set goals and work together. One of the most anticipated traditions? Top earners earn the chance to “slime” a teacher at the end of the campaign!

Sunset Mesa teacher Ms. Jackman smiling through the slime.

We are incredibly proud of our students, families, and staff for showing what it means to lead with heart.

Our brave teachers that were slimed in celebration of our students’ incredible efforts.