LAPS Newsletter

2025 All Schools Student Art Show

Thursday, February 20 - Wednesday, March 12

Step Up Gallery, Mesa Public Library

Opening Reception

Thursday, February 20, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Step Up Gallery, Mesa Public Library

Tuesday, February 25

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

February 28, March 1, March 2

March 7, March 8, march 9

Friday, February 14

Monday, February 17 (no school for staff and students)

The next School Board meeting is Tuesday, February 11. Click here for more information about the School Board meetings.

Tuesday, February 18

Thursday, February 20

2024-2025 School Calendar

Multicultural Calendar of Events

2025-2026 DRAFT School Calendar

2026-2027 DRAFT School Calendar

For other events and activities, check out the school site calendars on the LAPS website.

Congratulations to the Los Alamos High School NJROTC who competed at the Area 20 Quest For Gold regional competition in Tucson, Arizona. Topper Company is coming home with 2nd place in armed basic drill, 3rd in color guard, 2nd in physical fitness, 2nd in personnel inspection, 2nd in male push-ups, 3rd in 16x100 relay, and 3RD PLACE OVERALL. Hooyah, Topper Company!

Congratulations to members of the Barranca Mesa Elementary School Chess Team who won 2nd place in the State Elementary Chess tournament held in Las Cruces.

Members of the Los Alamos High School Native American Culture Club participated in American Indian Day at the Legislature last Friday.

First graders and sixth graders from Chamisa Elementary took a field trip to PEEC.

Sixth graders from each elementary school visited the middle school last week for Future Hawk Day.

Future LAMS Hawks and their families were able to visit the middle school and learn more about core classes, electives and extracurricular activities.

LAMS hosted boys basketball games last Wednesday and Thursday.

Eighth graders checked out the high school on Future Topper Day.

Submit your nominations for the New Mexico School Board Association’s (NMSBA) Excellence in Student Achievement Award. The Los Alamos Public Schools will accept nominations through Friday, February 21, 2025. Nominees may include administrators, teachers, staff members, parents, community members or volunteers.

Kudos to Topper Virtual Academy Teacher and Pegasus Sponsor Ildiko Nadaskay-Goeller, and her student staff as the 2022-2024 Art and Literary Magazine Pegasus won an Excellent Distinction for Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Contest.

The media and tech industries do not require safety testing to ensure the well-being of our children, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This makes parenting in the digital age challenging!

To assist parents, the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health has developed a new approach called the 5 C's of media use guidance. This framework offers easy-to-remember, age-based tips and is rooted in research regarding family relationships, social-emotional development, and mental health.

The 5 C's are:

• Child – Consider your child’s unique risks and benefits from media usage based on their personality, needs, and how media affects them.

• Content – Help your child choose quality content and avoid harmful influences.

• Calm – Encourage healthy ways to relax, process emotions, and fall asleep beyond screens.

• Crowding Out – Think about what media usage is crowding out. Prioritize family time, sleep, and other activities over excessive media use.

• Communication – Talk openly to build digital literacy and support smart media habits.

Take a moment to read the perspective of a high school student, and why the Super Bowl halftime show and surrounding events were important to them.

Even if you didn't like the performance, take a moment to think about the message.

"Last night, over 120 million Americans watched the Super Bowl. Not only was it the annual event of an American tradition; this year, it was also an event dedicated to black culture and progression. The cultural references throughout the evening were imminent, from the National Anthem, which was performed with a cultural nod to New Orleans music, to the advertisements, which gave messages of the need for unity and cultural progression in America, and to the halftime show, where Kendrick Lamar talked through song about how America has stereotyped black culture as ghetto, and how it’s important to speak out, because black people are proud, strong, and and so much more than what people say we are. This year, as we either celebrate the Eagles victory or cry for the Chief’s defeat, let us remember that last night was monumental to American culture; how people in America today can celebrate our superficial and cultural differences and come together to watch an unforgettable football game."

The 2025 All Schools Student Art Show is an opportunity for hundreds of kids to show their colorful, creative work in the environment of a professional art gallery. The art instructors in the Los Alamos Public School District have inspired and enabled students to create artwork and now it’s the students' chance to shine! The student art show runs from February 20 to March 12 in Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library with an Opening Reception on Thursday, February 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the upper level rotunda. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome!

Step Up Gallery is on the top level of Mesa Public Library in Los Alamos at 2400 Central Ave. The gallery is open the same hours as the library: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and 1-5 p.m., Sunday. Please visit Step Up Gallery's website to see what other great art exhibits are planned for 2025, https://stepupgallery.org.

On Tuesday, February 25th, Dr. Rebecca Kilburn, Research Professor at UNM’s Prevention Research Center and Dylan Pell, Mental Health Epidemiologist at the NM Department of Health will present a summary of the Los Alamos County 2023 Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey findings. These discussions are designed for anyone interested in the health and well-being of students. There will be two opportunities to attend:

• 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm WIN time in the Black Box Theater - for LAHS students and staff
• 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm in the LAHS Speech Theater - for the general public including students and staff

The New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (NM-YRRS) is a tool to assess the health risk behaviors and resiliency (protective) factors of New Mexico high school and middle school students. The NM-YRRS is part of the national CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). The survey results have widespread benefits for New Mexico at the state, county, and school district levels and are utilized to plan prevention programming and secure grant funding for prevention and intervention initiatives.

The NM-YRRS is offered to a selection of high schools and middle schools in each school district in the fall of odd-numbered years. All data are self-reported by students who voluntarily complete the survey during one class period.

Topic areas for the NM-YRRS include risk behaviors related to alcohol and drug use, unintentional injury, violence, suicidal ideation and attempts, tobacco use, sexual activity, physical activity, and nutrition; resiliency (protective) factors such as relationships in the family, school, community, and with peers; and health status issues such as body weight and asthma.

We are looking for a copy of the 1968 Pegasus. If you have one and would be willing to let us borrow it to digitize, we would greatly appreciate it. Email c.goettee@laschools.net.

The Los Alamos Middle School PTO is hosting the School of Rock Family Movie Night on Friday, March 7, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at SALA Event Center.

Doors open at 5:40. Tickets are $9 in advance at tinyurl.com/LAMSrock or $10 at the door.

Important Notes:

• PTO is not providing childcare; elementary-aged children must attend with someone 16 or older.

• We are looking for 8-10 parent volunteers to chaperone. Sign up here to join us!

Thank you for helping us make a difference in our LAMS community. We can’t wait to see you there!

On March 14, the Los Alamos Middle School will be celebrating Pi Day this year with a little help from Route 66 and a lot of help from you. This beloved tradition is only possible thanks to many volunteers!

Minimal math skills required. All materials & instructions will be provided!

LANL employees may be eligible for science outreach community service time for this event. To apply for approval, please contact your manager.

SignUpGenius here: tinyurl.com/LAMSpiDay

Video Instructions here: youtube.com/@LosAlamosMiddleSchoolPTO

You are invited to participate in the 12th annual Multicultural Fair- Around The World in White Rock on Monday, May 5 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Piñon Elementary School.

Please consider creating a cultural display for our fair. Your display can be interactive with food, crafts, games, trivia, etc., as well as artifacts, and a photographic display of your country/culture. One or two people will need to be present at the display during the fair. We will have helpers to give you a break as needed.

If you would like to do a performance -- dance, sing, play instruments from your country -- fantastic, let’s make it happen! We would truly love it if you would join us in this celebration of cultures. Please drop an email and let us know of your intentions. We are happy to answer any questions.

Thank you in advance for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.

Creatively,

Your Co-coordinators:

Stephanie Rittner

Piñon Art Teacher

S.Rittner@laschools.net

505/663-2694

Andrea Lynch

Chamisa Art Teacher

A.Lynch@laschools.net

505/663-2470

Elementary schools across the district are partnering with The American Heart Association this year, bringing awareness to heart disease, stroke and CPR! Click Kids Heart Challenge to learn more. Or contact your school site.

Saturday School is open to all Los Alamos Middle School and Los Alamos High School students as an opportunity to catch up on late work, complete missed assignments, take make-up tests and receive help with homework.

All Saturday School sessions for the 2024-2025 school year will be in person in E-wing at LAHS.

Sessions run from 8:30 am - 11:30 am for 7th and 8th graders, and 8:30 am - 12:00 pm for high school students.

To register, email lahssaturdayschool@laschools.net with the student's name and date requested.

Click here for more information.

Upcoming Saturday School Dates

February 22

March 8 and 29

April 12 and 26

May 10 and 17

Attention Los Alamos High School seniors: Log in to MaiaLearning account to view the 2025 Local Scholarship packet featuring a number of scholarships funded by local organizations.

On Friday, February 28th, students in LAHS drivers ed and auto shop classes will have the opportunity to participate in the Arrive Alive Tour. The Arrive Alive Tour program uses a high-tech simulator to educate the public about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. The simulator allows participants to experience the potential consequences of impaired or distracted driving in a controlled environment.

Arrive Alive Tour participants enter an actual vehicle (with battery disabled and car immobilized) and put on a virtual reality headset. Sensors are connected to the vehicle’s gas/brake pedals and steering wheel, enabling the participant to experience distracted or impaired driving without the real-life consequences. Upon exiting the vehicle, each participant is handed a mock citation detailing the ramifications of their simulation, as explained by a facilitator. An external LED monitor is set-up near the vehicle, showing what the driver is experiencing in their simulation in real time. A post-survey gauges participants’ knowledge and experience in relation to texting or being impaired while driving before and after they use the simulator. Students will receive a keepsake image to always remember to drive S.A.F.E (Sober and Free of Electronics) that they can share on social media to spread the word about this important topic.

LAPS Seeks Great High School Principal

Topper Boys Varsity Basketball Falls To Elks 61-49

NJROTC Departs For Regional Competition In Tucson

Hilltalkers Place High In State & National Tournaments

Hilltopper Swim Team Competes At Tom Casey Memorial

Los Alamos Public Schools is hiring for several positions around the district. Click here to learn more.

Our Benefits Package Includes medical, dental/vision, LTD and STD, life insurance, pension and competitive salary. Other benefits of working for LAPS include preferential placement for out-of-district students who are children of school employees and a "Grow Your Own" program for licensed employees adding degrees and credentials -- LAPS pays for Masters' degrees, additional certification.

The Los Alamos Public Schools neither endorses nor sponsors the organization or activity promoted in this document. The distribution of this material is provided on an equal basis as a community service.

Check out the LAPS Community Events page for information about events and activities in the community for students and families.You can also check out the Los Alamos County 100 Days of Winter.

Los Alamos Middle School

Boys Basketball

Monday, February 10 vs. Pojoaque Valley Middle School @ Pojoaque Valley Middle School,

7th grade 4 pm, 8th grade 5:30 pm

Wednesday, February 19 vs. St. Michael's Middle School @ Los Alamos High School Griffith Gym, 7th grade 4 pm, 8th grade 5:30 pm

Los Alamos High School

Boys Basketball

Thursday, February 13 vs. Hope Christian High School @ Griffith Gym, 9th grade 3 pm, JV 4:30 pm

Saturday, February 15 vs. Espanola Valley High School @ Espanola Valley High School,

9th grade 12 pm, JV 1:30 pm, Varsity 3 pm

Tuesday, February 18 vs. Taos High School @ Griffith Gym, 9th grade 4 pm, JV 5:30 pm,

Varsity 7 pm

Friday, February 21 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Pojoaque Valley High School,

9th grade 4 pm,JV 5:30 pm, Varsity 7 pm

Girls Basketball

Friday, February 14 vs. Espanola Valley High School @ Griffith Gym, 9th grade 4 pm, JV 5:30 pm,

Varsity 7 pm

Thursday, February 20 vs. Taos High School @ Taos High School, JV 5:30 pm, Varsity 7 pm

Saturday, February 22 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Griffith Gym, 9th grade 12 pm,

JV 1:30 pm, Varsity 3 pm

Boys Wrestling

Friday, February 14, Regionals

Friday, February 21 - Saturday, February 22, State Tournament

Girls Wrestling

Friday, February 21 - Saturday, February 22, State Tournament

Swimming and Diving

Friday, February 21 - Saturday, February 22, State Tournament

Cheer

Saturday, February 15, Cheer Competition @ Santa Fe High School

Tennis

Friday, February 14 - Saturday, February 15 @ El Paso Tournament

Friday, February 21 vs. St. Pius High School @ St. Pius High School

Friday, February 28 - Saturday, March 1 @ Albuquerque Tournament

eSports

Splatoon 3 and Street Fighter 6 play at 4pm on Tuesdays. Super Smash Bros Unlimited plays at

4 pm on Wednesdays. Rocket League, Madden, MarioKart 8, and Hearthstone all play at 4 pm on Thursdays.

Each day/week we show a different group on our stream, which can be viewed here: https://www.twitch.tv/secretcityesports/videos

Check out RankOne for schedules.

Hilltalkers

Saturday, February 15, State Congress/National Qualifier

Friday, February 28 - Saturday, March 1, State Competition, La Cueva

LAMS and LAHS Jazz Bands

Friday, February 14 - Saturday, February 15, Albuquerque Jazz Festival

NJROTC

Thursday, February 27, Annual Inspection

Olions

Thursday, February 27, Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1, Spring Production, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"

Student Council

Thursday, February 13 - Friday, February 14, Student Council State Conference

Brain Bee

Saturday, March 1, Brain Bee Competition, UNM

Find out more information about your school.

Aspen Elementary

Barranca Mesa Elementary

Chamisa Elementary

Mountain Elementary

Piñon Elementary

LAOLA

Los Alamos Middle School

Los Alamos High School