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

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.

The Los Alamos High School Combined Choirs hosted a night in celebration of Black Music and History. They performed the Robert Ray Gospel Mass. Special guests included Xavier Moore, a specialist in the field of Black Female Composers, and Coro de Cámara, The event raised funds for the choir trip to New York City this spring.

The Barranca Mesa PTO hosted a Winter Wonderland Ball last week which was well-attended by students and parents.

Members of the Los Alamos Middle School jazz bands visited elementary schools last week.

Students at Los Alamos High School performed during the annual Topper Revue last weekend.

Los Alamos NJROTC is one step closer to nationals after a stellar performance at the Area 20 East Qualifier Drill Meet in November. The cadets gave their all in every event at Highland High School. Topper Company demonstrated their strength across multiple categories, earning 1st place in Physical Fitness and several 3rd place finishes, ultimately securing 3rd place overall.

This impressive result earned them a spot at the prestigious Area 20 Quest for Gold regional competition Saturday, Feb. 8, at Sahuarita High School in Arizona. They will be competing against the top NJROTC units from across the Southwest and Mountain West, including New Mexico, Texas, California and Colorado.

The winner of this meet will have the incredible opportunity to compete against the best NJROTC programs in the nation at the Navy Nationals competition held in March at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.

The NJROTC cadets will depart from LAHS at 9 a.m. this Friday, Feb. 7, with a police escort, a fitting send-off for these dedicated cadets. Let’s show our Los Alamos pride! Cheer on Topper Company as they depart, representing our community with distinction. Follow their journey to regionals and beyond on Facebook at Los Alamos Navy JROTC and Instagram at Los_Alamos_NJROTC.

Here is a list of the 2025 Los Alamos County Science Fair Awards:

Best of Show for Elementary Division

Earth Science: Henry Junghans, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

Life Science: Eleanora Minko, Mountain Elementary School

Physical Science: Ernest Maupin, Mountain Elementary School

Best of Show for Class Projects

Grades K - 2: Ms. Smidt’s Kindergarten class, Mountain Elementary School

Best of Show for Junior Division

Life Science: Zachary White and Daniel Yampolsky, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

Physical Science: Kalliope Welch, Homeschool

Best of Show for Senior Division

Life Science: Alyssa Sun, Los Alamos High School

Physical Science: Helena Welch, Homeschool

Elementary Division Awards

Elementary Class Projects K-2

1st Place: Ms. Smidt Kindergarten, Mountain Elementary School

2nd Place: Mrs. Cloran 2nd Grade Class, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

Earth Science

1st Place: Henry Junghans, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

2nd Place: Alexander Yampolsky, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

Life Science

1st Place: Eleanora Minko, Mountain Elementary School

2nd Place: Christopher Martinez, Aspen Elementary School

3rd Place: Pierce Davis, Mountain Elementary School

Physical Science

1st Place: Ernest Maupin, Mountain Elementary School

2nd Place: Glyn Lo, Mountain Elementary School

3rd Place: Arwen Bishofberhger, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

Honorable Mention: Renee Ramsey, Los Alamos Online Learning Academy

Honorable Mention: Noah Mendez, Chamisa Elementary School

Junior Division Awards

Animal Science

1st Place: Miranda Coffey, Chamisa Elementary School

2nd Place: Julia Neale and Chelsea Nguyen, Los Alamos Middle School

Biochemistry

1st Place: James Junghans, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

Chemistry

1st Place: Evelyn Fobes, Mountain Elementary School

2nd Place: Clara Nichols, Piñon Elementary School

3rd Place: Isabella Martinez, Los Alamos Middle School

Honorable Mention: Samuel Cawkwell, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

Honorable Mention: Alice Barnhart, Mountain Elementary School

Computer Science

1st Place: Sequoya Ke, Los Alamos Middle School

Earth and Planetary Science

1st Place: Julian Delorey, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

2nd Place: Jacqueline Reardon, Mountain Elementary School

Energy and Transportation

1st Place: Mason Garcia, Mountain Elementary School

2nd Place: Rebecca Champenois, Mountain Elementary School

Engineering: Electrical & Mechanical

1st Place: Zora Allbach, Los Alamos Online Learning Academy

2nd Place: Andrew Gilbertson, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

3rd Place: Dante Lopez, Los Alamos Online Learning Academy

Honorable Mention: Benjamin Blea, Los Alamos Online Learning Academy

Engineering: Materials and Bioengineering

1st Place: James Work, Los Alamos Middle School

Environmental Sciences

1st Place: Eric Xu, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

2nd Place: Benjamin Minko, Los Alamos Middle School

Mathematical Science

1st Place - Liam Colgan, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

Medicine and Health Science

1st Place: Alice Altschuler, Mountain Elementary School

2nd Place: Javier Chacon and Brandon Keller, Los Alamos Middle School

3rd Place: Justin Lei and Al-Aziz N’daw, Mountain Elementary School

Microbiology

1st Place: Zachary White and Daniel Yampolsky, Barranca Mesa Elementary School

Physics and Astronomy

1st Place: Kalliope Welch, Homeschool

2nd Place: Dawson Belobrajdic, Chamisa Elementary School

3rd Place: Meredith Clayton, Chamisa Elementary School

Honorable Mention: Wesley Allen, Piñon Elementary School

Senior Division Awards

Environmental Management

1st Place: Lilia Viteva, Los Alamos High School

Mathematical Science

1st Place: Helena Welch, Homeschool

Medicine and Health

1st Place: Alyssa Sun, Los Alamos High School

Physics and Astronomy

1st Place: Tate Plohr, Los Alamos High School

Once again, Champions of Youth Ambitions will be collecting Valentine’s for Veterans.

If you have students that would like to write, color, doodle or more that would be perfect. Any age, any grade and any outcome will work for this project. You can simply use a 3 X 5 card with art on one side and a sentence or two on the other. The suggested deadline is February 7.

One recipient is Ezra Maes who lives in Texas. He was a Chamisa and Pinon student that lost his leg in a tank accident in Turkey and was the 2021 Soldier of the Year for the Army. You can Google his amazing story.

Bernadette Lauritzen is the Executive Director of Champions of Youth Ambitions. She will review the cards, and handle mailing and arrange deliveries.

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.

Course selection s now open for all current 9th - 11th graders. Course selection for current 8th graders who will be attending LAHS in 2025-2026 opened on Monday, February 3.

Course selection for all current 8th - 11th graders will close at 4 pm on Monday, February 10.

Course Selection Events for Future Toppers (current 8th graders)

Future Topper Parent Course Selection Q & A (via Zoom)

Wednesday, February 5

12:30 pm - 1 pm

Future Topper Course Selection Workshop

Saturday, February 8

9 am - 11 am

Los Alamos High School Topper Library

Elective selection for current 6th and 7th graders opened on Monday, February 3 and will close at 7 pm on Monday, February 10.

Parents and students are encouraged to email their grade level school counselor if they have any questions about a class before completing the course selection process.

• Incoming 7th grade Counselor e.gartz@laschools.net

• Incoming 8th grade Counselor c.michel@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

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.

NJROTC Heading To Arizona For Regional Competition

LAPS Shares 2025 Los Alamos County Science Fair Results

Topper Girls Basketball Falls To Sundevils 52-45

Toppers Swim And Dive Team Shows Depth At Griffin Invite

Scenes From Aspen Tiger Paws For A Cause

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 3 vs. Memorial Middle School @ Memorial Middle School, 7th grade 4 pm, 8th grade 5:30 pm

Wednesday, February 5 vs. Pecos Middle School @ Los Alamos Middle School Brousseau Gym, 7th grade 4 pm, 8th grade 5:30 pm

Thursday, February 6 vs. Taos Middle School @ Los Alamos Middle School Brousseau Gym,

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

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

Tuesday, February 4 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Griffith Gym,9th grade 4 pm, JV 5:30 pm, Varsity 7 pm

Friday, February 7 vs. Moriarty High School @ Griffith Gym, 9th grade 4 pm, JV 5:30 pm,

Varsity 7 pm

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

Thursday, February 6 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Pojoaque Valley High School,

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

Saturday, February 8 vs. Moriarty High School @ Moriarty High School, 9th grade 12 pm,

JV 1:30 pm, Varsity 3 pm

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

Saturday, February 8, District Duals

Friday, February 14, Regionals

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

Girls Wrestling

Friday, February 7 - Saturday, February 8, Regionals

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

Swimming and Diving

Friday, February 7, District Meet

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

Cheer

Saturday, February 8, Cheer Competition @ Capital High School

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

Softball

Friday, February 28 - Saturday, March 1, JV @ Rio Rancho Tournament

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.

Chess

Thursday, February 6 - Friday, February 7, State Tournament, Las Cruces

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

Friday, February 7 - Sunday, February 9, Regional Competition

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