LAPS Parent Newsletter
March 10, 2021
Returning to Full In-Person Learning
High level summary:
- By April 5, all NM schools are required to return to full in-person learning.
- All school staff are currently being offered vaccines through the NM DOH portal. LAHS has been making our gyms and the auditorium available to the county for multiple large vaccination clinics, and we will continue to do so.
- COVID-safe practices will be especially important for everyone on site.
As always, our goal is to do what is best for our students and we believe bringing kids back into school is following that practice.
Our district and site administration have been working hard to make sure we've fully implemented all of the safety guidelines released by the state thus far. As the science around COVID has evolved, we've steadily integrated new information into our practices.
Every school in the district has already been inspected and approved for in-person learning. We've been planning for the eventual full return to school since April 2020, and while there are still a number of factors to figure out to meet this new requirement, we're well-equipped to transition to the next phase!
Additional Information from the Public Education Department
- Memo from PED Secretary
- Academic Roadmap
- Link to the recording of this morning’s meeting with PED leaders
- Link to the recording of this afternoon's news conference
- Updated COVID-19 Reentry Toolkit; further guidance on face coverings and social distancing is forthcoming
- Full Reentry FAQ document
Latest about Vaccinations
As of today, about 89% of LAPS staff, including substitutes and coaches, have a vaccination appointment time or have received their first shot. The state has committed to offering a vaccination for all school employees by the end of March.
Since re-opening elementary schools in January, we have not seen any COVID spread in our schools. LAPS safety protocols and protective measures appear to be working. Let's all encourage students, each other and the community to continue following COVID-safe practices.
News From Around the District
State Champs - Our DECA Students
As state champs, Los Alamos High School qualified to participate in the National DECA competition. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Thirty-nine LAHS students participated in the District competition. Thirty-one of the thirty-nine students advanced to the State level. Please join us in congratulating all of our DECA participants, teacher sponsors and parents!
Annual Progress in High School Graduation Rates
Recently released data show that the districtwide graduation rate for LAPS is 93.3%, up from 91.4% in last year's report. The statewide rate is 76.9% and the national average is 85%. This achievement is a true testament to the hard work of LAPS students, teachers, staff, parents and the whole community.
Click here to see the statewide report listing all school districts. More information can be found in the New Mexico Graduation Technical Manual and the Graduation Cohort FAQs.
LAPS is in the Running
LAPS made the top 5 for "Most COVID-Safe Business" and "Overall Organization" of the Year Awards. Click here to vote for the winners.
Shade Structures
Plans for "Prom" at LAHS
2021 NMSBA Scholarship
The NMSBA Scholarship nominations are now open. This is a great opportunity to recognize and reward outstanding graduating seniors. Here are links to the 2021 Guidelines/Timeline and 2021 Nomination Form (PDF). Each of NMSBA’s eight regions are eligible for three scholarships in the amount of $1,000. The nomination deadline is Friday, April 16, 2021.
National Read Across America Day
Reading Dr. Seuss
Pictures of Dr. Seuss
Hat Day and Reading
Athletic Updates
Fieldhouse Ribbon Cutting
LAPS Fall Sports Schedule
Click below for the updated LAPS fall sports schedule.
Spectators Allowed
Spectators are permitted at all school-related sports to the extent allowed by the current Public Health Order.
Turquoise Counties
Up to 75% capacity of an outdoor spectator area
Up to 33% capacity of an indoor spectator area
Green Counties
Up to 50% capacity of an outdoor spectator area
Up to 25% capacity of an indoor spectator area
Yellow Counties
Up to 25% capacity for an outdoor spectator area
The host team’s county color governs the spectator capacity.
Livestreamed Sports Coverage
Check the LA Daily Post for details.
Student Check-in Survey
Engagement and Well-being
In August 2020 and February 2021, LAPS students were surveyed about their engagement with learning and well-being. This survey is a meaningful measure of how our students are feeling. Two open-ended questions were added this year: "What is one thing that is going well about how you are learning right now?" and "What is one thing you would change about how you are learning right now?"
The BOY survey received 677 responses and the MOY received 886 responses. Many more LAHS and TFA students answered this survey in January than did in August, so answers to the questions may reflect that change in response rates.
Standout Survey Questions
“I have at least one adult who cares for and supports me.” About 3/4 of LAPS students know that they have the support of at least one adult at school who cares for and supports them. This answer did not change from fall to winter.
"I feel excited about what I'm learning this year." The responses remained fairly steady from fall to winter which is a positive sign.
“I feel connected to other students in my school.” A third of students reported not feeling connected to other students - this percentage increased in the mid year survey. We will look at the survey in the spring (May) after students have had a chance to be back at school.
Student Comments
Here are some notable comments in response to the question “What is one thing that is going well about how you are learning right now?”
“My teachers are trying to make it the best it can be.”
“The teachers are helping us work through technical difficulties.”
“My teachers are helpful, understanding, and kind and they know what they’re doing. They want me to succeed and it shows.”
“Opportunities for one on one meetings, small group work and break out groups have been helpful.”
“I enjoy the freedom to work at my own pace and organize my independent work schedule.”
Many students commented that returning to in-person school was the one thing they would change about learning. In addition, the benefit of having more time to do homework was frequently mentioned along with a number of responses requesting less homework.
Resources
Why Kids Are Hitting the Pandemic Wall
As pandemic-related disappointments have dragged on, kids are struggling to continue regulating themselves. Looking at the frustrations that kids are experiencing in terms of loss, the notion of kids hitting a wall has become a manifestation of the grieving process.
There are several ways adults can make the situation easier for kids:
- First, acknowledge the situation without sugarcoating, then give kids a chance to respond.
- Another option is to schedule regular check-ins to make sure kids are okay.
- Parents may also want to encourage children to reminisce about life before COVID so they can remember specific things they miss and can look forward to again.
- Another strategy is to let kids lead the way.
Read the full article below.
Upcoming Events
YRRS Presentation on March 18
Calendar Items
Friday, March 12 - Special School Board meeting to discuss re-entry, 5:30 pm
Sunday, March 14 - Clocks one hour forward for Daylight Savings Time
Wednesday, March 17 - Friday, March 19 - Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thursday, March 25 - School Board Work Session, 5:30 pm
Monday, March 29 - Friday, April 2 - Spring Break
Wednesday, April 7 - Kindergarten RoundUp
Wednesday, May 5 - Native American Senior Sash Ceremony, 5:30 pm
July 21-23 - LAPS Summer Institute
July 26-30 - Kindergarten Safety Town
Los Alamos Public Schools
Website: http://laschools.net/
Location: 2075 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos, NM, USA
Phone: 505-663-2222