Pilot School District for Saliva COVID Testing - 100% voluntary for staff

I am pleased to share that we have the opportunity to begin the transition from nasal tests to a less-invasive at-home saliva test. Most staff will like this better because it is self-administered and is less invasive than the swab nose test. More information will be coming later this week.

Vaccination Plan for Los Alamos

Los Alamos County may be receiving the first round of vaccinations in two or three weeks, and Griffith Gym at Los Alamos High School will likely be used as a vaccination site. More information will follow if one or more of the vaccines are approved at the federal level.

In the event that the Superintendent is out due to COVID, we will implement a plan to: 1) minimize disruptions and continue forward progress for LAPS, 2) clarify modified roles and responsibilities for staff and 3) maximize safety protocols for all staff, students and families. This builds upon current LAPS planning and all of the preventive and safety information developed over the last seven months. A summary can be found by clicking here.

Full Transparency Communications - the School Board, staff and parents will be informed about any changes in leadership roles. LAPS schools and the Central Office have an up-to-date list of contacts with mobile phone numbers.

Cross-training - in order to reduce the number of single points of failure at LAPS, extensive cross-training is being implemented.

District Leadership Team (DLT) - members include Kurt Steinhaus, Jennifer Guy, Kathryn Vandenkieboom, Carter Payne, and Deb Larson. Using the LAPS Strategic Plan, forward movement will be evident even if one or more members are absent. DLT will use the following guiding principals for data-informed decisions:

1. Guidance from epidemiologists, health officials and federal, state, and local governments.
2. Impact on the physical and mental well-being of students and staff.
3. Coordination with our community and other partners like the Lab and County.

Less time in the classroom means that LAPS leadership and teachers have to streamline curricula and focus on the essential standards. The Los Alamos plan includes these five steps to keep children on track for learning.

1. Focus on the most important work of the grade or course.
2. Clarify what students will need to know and be able to do in order to successfully complete grade-level work. Then, identify places where teachers might need guidance on how to revisit these prerequisite skills and content from last spring.
   
3. Continue and refine the process of LAPS curriculum mapping.
4. Customize supports based upon individual students’ needs.
   
5. Expand teacher tools for remote learning, small-group work, and hybrid instruction.