LAPS Newsletter

National Bullying Prevention Month

Dyslexia Awareness Month

October 18 - 24: National School Bus Safety Week

October 21: Unity Day: Wear Orange

October 23 - 31: Red Ribbon Week

Thursday, October 22: School Board Work Session @ Los Alamos Middle School

National School Bus Safety Week is held each year during the third full week of October and brings together school transportation professionals, students, families, educators, motorists, and communities nationwide to reinforce one shared priority: keeping students safe on and around the school bus.

Throughout the week, schools, transportation departments, state associations, and industry partners are encouraged to raise awareness, share important safety messages, and celebrate the professionals who safely transport millions of students each day.

On Wednesday, October 21, Los Alamos Public Schools joins schools across the country in celebrating Unity Day, the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. Every day, LAPS students show up for one another by including classmates, cheering each other on, and looking out for friends. On Unity Day, we celebrate that kindness by wearing orange as a sign of acceptance, inclusion, and belonging. Any touch of orange counts, and so does a kind word.

We also teach Stop, Walk & Talk so every student has a simple, confident plan for tough moments:

• Stop: Use a calm, clear voice to say “stop.”
• Walk: Walk away.
• Talk: Talk to a trusted adult.

Family conversation starter: “How did someone make you feel welcome this week?” or “How do you use Stop, Walk & Talk?”

Reaching out is a strength. Our counselors, teachers, and staff are always here for students and families, so please connect with your school anytime.

Learn more at pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-day

Come see the Topper Marching Band Homefield Showcase on Wednesday, October 21 at Sullivan Field at 7 pm. This will be their final performance before heading to the NMAA State Marching Band Championships on Saturday, October 24 at Rio Rancho High School.

This event is free and open to the public. Let's support the 2026 Topper Marching Band!

Student voices are powerful partners in creating safer schools. National SAVE Day is October 21, during America’s Safe Schools Week (October 19–23). The day shines a light on students leading school-wide violence prevention efforts and building more connected school communities through their SAVE Promise Clubs.

Sunday, November 1: Daylight Savings Time Ends (clocks will "fall back" one hour)

Tuesday, November 3: Election Day (no school for staff and students)

Tuesday, November 10: School Board Meeting @ Mountain Elementary School

Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day (no school for staff and students)

Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27: Thanksgiving Break (no school for staff and students)

Fall is in the air! This means that we may start seeing some winter weather soon. During inclement weather, I will work closely with our school district team, LANL, and Los Alamos County to monitor the weather and the need for any school delays or closures. We will keep you updated and communicate any closures as quickly as possible typically by 5:30 in the morning.

There are several places that we will update with any announcements about delays or closures including:

• District website: www.laschools.net
• Emails to all parents, staff, and students
• Local media and social media
• School telephone information lines:
  • Elementary Schools:
  • Aspen Elementary: (505) 663-2277
  • Barranca Mesa Elementary: (505) 663-2732
  • Chamisa Elementary: (505) 663-2472
  • Mountain Elementary: (505) 663-2327
  • Piñon Elementary: (505) 663-2682
  • Los Alamos Middle School: (505) 663-2375
  • Los Alamos High School: (505) 663-2512
  • District Office (505) 663-2223

In the case of Inclement Weather:

• Announcements, usually by 5:30 am, will be sent via the media, district web page, LAPS School Messenger, and information lines.
• In general, if the Lab is on a delay, school opening will be delayed; if the Lab is closed due to weather, our schools will be closed.
• When school is dismissed early or cancelled for the day, all after school programs including athletics (both home and away contests) and activities are cancelled.

If we have a Two-Hour Delayed Start:

Buses will arrive at bus stops two hours later than the usual pickup time.

School start times during a 2 hour delay:

• Elementary schools - 10:10 am (including PreK 4Y)
• Mid School - 10:40 am
• High School - 10:30 am

We will always send you more information regarding inclement weather as soon as possible. We know that each family's situation and comfort with inclement weather is different so please feel comfortable in making the decision regarding travel that best meets your family's needs.

Jennifer Guy

Superintendent

Please remember to complete the Panorama Survey sent by your school site. Your feedback matters!

October is National Fire Prevention Month. Fire Prevention Week ran from October 4–10, 2026, but the Los Alamos Fire Department is visiting elementary schools to `teach students about fire safety and what to do if there is a fire.

A few of the most important tips include calling 9-1-1 when there is an emergency, knowing your address, and creating an escape plan with a meeting place.

The official theme for 2026 is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower”. This campaign focuses on reducing fires caused by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries found in common household electronics.

Several Los Alamos Middle School staff took to the field and challenged students to a flag football game last week.

Photos by Joyce Haven

Mountain Elementary hosted a Halloween Carnival last Saturday. All ages came dressed in costumes and ready to have fun. Thank you to the staff, parents, students and community members who volunteered to help make this event a huge success.

Parents and caregivers had the opportunity to hear from several speakers including police, a school resource officer, JJAB representatives, middle and high school counselors and administrators, and Prevention Support Specialist Sylvia Diehl during the Stronger Together presentation last week. The evening provided a chance to learn practical ways to support student mental health, strengthen connection and prevent substance abuse.

Congratulations to this year's LAPS School Board student liaisons: Los Alamos Middle School 8th graders Rebecca Champenios and Vahatau Funaki, Los Alamos High School juniors Hailey Apodaca, Ezra Kozimor and Silas Laskie, and senior Eliana Padilla.

Student liaisons are selected each year by members of the school board. Students submit applications at the beginning of the school year, and each application is reviewed by the school board selection committee members but names are not revealed during the review process.

School board student liaisons serve in an advisory capacity on the board. They are expected to attend school board meetings where they have an opportunity to express student views on the agenda topics. In addition, student liaisons and school board members meet for lunch once a month to review agenda topics and discuss timely issues relevant to the schools.

Congratulations to the Los Alamos Middle School girls cross country team who earned first place in the large school division at the NMAA middle school cross country championships last week.

Congratulations to the Los Alamos High School Topper Marching Band who won 3rd place in their category and came in 10th overall at the Zia Marching Band Fiesta held last Saturday at UNM. They will compete in the State Marching Band Competition this Saturday at Rio Rancho High School.

PreK 4 and Elementary School hours are 8:10 am - 2:40 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:10 am - 1:40 pm on Friday. 3Y PreK morning session runs from 8:00 am - 11 am, and the afternoon session runs from 11:40 am - 2:40 pm, Monday through Thursday. There is no 3Y Preschool on Friday.

Wednesday, October 21: Unity Day - Wear Orange

Friday, October 23: Purple Pinkie Day

Thursday, October 29: Chamisa Elementary Glow-A-Lition (Glow Wall) & SEL Parent Night: Scare to Care

Sunday, November 1: Daylight Savings Time Ends (clocks will "fall back" one hour)

Tuesday, November 3: Election Day (no school for staff and students)

Friday, November 6: Chamisa Elementary Cheetah Champions

Tuesday, November 10: School Board Meeting @ Mountain Elementary School

Tuesday, November 10: Barranca Mesa Elementary Veterans Day Breakfast

Tuesday, November 10: Chamisa Elementary Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast and Concert

Tuesday, November 10: Piñon Elementary PreK Fall in Love with Reading Parent Night

Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day (no school for staff and students)

Thursday, November 12: Aspen Elementary 5th Grade Music Performance

Thursday November 12: Mountain Elementary PreK Literacy Night

Friday, November 13: Piñon Elementary PTO Meeting

Saturday, November 14: Turkey Trot Piñon Elementary Fun Run

Monday, November 16: Aspen Elementary Picture Retakes

Tuesday, November 17: Chamisa Elementary Picture Retakes

Tuesday, November 17: Aspen Elementary PreK Math Night

Wednesday, November 18: Piñon Elementary Picture Retakes

Wednesday, November 18: Piñon Elementary Picture Retakes

Thursday, November 19: Piñon Elementary 3rd/4th Grade Concert: Campfire Trails & American Tales

Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27: Thanksgiving Break (no school for staff and students)

October 19 - October 23: Piñon Elementary

October 30 - November 6: Mountain Elementary

November 16 - November 20: Aspen Elementary

Purple Pinkie Day will be held on Friday, October 23 at all elementary school sites. This event is hosted by The Los Alamos Rotary Club.

Purple Pinkie Polio Project Parent Permission Form

Please join us on Thursday, October 29 for a joint-school event featuring Chamisa's famous Glow Wall and a night of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for the whole family. "Scare to Care" Night will be held at Chamisa Elementary School from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.

Students and families will then rotate through SEL, art, and movement activities to better understand how our schools support students’ social-emotional development.

Middle School hours are 8:40 am - 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:40 am - 2:30 pm on Friday.

Monday, October 19 - Friday, October 23: Student Council Charity Fundraiser

Thursday, October 22: Hawk Hangout, Silent Disco/Mask Making/Haunted House @ Fuller Lodge

Thursday, October 22: School Board Work Session hosted by Los Alamos Middle School

Monday, October 26: PTO Meeting

Friday, October 30: Halloween Celebration (Dress Up) and Fall Dance

Sunday, November 1: Daylight Savings Time Ends (clocks will "fall back" one hour)

Tuesday, November 3: Election Day (no school for staff and students)

Tuesday, November 10: School Board Meeting @ Mountain Elementary School

Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day (no school for staff and students)

Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27: Thanksgiving Break (no school for staff and students)

High School hours are 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 am - 2:30 pm on Friday.

Wednesday, October 21: PSAT/NMSQT

Wednesday, October 21: Student Council Fall Conference

Wednesday, October 21: Topper Marching Band Home Showcase

Saturday, October 24: NJROTC @ Raider Meet, Los Lunas

Saturday, October 24 Topper Marching Band @ NMAA State Marching Band Championship, Rio Rancho High School

Saturday, October 24: LAHS eSports @ UNM Invitational

Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30: Halloweek Activities

Tuesday, October 27: UNMLA Dual Credit Info Session

Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29: LAHS Dance Class Performances "Fright Night"

Thursday, October 29: D-Wing Haunted House

Sunday, November 1: Daylight Savings Time Ends (clocks will "fall back" one hour)

Sunday November 1: Deadline for Senior Photos and Bios

Tuesday, November 3: Election Day (no school for staff and students)

Wednesday, November 4: TAC (Topper Advisory Council) Meeting

Friday, November 6 - Saturday, November 7: Hilltalkers @ V. Sue Cleveland High School

Saturday, November 7: SAT (for students who have registered)

Saturday, November 7: NJROTC @ Duke City Meet, Albuquerque

Tuesday, November 10: School Board Meeting @ Mountain Elementary School

Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day (no school for staff and students)

Thursday, November 12 - Saturday, November 14: NMAA One Acts

Friday, November 13: Honor Band

Saturday, November 14: NJROTC @ Area 20 Meet, Albuquerque

Tuesday, November 17: Jazz Concert

Wednesday, November 18: Band Concert

Monday, November 23: LACA Music Workshop

Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27: Thanksgiving Break (no school for staff and students)

Attention Seniors: Do you have a great sense of Humor? Come try out as an Emcee for Topper Revue! This is the school talent show, and the proceeds go to pay for Prom. Emcee Auditions are on Thursday, November 12, during PowerHour and after school in the Black Box Theater. All talents are accepted. Please bring a 1-minute monologue and come try out!

Can you sing? Dance? Play an instrument? or have another amazing talent? Please come try out for Topper Revue 2027! Topper Revue is the school talent show, and the proceeds go to pay for Prom. All talents are accepted; please come try out.

Act Auditions are on Thursday, December 3, during PowerHour and after school in the Black Box Theater. The auditions continue on Friday, December 4, from 2:30-4:00 PM in the band room and on Thursday, December 10, during PowerHour in the Black Box Theater.

Hope to see you there!

Families and guardians can access their students’ reports online.

• View MSSA, iMSSA, and ASR test results (BOY iMSSA results will be posted to the Family Portal on October 9th)
• View results across multiple years to track changes in performance over time
• Identify bright spots and areas for improvement to guide conversations with teachers
• Mobile-device friendly

Family Portal Link to Get Started: https://nmparentportal.emetric.net/login

Family Portal Training Slides: Click Here

Middle school and high school sports schedules are published on RankOne.

The Atomic City Transit is also available. Click here to view bus schedules.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, the Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) will be participating in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The drop off site will be in LAPD’s north parking lot (off Central Avenue).

LAPS School Board Introduces 2026-2027 Student Liaisons

Rotary Honors Distinguished Los Alamos High School Student Suchir Jha

Rotary Honors Distinguished Los Alamos High School Student Esther Gellis

Read more about afterschool programs, events and activities in the Community Programs newsletter.

There are many opportunities for students and families outside of school. Check out the Community Events page on the LAPS website to see what is happening around town.

Please note that 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. Some fliers/brochures may contain links to external websites.

Upcoming Events

Check out the Los Alamos County Fall Activity Guide for more events and activities happening around town. Go to https://issuu.com/laccsd/docs/2026_los_alamos_county_fall_activity_guide.

Board Members

Current members of the LAPS School Board include President Sondra Wyman (District 5); Vice President Lauren Coupland (District 3); Secretary Melanie Colgan (District 4); Elisa Baker (District 1) and Antonio Jaurigue (District 2)

Secret City eSports is looking for a new Head Coach, as well as Assistant Coaches for a number of video game titles. Please consider being a coach if you are a gamer and would like to work with students.

Coaches are needed for these game titles: Overwatch 2, Splatoon 3, Marvel Rivals, MarioKart 8, Rocket League, Fortnite: Elimination Wars, Brawlhalla, and Tetris Effect Connected.

If you don't know how to play, but would like to help out, we are still needing Volunteer Coaches on Wednesdays from 4 pm - 7 pm. Please reach out to Libbi Lovejoy at l.lovejoy@laschools.net if you are interested, or have any questions.

Los Alamos High School is looking for a Head Coach for Girls Wrestling. Go to https://laschools.schoolspring.com/ for more information (posting 578).

Join the LAPS team as an Educational Assistant. Positions available at all school sites. Go to https://laschools.schoolspring.com/ for more information and to apply.