Topper Talk

Greetings Topper Families!

October is coming to a close and what a great month it was to be a Topper! We

celebrated National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, took the PSAT, had fun with spirit days and Halloweek events - including the Fright Night Dance Show, D-wing Haunted house and our last home football game of the season!

We do these things in an effort to increase a sense of student belonging and community at LAHS. Staff work hard to establish relationships. Recently, students, families and staff participated in the Panorama Survey which measures a variety of factors about school. This survey provides important information and is used to identify areas of strength and areas for growth.

We are so proud of our students who participated in Fall sports and activities – demonstrating hard work, dedication and excellent sportsmanship! Thanks to our school staff, coaches, Topper Parent Organization (TPO), parents and community partners for making all these activities a reality - it provides such enrichment to the student experience!

It continues to be my privilege and honor to serve the students, families and staff at Los Alamos High School. If there is anything you need, please reach out.

November has a lot going on! Please continue reading for important information.

"We acknowledge and recognize these unceded ancestral lands situated between the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia, Chicoma and San Antonio Mountains as the ancestral lands of the Tewa speaking people."

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

Wednesday, November 4: NAPAC 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

Sunday, November 8 and Monday, November 9: Olions One Act Performances

Tuesday, November 10: School Board Meeting in the School Board Room

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

Thursday, November 12: Topper Revue MC Auditions

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

Friday, November 13: Honor Band

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

Monday, November 16: National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

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)

Chartwells will serve a Thanksgiving Lunch on Thursday, November 19 from 11:45 am - 1 pm.

Thursday, December 3 and Friday, December 4: Topper Revue Auditions

Monday, December 7: Choir Concert

Wednesday, December 9: TAC (Topper Advisory Council) Meeting

Wednesday, December 9: Band Concert

Thursday, December 10: Topper Revue Auditions

Thursday, December 10: Orchestra Concert

Saturday, December 12: Hilltallkers @ Albuquerque Competition

Monday, December 14: Special Schedule (7 period day)

Tuesday, December 15: Friday, December 18: Final Exams

Friday, December 18: End of First Semester

Monday, December 21: Friday, January 1, 2027: Winter Break (no school for staff and students)

Monday, January 4, 2027: First Day Back for Staff

Tuesday, January 5, 2027: First Day Back for Students/Start of Spring Semester

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.

The next Teen Movie Night will be Saturday, November 14th. The movie will be the new release of Godzilla Minus Zero.The movie trailer and additional details are available at www.losalamosjjab.com.

The SALA lobby is open 7:30 - 11:00 pm for high school teens to hangout. The free movie starts at 8:30 pm. First 25 teens get a free small popcorn and drink.

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

If there is a 2-hour delay. morning 3Y Pre-School will be cancelled; afternoon 3Y will be on a regular schedule. School will be dismissed at the usual time on Fridays.

We will always send you more information regarding inclement weather as soon as possible. We understand that all families have different needs when it comes to weather. Please always prioritize your family's needs and safety as you make the decisions that best suit your situation when we have inclement weather.

Check out the latest list of clubs and activities available at LAHS.

LANL Foundation Scholarships

Four-Year Undergraduate Scholarships

Apply by January 10, 2027

Career Pathways Scholarships

Applications open in January 2027

Elks National Foundation Scholarship Programs

High School Students can win a $10,000 scholarship in the Future City Competition. Discover it here: highschool.futurecity.org/register/

Toyota High School Scholarship Challenge

Apply by April 10, 2027

Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid a student is eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

Click here for more information and to get started.

Congratulations to the Los Alamos High School Topper Marching Band who are the 2026 Class A-4A Marching Band State Champions. This is the second year in a row that the marching band has garnered state championship honors. They also received awards for outstanding music, outstanding general effect (GE), outstanding percussion and outstanding colorguard.

Students also heard about the scholarships available through the LANL Foundation during a presentation held last month.

LANL Foundation Scholarships

Students and parents had the opportunity to learn more about the dual credit program through UNM-LA. Dual Credit allows high school students to enroll in approved UNM-LA courses and earn both high school and college credit at the same time.

Students who may be interested in dual credit courses should contact their school counselor for more information.

Representatives from LANL gave a Radiological Control Technician Overview for students interested in pursuing a technical path following high school.

Members of the Astronomy Club enjoyed a talk by LANL Scientist and Mathematician Wendy Caldwell on Unearthing Planetary Defense. LAHS physics teacher Debbie Grothaus is the club sponsor.

It was Halloweek at LAHS the last week of October, featuring a Fright Night dance performance, a haunted house and a costume contest.

This year's LAHS School Board student liaisons are senior Eliana Padilla and juniors Ezra Kozimor, Hailey Apodaca, and Silas Laskie.

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.

Students are encouraged to reach out to student liaisons with concerns or issues regarding LAHS.

Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Friday. 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Fees can be paid online through Powerschool or with this link: https://laschools.revtrak.net/. If there are holes in your schedule or class errors, please wait to pay fees until the schedule in Powerschool is set for the semester. Please plan to pay your fee bill before the end of the first semester of the school year. Contact Deb Hogue at lahsbookkeeper@laschools.net if you have any questions.

Each year, the Leopold Writing Program invites New Mexican students in grades 6–12 to write an essay responding to an environmental-themed writing prompt. The essays are assessed by a panel of judges, and the winning essayists receive monetary awards of up to $500 at a celebration on Earth Day.

The contest is being offered in both English and Spanish. See the 2027 Leopold Writing Contest for more information.

They are also seeking Spanish-speaking volunteers who are invested in environmental writing to join our Spanish-language Writing Contest judging panel and promotion team. Please email Nina at nina@leopoldwritingprogram.org if you are interested in volunteering.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of New Mexico announces the 2026–27 UNM-PNM Statewide High School Mathematics Contest. The contest is designed at high-school level, and New Mexico students from grades 5–12 have been participating. Students should participate in the first round of the contest over a continuous three-hour period between Nov. 6 and Nov. 9. A range of times and test centers are available, and students may also arrange for one of their teachers to serve as a proctor.

Further information and both the school/club and participant registration forms are available at the UNM-PNM Statewide High School Mathematics Contest website.

TPO stands for the Los Alamos High School Topper Parent Organization. This is the high school version of a PTO but with a much lighter time commitment than the typical elementary school setup. It focuses on two main things: helping with two annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheons and supporting TAC, the Topper Advisory Council. For more information, contact Becca Jones at lahstpo@gmail.com.

Scan the QR code to get involved!

The Topper Advisory Council (TAC) gives families a direct forum to ask questions and share feedback with school staff and administration. Topper families are invited and encouraged to attend this in-person meeting. The principal and/or assistant principal(s) will be available to offer information and to talk with families about all manner of topics concerning our LAHS community.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4 starting at 5:15 pm in the Topper Library.

The ASVAB will be given during the entire PowerHour on Monday, November 30. Any 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student may sign up and take this optional test. Even if they are not joining the Military, this test has career assessment aspects that can be helpful for all students.

Go to https://forms.gle/gdYs4zWGk7LLnTzRA to sign up, or email J.nolen@laschools.net

This Thursday, November 5 is the last day for students to either register for an AP exam or make a change to an exam registration without incurring any late fee.

Students who are enrolled in an AP course and do not register for the AP exam or take the AP exam in May will not receive a weighted grade for the AP course for either semester.

Students who do not want to take the AP exam associated with their AP course will need to complete the AP Exam Exemption Form by November 5.

If you still need the AP Join Code to register for an exam, please speak with your AP teacher.

Students who have registered are also reminded to turn in their completed AP contract to Jacqueline Nolen ASAP.

AP exam fees have been added in Power School. The AP exam deposit fees are due no later than November 10, 2026. The remaining balance of $59 per exam must be paid no later than April 15, 2027.

2027 AP Exam Dates

Check out the dates for ACT and SAT weekend testing.

Student Wellness Resources: https://lahs.laschools.net/families/student-wellness

The Counseling Department is here to help students and families navigate high school. Students who need to schedule a time to meet with their counselor should talk to Mrs. Conlin, the department secretary.

Department Secretary

Trisha Conlin, Office Phone: (505) 663-2797

School Counselors

Elizabeth Bowden, 9th grade/Class of 2030

Santina Shije, 10th grade/Class of 2029

Carlos Casias, 11th grade/Class of 2028

Michelle Hennigar, 12th grade/Class of 2027

School Psychologists

Tiffany Richie, MS, NCSP, Office Phone: (505) 663-3210

College and Career

Jacqueline Nolen, Student Placement Specialist, (505) 663-2595

Check out the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line website.

Not only do they have hotlines and warmlines, but also a great mental health app. Their app has access to the warmline and hotline numbers, but also has a plethora of resources on anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

https://nmcrisisline.com/

Worried about another student? Use the Say Something anonymous reporting system to make sure they get the resources they need!

https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/say-something-tips/

Come check out the SOS Room in A210 next to the upper commons lunch cart. If the door is open, we’re open! stop by and say hi!

We recognize that being a high school student can be stressful. There are a lot of pressures in and outside of school. The SOS Room was developed as a resource for you to spend about 15-minutes to explore coping, self-regulation and stress management techniques. The SOS room does not have a consistent schedule yet, but stop by if the door is open!

You can support LAHS when you shop at Smith’s!

Link your Smith’s rewards card to the high school by following these steps:

1. Sign in to your Smith’s account
2. Under “Welcome” at the top right, click on “My Account”
3. Click Edit under “Inspiring Donations” (last section on the left)
4. Enter Los Alamos Public Schools Los Alamos High School or organization number KL966
5. Click Enroll or Change Organization if you have another one selected

On the app follow these steps:

1. Click on the 3 bars in the top right

2. Scroll down to the "Rewards" section

3. Choose "Inspiring Donations"

4. Enter Los Alamos Public Schools Los Alamos High School or organization number KL966

5. Click Enroll or Change Organization if you have another one selected

Good luck to all fall sports heading to state competitions.

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.

Assistant Principal/Activities Director Suzanne Montoya, Principal Jill Gonzales, Assistant Principal Caron Inglis and Athletic Director Guy Meyer