LAPS Newsletter
Week of October 20, 2025
Olions Performance: The Internet is Distract— OH LOOK A KITTEN!
Friday, October 24 - Sunday, October 26.
https://www.onthestage.tickets/los-alamos-high-school
Unity Day
Wednesday, October 22
Wear Orange
School Board Work Session
Thursday, October 23
Los Alamos Middle School
Purple Pinky Day
Friday, October 24
Purple Pinky Day is Friday, October 24, 2025. For $1.00, students can have their pinkie finger painted with Gentian Violet, a safe and widely used topical dye, as a symbol of one child immunized against polio. This initiative highlights that just $1.00 can help protect a child from this preventable disease. If students donate more than $1.00, additional fingers can be painted.
This campaign is aimed at educating communities about the importance of vaccination and the ongoing efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis globally. Polio, once a leading cause of paralysis and death among children, has been nearly eradicated thanks to the tireless work of Rotary International, global health organizations, governments, and dedicated healthcare workers. The strides made over the past few decades have brought us closer than ever to achieving a Polio-free world.
Despite the progress, the battle against Polio is not over with new cases being reported this year in Gaza, Afghanistan & Pakistan. Vaccination remains critical to prevent outbreaks and protect future generations.
The Ripped Paper Project
CowBoy Dog
4 Shades of Value
Sage Scott
Catherine Price
Lilja Swanson
Choir Rehearsal
Be Kind
Budding Journalists
This year has been declared the Year of the Arts in Education in New Mexico. As part of this celebration, Los Alamos High School has several performances scheduled this month.
Olions is putting on a production of The Internet is Distract--Oh Look a Kitten! By Ian McWethy. A play about a teenager named Michah who is rushing to finish a school paper before school starts but runs into many internet distractions along the way. This student directed, short and spunky production will be playing in the High School Blackbox Theater October 17th, 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th, and 26th. Take a break from virtual distractions for and come support LAHS Olions. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.onthestage.tickets/los-alamos-high-school.
On Wednesday October 22nd the LAHS Marching Band has their Homefield Showcase. Students will be asked to wear their jerseys or uniforms from their other extracurricular activities. This is a great opportunity to see what other groups are represented in the Marching Band. Thanks to Steve Iliff, Deanna Teague, and Zane Meek for all of their hard work. Join us at Sullivan Field at 6pm for this amazing show!
Los Alamos High School Dance program presents: Fright Night. Wednesday and Thursday October 29th and 30th at 6pm. This is the Fifth Annual Performance, put on by the dance students this semester. Jonathan Guise is an award winning choreographer who has been directing DALA and the LAHS Dance and Colorguard programs. Please join us in Duane Smith Auditorium for this special performance!
School Hours
Preschool hours are 8:10 am - 2:40 pm, Monday through Friday.
The PreK3 program is in session Monday through Thursday. The morning session runs from 8:00 am - 11 am, and the afternoon session runs from 11:40 am - 2:40 pm.
School Hours and Schedules
Elementary School hours are 8:10 am - 2:40 pm.Check your school site for daily bell schedules.
School Hours and Schedules
School hours at the middle school are 8:40 am - 3:30 pm. Click below to view the A/B calendar and bell schedule.
Hawk Hangout
Hawk Hangout is a free event held every month during the school year for Middle School Teens. Events are held once a month on Thursday in different locations locally and regionally.
School Hours and Schedules
School hours at the high school are 8:30 am - 3:40 pm. Click below to view the A/B calendar and bell schedule.
LANL Foundation Opens 2026 Four-Year Scholarship Application Process
High school seniors and current undergraduate students across Northern New Mexico can now apply for up to $20,000 in scholarship funding through the LANL Foundation’s Four-Year Scholarship Program.
Eligible students include residents of Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Mora, Los Alamos, and Taos Counties, as well as members of Northern New Mexico’s tribes, nations, and pueblos. Scholarships may be used at any college or university inside or outside of the state, and range from $1,000 for a single year to $20,000 over four years.
With one application, students are considered for more than 30 unique scholarship opportunities, made possible by Los Alamos National Laboratory employees and other generous donors. A committee of volunteer reviewers works to match students with scholarships based on their unique interests, backgrounds, and experiences. Students traditionally underrepresented in higher education (first-generation college students, rural students, and economically disadvantaged students) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Scholarship recipients gain more than financial support—they join the LANL Scholars community, which provides:
- Paid summer internships at LANL, the LANL Foundation, and partner organizations;
- Professional mentorship in students’ fields of interest; and
- On-campus peer support through LANL Scholars Ambassadors at the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University.
Students must complete the online application by Jan. 11, 2026, to be considered.
Application requirements include:
- Two letters of recommendation, including one academic reference;
- Short essays on student goals, leadership, and service, and an optional essay to share additional information; and
- A 3.25 GPA and transcripts.
Students pursuing an associate degree, certification, or professional trade credential are encouraged to apply for the Foundation’s Career Pathways Scholarship, which opens Jan. 2, 2026.
Learn more and apply at lanlscholars.org.
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 2025-2026 school year will be in person in E-wing at LAHS. Sessions run from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm.
To register, email lahssaturdayschool@laschools.net with the student's name and date requested.
Click here for more information.
Sources of Strength
Los Alamos Public Schools is excited to share that Sources of Strength, an evidence-based wellness and suicide prevention program, is underway at Los Alamos High School, continuing into its second year, and at Los Alamos Middle School, launching this year.
This program empowers student Peer Leaders, supported by Adult Mentors, to spread messages of Hope, Help, and Strength. By focusing on eight protective factors—such as positive friends, family support, and healthy activities—Sources of Strength helps build resilience, healthy habits, a sense of belonging, and positive connections within our schools.
This fall, Peer Leaders at both LAHS and LAMS began their work with a one-day training that combined learning, fun, and planning. Since then, they have been meeting weekly with their Adult Mentors planning and preparing to implement their first campaign to share messages of strength with their school communities.
Research shows that Sources of Strength is one of the most effective suicide prevention programs in the country: a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that it reduced suicide attempts among high school students by 29%.
This prevention program is made possible by funding from Los Alamos County and Los Alamos JJAB and support from Los Alamos Public Schools staff. In addition, the program recently received a grant from the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos’ Boys and Girls Committee to purchase supplies and materials. Los Alamos JJAB staff members have teamed up with LAPS staff this year to participate in the Adult Mentor training and offer continued support to the programs.
Together, we can help ensure that every student at LAMS and LAHS feels supported, connected, and empowered to thrive. For more information, please contact Kristine Coblentz, k.coblentz@laschools.net or Sylvia Diehl, s.diehl@laschools.net, Los Alamos Public Schools Prevention Program.
Upcoming Athletic Events
Los Alamos Middle School
Cross Country
Friday, October 24 @ Los Alamos Invite, Los Alamos Golf Course (8th graders only)
Los Alamos High School
Cross Country
Friday, October 24 @ Los Alamos Invite, Los Alamos County Golf Course (JV and Varsity)
Friday, October 31 @ District Meet, Los Alamos County Golf Course
Saturday, November 8 @ State Meet, Albuquerque Academy
Varsity Football
Saturday, October 25 vs. Valley High School @ Milne Stadium, 11 am
Friday, October 31 vs. Miyamura High School @ Miyamura High School, 7 pm
Varsity Soccer (Boys)
Thursday, October 23 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Pojoaque Valley High School, 4 pm
Varsity Soccer (Girls)
Thursday, October 23 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Pojoaque Valley High School, 6 pm
Volleyball
Thursday, October 23 vs. Espanola Valley High School @ Espanola Valley High School,
9th grade 4 pm, JV 5 pm, Varsity 6 pm
Thursday, October 30 vs. Taos High School @ Griffith Gym, JV 4 pm, Varsity 5 pm
Tuesday, November 4 vs. Moriarty High School @ Moriarty High School, 9th grade 4 pm, JV 5 pm, Varsity 6 pm
Thursday, November 6 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Griffith Gym, 9th grade 4 pm, JV 5 pm, Varsity 6 pm
Athletic Hall of Fame
Los Alamos Public Schools will begin accepting nominations for the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame. All submissions are due no later than Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
Since its inception in 2014, the Los Alamos High School Hall of Fame has inducted 60 members.
Nominees may be former student-athletes who attended Los Alamos High School and graduated from Los Alamos High School, former coaches or any individual who has made an outstanding contribution to or has had a significant impact on the LAPS athletic program.
Nomination forms are available on the Athletics webpage or at this link: Hall of Fame Nomination Form.
New inductees will be notified by Feb. 1, 2026. The Hall of Fame brunch will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
View a list of past inductees here or click here for more information about the program.
Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) is pleased to offer a free breakfast and lunch to all of our students.
LAPS utilizes the Offer Versus Serve (OVS) model pertaining to USDA and NSLP requirements. This model provides students with more of a choice for both breakfast and lunch service.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the school lunch program please send an email to m.johnson@laschools.net.
Review: The Internet Is Distra – Oh Look A Kitten!
Los Alamos Medical Center Becomes Official Partner Of Hilltopper Athletics
Los Alamos Hilltoppers Shut Out Rio Grande Ravens In Final Regular Season Home Game
Los Alamos High School Marching Band Performs Dazzling Halftime Show Friday Night On Sullivan Field
Topper Varsity Soccer Wins 7-0 Against Moriarty Pintos
Video: Main Building At Former Chamisa Elementary School Being Demolished Thursday On Meadow Lane
Hilltoppers Volleyball Beat Pintos In Three Sets
Olions: The Internet Is Dist-Oh Look A Kitten!
Hilltopper Varsity Soccer Marks Highest Score Of Season Against Pojoaque Valley
LAHS Choirs & NJROTC Pumpkin Patch Is Open
Topper Varsity Boys’ Soccer Wins Match Against Pojoaque
‘Thank You’ From Los Alamos Hilltopper Softball
Hilltoppers Varsity Soccer Shuts Out Taos Tigers 3-0
Los Alamos Public Schools is hiring for several positions, including Bus Drivers,Teachers, Substitutes and Educational Assistants. Click here for more information about working for LAPS and all current job openings.
DEA Drug Take-Back Day
The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) will be participating in the upcoming DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25. This event will be held in LAPD’s North parking lot off Central Avenue.
Community members are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications safely. For convenience, simply follow the posted signs and drive through to the designated take-back boxes. Please dispose of any trash or empty bottles beforehand. Labels on medication bottles may remain intact, though removal before arrival is preferred.
Additionally, supplies will be available on-site to assist in the disposal of liquids and creams. However, sharps and aerosol containers cannot be accepted at this event.
This initiative is part of a national effort led by the DEA to combat the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs by providing a safe and convenient disposal option. Click here to learn more. LAPD has experienced great success with this program in previous years and is pleased to continue participating this Fall.
A permanent prescription drug drop-box is available within the LAPD for year-round use and for those unable to attend the Oct. 25 event.
Direct questions to Evidence Technician Samantha Terrazas at 505.663.1888.
Teen Movie Night
Hawk Hangout
Tiger Choir Concert
Grow Your Mind Life Skills
Smart Recovery
Good News Clubs
Fall Art Classes
Community Night
One Acts
Piano Concert
Fall Concert
Concert Season
Pumpkin Patch
Halloweekend
Pumpkin Glow
Hang @ The Wall
Youth Rec Basketball
Martial Arts
Start Smart
5K Run
Youth Volleyball
Jazz Project
Youth Orchestra
Youth Philharmonic
Youth Mariachi
Children's Chorus
