LAPS Newsletter

Wednesday, February 4

World Read Aloud Day

Friday, February 6

Native American Day at the Roundhouse

Tuesday, February 10

School Board Meeting

Wednesday, February 11

Ride the Bus Day

Saturday, February 14

Happy Valentine's Day

Monday, February 16

Presidents' Day

No School for Staff and Students

Thursday, February 26

School Board Work Session

Chamisa Elementary School

Thursday, February 26 - Tuesday, March 24

All-Schools Student Art Show

Mesa Public Library Step-Up Gallery

Opening Reception on Thursday, February 26 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Piñon Elementary School will be a host site for the Math Kangaroo International Competition on March 19, 2026. This contest is open to students in 1st through 12th grade.

Go here for more information: https://mathkangaroo.org/

Go here for detailed registration directions: Registration Directions

Los Alamos Public Schools is encouraging all eligible students to ride the school bus to or from school on Wednesday, February 11 as part of “Ride the Bus” Day. The school district receives funding for school bus transportation based on the number of students that ride the bus on this day.

Thank you to the LAPS school counseling staff for everything you do to support your students, your staff and your schools.

Monday, March 2

Registration for 2026/2027 school year opens

Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20

Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences

Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3

Spring Break

The 13th Annual Multicultural Fair — Around the World in White Rock — will be held in the new gym at Piñon Elementary on May 5th from 5:30 pm –7:30 pm.

If you are interested in doing a performance—such as dancing, singing, or playing traditional instruments—please email either S.Rittner@laschools.net or A.Lynch@laschools.net.

Congratulations to senior Alyssa Sun who has been named a Regional Finalist for the 2026 class of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, moving to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 college scholarship.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 District Spelling Bee:

1st place: Hannah Li, 8th grade, Los Alamos Middle School

2nd place: Fynn Johnson, 6th grade, Mountain Elementary, earned the 2nd place trophy and Aspen

3rd place: EOliver Truong, 4th grade, Aspen Elementary

The Barranca Mesa Elementary PTO's annual Snow Ball dance was a lot of fun for students and raised $2,788.52 which will be used to purchase umbrellas for our outside patio tables for students and staff to use.

The middle school student leadership hosted a pep rally last week. Principal Gonzales even performed a rap song and one student shared his dance moves.

Piñon Elementary hosted its first National History Day last week. Students from the middle school were on hand to lead student workshops.

School sites celebrated the 100th day of school.

The BMX No Hate Tour landed at Los Alamos High School to perform stunts for students and share messages about no bullying. Math teacher Donald Poston volunteered to participate in one of the stunts and was cheered on by the crowd.

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.

Monday, February 16

Presidents' Day (no school for staff and students)

Preschool Family Engagement Nights with Waterford

4 pm - 6 pm

Wednesday, February 11

Barranca Mesa Elementary

Thursday, February 12

Aspen Elementary

Tuesday, February 17

Chamisa Elementary

Wednesday, February 18

Mountain Elementary

Thursday, February 19

Piñon Elementary

Elementary School hours are 8:10 am - 2:40 pm.Check your school site for daily bell schedules.

Monday, February 2 - Monday, February 9

Electives Course Request for upcoming LAMS 7th graders

Wednesday, February 4

Mountain Elementary Winter Ball

Monday, February 16

Presidents' Day (no school for staff and students)

Find out more information about your school.

JJAB One Circle groups are set up at all elementary school sites.

• Aspen Elementary: BOYS Group - 5th grade only, Mondays, starting Feb 2nd

• Aspen Elementary: GIRLS Group - 5th grade only, Thursdays, starting Feb 5th
• Barranca Elementary: GIRLS Group - 5th grade only, Mondays, starting Feb 2nd
• Barranca Elementary: BOYS Group - 5th grade only, Wednesdays, starting Feb 4th
• Chamisa Elementary: BOYS Group - 5th and 6th graders, Tuesdays, starting Feb 3rd
• Chamisa Elementary: GIRLS Group - 5th and 6th graders, Wednesdays, starting Feb 4th
• Mountain Elementary: GIRLS Group, 5th and 6th graders, Tuesdays, starting Feb 3rd
• Mountain Elementary: BOYS Group, 5th and 6th graders, Thursdays, starting Feb 5th
• Pinon Elementary: GIRLS Group, 6th grade only, Tuesdays, starts Feb 3rd
• Pinon Elementary: BOYS Group, 6th grade only, Wednesdays, starts Feb 4th

This year marks Mountain Elementary School's 75th anniversary. Mark your calendars and join us for an afternoon tea party to celebrate on Saturday, March 7.

School hours at the middle school are 8:40 am - 3:30 pm. Click below to view the A/B calendar and bell schedule.

Monday, February 2 - Monday, February 9

Elective Course Requests for 2026-2027 school year open

Saturday, February 7

Science Bowl Team @ Regional Science Bowl, Albuquerque Academy

Tuesday, February 10

PTO Lunch Crafts: Valentines for Veterans

Thursday, February 12

Jazz Band @ Jazz Fest, Eldorado High School

Thursday, February 12

Hawk Hangout @ Leisure Lagoon at the Aquatic Center

Monday, February 16

Presidents' Day (no school for staff and students)

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. The next event will be at the Leisure Lagoon at the Aquatic Center on February 12 from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm.

One Circle groups provide a structured environment for kids to engage with each other and an adult facilitator, based on the topics that meet their needs: boundaries, body image, gender and cultural stereotypes, relationships, and more.

School hours at the high school are 8:30 am - 3:40 pm. Click below to view the A/B calendar and bell schedule.

Tuesday, February 3 - Friday, February 6

Winter Ball Spirit Week

Thursday, February 5

Senior Class Photo @ Sullivan Field

Friday, February 6

Native American Day at the Roundhouse

Saturday, February 7

Borealis Ball

Saturday, February 7

Saturday School

Saturday, February 7

NJROTC Regional Competition in Tucson, AZ

Wednesday, February 11

Ride the Bus Day

Wednesday, February 11 - Saturday, February 14

State Student Council

Friday, February 13

Course selection for 2026-2027 school year closes

Saturday, February 14

ACT

Monday, February 16

Presidents' Day (no school for staff and students)

Saturday, February 21

Saturday School

Friday, February 20, Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22

Olions present "Mean Girls"

Friday, February 27, Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1

Olions present "Mean Girls"

Check out the dates for ACT and SAT weekend testing.

The LAPS Prevention Program is seeking motivated high school students to serve as Peer Ambassadors and help address vaping and nicotine use in our school community. Students will gain leadership experience while building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. This is a paid opportunity.

Apply by February 6

4–6 hours/week (February–April)

$15/hour

Apply here: https://forms.gle/qnpnchSLykkaVGVV6

For questions email Sylvia Diehl - LAPS Prevention Program: s.diehl@laschools.net

Saturday School is open to all 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.

Saturday School FAQs

To register, email lahssaturdayschool@laschools.net with the student's name and date requested.

Click here for more information.

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.

Saturday School FAQs

To register, email lahssaturdayschool@laschools.net with the student's name and date requested.

Click here for more information.

Happy February! Here is the line up for Teen Movie Night this month:

• Saturday, February 7 - No JJAB Movie - LAHS Dance and Teen Center sponsored midnight movie.

• Saturday, February 14 - Mean Girls This special night is a collaboration with the LAHS Olions Theater Group, whose production of Mean Girls runs February 20–March 1

Free VR Night The first 50 teens receive a free small drink and popcorn (sponsored by Kristy Ortega, RE/MAX First)

• Saturday, February 21 - Dirty Dancing (1987) - A true classic, no one puts this movie in a corner!

• Saturday, February 28 - Warm Bodies - A fun, unconventional romance with a zombie twist.

The LAHS Jazz 1 performed at Popejoy Hall on January 14. This group of musicians was selected as the 2026 NMMEA Honor Jazz Band.

The All-Schools Student Art Show will hang in the Step-Up Gallery of Mesa Public Library from February 26 through March 24. Stop by and view the amazing artwork by LAPS students.

There are several places that LAPS 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:
  • Aspen Elementary 663-2277, Barranca Mesa Elementary 663-2732, Chamisa Elementary 663-2472, Mountain Elementary 663-2327, Pinon Elementary 663-2682
  • Middle School 663-2375
  • High School 663-2512
  • District Office 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.

LAPS 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.

The Los Alamos Public Schools Board meets on the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of each month with the exception of April, November and December. All meetings are held in person and live streamed via Zoom beginning at 5:30 pm. Click here for more information about the School Board meetings.

Next Meetings

Tuesday, February 10 @ School Boardroom

Thursday, February 26 @ Chamisa Elementary School (Work Session)

2026 School Board: (back, left to right) Melanie Colgan (Secretary), Antonio Jaurigue and Margie Serrato; (front, left to right) Lauren Coupland (Vice President) and Sondra Wyman (President).

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone in our community joined the effort to provide extra resources to LAPS? We would like to increase our recurring monthly giving so that we can provide funding to every single teacher at LAPS. We need 450 people to sign up for only $5 a month in recurring giving in order to have money for every teacher at LAPS to receive a mini-grant. Will you help us make an impact on ALL LAPS teachers?

Click here for more information.

Los Alamos Middle School

Basketball (Boys)

Wednesday, February 4 vs. Pecos Middle School @ Pecos Middle School, 7th grade 4 pm, 8th grade 5 pm

Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7, Taos Tournament @ Taos High School

Los Alamos High School

Boys Basketball

Tuesday, February 3 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Pojoaque Valley High School,

9th grade 3 pm, JV 4:30 pm, Varsity 6 pm

Friday, February 6 vs. Moriarty High School @ Moriarty High School, 9th grade 3 pm, JV 4:30 pm, Varsity 6 pm

Thursday, February 12 vs. Hope Christian High School @ Hope Christian High School,

9th grade 3 pm, JV 4:30 pm

Saturday, February 14 vs. Espanola Valley High School @ Griffith Gym, 9th grade 11 am,

JV 12:30 pm, Varsity 2 pm

Girls Basketball

Wednesday, February 4 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Griffith Gym, Varsity 5 pm

Saturday, February 7 vs. Moriarty High School @ Griffith Gym, 9th grade 11 am, JV 12:30 pm, Varsity 2 pm

Monday, February 9 vs. Valencia High School @ Griffith Gym, 9th grade 4 pm, JV 5:30 pm,

Varsity 7 pm

Friday, February 13 vs. Espanola High School @ Espanola High School, 9th grade 3 pm, JV 4:30 pm, Varsity 6 pm

Swimming & Diving

Friday, February 6, District 2 Championship @ Farmington Aquatic Center

Wrestling

Wednesday, February 4, District Duals @ Espanola Valley High School

Friday, February 6, Regionals @ Cleveland High School (Girls)

Saturday, February 7, Donn Fishburn Freshmen and Sophomore Tournament @ Rio Rancho High School (Boys)

Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14, Regional Qualifier @ Tucumcari High School (Boys)

Cheer

Saturday, February 7, Spirit of Hope Competition in Albuquerque, Middle School, JV and Varsity

Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) is pleased to offer a free breakfast and lunch to all of our students. If you have any questions or comments regarding the school lunch program please send an email to m.johnson@laschools.net.

LAPS Announces 2026 District Spelling Bee Results

Toppers Fall To Sundevils 46-68 In Conference Game

Los Alamos High School Senior Alyssa Sun Named A Coca-Cola Scholar Regional Finalist

Hilltopper Girls Varsity Basketball Falls To Sundevils 45-42

Start 2026 working for Los Alamos Public Schools. We're looking for Educational Assistants at all school sites, as well as several other opportunities. Click here for more information about working for LAPS and all current job openings.

The Los Alamos Middle School football program is looking for a head coach (https://laschools.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5518448) and an assistant coach (https://laschools.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5518451). Click on the links for more information.

For more information about events in Los Alamos, check out the Los Alamos County 2025-2026 Winter Activity Guide.

The Los Alamos YMCA offers several programs for youth and teens.

The Santa Fe Symphony offers several music programs.