Topper Talk

Greetings Topper Families!

What a great Homecoming Week we had here at LAHS! Lots of school spirit, fun activities and community events! Special thanks to our school staff, parents and community partners for making all these activities a reality - it provides such enrichment to our students’ experience!

WE ARE HIRING! Looking for a job you can feel good about? Consider applying for an Educational Assistant at LAHS! We have a specific need for kind, patient and compassionate adults to work with our students who have unique learning needs. Be a part of our team!

We are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! This is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community! This year’s theme is: Unidos, Somos Más" (Together, We Are More).

Saturday, October 3: Topper Marching Band @ Los Lunas Invite

Saturday, October 3: SAT for students who are registered

Students should plan to arrive by 7:45 am in the A wing Upper Commons. Please bring the following:

• Your fully charged testing device with the Bluebook™ application installed and exam setup completed;
• Your up-to-date admission ticket from the Bluebook app. A printed ticket is preferred.
• Acceptable photo ID. This must be a physical document, not electronic.
• Pencils or pens for scratch work.
• Your College Board username and password.
• An acceptable calculator for use on the Math section of the test (there will be an embedded graphing calculator available to use within Bluebook).

Saturday, October 3: Hilltalkers @ Speech & Debate Tournament, East Mountain High School

Saturday, October 3: NJROTC @ Capital City Competition, Santa Fe

Saturday, October 3: Topper Marching Band @Los Lunas Invite, Los Lunas HIgh School

Monday, October 5: ASVAB

Tuesday, October 6: Senior and Parent Info Night

Wednesday, October 7: College Fair

Friday, October 9: End of 1st Quarter

Monday, October 12: Indigenous Peoples' Day (no school for students and staff)

Monday, October 12: NSCL Chess Tournament

Tuesday, October 13: LANL Radiation Control Technical Program Info Session

Wednesday, October 14: Topper Advisory Council (TAC) Meeting

Friday, October 16: Picture Make Up Day

Saturday, October 17: ACT (for students who have registered)

Students should plan to arrive by 7:45 am in the A wing Upper Commons. Please bring the following:

• Acceptable photo ID.
• Admission ticket.
• Pencils or pens for scratch work.
• An acceptable calculator for use on the Math section of the test.

Saturday, October 17: Topper Marching Band @ UNM Zia Marching Fiesta, Albuquerque

Monday, October 19: LANL Foundation Scholarship Info Meeting

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: eSports @ UNM Invitational

Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30: Halloween Events

Tuesday, October 27: UNMLA Dural Credit Info Session

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

Thursday, October 29: D-Wing Haunted House

Click on the Topper Events Calendar for details and updated information.

Student Council is planning several events for Halloweek Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30. Check it out and join in the fun!

Hall-O-Week Hallways

Freshmen: Haunted Carnival (E-Wing)

Sophomores: Hocus Pocus/Witches' Hut (Math Wing)

Juniors: Scooby Doo (Upstairs A-Wing)

Seniors: Haunted Graveyard (Languages Hall)

Halloweek Spirit Week Dress Up Days

Meme Monday (dress as your fave meme)

Teacher Swap Tuesday (dress as a teacher)

BBQ dad vs. Soccer Mom Wednesday

Class Wars Thursday (dress to match your class hallway!)

Halloween Costume Friday (Costume Contest at Lunch!)

Halloween Costume Contest

Join in the costume contest during lunch on Friday.

And don't forget to check out the Haunted House (D-Wing) on Thursday. Plus, the LAHS Dance Class will host performances of Fright Night on Wednesday, and Thursday.starting at 6 pm in the Duane Smith Auditorium.

The next Teen Movie Night will be Saturday, October 17th featuring the new release Other Mommy. The movie trailer and additional details are available on the JJAB website www.losalamosjjab.com.

LAHS and UNM-LA will host an Information Session on Dual Credit for LAHS students on Tuesday, October 27 starting at 5:30 pm in the Duane Smith Auditorium. Students and families will have the opportunity to learn more about dual credit options, the registration process and more.

Attention Seniors: Senior photos and bios are due by November 1. Email lahsseniors@laschools.net with any questions.

The University of New Mexico (main campus) will be hosting American Indian Senior Day at the UNM main campus in Albuquerque on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

If you are planning on attending UNM next fall or would just like to learn more - this is a great opportunity to see the campus and make those connections.

College-bound seniors are invited to attend to:

• RECEIVE AN OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL AID TYPES
• LEARN WHERE & HOW TO FIND SCHOLARSHIPS
• LEARN ABOUT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & HOW TO APPLY
• INTERACT WITH CURRENT UNM STUDENTS
• GET CONNECTED TO DIFFERENT CAMPUS RESOURCES
• EXPERIENCE A CAMPUS TOUR

There is no cost to you, lunch and transportation will be provided. There is limited seating, so if you are interested in attending please contact Jovita Mowrer, Native American Student Support, at j.mowrer@laschools.net as soon as possible.

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

New Mexico high schools are encouraged to have current 11th and 12th grade students who are serving in elected leadership positions in the current school year apply for the USSYP scholarship competition this year. Elected student leadership positions within your high school’s Student Council, NHS, and other student service organizations may qualify. See program guidelines for rules. Application materials, guidelines and program information can be accessed under the ‘USSY Program’ tab at http://nmassp.org/.

Two scholarship recipients in NM will be selected for a trip to Washington DC this spring and a $12,500 scholarship funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

Application deadline is Oct. 9, 2026.

October 2026 Scholarship Newsletter from scholarships.org

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/

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

Click here for more information and to get started.

Los Alamos High School hosted over 150 students from Northern New Mexico for the annual Honor Orchestra event. Middle and high school aged students rehearsed all day and performed in the evening. This was our largest Honor Orchestra in over 10 years.

Students from LAHS who were selected for the Honor Orchestra included Evan Allen, Emilia Bonser, Jonathan Clayton, Emma Conlin, Timothy Dale, Amelia Dolejsi, Cynthia Fu, Anna Gattis, James Haroz, Olivia Haroz, Leia Lin, Lyla Lo, Josephine Ortiz, Jadyn Peterson, Gordon Phillips, Natalie Pulsipher, Clare Puryear, Jane Smith, McKenzie Snelson, Davis Vigil, Kalliope Welch, Ellen White and Norah Whitten.

Congratulations to the Los Alamos High School Hilltalkers who have earned the 2025-2026 Leading Chapter Award in the New Mexico district. from the National Speech & Debate Association. This coveted honor, based on student participation throughout the school year, is the highest recognition a school can receive from the National Speech & Debate Association. Only the top school in accumulated members and degrees per district earns this designation each year. Out of more than 3,000 member schools nationwide, LAHS is one of only 108 to receive the Leading Chapter Award.

The school's award reflects 324 members and degrees over six years.

Los Alamos High School achieved the highest growth in math in the state.

Free event on October 15 offers practical tools for supporting student mental health and preventing substance use

Los Alamos Public Schools invites parents and caregivers of middle and high school students to "Stronger Together," an evening for learning practical ways to support children's mental health, strengthen family connection, and prevent substance use. The event takes place Thursday, October 15, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Los Alamos High School Library.

The evening begins with light refreshments and a brief introduction from each speaker. Attendees will then rotate from table to table, spending time with the speakers, asking questions directly, and gathering resources to use at home.

Attendees will hear from:

• The School Resource Officer and local police
• Los Alamos Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB)
• Middle and high school administrators
• Middle and high school counselors
• Sources of Strength

The event is intended for adults only, and childcare will not be provided. Spanish translation is available upon request.

Contact:
Sylvia Diehl
s.diehl@laschools.net
505-663-2564

LAHS students (and staff) enjoyed the week of Homecoming festivities, including Spirit Week, the pep rally, parade, and dance.

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.

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 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, October 14 starting at 5:15 pm in the Topper Library.

The PSAT/NMSQT will be given at Los Alamos High School on Wednesday, October 21. All 9th and 10th graders will take this test.

Juniors who wish to take the test to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program may use this link to register. The cost is $25. The link is also available in the Class of 2028 Google Classroom.

Only juniors wishing to take the PSAT/NMSQT must complete the registration form and pay the test fee.

Contact Jacqueline Nolen at j.nolen@laschools.net if you have any questions.

Registration deadline is Wednesday, October 14.

The ASVAB will be given on Monday, October 5 during Power Hour. Contact Jacqueline Nolen in the College & Career Center for more information.

Students are reminded to register for their AP exams before the November 1 deadline. By joining the AP Classroom using the join code for the AP class, students have access to AP Classroom resources and are registered for the AP exam next May.

The cost is $99 per exam. Students are expected to pay a deposit of $40 per exam no later than November 10, 2026. The remaining balance of $59 per exam must be paid no later than April 15, 2027.

Contact Connie Goettee at c.goettee@laschools.net or Jacqueline Nolen at j.nolen@laschools.net with any questions or concerns regarding registration and fees.

2027 AP Exam Dates

Check out the dates for ACT and SAT weekend testing.

Attention Juniors: SAT® registration is now open for spring 2027. Many colleges require or consider SAT scores as part of their admission and placement decisions, and your score is a great way to show colleges you’re ready.

Many juniors take their first SAT in the spring, giving them time to receive their scores and decide whether they’d like to take it again. Your SAT score can help keep your college options open, highlight your unique strengths, and even qualify you for scholarships.

Registering early gives you plenty of time to prepare with 100% free practice resources, including tailored practice, skill building on Khan Academy®, and small-group tutoring on Schoolhouse.World.

See upcoming 2027 SAT dates and deadlines and sign up at the link below.

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!

What is Power Hour?

Power Hour is a work in progress, and is a merged version of Academic Time and WIN. It will be Monday-Thursday from 11:45-12:55. Students will be able to get academic help, make up time in a lab, make up missing assignments and tests, attend a club meeting and so on. If a student is in good standing and doesn't need an intervention with their grades they can use this time as they wish.

How will students be able to choose their Power Hour and is attendance taken?

Students will continue to use the Flex app to sign up for times their teachers have committed to. A teacher or counselor can assign a student a specific place/time they need to attend so they can make up work. Attendance will be taken.

How does Power Hour work with Lunch?

There will be 2, 35 minute sessions, between 11:45 and 12:55. A student can eat lunch during one session, and attend Power Hour during the other.

If a student doesn't need academic support and isn't missing work, they can take the full 70 minutes for lunch.

What if I don't need to stay for the entire 35 minute session. Will I have to stay the whole time?

After you finish the work that was missing and your teacher excuses you, you are free to go.

Make the Most of Power Hour

Plan your Power Hour to get the most out of this opportunity.

Power Hour Weekly Schedule

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

LAHS students may get a free student pass with their student ID number. Check at school for more information on how to obtain their student pass.

Season passes are good for admission to all regular season home games at both the middle school and high school, but will not be accepted for any postseason events.

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