LAPS Newsletter
Week of March 23, 2026
Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 27: NM-ASR Test Window
(5th, 8th and 11th grades)
Thursday, March 26: School Board Work Session
Friday, March 27: Los Alamos High School Career/Trade Fair
Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3: Spring Break
Now through Tuesday, March 24
All-Schools Student Art Show
Mesa Public Library Step-Up Gallery
Thursday, April 9: Special Presentation: Executive Functions: Why Gifted and 2e Learners Struggle and How Strength-Based Instruction Helps
Saturday, April 11: New Mexico Science and Engineering Fair
Saturday, April 11: ACT
Tuesday, April 14: School Board Meeting
Wednesday, April 15: School Day SAT (Los Alamos High School Juniors)
Friday, April 17: State National History Day Competition
Saturday, April 18: Earth Day
Tuesday, April 21: Speech Showcase
Thursday, April 23: Spring Arts Fest
Tuesday, April 28: Bilingual Seal Ceremony
Wednesday, April 29: Special Presentation: Gifted and Distractible: Parenting and Teaching Twice Exceptional Leaners
Multicultural Fair
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.
The Los Alamos School Board is in search of a person to fill the vacancy left on the board with the departure of current member Dr. Margie Serrato who represents School Board District 1. Member Serrato cited “pressing family obligations that demand an expeditious relocation” for her resignation effective March 26.
The School Board will begin accepting applications from residents of District 1 through March 26, and hopes to decide on an applicant to fill the vacancy at the School Board meeting on April 14, 2026. The term will run through December 31, 2026.
Applicants must be a registered voter, over 18 years of age, and reside in District 1. Click here to view the district maps. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, including relevant experience and attributes that you would bring to the position, to Nancy Brugh, board secretary, at n.brugh@laschools.net or drop off at 2075 Trinity Drive with “attention Mrs. Brugh”. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 8:00 am.
For questions or more information, contact Mrs. Brugh at 663-2230.
Online registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open for students planning to attend LAPS in the fall. This includes new and returning students, out-of-district, kindergarten and preschool.
Registration for the 2026–2027 is now open!
Returning Students:
Families of current students who plan to return should register as returning students using their existing PowerSchool accounts.
New Students:
Students who have not previously attended a school in Los Alamos County must be registered as new students. This includes PreK students, kindergarteners, previously homeschooled students, students new to the district and out-of-district students. A new PowerSchool account will be required.
Transfer Requests:
Families requesting placement at a school outside their assigned attendance zone must submit a transfer request. Transfer decisions are made by the district office and only need to be submitted once.
Go to www.laschools.net/families-students/registration for more information and to register either a computer or smartphone.
For questions, please contact Rosa Schmitz at r.schmitz@laschools.net or (505) 663-2201.
There are only a few spots remaining for this year's Safety Town!
All children entering kindergarten in the fall are eligible to attend this year’s Safety Town being held Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5 from 8:30 am to noon at Barranca Mesa Elementary School. The program is limited to 100 participants.
Go to https://forms.gle/rR4vtbaPJ3i6dQnd7 to complete the registration form.
Spelling Bee State Champion
Congratulations to Los Alamos Middle School 8th grader Hannah Li on winning first place at the New Mexico State Spelling Bee. She will represent New Mexico at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC in May.
College Signing
Congratulations to Los Alamos High School senior Stetson Trujillo on signing a National Letter of Intent to join the New Mexico State University rodeo team. He has competed in NMHSRA, 4-H and NMRA rodeo, earning top finishes in steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and team roping, and qualifying for multiple state and national finals.
Spirit Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Los Alamos High School senior Sophia Sisneros, who was awarded an NMAA Foundation El Richards / Frances Walsh Spirit Scholarship at the State Cheer Competition. The award was presented by Varsity Spirit.
Chamisa Elementary hosted its Speech Contest last week. Iris Polski, Julia Rodriguez and Evelyn Sena were the top three finishers and are headed to the District Speech Showcase next month.
Participants in the morning session
Afternoon session competitors
Listening to instructions before the test begins
Los Alamos Public Schools is excited to participate in this year's Literacy NM Summer Program. This program will provide small group specialized reading and math instruction for students who have completed grades K-7. This program will take the place of the traditional summer school or camp that the district has provided in recent years.
All LAPS students who would like to improve their reading and math skills are invited to enroll on the state portal- NM Summer Reading Program Website (https://www.literacy.nm.gov/#).
Families are encouraged to register their children before May 1, 2026. LAPS will not be conducting a separate registration for the summer program.
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.
Important Dates
Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3
Spring Break
Friday, April 10 - Friday, April 17
Mountain Elementary Scholastic Book Fair
Monday, April 13 - Friday, April 17
Barranca Mesa Elementary Scholastic Book Fair
School Hours and Schedules
Elementary School hours are 8:10 am - 2:40 pm.Check your school site for daily bell schedules.
Important Dates
Wednesday, March 25
Piñon Elementary World Math Day Competition
Wednesday, March 25
Barranca Mesa Elementary PTO Pizza Fundraiser
Thursday, March 26
Chamisa Elementary 1st & 2nd grade Musical Presentation "Pajama Party"
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.
School Hours
Friday, March 27
Career and Trade Fair
Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3
Spring Break
Dual Credit Info Session
Back by popular demand! UNM-LA will host another dual credit informational Q & A session for parents in the Los Alamos High School Topper Library on Tuesday, April 14 starting at 5:30 pm.
Prom 2026
LAHS Prom will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at Buffalo Thunder Resort from 6:00–11:00 PM. This year’s theme is “Prom Through the Looking Glass”.
Tickets
Tickets are sold online via HomeTown Ticketing HomeTown Fan App. Only one ticket can be purchased per transaction
$65 (LAHS students) – available NOW through April 12th
$75 (LAHS students) – April 13th through April 23rd
$75 for all approved non-LAHS guests
Deadline: All ticket sales will end April 23 at 1:00 PM
Juniors & Seniors will use their PowerSchool ID as their passcode. LAHS Sophomore guests will be sent a passcode after their request is approved.
Note: Tickets are limited—purchase early!
Event Details
Ticket includes a buffet-style dinner menu. Students with food allergies should notify the LAHS Activities Office.
Arrive by 6:45 PM for dinner
Desserts and additional drinks will be served later in the evening
No entry after 9:00 PM and no re-entry after you leave.
Entertainment includes DJ, Photo Booths, games, etc.
Guest Information
Guests must be approved in advance of purchasing tickets
Submit a Prom Guest Pass Request to the LAHS Activities Office by April 17th @ 3:40 PM
Non-LAHS guests must be:
At least a Junior in high school
No older than 20
LAHS Sophomores may attend as guests and must also submit a Prom Guest Pass Request by April 17th.
Approved guests receive a passcode to purchase tickets
Guest tickets must be purchased by April 23rd at 1:00 PM
Guests must arrive with their LAHS host & bring valid photo ID
Attire
Prom is a formal event, tuxes are not required, but please, no casual clothing (e.g., shorts, athletic wear)
Shoes are required at all times (bring a second pair if needed-you can use the coat check)
Gently used formal wear is available—contact the counseling office if you’d like to see the selection.
Additional Information
Attendees must bring their QR code ticket & LAHS student id for entry, guests must bring their QR code ticket & a valid photo id.
Security check staffed by LAHS Administration and security is required upon entry
Do not bring prohibited items, school consequences will apply
A coat check staffed by LAHS chaperones will be available for personal items throughout the night, don’t leave valuables unattended on tables.
Questions?
Contact the Activities Office: lahsactivities@laschools.net
Saturday School
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.
Please note that Saturday School is no longer being offered for middle school students.
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 - 11:30 am. Remaining dates are May 2, May 9 and May 16.
To register, email lahssaturdayschool@laschools.net with the student's name and date requested.
Click here for more information.
Teen Movie Nights
More information, including movie trailers are available at www.losalamosjjab.com
Summer Sports Camp Coaches
The Los Alamos YMCA is hiring coaches for summer sports camps. Go to https://laymca.org/careers for more information and to apply.
YCC
The Los Alamos YMCA is hiring for the YCC this summer. Go to https://laymca.org/youth-conservation-corps-ycc for more information.
Summer Enrichment Internship Program
Applications are now open for the 2026 New Mexico Summer Enrichment Internship Program (SEIP), offering high school students the opportunity to earn a paycheck this summer while gaining real-world work experience.
Through this state-supported Public Education Department (PED) program, students complete eight-week paid internships with local employers, working 20 hours per week while receiving professional skills training and dedicated program support. There is no cost for students or employers to participate. The priority application deadline is March 31.
Employers host interns for approximately 14 hours per week on-site, and students complete an additional six hours of skills-based learning off-site. Student wages are fully covered through the program. The nonprofit Education at Work serves as the employer of record, managing payroll, onboarding and insurance coverage to make participation simple and low-risk for businesses.
Students, parents and host sites can learn more and apply at www.nminterns.com.
Gifted and Distractible Presentation
Student Services invites parents and staff to join the Gifted Advisory Committee for two special presentations by Julie Skolnick M.A., J.D., internationally recognized expert on gifted and twice-exceptional learners, as she explores the topic of “Gifted and Distractible.” The dates for these presentations are Thursday, April 9th and Wednesday, April 29th.
Topic: GATE Advisory Committee Meeting: Julie Skolnick Presentation on Executive Function
Time: Apr 9, 2026 04:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5056632222?pwd=9ya3XaLGT3DQAVJyauGbYKcsPQ4QWg.1&omn=87384049210
Topic: GATE Advisory Committee - Julie Skolnick Presentation on Gifted and Distractible
Time: Apr 29, 2026 04:15 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5056632222?pwd=9ya3XaLGT3DQAVJyauGbYKcsPQ4QWg.1&omn=87177031144
Sticker Design Contest
The Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office is excited to announce the 2026 “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest. Open to students in grades pre-K through 12, this contest aims to inspire creativity and communicate the importance of voting and civic participation. Students should submit their designs to the Clerk’s Office no later than April 7, 2026.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office at 505.662.8010 or email clerks@losalamosnm.gov. All contest information and forms are available online at lacnm.com/Vote-Stickers.
Is your student missing a jacket, hoodie, gloves, lunchbox or other item? Remember to check the lost and found table at your school site. These items are ready to go home and be reunited.
Meetings
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.
Upcoming Meetings
Thursday, March 26 (Work Session) @ Los Alamos High School
Tuesday, April 14 in the School Boardroom
Upcoming Athletic Events
Los Alamos Middle School
Baseball
Thursday, March 26 vs. Taos Middle School @ Senior Field, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Monday, April 6 vs. St. Pius Middle School @ Senior Field, 3 pm and 5 pm
Thursday, April 9 vs. Pojoaque Valley Middle School @ Senior Field, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Monday, April 13 vs. West Las Vegas Middle School @ West Las Vegas Middle School, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Thursday, April 16 vs. Pojoaque Valley Middle School @ Pojoaque Valley Middle School, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Softball
Tuesday, March 17 vs. Belen Middle School @ Belen High School, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Monday, April 6 vs. St. Pius Middle School @ North Mesa Minor Field, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Monday, April 13 vs. West Las Vegas Middle School @ West Las Vegas Middle School, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Thursday, April 16 vs. Sandia Prep Middle School @ Sandia Prep High School, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Track and Field
Tuesday, April 7 vs. Albuquerque Academy Middle School @ Albuquerque Academy, 3 pm
Wednesday, April 15 vs. Sandia Prep Middle School @ Sandia Prep High School, 3 pm
Saturday, Apriul 18 vs. St. Michael's Middle School @ St. Michael's High School, 8 am
Los Alamos High School
JV Baseball
Wednesday, March 25 vs. Santa Fe High School @ Santa Fe High School, 3 pm
Tuesday, March 31 vs. Taos High School @ Taos High School, 4 pm
Tuesday, April 7 vs. Pojoaque High School @ Senior Field, 4 pm
Friday, April 10 vs. Española Valley High School @ Española Valley High School, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Tuesday, April 14 vs. Moriarty High School @ Moriarty High School, 4 pm
Wednesday, April 15 vs. Albuquerque Academy @ Albuquerque Academy, 4 pm
Friday, April 17 vs. Taos High School @ Senior Field, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Varsity Baseball
Wednesday, March 25 vs. Santa Fe High School @ Santa Fe High School, 5 pm
Wednesday, April 1 vs. Taos High School @ Bomber Field, 4 pm
Wednesday, April 8 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Pojoaque Valley High School, 4 pm
Saturday, April 11 vs. Española Valley High School @ Bomber Field, 10 am and 12 pm (doubleheader)
Tuesday, April 14 vs. Albuquerque Academy @ Bomber Field, 3 pm
Wednesday, April 15 vs. Moriarty High School @ Bomber Field, 4 pm
Saturday, April 18 vs. Taos High School @ Taos High School, 10 am and 12 pm (doubleheader)
Boys Golf
Monday, April 6: Black Mesa Golf Course
Tuesday, April 14: Santa Fe Country Club
Monday, April 20: Los Alamos Spring Invitational, Los Alamos Golf Course, 9 am
Tuesday, April 21: Twin Warriors Golf Course
Girls Golf
Monday, April 6, Sundevil Black Mesa Open, Española Valley High School, 9:30 am
Tuesday, April 14, St. Michael's Spring Tournament, St. Michael's High School, 12 pm
Thursday, April 16, SPX Challenge, St. Pius High School, 12 pm
Monday, April 20, Los Alamos Spring Invitational, Los Alamos Golf Course, 9 am
JV Softball
Monday, March 30 vs. West Las Vegas HIgh School @ Overlook Softball Fields, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Tuesday, March 31 vs. Taos High School @ Taos High School, 4 pm
Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, Rio Rancho High School JV Tournament @ Rio Rancho High School
Thursday, April 7 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Overlook Softball Fields, 4 pm
Friday, April 10 vs. Española Valley High School @ Española Valley High School, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Tuesday, April 14vs. Moriarty High School @ Moriarty High School, 4 pm
Friday, April 17 vs. Taos High School @ Overlook Softball Fields, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Varsity Softball
Tuesday, March 24 vs. Santa Fe High School @ Santa Fe High School, 3 pm and 5 pm (doubleheader)
Thursday, March 26 vs. Capital High School @ Overlook Softball Fields, 4 pm
Wednesday, April 1 vs. Taos High School @ Overlook Softball Fields, 4 pm
Wednesday, April 8 vs. Pojoaque Valley High School @ Pojoaque Valley High School, 4 pm
Saturday, April 11 vs. Española Valley High School @ Overlook Softball Fields, 10 amd and 12 pm (doubleheader)
Wednesday, April 15 vs. Moriarty High School @ Overlook Softball Fields, 4 pm
Saturday, April 18 vs. Taos High School @ Taos High School, 10 am and 12 pm (doubleheader)
Tennis
Wednesday, March 25 vs. Taos High School @ Urban Park Tennis Courts, 3 pm
Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, Capital Invite @ Capital High School
Wednesday, April 8 vs. St. Michael's High School @ Mesa Tennis Courts
Saturday, April 11 vs. Santa Fe Prep and Santa Fe High School @ Santa Fe High School
Saturday, April 11 vs. Farmington High School @ Mesa Tennis Courts (JV)
JV Track and Field
Wednesday, March 25 @ Cleveland High School, 3 pm
Wednesday, April 8 @ Rio Rancho High School, 3 pm
Varsity Track and Field
Thursday, March 26, Bernalillo Relays @ Bernalillo High School, 3 pm
Friday, April 10. Storm Relays @ Cleveland High School, 3 pm
Monday, April 13. Sepulveda Invite, UNM, 3 pm
Saturday, April 18, Chile Invite, Sandia Prep High School
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.
Los Alamos Public Schools Accepting Out-Of-District Applications For The 2026-2027 School Year
LAHS Students Qualify For 2026 Int’l DECA Competition
Topper Tennis Wins In Farmington Tournament
Ten Los Alamos High School Seniors Named Finalists In 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program
Piñon’s Peter Bakasi Wins 2026 Dog Jog Logo Contest
Parents, Families And Staff Invited To Gifted & Distractible Presentations In April
Join. the LAPS Team
Looking for a new career? Check out 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.
Wanted: Football Coaches
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.
LASCU 71st Annual Meeting
You're invited to the Los Alamos Schools Credit Union Annual Meeting 2026!
We welcome all of our members and the community to join us for an evening of fun, connection, and updates from your local credit union.
Date: April 10, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: UNM–Los Alamos
4000 University Dr, Building 2
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Dust off your boots and hats — Western wear is encouraged! Everyone who dresses in western attire will be entered into a special raffle.
We look forward to seeing y’all there for a great evening with our members and community!
Fun Run
Violin Concert
Y Summer Camps
3Y After School Program
Teen Movie Nights
PEEC Summer Camps
Relax, Reset, Recharge
Drop-In Tutoring
Constitution Essay Contest
Airlock 5
Community Night
Summer Physics Camp
Grow Your Mind Life Skills
Dual Credit Presentation
Good News Clubs
LAYSL Spring Soccer
After School Art Studios
Summer Camp
International Design Challenge
Clothing Swap
Arts and Resiliency
Hang @ The Wall
Y Earth Service Corps
Martial Arts
Start Smart
Fencing
YCC
Youth Soccer
Hiring Summer Sports Coaches
Little Youth Basketball
