Music wing at Los Alamos High School/Photo Courtesy LAPS
Los Alamos High School/Photo Courtesy LAPS
LOS ALAMOS PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEWS RELEASE
Promises made, promises kept. Over the past 10 years, Los Alamos Public Schools has, with the help of Los Alamos voters, used bond funds for improvements to school buildings throughout the district. Voters are being asked in November to vote on a bond which would go towards improvements at the elementary schools in White Rock without increasing taxes.
The promise started with renovating and remodeling Los Alamos High School. Work included the rebuilding of A, B, C and D wings as well as the remodeling of the cafeteria building to house the NJROTC program and textbook center. The lobby at Griffith Gym was remodeled as was the band wing. Work was completed in January 2012.
“The renovations which were completed at the high school have provided educational opportunities for our students and staff,” noted Carter Payne, current LAHS principal. “The culture and climate of our schools are highly dependent on the learning spaces we create. Our beautiful, modern facilities have classrooms that are functional and give teachers more flexibility.”
A-wing is now a three level building that houses English, math and foreign language classrooms on the second and third floors. The first floor is home to a well-equipped culinary arts classroom as well as cafeteria space and the lower commons where students enjoy lunch. The “black box” provides space for dance classes and theater productions.
The second floor, which is the main level, includes admin and school counseling offices, the athletic, attendance and security offices as well as access to the Topper library. The upper commons provides a gathering space for students between classes. Both the upper and lower commons have hosted the Homecoming and winter dances.
In addition to A-wing, the band room was also renovated and now boasts a large practice room as well as individual practice spaces along with increased storage. The choir room was also upgraded.
“The new spaces made a huge difference for the music programs at the high school,” said band director Zane Meek. “We have room to accommodate our students and our equipment.”
Thank you tours of Los Alamos High School and Barranca Mesa Elementary School are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5 between 10:00 a.m. and noon. This is a come and go event. Tours will last about 30 minutes. Snacks and water will be provided.
Early voting opens on October 8. Election day is Nov. 5. If you need to register to vote, go to https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR/WebPages/InstructionsStep1.aspx.