LAPS NEWS
Last Friday, the Los Alamos High School boys and girls cross country teams swept the district meet. The top five boys and girls finishers were from Los Alamos. They will compete in the state tournament this Friday at Albuquerque Academy. Go Hilltoppers! Students are also participating in volleyball, football, basketball, swimming, and soccer. LAPS activities like speech and debate are being conducted virtually.
All school sites are ready to return to full in-person learning on April 5th with safety and security plans in place. Most students currently in Remote+ and LAPS Hybrid have elected to return to fully in-person instruction. A small number of students are requesting to continue learning from home and school personnel are working with these families to develop learning plans. Remote instruction will continue in the Los Alamos Online Learning Academy and the Topper Virtual Academy.
All schools have a full inventory of protective masks, gloves, and cleaning supplies, and principals have been working with school safety teams to plan safety drills. Los Alamos schools have state approved updated Safe Schools Plans. COVID-safe signs with reminders are posted throughout every school building. We are pleased to report that shade structures have been installed across our school sites to allow for increased outdoor instruction.
The 2021 Legislative Session wrapped up at noon last Saturday. Approximately 27 education bills have been sent to the Governor for signature. HB2, the General Appropriations Act, totalling $7.4 billion includes $3.9 billion for education, including a 1.5% raise for all employees. The bill provides $110 million for Extended Learning Time Programs and $120 million for K-5 plus programs. LAPS is only one of 17 school districts participating in ELTP and K-5 plus this year. In addition, this bill increases PreK funding by up to $22 million. LAPS is hoping to receive funding approvals to host a PreK program at all five of our elementary schools.
In June, LAPS is excited to offer the opportunity for all students in Kindergarten-6th grade to participate in the K-6+ program. K-6+ is an extended learning opportunity for all students to attend school in-person for 15 extra days this summer from June 1-21. Teachers will reinforce core skills, provide hands on learning opportunities, and focus on teaching skills that may not have been covered or mastered during the current school year.
We are excited about welcoming students on April 5!