LAHS ADMINISTRATION NEWS
Los Alamos High School will have a new bell schedule when students return to schoolWe know that change is hard and we do not make them lightly. We have talked with staff and students and received input on the bell schedule for next year. We recognize that questions arise; therefore we’ve put together a short FAQ for you. Please read through, watch the short video and if you still have any questions, please send them via Please email LAHS Info.
Below are a few highlighted changes in the schedule –
- Later Start (8:30 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.)
- WIN or “What I Need” will take the place of Academic Time
- A/B Schedule is more consistent
Later Start – School research shows a later start time for teenagers is advantageous. We hope that with the shift to a later start time, we will see better attendance, fewer tardies and lates and more focused students in the morning, and fewer discipline referrals throughout the day.
WIN or “What I Need” is the new version of Academic Time. Unlike AT, WIN will happen within the school day (between 3rd and 4th periods), which will allow more equitable access to all of our students.
- In the previous model, Academic Time happened after the school buses departed LAHS
- In the new model, WIN will take place within the school day and is not optional
- Attendance will be taken
- Students will have some flexibility in choosing what class or session they attend
- Teachers will be able to offer a variety of sessions, including both academic and fun
- Provides a dedicated portion of the day for group assemblies, advisement session, course selection, etc. that does not disrupt the normal bell schedule
A/B Schedule – In an effort to create a more consistent A/B schedule, we will make a shift in our A/B alternating schedule. This will include adding more regular 7-period days to the schedule.
- Every week starts with an A day
- If an odd number of days in a week, then last day of the week is a 7 period day
- If an even number of days in a week, then the week will follow a regular A-B pattern and will not have a 7-period day
- Creates consistency in number of minutes each class has per week
- HERE is a link to the bell schedule and A/B calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: With school ending later, what happens with Athletics?
A: As the school day ends at 3:40pm, all athletics will start at 4pm. Athletics that have a 4AB PE/Athletics class will likely go straight from 4AB into after-school practice.
Q: How will students be able to choose their WIN and how is attendance taken?
A: We will use a flex scheduler app called “Flex” that will allow staff and students to schedule WIN sessions in advance, allowing for academic help sessions, office hours, supplemental or enrichment lessons, quiet reading, games, music sectionals, and so much more. Teachers will be able to schedule specific meetings and activities, allowing them to work with their departments to offer what is best to their students. In some cases students will be ‘rostered’ for a specific session and in others they can choose an activity. For example: if a student missed an important lesson or is behind in a specific subject, the teacher can require they attend an extra class during this time. Or, if a student is all caught up with their school work, they can choose to attend a quiet reading room or an outdoor basketball tournament.
Q: Do students have total choice about where they go during WIN?
A: No. Teachers, counselors, and other staff will be able to require students to attend sessions based on the need for such things as additional academic support.
Q: If my student has a free period during 4AB do they have to attend WIN?
A: We will have an application process for students to get exemptions for WIN. This process will require students to maintain eligibility, both academically and behaviorally. There will be times when students will be expected to attend WIN time even if they have an exemption (such as for course selection).
Q: What happens if a student forgets to sign up for WIN?
A: All students are automatically placed in a catch-all home room/study hall if they have not been scheduled for a specific WIN session. This may be with a teacher they choose or it may be in a larger “study hall” environment. Priority is given to teachers currently on the student’s schedule.
Q: Can WIN be used for non-academic sessions?
A: YES! Teachers can offer fun activities too. This time will also be used for large group assemblies, advisement periods, and more. Students can suggest ideas to teachers as well.
Q: If Monday is a holiday, then what will the A/B Schedule be?
A: Every week will always start with an A day. So in the event of a Monday holiday, Tuesday will be an A day, Wednesday a B day, Thursday an A day, and Friday a B day. On 4-day weeks there will not be a 7-period day on Friday.
Q: What if a student signs up for a WIN session and then wants to change it?
A: The student can log in and change the selection up to the cut-off time the night prior.
Q: What is Topper Time that I see on the A/B calendar?
A: This is a time that we will use to meet with advisors for what has been previously called advisement.
Thank you for your support. Please email LAHS Info if you have any questions.