Chamisa Elementary School Principal Craig Washnok presents a report on his school during the Oct. 27 school board meeting held at Chamisa in White Rock. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
The Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) School Board met Thursday, Oct. 27 at Chamisa Elementary School in White Rock.
Here is a synopsis of the meeting:
School Board President Melanie Colgan recognized the Los Alamos High School Marching Band, including directors Ryan Finn, Deanna Teague and Zane Meek; Color Guard coaches Jonathan Guise and Lindsey Theye; Percussion coaches Ryan Bloom and Beth Bates, Jeff Favorite and members of the Sideline Crew, and members of the band on their successful season. The band garnered first place in Class 2A at the Zia Marching Band Fiesta earlier in the month. The band also participated in the Pageant of Bands in Rio Rancho. Colgan also recognized the 24 seniors in the marching band.
Superintendent Jose Delfin addressed the recent incident at Los Alamos Middle School and shared some of his experience dealing with racist behavior at previous positions he has held. He reiterated that the district is in the process of further addressing the issue of racism at LAPS.
School Board members heard an update on the Chamisa Elementary School construction project from Cindy Terry of Dekker/Parich/Sabatini. She noted that they have completed design development and are moving into construction documents. Terry said that they have hosted several meetings with community members and spoken with staff, parents and students in developing the design for Chamisa.
The design incorporates the mission and vision of Chamisa and input from stakeholders. Pods have been included in the design and will act as a community meeting room as well as a space for school activities.
“We also plan to reuse the crayons that are currently in front of the school,” Terry said.
School board members said they were pleased with the design.
“Community involvement is key as this project goes forward,” Vice President Christine Bernstein said.
Member Ellen Specter thanked the County Council for the expanded funding toward this project and said, “This is a boon to the community, but also to Chamisa since we can expand what we are able to do with the space.”
The School Board postponed making a final decision regarding the voting redistricting options until the community had more opportunity to view the three options being considered. Each of the options proposed includes one elementary school in each district. These zones are not school attendance zones and do not affect where a student attends elementary school.
Redistricting is drawing and sometimes redrawing lines that determine which voters are represented by each district. Research & Polling Inc. Vice President Michael Sharp has been providing guidance to the School Board in this redistricting process. As required by law, redistricting for school board voting zones is done every 10 years.
Chamisa Elementary School Principal Craig Washnok gave a report on the school, pointing out some of the activities, which have already happened and focus areas for the school year. He pointed out that the school promotes teamwork, family and community. Staff have continued the ratios of interactions, which started last year. While the goal is 3:1 (for every three positive interactions there is one corrective interaction), this year the ratio has been 9:1.
Principal Washnok noted that teachers are focusing on math this year, especially increasing math time in second grade. Other highlights include the recent Skate Night, which saw more than 300 students and families in attendance and the collaboration with New Mexico United.
The School Board also agreed to postpone making a final decision regarding guidance in revising the strategic plan.
The next School Board meeting is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 in the School Boardroom on Trinity Drive.