By Dr. Kurt Steinhaus, Superintendent

This message is to provide districtwide procedures, communications strategies, and to help us further prepare for the winter of 2015-16. 

The information may be particularly important because the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting ~150 percent of the annual average snow fall for northern New Mexico this year.

Communications

• The decision to close school or delay the start of school will usually be made by 5:30 a.m.
• Official announcements will be made via the media, district web page, LAPS E-Alerts, the school district’s information line (505.663.2223), and each individual school line.
• We will be coordinating with LANL and the County on all decisions about a delayed start, cancelation, or early dismissal. In general, if the Lab is on a delay, school opening will be delayed. If the Lab is closed due to weather, our schools will usually be closed.
• When school is dismissed early or cancelled for the day, all after school programs including athletics (both home and away contests) and activities are cancelled.
• This information will be used to update the LAPS webpage and Employee Handbook.

Delayed Start

• Students should arrive at school for these start times
  • 9:50 a.m. – LAHS
  • 10 a.m. – LAMS
  • 10:20 a.m. – Elementary schools (On Wednesdays, no school when there is a two-hour delay, YMCA programs start at noon)
  • Morning Pre-School is cancelled; afternoon Pre-School will meet as usual
• Busses will arrive at bus stops two hours later than the usual pickup time
• Parking lots will usually be cleared and ready for buses and cars by 7:30 a.m. Please allow our maintenance staff to clear the parking lots.
• Sidewalks will usually be cleared by 8 a.m.
• With regard to employees reporting to work, safety comes first
  • Certified staff should arrive no later than 2 hours after their normal start time
  • Classified staff should follow instructions from their immediate supervisor

  When you see snow and ice on the roads, please

1. Make safety your first priority
   1. Be extra cautious when driving
   2. Wear footwear that helps prevent slips, trips and falls
2. Take advantage of the learning opportunities
   1. Weather provides an incentive for students to write stories, learn science, and even calculate travel times
   2. If possible, allow students to talk about their experiences getting to school in the snow
3. Exercise special patience
   1. Snow and ice can cause stress; thus, try “giving an extra hand to your neighbor”
   2. Remember that people have different tolerances for weather and we want to be understanding of each other
   3. Consider getting up earlier than usual to clear snow and provide extra travel time

Information Lines:

• District Office – 663-2223                                             
• Aspen Elementary – 663-2277
• Barranca Mesa Elementary – 663-2732                                             
• Chamisa Elementary – 663-2472
• Mountain Elementary – 663-2327                                             
• Pinon Elementary – 663-2682
• Los Alamos Middle School – 663-2377                                             
• Los Alamos High School – 663-2512