From left, LAPS Superintendent Jennifer Guy, LAPS Liaison for Native American Students and Families Julie Dare  and LAPS Native American Student Support Specialist Jovita Mowrer present a resolution in support of Native American Heritage Month, which the school board unanimously adopted at the Nov. 12 meeting.  Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

The Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) Board met Nov. 12 in the School Boardroom and on Zoom.

During the Superintendent’s Report, Superintendent Jennifer Guy updated the School Board on the construction timelines for the new Piñon and Chamisa elementary schools. The move-in date for Piñon  has been changed to late spring; Chamisa is still on pace for an early August date.

Superintendent Guy also discussed potential professional development opportunities in regards to Artificial Intelligence (AI) procedures and literacy, and possible grant funding for new radios for school sites.

The School Board adopted a resolution in support of Native American Heritage Month presented by Superintendent Guy, LAPS Native American Student Support Specialist Jovita Mowrer and LAPS Liaison for Native American Students and Families Julie Dare. Several activities are planned for Native American Heritage Month, including Rock Your Mocs week, presentations by the Lightning Boy Hoop Dancers and a Kids Art Contest with the theme “Native Proud” for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

School board members also approved American Indian Education Policy 5147.

Principal Megan Lee presented an update on Mountain Elementary School, highlighting some of the events and activities taking place at the school, including Kinder Buddies, new clubs and the revitalization of student council. She also reported on test scores, attendance and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) data and the professional learning committee (PLC) opportunities for staff.

LAPS Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Carter Payne updated the school board on the graduation policy revisions, noting that surveys are being sent out to graduates from the past three years as well as parents, and that focus groups are being conducted. Plans are to bring more information to the December board meeting.

The next school board meeting is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 in the School Boardroom. It will be the last school board meeting in 2024.