Dr. Roy Basa Named 2024 New Mexico Teacher Of The Year
Dr. Roy Basa
PED News:
ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) and New Mexico Gas and Oil Association today announced that Dr. Roy Basa has been named the 2024 New Mexico Teacher of the Year.
The New Mexico Teacher of the Year Program began in 1963. Each year, all New Mexico school districts, and Charter schools are invited to nominate an outstanding teacher to become New Mexico’s Teacher of the Year, who acts as the spokesperson for the teaching profession in New Mexico.
“To know that I am the New Mexico 2024 Teacher of the Year, I’m really speechless,” Basa said. “All I want to Read More
Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Community Connections For December 2023
GIVING
$2.6 million raised in Holiday Giving Campaign. Funds support nonprofits, students, children. Visit this story here. Courtesy/LANL
ADAPTIVE TOYS
Modifying toys to bring joy to all. A Laboratory postdoctoral researcher uses a 3D printer and wiring knowledge to make sure toys are accessible for children with disabilities. Visit this story here. Courtesy/LANL
SCIENCE
Projects use artificial intelligence and machine learning to propel science. Multiyear efforts include partnerships with national laboratories and universities. Visit this story here. Courtesy/LANL
EMPLOYEE Read More
Op-Ed: Public Comments Made Regarding NM PED 6.10.5, School Calendar Requirements
By MORGAN WHITE
Los Alamos
My name is Morgan White, I’m a parent of three students in the Los Alamos Public Schools. I came today (Monday) because I felt it was important that you heard the voice of at least some parents, and I could be one of them. I am worried that the voice of parents may not be heard as loudly as it should because of the midday, workday timing of this hearing. Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments.
I’d like to start by asking, whatever you decide, we must keep our students’ best interest at heart.
I am sure that everyone agrees that any changes that you make should enhance their Read More
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández Appointed To Institute Of American Indian Arts Board
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) last Thursday by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“Art provides a vital pathway to learn, discover, and appreciate culture, identity, and heritage,” Rep. Leger Fernández said. “My first visit to the IAIA was decades ago when it was in a small space in Santa Fe, doing big things. Now it occupies a vibrant campus with dormitories, Read More
The Santa Fe Opera Names 44 Apprentice Singers For 2024 Season
Soprano Cadie J. Bryan performs in the Apprentice Scenes at the Santa Fe Opera. Photo by Curtis Brown/for the Santa Fe Opera
Santa Fe Opera News:
SANTA FE — The Santa Fe Opera has announced the 44 members of its 2024 Apprentice Program for Singers. The roster includes promising young vocalists from across the USA including New Mexico and extends to include participants from Australia, Canada, Cuba and South Korea.
The class of 2024 was selected from a pool of more than 1,000 applicants by Program Director Gayletha Nichols; Manager, Casting and Apprentice Program for Singers Chandler Read More
Op-Ed: Regarding New Mexico Public Education Department’s Proposed Amendments To 6.10.5 NMAC
By VALERIE FOX
Los Alamos
I am a parent of an elementary-age student. I am objecting to the proposed amendments to 6.10.5 NMAC. As I understand it, our district is opposed to it as well. Our students, teachers and school board members are already reeling from a swath of changes last year that included extended calendars and have made no difference in testing in the state of New Mexico. In fact, there has been a decline in math test scores and barely any movement in reading. Math proficiency scores in this state dropped to 24% and we are last in the nation in education.
Our PED needs to be honest with citizens Read More
Los Alamos High School EcoClub Co-President Charlotte Butcher Meets With Chamisa’s Global Warming Express
Los Alamos High School (LAHS) EcoClub Co-president Charlotte Butcher, left, meets recently with Chamisa’s Global Warming Express. The global warming express members are super excited to work to bring Los Alamos Public Schools to fully electrify the schools. Courtesy/LAHS EcoClub
Scene from LAHS EcoClub Co-president Charlotte Butcher meeting recently with Chamisa’s Global Warming Express. Courtesy/LAHS EcoClub Read More
Los Alamos Faith And Science Forum: Artificial Intelligence & Religious Transhumanism By Dr. James Carroll
Courtesy/Los Alamos Faith and Science Forum
Los Alamos Faith and Science Forum News:
Los Alamos Faith and Science Forum Presents: Artificial Intelligence & Religious Transhumanism By Dr. James Carroll, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at SALA Event Center. Pizza will be served.
Continuing the themes from the summer lecture on Artificial Intelligence, Dr. James Carroll will discuss the relatively recent rise of “religious transhumanism.” Transhumanists think that technology is in the process of fundamentally changing what it means to be human, and they have some remarkably interesting Read More
Parr-Sanchez: PED Tramples On Legislation, Ignores Issues
Mary Parr-Sanchez is a 32-year veteran educator teaching history and civics at Picacho Middle School. She is the mother of 4, grandmother of 2 and the elected leader of the National Education Association in New Mexico
By MARY PARR-SANCHEZ
New Mexicans across all races, diverse and unique backgrounds, and geographically wide zip codes from Aztec to Alamogordo, want our students engaged in learning and attending school every single day.
We want students to graduate from our public education system ready to thrive in college, their chosen profession and, ultimately, life in general. Student Read More
SFCC Art Exhibit Opens ‘Unlimited Breadsticks’ Jan. 18, 2024
‘The Sort of Thing That Thinking About Won’t Change One Bit’ (2023) by Jared Weiss, oil on canvas 48 by 48 inches. Courtesy/SFCC
‘If Only’ (2023) by Jared Weiss, oil on canvas 54 by 74 inches. Courtesy/SFCC
SFCC News:
Santa Fe Community College’s (SFCC) Art on Campus announces, “Unlimited Breadsticks”, an exhibition showcasing the art of SFCC Drawing and Painting instructors (Julia Catron, Del Curfman, Steven Eckert, Gary Kim, Jennifer Lynch, Kathleen Richards, Anne Rocheleau, Sudeshna Sengupta, Shane Tolbert and Jared Weiss) in the SFCC Visual Arts Gallery, with an opening reception 2-4:30 Read More
Seats Still Open For Annual LAMS Washington, D.C. Trip
Lincoln Memorial. Courtesy/Worldstrides
LAMS News:
It is not too late to sign up for this year’s 8th grade annual spring break Washington, DC trip to be held March 23-26.
There are just seven seats left. Only a $99 deposit is needed to secure a spot. Flexible payment plans are available, as are discounts for first responder, educator and military family members.
This is a private trip and not a school sponsored trip. Sign up here using trip ID # 209244 or call 1.800.468.5899.
Questions? Call Roberta Cocking at 505.670.0679. See Facebook at “LAMS Washington, D.C. Trip” for pictures and additional Read More
Deming Elementary Teacher Magali Gomez Surprised With 2023 Milken Educator Award And $25,000 Cash Prize
Visiting dignitaries congratulate Milken Educator Award recipient Magali Gomez from left, Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley, Ruben S. Torres Elementary School Principal Connie Maag, New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, recipient Magali Gomez (NM ‘23), New Mexico Secretary of Public Education Dr. Arsenio Romero, New Mexico Public Education Department Public Information Officer Beverly Friedman and Deming Public Schools Superintendent Vicki Chavez. Courtesy/Milken Family Foundation
New Mexico Secretary of Public Education Dr. Arsenio Romero congratulates Read More
ECECD Budget Request Sustains Vital Gains For Families, Providers, Increases Access To High-Quality Programs
ECECD News:
SANTA FE — Tuesday, the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) presented its FY25 budget request Tuesday in a hearing before the Legislative Finance Committee, outlining the agency’s plans for increasing access to early childhood programs and services, maintaining expanded eligibility for childcare assistance, and investing in quality supports for early childhood providers and professionals.
ECECD is requesting a $149,372,000 increase in general funds over FY24 and special appropriations totaling $23,500,000 for a total FY25 operating budget Read More
LANL Foundation: 2024 Community Outreach Grant Application Launch Opens Jan. 15, 2024
LANL FOUNDATION News:
LANL Foundation will be launching its 2024 Community Outreach Grant application Jan. 15, 2024.
Community Outreach Grants invest in learning rooted in the communities, relationships, cultures, languages and customs of Northern New Mexico. These grants provide an opportunity to support programs, initiatives, and organizations that actively address the unique needs of our local communities of place, practice and service, supporting learners of all ages.
LANL Foundation will host four Virtual Informational Q & A Sessions along with one additional session Read More
Santa Fe Community College Services Unavailable During Campus-wide Employee Convocation Meeting Jan. 4
SFCC News:
SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College’s (SFCC) services including front desk reception, academic advising, registration assistance and the cashier’s office will not be available until 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 4 due to a campus-wide employee Convocation meeting.
Services will resume after 11 a.m. via email, phone, online and in-person.
William C. Witter Fitness Education Center will be closed until noon Jan. 4. SFCC’s Kids Campus and the Santa Fe Higher Education Center will observe regular office hours.
Spring classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 16. Spring 2024 credit class registration Read More
Los Alamos Public School Board Opposes PED Rule Change
By the Los Alamos Public School Board:
Below is a statement to the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) from the Los Alamos School Board opposing the recent regulation changes proposed by PED for the 2024-2025 school year.
New Mexico Public Education Department,
We, the Los Alamos Public School Board, are writing this letter to express our opposition to the recently proposed rules changes. The proposed changes to Regulation 6.10.5 NMAC [School Instructional Time Requirements] would have detrimental effects for most districts throughout New Mexico. There are some foundational Read More
Los Alamos Public Schools On 2-Hour Delay Friday
LAPS News:
Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) will be on a 2-hour delay on Friday, Dec. 15.
All schools will start 2 hours late.
“The side streets in Los Alamos are still snow packed and icy in places. We cannot drive bus routes on time. Buses will arrive at their stops 2 hours after their regularly scheduled times.” –Superintendent Jennifer Guy.
Morning 3 Y is canceled. Afternoon 3Y will start at the regular time. LAOLA classes will continue with a regular schedule. Read More
LAHS Seniors And Parents Reminded To Save The Date
Scene from a previous Senior Appreciation Night (SAN). Courtesy/Family YMCA
Scene from a previous Senior Appreciation Night (SAN). Courtesy/Family YMCA
LAHS News:
Parents and graduating high school seniors are reminded to save the evening of graduation, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024, for the downtown, all-night community sponsored celebration known as Senior Appreciation Night (SAN).
Students who attend all events during the evening are eligible for a lottery of grand prizes worth several thousand dollars at the end of the night.
SAN was started by community members in Los Alamos Read More
Implications Of Proposed PED Rule Changes To LAPS
From LAPS Officials:
Los Alamos Parents, Staff, Students, and Community,
The Los Alamos community should be aware of an important rule change on School Instructional Time Requirements that the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) is proposing that would significantly impact Los Alamos Public Schools.
The NMPED has provided notice that they are taking public comment on a proposed rule change to 6.10.5 NMAC, School Instructional Time Requirements through email until 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, and in person at a public hearing to be held 1:30-2:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 at Mabry Hall, Read More
UNM-Los Alamos Campus Has Closed Due To Winter Storm
UNM-LA News:
UNM-Los Alamos has closed the campus today. Dec. 14, due to hazardous conditions caused by the winter snowstorm covering the area.
