Chart 596: COVID Diagnoses For LAPS Jan. 29 – Feb. 4
The bars in this chart display the number of COVID-19 diagnoses by school for the past school week. Source: Los Alamos Public Schools. Created by Eli Ben-NaimNurses Honored At Los Alamos School Board Meeting
The school board honored the tireless efforts of LAPS nurses to ensure the safety, health and well-being of school staff and students during its Jan. 27 meeting. LAPS nurses and health assistants include Michaela Brown, Aspen; Sheila McClees, Barranca; Michele Wright, Chamisa; Amy Yost, Mountain; Elizabeth Hill and Teri Kerstiens, Piñon; Minsung Chae, LAMS; Tricia Conlin and Leanne Hick, LAHS and Celia Holmes, District. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
The Los Alamos School Board met Thursday. Jan. 27 in person in the School Board Room on Trinity Drive and via Zoom.
The meeting began with a moment Read More
Bill Would Fund Cybersecurity For New Mexico Schools
IT Director Lee Reynolds, Rio Rancho Public Schools
By ROBERT NOTT
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Public school officials say the problem is becoming almost as prevalent as bullying on the playground: cyberattacks.
In early January, a ransomware attack on Finalsite, an internet software company that runs websites for thousands of public schools across the nation, led to a computer system blackout for about 5,000 schools.
Later that month, a cyberattack on Albuquerque Public Schools led to a district shutdown.
New Mexico lawmakers on both sides of the aisle want to fight back. A group of Democratic Read More
Los Alamos Family Council CountUP! Week 13

By JORDAN REDMOND
Executive Director
Los Alamos Family Council
Each year, the Los Alamos Family Council’s Youth Activity Centers (YACs) serve hundreds of youth with over 13,000 average annual visits. Hundreds of youth are enrolled each year, and each day after school over 50 youth attend the two YACs.
Each YAC serves youth in grades 3rd through 8th after school, and the Los Alamos YAC serves youth throughout the summer and school breaks. Free activities, pool tables, air hockey, foosball, and affordable snacks make the YACs a busy place every afternoon!
The YACs provide a free and safe supervised Read More
LAPS Notice Of Possible Quorum: Hawk Sample Feb. 7
LAPS News:
Members of the Los Alamos School Board may attend the Hawk Sampler 5-8 p.m., Feb. 7 at Los Alamos Middle School.
A quorum may be present, however no action will be taken. Read More
Family YMCA Hosts HEART SMART Poster Contest
Courtesy/YMCA
YMCA News:
In recognition of American Heart Month, The Family YMCA is sponsoring a poster contest for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade.
The theme of this contest is “Be Heart Smart”.
Posters may be in any medium (crayon, paint, marker, etc.) and should demonstrate what is good for the heart, or how to be Heart Smart.
Posters may be turned in anytime but must be submitted by Feb. 25, to the Y at 1450 Iris St. in Los Alamos.
Young artists must include their name, age and grade, and phone number on the back of the poster. Winners will be announced Feb. 28.
There are two age categories: Read More
House Approves $3.87B For New Mexico Public Schools

New Mexico Education Secretary Dr. Kurt Steinhaus
NMPED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) announced that the House of Representatives has approved a historic $3.87 billion budget for New Mexico public schools.
The budget provides funding to address the educator workforce crisis and unfinished learning along with continued investments to raise academic outcomes for Native American students, English learners, students with special needs, and students who are economically disadvantaged.
“We are incredibly grateful that these legislators understand Read More
Aspen Tigers Spread Kindness To LARSO Seniors
Aspen Tigers roar with kindness for seniors with teacher Rachel Bartram. Courtesy/LARSO
LARSO News:
Rachel Bartram and her third class at Aspen Elementary gave a gift for the winter holidays that continues to give through Valentine’s Day.
The Tiger team members, created neck warmers for seniors, to warm their hearts, spirits and sore muscles. The neck warmers were put in gift bags for seniors over the holiday, with a few reserved for a holiday, that can be tough for many.
“They are such a great class to teach and have made this year so wonderful,” Bartram said. “This group of kids is so helpful and Read More
Measure Raising Teacher Pay In New Mexico Passes Second Senate Committee
SENATE News:
SANTA FE — Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 1, Increasing Salary for Licensed Teachers today, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque).
SB1 raises the minimum salary for licensed teachers by an average of 20 percent.
“New Mexico is in a crisis when it comes to attracting teachers to our classrooms, then convincing them to stay invested in our communities. In the past year alone, teacher vacancies have nearly doubled as a growing number of educators retire from the classroom,” Sen. Stewart said. “New Mexico’s teachers Read More
UNM-Los Alamos To Close Thursday Due To Weather
UNM-LA News:
Due to severe inclement weather, UNM-Los Alamos will be closed Thursday. Feb. 3.
Online classes and remote operations also will be closed. Read More
Los Alamos Public Schools To Remain Closed Thursday
LAPS News:
Due to continued snow and ice, the Los Alamos Public Schools will be closed Thursday, Feb. 3.
There will be no before or after school programs or activities.
The YMCA after school childcare will be closed as well.
“Be safe and stay warm,” Interim Superintendent Jennifer Guy said. Read More
New Mexico Senate Confirms Dr. Kurt Steinhaus Of Los Alamos As Secretary Of Public Education Department


Dr. Kurt Steinhaus
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement this afternoon after the state Senate confirmed Dr. Kurt Steinhaus of Los Alamos as secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department:
“Secretary Steinhaus is exactly the advocate that schools, educators, kids and families need and deserve. He has spent his entire
Senate Rules Committee Confirms Dr. Kurt Steinhaus Of Los Alamos As New Mexico Secretary Of Education
The Senate Rules Committee in a hearing this morning voted to confirm Dr. Kurt Steinhaus of Los Alamos as New Mexico Secretary of Education. Dr. Steinhaus (seated at right at the center table) is shown answering questions from senators during the hearing. A long line of individuals and representatives from organizations across the state shared their strong support for Dr. Steinhaus during the hearing. A sampling of those speaking includes Executive Director Joe Guillen of the New Mexico School Boards Association, American Federation of Teachers – New Mexico President Whitney Holland, Read More
UNM-Los Alamos Campus On Two-Hour Delay Today
UNM-LA News:
The UNM-Los Alamos is on a two-hour delay today due to inclement weather.
The campus will open at 10 a.m. today at 1000 University Dr. Read More
Snow Day! All Los Alamos Schools Are Closed!
LAPS News:
The Los Alamos Public Schools will be closed today, Feb. 2 due to the snow.
Snow is predicted to continue throughout the day so all before and after school events and activities also are canceled.
YMCA childcare is cancelled as is Los Alamos Online Academy.
“Please be safe and enjoy the snow,” Interim Superintendent Jennifer Guy said. Read More
New NMPED Hotline Offers Help For Quarantined Students
NMPED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) today launched a Quarantine Response Hotline to provide on-demand technical support and homework help to students missing school due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hotline, 800.805.1192, is available to quarantined and self-isolating K-12 students in districts and charter schools participating in ENGAGE New Mexico, a Public Education Department program created early in the pandemic to help keep students engaged in learning.
“As the pandemic evolves, we have to pivot again and again to embrace new strategies,” Read More
UNM-Los Alamos Virtual Career Fair Thursday March 10
UNM-LA News:
UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) is hosting its second Virtual Career Fair this March through the Handshake talent recruiting platform.
This platform is a great tool for employers to connect straight to university students across the country.
The fair is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 10 and provides employers the opportunity to interact with UNM-LA students through chat, audio or video conferencing within the Handshake platform and discuss open or upcoming job postings as they would face-to-face.
Registration for employers and attendees is FREE.
See more information about the UNM-LA fair Read More
Three New Mexico Education Equity Bills Pass Committee
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
STATE News:
SANTA FE — The House Education Committee passed three bills Monday that would expand access to quality education for students across New Mexico.
These bills aim to reduce the inequities identified by the 2018 New Mexico Supreme Court ruling in the Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit that found the state failed to comply with state and federal laws regarding the education of Native American, low-income, and English Language Learner (ELL) students.
“Quality education for our kids is key to their success as adults and to the future of our state. We absolutely Read More
Moving Arts Española Secures $100,000 Matching Grant From Thoma Foundation For Digital Media Lab
MAE News:
ESPAÑOLA –– Moving Arts Española, a community-based nonprofit committed to providing cultural arts education and meal programs to the youth of the Rio Grande Valley, announced this week that it has met the $100,000 goal to secure a matching grant from the Thoma Foundation.
The Thoma Foundation recognizes and supports pivotal initiatives in the arts, providing grants to nonprofit organizations whose innovative projects and original ideas will advance scholarship in the arts.
The grant award is dedicated toward a 2,400 square foot expansion at the Moving Arts Española facility Read More
ProjectY Cowork To Host Interactive Round-Robin Event Connecting Entrepreneurs With Local, Statewide Experts
Scene from the first Entrepreneurial Round-Robin held in 2019 (pre-pandemic). Courtesy/LACDC
projectY cowork Los Alamos News:
projectY cowork Los Alamos will host a free Entrepreneurial Round-Robin or “Speed Dating for Business Resources” event 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7.
This will be a great opportunity for small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs to ask questions about resources available to them locally and statewide.
At the beginning of the event each guest speaker will introduce themselves and explain what resources and benefits they have to offer small businesses. After Read More

































