LAPS News:
The Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) Board met Oct. 11 in the School Board Room on Trinity Drive.
Healthy Schools Director Caron Inglis presented an update on the LAPS Healthy Schools program and plans for this year.
The mission of the LAPS Healthy Schools is “to establish district-wide systems and build the capacity of each school to proactively meet the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of all students in order to ensure their success at school and beyond,” Inglis said.
LAPS initiated a Healthy Schools program about six years ago to support the social-emotional well-being of all students and staff. Inglis said that healthy schools is about being proactive, and outlined the strategy of the program, which includes strengthening connections across the district.
In addition, each school site is developing a plan outlining how they will intentionally create a healthy school environment for students and staff.
Inglis also is planning community education nights. Click here to view her presentation.
LAPS Director of Curriculum and Instruction Sharon Fogle presented an update on literacy and academic data. Dr. Fogle discussed the science of reading, noting that science-based reading instruction is a matter of equity. According to the Simple View of Reading, reading comprehension is a product of decoding and language comprehension. “Science-based reading instruction reduces the need for intervention and allows children to move forward as capable, confident readers.”
Dr. Fogle’s update included an overview of the content and methods associated with structured literacy. This year, the elementary schools in the district began using the structured literacy program, Amplify CKLA for reading instruction. Teachers are participating in training on structured literacy through the LETRS course. All LAPS students and staff have access to the TextHelp, Read&Write, CoWriter and Equatio tools to assist with reading and writing.
Dr. Fogle also reviewed test data from last spring, including early literacy and math scores for kindergarten through 2nd grade, language arts and mathematics for 3rd through 8th grades, and science for 5th, 8th and 11th grades. Juniors took the SAT for language arts and math.
“Teachers and administrators are excited about the opportunity to learn how to use this data to improve learning outcomes for all students,” Dr. Fogle said. Click here to view her presentation.
Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Guy presented the first read of the updated Bullying of Students policy. She also presented the Compensation policy, which is being updated to address the New Mexico Employee Retirement Board (NMERB) Return to Work program.
LAPS Director of Operations Tommy Castillo led a discussion on the Capital Projects update and the Facilities Master Plan. He gave an overview of the Facilities Master Plan priorities for 2019-2023, including recurring needs and renewal projects.
The next School Board meeting will be hosted by Chamisa Elementary School Thursday, Oct. 27. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the library.
