Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) will be making adjustments to the Pre-K schedule next year. 

Beginning in August, students in the preschool program for 4-year-olds will attend school 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. four days a week. Students will not attend school on Wednesdays. LAPS is working with the YMCA and other local childcare providers to have an option for 4Y students after school and on Wednesdays.

“There are several reasons for making these adjustments to the schedule,” LAPS Preschool Programs Director Gina Terrazas said. “Full school days will allow for more balanced teacher and child-directed times. Students will have more time in the classroom with their peers and with hands-on activities.” 

In addition, this change will allow for the school schedule to be the same for all students attending the elementary schools.

“This will provide opportunities for our preschool students to participate in events at the school sites, including special classes, such as Art, Music, PE and Library in the afternoon,” Terrazas said.  

She noted that the district understands this is a big change and wants to ensure parents that they have the students’ best interest in mind.

“We have received an overwhelming show of support from community members, parents of Pre-K children and staff for this change,” Terrazas said.

 Preschool classes will be available at all elementary sites next year. In addition, the program will add another 3Y classroom at Mountain Elementary, and an additional 4Y classroom at Chamisa Elementary.

A child who is 4 years of age prior to 12:01 a.m. MDT Sept. 1, 2022 may enroll for preschool for the 2022-2023 school year. 

Forms are available in English and Spanish, for more information and to register using either a computer or smartphone, visit https://sites.google.com/laschools.net/registration/home.