From Superintent Dr. Kurt Steinhaus

This message is to help us prepare for winter weather and focus on safety for students and staff. 

• The decision to close LAPS or delay the start of school due to weather will usually be made by 5:30 a.m. 
• Official announcements will be made via the media, district web page, LAPS School Messenger email and text, the school district’s information telephone line and each individual school line (see list below)
• We will coordinate with LANL and the County on all decisions about a delayed start, cancellation, or early dismissal
• In general, if the Lab is on a delay, school opening will be delayed
• If the Lab is closed due to weather, our schools will usually be closed
• When school is dismissed early or cancelled for the day, all after school programs including athletics (both home and away contests) and activities are cancelled.

Two-hour Delayed Start

• All before-school activities are cancelled
• Elementary Schools on Wednesdays: no school when there is a delay, YMCA programs start at noon, Pre-School is cancelled
• Buses will arrive at bus stops two hours later than the usual pickup time. Students should arrive at school for these start times:
  • High School – 9:50 a.m..
  • Mid School – 10 a.m.
  • Elementary schools – 10:20 a.m.
  • Parking lots will usually be cleared and ready for buses and cars by 7:30 a.m. Please allow our maintenance staff to clear the parking lots. Sidewalks will usually be cleared by 8 a.m.

When you see snow and ice on the roads

• Make safety the first priority
• Consider getting up earlier than usual to clear snow at home and allow for extra travel time
• Be extra cautious when driving
• Wear footwear that helps prevent slips, trips, and falls
• Take advantage of learning opportunities — weather provides an incentive for students to write stories, learn science, and even calculate alternative travel times
• If possible, allow students to talk about their experiences getting to school in the snow
• Exercise extra patience
• Snow and ice can cause stress; thus, try “giving an extra hand to your neighbor”
• Remember that people have different tolerances for weather and we want to be understanding of each other

Information Lines:

• 663.2277 – Aspen Elementary
• 663.2732 – Barranca Mesa Elementary
• 663.2472 – Chamisa Elementary
• 663.2327 – Mountain Elementary
• 663.2682 – Pinon Elementary
• 663.2377 – Los Alamos Middle School
• 663.2512 – Topper Freshman Academy and High School
• 663.2223 – District Office