Dear Hilltopper Students and Families,

Los Alamos High School staff are excited to start the new school year  on Thursday, August 13, 2020!  Over the summer our staff has been training on new technology tools and teaching strategies for remote learning.  No one expected a completely remote classroom environment in March, but our staff have been rapidly learning and testing new strategies to make remote learning as engaging and effective as possible for the start of the 2020-21 school year.

The first day of class this year is Thursday, August 13.  We will begin the year with all LAHS classes taught via a fully remote environment.

• LAHS students will attend school every day in a remote learning model, following their daily class period schedule, both synchronous and asynchronous.  (LAHS Remote Learning Schedule).
• Student class schedules will be available by Friday, August 7, 2020 through PowerSchool.
• Enhanced remote learning will meet our school’s high academic expectations and requirements for attendance, grading, class sessions, and assessments.
• Parents will be critical partners in the learning process.  Teachers will empower parents with information to allow them to help their students stay engaged and accountable.
• Our school and district have extensive plans in place to pivot to Hybrid and fully in-person learning as state guidance allows.
• Efforts to meet social emotional needs of students within academic instruction and curriculum have been further developed.

We want to assure LAHS families that the enhanced remote learning model will look different than the crisis-response remote learning in the spring. LAHS has spent the past several months developing a more robust, sustainable, and engaging learning experience for all students. As conditions permit, LAHS is prepared to transition to a hybrid model that includes in-person instruction for students.

The voices of students, staff, and families continue to be a critical part of our fluid planning process. The LAPS Safe Start Task Force and subcommittees, which included teachers, students, parents, non-instructional staff, and administrators, worked throughout the summer to develop plans that support student learning and safety in remote, hybrid, and in-person models. As a learning organization, our work to improve is never done. In light of continually shifting circumstances, our staff is committed to remaining flexible and responsive.

Please see the following links for specific information:

• Drive-Thru Student Registration & Textbook pickup – August 10 & 11, 2020.
• Drive-Thru Registration Map
• Fall 2020 Remote Learning Schedule
• Remote Learning Guidelines
• LAPS FAQ for Safety, COVID-19 and the 2020-21 School Year

During our fully virtual schooling staff are working remotely, and our building is not open to in-person visits.  Our teachers are back on contract on Wednesday, August 5, and will be available by email and phone to answer your questions.  We will continue to communicate via email, the LAHS and LAPS website, social media, and select virtual events.  The strength and solidarity of our LAHS community will be more important than ever. Thank you for your care, compassion, and attention to safety as we head into an unprecedented school year at LAHS.  Please reach out to us if you have any questions about the start of school.  Email the school at lahs.info@laschools.net, or call (505) 663-2510.

We look forward to seeing you (virtually) soon!

~Your LAHS Administrative Team