Events & News

We are thrilled to share that several schools within the Los Lunas Schools district have made significant strides in their performance. According to the latest school designations released by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED), nearly every LLS school site has a designation of "traditional" or "spotlight.”

Ann Parish Elementary, Los Lunas Elementary, Los Lunas Family School, Tomé Elementary and Valencia Elementary improved their status to "Traditional" schools. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as these five schools were previously categorized as "needing improvement." Their advancement to "Traditional" status reflects not only their hard work, but also a commitment to enhancing the educational environment for all students.

“We want to acknowledge all the hard work and dedication each site has shown on improving outcomes for students,” says Karla Dow, the Los Lunas Schools Director of Assessment and Accountability.

This year, NMPED's ratings have shifted focus slightly. In addition to evaluating overall student proficiency through test scores, the department also considered individual student growth. This holistic approach allows for a better understanding of how each student is progressing, highlighting the importance of personalized education and support.

“We are very proud of the school designations. Earning and improving upon designations happen each day, not just when we see the results. Every moment counts,” says Susan D. Chavez, Acting Superintendent of Los Lunas Schools. “Thank you to our students and staff for all their hard work and effort!”

Bosque Farms Elementary and Katherine Gallegos Elementary remained “Spotlight” schools. This means they maintained an overall index score above the 75th percentile and are among the highest performing schools.

The dedication of our educators, staff, and community at these schools has played a crucial role in this improved performance. As we celebrate this success, Los Lunas Schools remains committed to fostering an environment where all students can thrive and continue to grow academically.

For individual school ratings, please visit  nmvistas.org.

Students at Valencia High School are making a significant impact in their community by teaching basic financial literacy concepts to third graders at Tomé Elementary through the Junior Achievement program. This initiative not only empowers younger students with essential money management skills but also fosters leadership and mentorship among high schoolers.

The program is designed to introduce foundational financial concepts such as saving, budgeting, and smart spending. The VHS students engaged third graders this week with interactive lessons and hands-on activities.

Renee Tabora, a third grade teacher at TE, says she is looking forward to doing this again next year.

"My students enjoyed the activities, mostly because the VHS students were friendly and enthusiastic about teaching the 3rd grade students," said Ms. Tabora. "They kept the students engaged and gave verbal praises."

By participating in this program, Valencia High students are not only reinforcing their own understanding of financial principles but also developing valuable communication and teaching skills. The collaboration between older and younger students creates a sense of community and encourages a culture of financial responsibility.

As Valencia High students inspire the next generation, they exemplify the power of peer-led education and community involvement.

 

 

Calling all Los Lunas Schools Students! It is time for the 2024 Student Career Video Challenge! It is open to students of all ages. The contest is now open and the deadline to submit your video: December 20, 2024.

What you need to know:

• Explore a specific career
• Research requirements:
  • What the job involves
  • Education needed
  • Average salary
• Video Creation:
  • Create a fun, 90-second video
  • Video options include: General overview, music video, commercial

Rewards:

• Participants who score at least 35 points will:
  • Earn a gift card
  • Be eligible for extra prices for outstanding videos
  • Extra credit for creativity

Click here to upload your video.

If you have questions, please contact: Sy DiChiara. 

Click here for guidance and resources.

Click here to view point system.

If you have additional questions or having trouble uploading your video, contact Teri Wimborne.

LLS Inclement Weather Delay, Closure, and Early Dismissal Information
LLS administration, security, and transportation keep diligent watch for potential weather that may impact the normal operation of our schools. Our first commitment is to ensure the safety of students and staff. LLS communicates with LLPD and other local agencies to determine if road conditions are safe for buses loaded with children and employees traveling to their work site.

How and when will families and employees be notified?
When the determination to delay, cancel in-person school and have a remote learning day, or dismiss school early is made, families and employees will receive notification on the Remind app and the district website will reflect the change. Local news outlets will provide updates as well. Please know that phone calls will not be made. Notification will be through Remind and the district website only.

• Notification of a 2-hour delay will be made by 6:00am or earlier if possible.
• Notification of a cancellation and remote learning day will be made as early as possible.
• Any early dismissal will be made as early as possible.

2-Hour Delay
In the event of a 2-hour delay, buses will pick up students 2 hours later than the normal pickup time. Parents may drop students off at school 2 hours later than the normal time. Please do not drop off students earlier than 2 hours later than the normal time.

• Employees are expected to report to their worksite as soon as conditions are safe to do.

Cancellation/ Remote Learning Day

• There are no inclement weather days built into the 2024-25 calendar, therefore, any inclement weather cancellations will require remote learning. If school is canceled for the day, students will participate in a remote learning day at home from their school-issued device.
• Students will log into their Canvas to begin the remote learning day 2 hours later than the normal school start time. Students will have Zoom classes live with their teacher/s and will have independent work they are expected to upload.
• Grab-n-Go lunches can be picked up from any school site, not just the site the student is enrolled in. School schedules for Remote Learning Days accommodate an hour lunch to allow time for meal pick-up.

Athletics and Activities
Watch the district website for updates on the status of athletics and activities.

Early Dismissal
If severe weather conditions develop during the school day, students may be dismissed early. In the event that students are dismissed early, parents will be notified through Remind and the district web site.

The Los Lunas Schools Central Office Parking Lot repaving project begins November 6th and is scheduled to be completed by December 15th. The parking lot will be inaccessible during this time.

If you will be visiting Central Office, vehicle access to parking will be via Mission Ave. (see image) Parking will also be available south of the LLMS Softball Field (see image). Parking will be limited, so please plan accordingly. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

If you have any questions, please call (505) 865-9636.

Ann Parish Elementary is celebrating its renewed status as an Apple Distinguished School. This prestigious designation highlights the school's commitment to innovation, leadership, and educational excellence through the integration of technology in the classroom. In fact, Principal Lisa Begay noted that Ann Parish Elementary is just one of 889 schools in the world to have marked this incredible achievement.

"That speaks volumes about who we are and what we stand for as a school," said Mrs. Begay. "We don't just use technology for the sake of it. We leverage it in ways that empower our students to think critically, communicate, collaborate and express their creativities in ways that would have been unimaginable a few years ago."

At an outdoor assembly, the students, staff, and administrators showed off their excitement with colorful signs, balloons, and music from the Los Lunas High School Band.

The school initially reached the designation in 2022. It recognizes educational institutions that demonstrate innovation, leadership, and a commitment to integrating technology into the learning environment. It not only highlights a school's dedication to enhancing student engagement and achievement using Apple technology, but also signifies a broader commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development among educators.

Ann Parish Elementary is committed to providing a high-quality education to prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital world, while equipping them with essential skills for the future. With a focus on personalized learning and technology, the school aims to inspire and empower every student to reach their full potential.

2024 Soccer State Championship:

• Boys and Girls
• October 29-November 9, 2024
• Tickets:
  Adults: $12.00
  Students (K-12), Senior (age 65+), Military: $7.00
• Online tickets only
• Visit NMAA website for schedules, brackets, and other details

2024 Football State Championship:

• November 1-30, 2024
• Games will be played at host schools. Host determined by higher seed or past history, depending on round.
• Tickets:
• Adults: $12.00
  Students (K-12), Senior (age 65+), Military: $7.00
• Online tickets only
• Visit NMAA website for schedules, brackets, and other details

2024 Cross Country Championship:

• November 9, 2024
• Albuquerque Academy
• Tickets:
  Adults: $12.00
  Students (K-12), Senior (age 65+), Military: $7.00
• Online tickets only
• Visit NMAA website for schedule and details

2024 Volleyball State Championship:

• November 14-16, 2024
• Tickets:
  Day Pass: $17.00
  Adults: $12.00
  Students (K-12), Senior (age 65+), Military: $7.00
• Online tickets only
• Visit NMAA website for more information

Los Lunas Schools offers two pre-k programs: New Mexico PreK and DD PreK (Developmentally Delayed). New Mexico Pre-K programs are full-day with 20 students in each class with two teachers. The Development Delayed Pre-K programs are half days. Students in those classrooms go through a qualification and get tested.

Cathy Chavez-Director of Federal Programs; Tanya Sanchez-PreK teacher at Katherine Gallegos Elementary; Shyanne Headstream-PreK teacher at Tome Elementary, appeared on New Mexico Living to talk about both programs. View segment here.

Los Lunas Schools is excited to announce the graduation dates and end-of-year activities for the Senior Class of 2025. As our senior class members from Century High School, Los Lunas High School, and Valencia High School prepare to embark on their next chapter, we want to ensure that families and friends are informed of upcoming important dates and events.

Due to University of New Mexico’s athletics schedule and commencement ceremony, graduation for Los Lunas Schools will take place on Monday, May 19, 2025.

“We understand that holding the ceremonies on a Monday is a change for our school district community and want to provide commencement information in a timely manner so that our graduates and their families can prepare for this momentous occasion,” says Susan D. Chavez, Acting Superintendent of Los Lunas Schools. “Many factors were considered when selecting this date including the end of the school year, available dates given to the district by UNM, and senior class end of the year activities. We look forward to celebrating our seniors on May 19^th.”

Century High School:

• Last Day for Seniors: May 9, 2025
• Robing Ceremony: May 13, 2025
• Graduation: May 19, 2025, at 1:00pm at the UNM Pit

Valencia High School:

• Last Day for Seniors: May 9, 2025
• Robing Ceremony: May 15, 2025
• Graduation: May 19, 2025, at 4:00pm at the UNM Pit

Los Lunas High School:

• Last Day for Seniors: May 9, 2025
• Robing Ceremony: May 14, 2025
• Graduation: May 19, 2025, at 7:00pm at the UNM Pit

We encourage all families to mark these important dates on their calendars. The graduation ceremonies will celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students, and we look forward to honoring them in a memorable event.

Additional Information:

Further details regarding the graduation ceremony, including parking information will be provided as the date approaches. Please stay connected through our official website, Remind notifications, and social media platforms for updates.

Los Lunas Public Schools has launched a clear bag policy at all district athletic events, both indoor and outdoor venues effective beginning August 19, 2024, a step that district administration says will enhance public safety.

The new clear bag policy does not apply to student athletes who have district-issued team bags.

The clear bag policy is modeled after industry standards, which allow for the following:

• Bags that are clear, plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12"x6"x12"
• A one-gallon clear plastic zipper-style freezer bag
• Small, non-clear clutch bags, approximately the size of your hand (the bag cannot be larger than 4.5"x6.5"), with or without a handle or strap
• Exceptions will be made for medically necessary supplies in bags appropriate to the size of the medical supplies

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Purses larger than a clutch bag
• Coolers
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Drawstring bags
• Luggage of any kind
• Computer or camera bags
• Any bag larger than the approved sized mentioned above

Under the new policy, guests may bring one approved clear bag and/or one small bag (like a clutch) to Los Lunas Schools stadiums, fields, and other athletic events. Cameras and binoculars may be carried into the venues as long as they are not in a bag or case. Seat cushions and blankets are still allowed. Diaper bags are also allowed under the clear bag policy, provided guests enter the venues with a child. All items are still subject to inspection. Click here to view examples of permitted bags and prohibited bags.