Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on 12 March 2020, the Governor of New Mexico announced that public schools across the state would be closed from 16 March-3 April 2020. On 27 March 2020, the NM Public Education Department (NMPED), in coordination with the Governor’s office, announced that all public schools in NM would move to distance learning through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Alamogordo Public Schools (APS) has chosen to deliver educational instruction through the “Continuous Learning Model.” 

***Private schools in Alamogordo are closed as well and have all moved to an online education delivery model. Please contact your child’s school if you have questions.

As expected, this change brings forth questions. The FAQ below will address many of the questions families have, however, if you have an individual question or concern, please reach out to LaurieAnn Goodier, Holloman CYES-School Liaison, for support and assistance.

Q: What does “Continuous Learning” mean?

A: In APS, Continuous Learning means that students who have access to a digital device (laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone) will receive instruction via Google for Education. K-8 Students who do not have internet at home, will be provided a Chromebook, if needed, and digital packets to complete at home. Packets can then be uploaded at a later time when the student has access to the internet, mobile hotspot or Wi-Fi connection. For a list of local businesses with free wi-fi (useable from the parking lot) or school locations, please visit https://sites.google.com/alamogordoschools.org/covid19/teaching-our-kids?authuser=0. If your student is in grades 9-12, some work may be available in digital packets. All students will log in from home using their Clever account https://clever.com.  

Q: What if my child receives special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or has a 504 in place?

A: Parents of students on IEPs will be notified in writing concerning how services will be provided. An Individual Continuity Plan or Individual 504 Continuity Plan will be established. Please check with your child’s teacher if you have additional questions.

Q: Will students be required to complete state standardized testing?

A: No. A waiver for federally mandated assessments was submitted and approved by the US Department of Education.

Q: What does this mean for my high school senior, will graduation requirements be waived?

A: Seniors will achieve eligibility for graduation by completing locally designed demonstration of competency. The NMPED removed requirements for the required instructional hours, however, students are still required to complete at least 24 credits of required coursework to be eligible for graduation. Students that were at risk for not graduating will have an extension until 19 June 2020 to demonstrate competency. For more information, please visit https://sites.google.com/alamogordoschools.org/covid19/teaching-our-kids/seniors-at-alamogordo-public-schools?authuser=0

Q: What about Prom and Graduation?

A: Prom will either be postponed or canceled depending on the Public Health Order. Alamogordo Public Schools is hosting a Virtual Graduation Ceremony for Alamogordo High School and Academy del Sol on 22 May 2020 at 6:00 p.m. If the Governor allows, Alamogordo Public Schools has scheduled a time for each graduate to “walk the stage” for a commencement ceremony to include photos and receiving their diplomas. This is scheduled for 18-22 May 2020. This information has been sent to graduates. Please monitor the Alamogordo Public Schools website for more information or changes. .

Q: How will my student take college entrance exams?

A: Some high school seniors have already taken college entrance exams and some colleges/universities have already announced waivers for entrance exam requirements for this year. Both ACT and College Board are looking at offering exams in the summer. AP Exams will be done at home through a secure online platform with a 45 minute exam period. The exam will cover 75% of the course content. College Board is offering free, live online AP review courses through YouTube. The exam window will be posted on the College Board website by 3 April 2020. For more information on AP exams, visit www.cb.org. For college/university specific questions, to ensure the most up-to-date information, please contact the Admissions Office of that specific school.

Q: How will students be graded during Continuous Learning?

A: Grades will be entered for K-5 using the 1-4 rubric and students in 6-12 will receive extra credit using a different rubric. More information can be found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j-fc6LwhzE_KV_6wDeWo9pqcLB400Tgx/view

Q: What non-medical mental health resources are available for students?

A: Military students in need of non-medical mental health support services have the option of utilizing their school counselor https://sites.google.com/alamogordoschools.org/covid19/teaching-our-kids/school-counselor?authuser=0, the School-Based Military Family Life Counselors (Holloman ES and Holloman MS students only) or Military OneSource. Please contact LaurieAnn Goodier, CYES-School Liaison, if you need assistance.

Q: What do I do if my student will not be returning to school due to a PCS?

A: First, contact LaurieAnn Goodier, 49WG.SL.SchoolLiaison@us.af.mil. LaurieAnn will assist you as well as providing a warm hand-off to your new duty station. Second, contact your child’s school to request an unofficial copy of student records, to include a final report card or student transcript. 

• Parent and Student Guide to Continuous Learning 
• Istation at Home 
• MobyMax at Home
• Accessibility Resources
• Tech/Device Support M-F 0800-2000 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) (575) 322-4260