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.

School Year 20-21 Re-entry plans issued by Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must adhere to the New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED) Guidelines, Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control. On 23 June 2020, the NM PED provided guidance to LEAs that instruction must be offered virtually or a through a hybrid model of face-to-face and virtual.

On 23 July 2020, the NM PED provided guidance to LEAs that in person instruction must be delayed until after 7 September 2020. At this time, a phase –in hybrid model of face-to-face and virtual instruction is permitted. The phase-in approach will begin with elementary, then middle, and finally high school students.

Families who selected one of the virtual academies for their students should expect that this new development won’t affect that choice. If this changes, this information will be updated.

To view the Press Releases that are applicable to schools and NM families, please visit https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/press-releases/

As a result, the Board of Education for Alamogordo Public Schools voted to implement the Addendum to the Continuous Learning Plan. The options available for families are below:

• PK-5th Virtual Academy (Base Camp Academy)- LIMITED ENROLLMENT
  • The Alamogordo Public Schools Base Camp Academy allows parents and teachers to partner but recognizes the benefits of the expertise and support of a New Mexico Certified Educator to guide instruction. This academy supports students who have an adult who wants to share in the process of student learning. We work with each student and family to develop a personalized learning plan in order to master the New Mexico State Standards, prepare for state assessments, prepare for the next grade level, and instill problem solving and nonlinear thinking.
    • As partners, parents commit to time to guide students in learning at home. Alamogordo Public Schools provides video instruction and reinforcement lessons; Parents provide support at home. Alamogordo Public Schools provides a Tiered Task Card that outlines real world, at home differentiated teaching activities for parents to extend learning in connection to each NM State Standard.
    • As partners, Alamogordo Public Schools provides digital instructional resources, technology, a certified classroom teacher, as well as support for parents.
    • Students receive grades from New Mexico Certified Educators.
    • Students take check point assessments every three weeks to insure mastery of NM State Standards.

• PK-5th Virtual Academy+ (Infinity Academy)
  • The Infinity Academy is for independent learners in grades PK-5 who enjoy technology and would like to learn virtually. Students and parents who choose this model complete their 100% online courses through Google Classroom at the time and place of their choosing while enjoying ample support from New Mexico Certified Teachers. Teachers meet with students digitally in either small groups or whole groups, provide video lessons and additional practice as students work to master the New Mexico State Standards, prepare for state assessments, and prepare for the future. This academy will include teacher support as well as digital collaboration with peers. In addition, instructors will help students keep track of progress through reminders, check-ins, office hours and individual feedback. Students complete check points every three weeks to monitor progress.

• 6th-12th Virtual Academy (Onward Academy)
  • The Virtual Academy is for independent learners in grades 6-12 who enjoy technology. Students and parents who choose this model have the flexibility to complete their 100% online courses through APEX. Work can be completed at the time and place of their choosing as students work to master the New Mexico State Standards, prepare for state assessments, and prepare for the future. In addition, students receive additional support through programs such as Istation and ALEKS. Each student is assigned a homeroom teacher advisor to ensure academic success. Students complete check points every three weeks to monitor progress.

• PK-12th Hybrid Model (Cohort A/Cohort B, 2 days a week on site/3 days off site)
  • Both face-to-face and digital activities enable students to discover and learn both at home and in the classroom.
  • Students will be divided into Group A and Group B; Group A students will attend school on a regular schedule on Monday and Tuesday and learn at home on Thursday and Friday. Group B will attend school on Thursday and Friday and learn at home on Monday and Tuesday.
  • Students will receive digital intervention with staff on Wednesdays if needed and/or will work on digital programs designed to fill gaps and develop student capacity.
  • Elementary Students:
    • On Site Teaching will focus on English Language Arts and Math
    • Off Site Teaching will focus on reinforcement of ELA and Math, science, social studies and additional specials classes
  • Secondary Students:
    • On Site Teaching will be on a block schedule and will focus on learning the content
    • Off Site Teaching will be on a block schedule and will focus on demonstration of learned content

For more detailed information on the options outlined above, please visit Alamogordo Public Schools Re-entry Plan https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gF_KsTbLDJQZQvo1sSsMbwR-7ygpi0Pd/preview?authuser=0

Other Education Options

• Private School-Due to available capacity, private schools in Alamogordo will re-open with full time traditional instruction. For returning students, please contact your child’s school if you have questions.
• Home School
• Other public virtual academies

If you are interested in exploring any of these other education options for your child, please contact Ms. LaurieAnn Goodier.

As expected, this change in how the school year will look 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 describes the plan that the district has in place in lieu of the traditional public school education model of face to face instruction, 5 days a week, 7 hours a day. Continuous Learning means that students have access to a digital device (laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone) and will receive instruction via Face to Face and/or a combination of Virtual Learning Supports (i.e., Google for Education, APEX, ALEKS, Istation, MobyMax).  PK-12 students will be provided a Chromebook.

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. Some students with IEPs or 504 Plans may be eligible to attend face to face more than two days a week. This will be determined on an individual basis. Please check with your child’s school if you have additional questions.

Q: Will my students who attend the same school or different schools attend school on the same day?

A: When families register their students, they will register all students under the same account so siblings are connected within the Student Information System, PowerSchool. This will allow APS to ensure siblings are placed in the same cohort.

Q: Will my student receive meals on the days they are not “on site” or if we choose the virtual academy?

A: All students in APS are eligible to receive meals regardless of how education is being delivered.

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

A: It is expected that students will return to campus in the Spring to complete the NM State Assessments.  

Q: How will students be graded during Continuous Learning?

A: Coursework will be graded by individual teachers. Students in elementary will be graded using Standards Based Grading (1-4) and secondary students will receive grades on the A-F scale.

Q: What is the plan for safety and hygiene for students who are enrolling in the hybrid option?

A:  APS has outlined new and additional safety and hygiene protocols for staff, students and families. For a detailed overview, please visit http://alamogordo.ss12.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_372378/Image/APS%20Return%20to%20School.pdf

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: How do I register my student for school?

A: Alamogordo Public Schools uses PowerSchool as their Student Information System. A step by step guide is linked below. This guide addresses action steps for both new and returning students.

https://sites.google.com/alamogordoschools.org/olr/registration-guidance

Q: What do I do if my student will PCS during the school year?

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.

For additional FAQs, please visit

New Mexico Public Education Department: https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NMPED-Reentry-FAQ-7-23-20.pdf
 

Alamogordo Public Schools: https://sites.google.com/alamogordoschools.org/nmped-plan/faq-about-fall-re-entry?authuser=0