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 8 March 2021, the NM PED provided guidance to LEAs have the authority at the local level to move from hybrid learning to a full school week. The NM PED expects all LEAs to make this transition by 5 April 2021. 

Parents have the choice as to whether or not their child or children return to face-to-face schooling for the full week or remain in a virtual learning environment.

• March 29th – Alamogordo Public Schools PreK-12^th grade campuses will begin full re-entry schedule (please look for more information from individual campuses)
• School Bell Schedules have been amended, to include a 2 hour early release on Wednesdays. **This change goes into effect 29 March 2021**

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) 
  • ​https://sites.google.com/alamogordoschools.org/virtualacademies/virtual-academies
    • 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.
    • APS Points of Contact-Kaye Crecelius and Melissa Cole

• PK-5th Virtual Academy+ (Infinity Academy) 
  • https://sites.google.com/alamogordoschools.org/virtualacademies/virtual-academies ​​​​​​​
    • 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. 
    • APS Points of Contact-Kaye Crecelius and Melissa Cole

• 6th-12th Virtual Academy (Onward Academy) 
  • ​https://sites.google.com/alamogordoschools.org/onward-academy/home
    • 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.
    • APS Points of Contact for Middle Schools-April Shay and Alicia Edgins
    • High Schools- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2BkFUiuOLeW-1KAHFkc1HRw264X_Zqx4ZToHjtwcF1XOSiA/viewform?usp=sf_link

• 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
• Additional public and private 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 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. This will be determined on an individual basis. Please check with your child’s school if you have additional questions.

Q: If I want my student to continue to attend classes virtually, but they are currently enrolled in the Hybrid Model, what can I expect?

A: Students who request to remain in virtual classes will be transitioned from the Hybrid Model into one of the APS Virtual Academies. This transition may result in a change to your child’s teacher and classes.

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.Meals are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at specific school sites. Families residing on Holloman can pick up meals in the back lot of Holloman Middle between 11 am - 1 pm. Currently, student’s meal accounts will NOT be charged for each meal provided.

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?

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?

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: Kindergarten-2^nd-5^th Grade Students: water bottle labeled with first and last name, fully-charged ChromeBook, labeled with their first and last name and already signed into their account, ChromeBook charging cable, headphones and school supplies. *All children attending School Age Care and/or the Youth Center are required to wear a mask*

Q: Is my student eligible for Advanced Enrollment?

A: Yes. The NM Public Education Department (NMPED) has issued guidance to local school districts that allows for advanced enrollment for military students. The guidance states, “Military families that wish to enroll their students in a school operated by a school district will complete the LEA’s registration application and attach a written statement of intention to relocate to the attendance zone of the school in which the family’s new residence or assigned military base is located. For military families wishing to enroll their student in a charter school, the registration application will be accompanied by a written statement of intention to relocate to New Mexico. Enrollment under this guidance should be permitted at any time during the school year, without need to be physically present in the state, and should be done while ensuring removal of barriers to students’ educational success as a result of the move.” For more information or the full guidance, please contact LaurieAnn Goodier, 49WG.SL.SchoolLiaison@us.af.mil.

Q: My child attends School Age Care. What do they need to bring each day?

A: Kindergarten and First Grades Students: water bottle labeled with first and last name and school supplies; 2nd-5th Grade Students: water bottle labeled with first and last name, fully-charged ChromeBook, labeled with their first and last name and already signed into their account, ChromeBook charging cable, headphones and school supplies. *All children attending School Age Care and/or the Youth Center are required to wear a mask*

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

USAF Connect App>49^th Wing>K-12 School Resources