PAPA – Public Academy for Performing Arts

Dear PAPA Families,

The staff has been working hard over the past several weeks to plan for the next school year.  We’ve been reviewing course offerings, looking at student performance data, creating a budget, and reviewing issues that may keep students from meeting their ultimate potential.  I would like this letter to address some of the concerns.

One major concern that plagues PAPA is students being late for school.  We struggle with classroom disruption from students being late each day.  Many students are up to 50 minutes late, completely missing their first period class.  Before school started this year, we had all parents sign an Attendance Contract explaining the importance of attendance and being on time.  Unfortunately, through our analysis of attendance records and informal research over the past few days, we have found that 40+ students arrive late to school each day with reasons that cannot be repeatedly excused.  We polled the students as to why they are being late.  The number one reason involves not leaving early enough.  Other reasons include, “traffic (not leaving early enough), being busy, and car trouble…”  Only two students over the past few days had an excusable reason backed by a medical note.  Please be advised that state law requires your child be in school during the time that school is in session.  PAPA has tried to be cooperative with difficult situations, but we have to insist that children arrive on time.  Most of our students do not drive and are dependent on their parents to drive them.  Therefore, it is up to parents to meet this responsibility if they want their child to continue to attend PAPA.  As a school of choice, we have a waiting list of close to 200 students ready to make a commitment to PAPA.  If parents cannot make arrangements to bring their child to school by 8:00a.m., there are a couple of decisions that need to be made:  1. Parents can make an appointment to discuss a possible change to their child’s schedule to begin at 9:00a.m. and run through the optional 8^th period (keeping in mind that the requirement to be on time will still apply at 9:00a.m.) or 2.  Parents can assess their commitment to PAPA and make the decision to have their child attend another school.  All of the traditional public schools provide transportation.

Another smaller issue has to do with students being tardy to class after first period.  I see this issue as PAPA’s responsibility.  We will work to educate students on the importance of getting to class on time and how to handle minor “situations” that arise between classes.  We will also provide consequences for students that need to be repeatedly reminded.

Finally, cell phone use has become a problem recently.  As stated in the 2011-12 PAPA Parent/Student Handbook, “Cell phones will be confiscated or banned if they are misused.”  PAPA has been very reasonable in allowing students to use their phones during lunch and passing periods.  Students are not welcome to use cell phones during classes.  The only exception is a teacher-directed activity (ie. music saved for a student dance performance).  If a parent has an emergency during the 50 minute class period, he/she can call the school (830-3128), and we will pass on a message.

I am thankful every day to work in a school with a staff dedicated to excellence, an awesome student body, and a supportive community.  In today’s world, I feel fortunate that these small, easily resolved issues are all we have to worry about.  We are in no way trying to “get rid” of students.  With your help, we will improve the overall success of PAPA!

Sincerely,

Doreen A. Winn
Principal

I felt I should write a note expressing how fortunate I was to be a substitute teacher at Public Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA). So often we only see schools getting negative press and I’d like to change that.

For the past five years, I was teaching elementary full-time in Espanola, NM. I made a ‘last-minute’ decision to move from Espanola to Albuquerque in order to complete a Special Education Master’s degree program. I had no idea what I was going to do for employment. Through serendipitous events I was brought in to PAPA as an on-call substitute.

PAPA is a mid/high school full of unique individuals. I remember being extremely nervous when I thought of working with young adults. My nerves were quickly put to the rest. I wish I had the perfect words to describe how I feel about the students of PAPA.

As I walked through the campus I was welcomed with warm smiles, and students that remembered my name would greet me, “Hi, Ms. Martinez!” I subbed for various classes at PAPA and the students were so courteous, honest, hard-working, and respectful. Before some of the students would leave the classroom they would say, “Have a nice day,” or “Thank you.”

I almost forgot to mention the incredible staff and teachers. They too made me feel so welcome. They invited me to sit with them for lunch, offered to help me in any way they could, and always said, “Hello.”

I sadly had to say goodbye to PAPA because I was offered a long-term subbing position. But-before I say my last goodbye, I just had to let the students and staff know how wonderful I think they are and I will truly miss being there.

Parents-don’t hesitate to send your children to PAPA!

Sincerely,

Audrey Martinez

Congratulations to all of the Candidates for Student Council for running a fantastic race. Here are the new Student Council Officers:

High School Student Council:

President:          Stephanie Babington

Vice- President:  Kayla Onnen

Treasurer:         Megan McCorquodale

Secretary:          Miranda Blair

Middle School Student Council:

President:   John Babington

Vice President:     Mya Anglin

Treasurer:   Anjanet Ortega

Secretary:  Maricella Aceves

New Policy Review!  Please review the draft Section C, Personnel.  Provide input to slavis@paparts.org.

SECTION C PERSONNEL DRAFT