General Info

Possession or distribution of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, nicotine liquid containers, alcohol, mood-altering substances, and illicit drugs in school buildings, school premises, and away from school grounds at school-sponsored activities is prohibited for all. This includes students, staff, and families.

Student Drop-off & Pick-up Safety Reminders

• Be patient during drop-off and pick-up.

• Have your child ready with belongings before stopping in the loading/unloading zone.

• If your child needs extra time, please park on the street or in a parking spot.

• Do not block crosswalks, entrances, or exits.

• Refrain from honking, yelling, or using inappropriate language.

• If you’re running late, do not speed—safety comes first.

• We’ve had a few close calls; please help us keep all students and families safe.

Students not enrolled in 8th period class may not stay on campus unless they have an appointment with a teacher. Students may not loiter on campus.

Cell Phones

Per the NM Legislature, students are not permitted to be on cell phones during instructional time. Instructional time means during class time. Take a moment right now and put yours in your backpack out of sight. Students must have a pass from their teachers if they need to be out of class for any reason. Leave your phone in the classroom if you need to leave in the middle of class. Please review the cell phone policy in the student handbook. Students who violate this rule will have their phones taken away or locked in a pouch. If you don’t want this to happen to you, make sure your phone is out of sight during instructional time.

Early Release

Students will be released early on Wednesday, October 22nd, at 2:17 p.m.

NM-YRRS Survey

Our school will participate in the New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (NM-YRRS) this week. NM-YRRS is a survey of student health behaviors conducted by the Department of Health and Public Education Department in collaboration with the CDC. The survey asks questions about behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of injuries and death among young people. It has been conducted in New Mexico every two years for more than 20 years in grades 6-12. The NM-YRRS provides important information about the health and well-being of New Mexico’s middle and high school students. The data can be used by school districts for program development and in obtaining grant funding. You can visit the NM-YRRS parent resources website to learn more about the NM-YRRS, preview this year’s middle and high school surveys, and get answers to frequently asked questions. NM-YRRS is an anonymous, voluntary survey. You may opt your child(ren) out of the survey, and students do not have to answer any questions they do not want to answer. Opt-out forms are sent home with students in selected classes before the survey date. Please sign and return the form to your child’s school if you do NOT want your child to participate. If you have any questions about NM-YRRS at our school, please contact Courtney FitzGerald at the UNM Prevention Research Center at 505-272-2646, or Dr. Ambrose Akinlo at the New Mexico Department of Health at 505-372-9407. Thank you!

PTSO

PTSO is accepting donations of gift cards for their annual Mystery Bag fundraiser. The PTSO exists to support all PAPA teachers, staff, and students. Help us help everyone. Mystery bags are available for purchase at the BamBOO. For $10, your bag is guaranteed to have at least a $10 mystery gift card. Bring gift card donations to the front office for PTSO. Thank you.

Photo Make Up Day

Make up Day for pictures is Friday October 24th If you were absent or not enrolled at PAPA for Headshot day, you can still be a part of the PAPA yearbook. Come camera ready with your picture form. Bring your completed form to the front office so we can call you out for pictures.

No 8th Period & BamBOO!

There is no 8th-period class on 10/24. School will dismiss at 3:18 pm, and we plan to join in the fun for the Panda BamBOO carnival starting at 4:30 pm.

Get ready to unleash your artistic flair at our Pumpkin Carving and Decorating Contest! Whether you’re a carving pro or just love to paint, this is your chance to show off your creativity and have some fun. Enter your pumpkin by bringing your creation to the front office for check-in on Friday, October 24th, before 3:30 pm. Vote for your favorite pumpkin during the carnival. The pumpkin with the most tickets wins. Trophy and prizes for the top three pumpkins.  Your victory doesn’t just come with accolades; it comes with unforgettable moments and the chance to bask in the admiration of your peers. That’s a prize worth bragging about!

Donations needed for BamBOO. Please click the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054BADAA2FA1F58-59273981-papa

NMPED Survey

New Mexico Public Education Department surveys students, staff, and families each year about well-being and competencies. Students at PAPA will take this survey on October 8th. Parents and guardians can access this survey from October 6- November 7th. Please take a moment to complete the survey here: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/newmexico/family/surveys?language=en

Volunteers Needed!

Calling Volunteers! November 2nd from 8 am – 2 pm

We need your help to repair the outdoor stage for student use. We need help to lift and install composite deck boards.

Park in the west parking lot and bring these tools if you have them; skilsaw, hammer, work gloves, hat. The ability to carry between 15-30 lbs and experience with building and home projects are preferred.  Thank you!

Clubs

Highschool poetry club is taking place EVERY TUESDAY in room 7 during lunch.  Please bring a poem or something of equal value to your first meeting.

Honor Roll

Congratulations all Quarter 1 Honor Roll students! We are PA-Proud of you! Eye Scream Social will take place October 31st.

Scholarships

Scholarship Information: https://www.artandwriting.org/?eml=marketing/e/20251015/////////

College Ready

Did you know that even though some colleges are test-optional, there is still a standard to meet to be admitted?  At UNM, you must have a 3.0 g.p.a. and a 1030 on the SAT/ or a 20 on the ACT. All grades at PAPA are striving to improve our grades, attendance, and scores on standardized testing. All students will be recording their interim test scores in their PAPA data folder, and track your progress. Is your score college-ready?  If not, are you working to get college-ready?

5•7•10 RULE 

● Five unexcused absences: When a child has accumulated five unexcused absences, school personnel will arrange a meeting at the school with the parent or legal guardian to discuss the unexcused absences. A plan to improve attendance will be developed and implemented.

● Seven unexcused absences: When a child has accumulated seven unexcused absences, school personnel will arrange a second meeting at the school with the parent or legal guardian to review the attendance plan and discuss the impact of truancy on the future of the child. At this time, the child may enter into an attendance contract requiring him or her to attend school regularly, or other consequences may be applied (i.e., removal from PAPA to attend the child’s home school in the case of transportation issues).

● Ten unexcused absences: If a student has accumulated an equivalent of ten or more unexcused absences within a school year, the parent shall be given written notice by personal service or certified mail that the student is habitually truant and is not in compliance with the Compulsory Attendance School Law. At that time, the student shall be reported to the probation services office of the judicial district where the student resides for an investigation as to whether the student shall be considered to be a neglected child or a child in a family in need of services because of habitual truancy.

Being Present Matters!