Announcements 10/13/2026

Public Academy for Performing Arts

Announcements Week of October 13th, 2026


Upcoming Events


  • 10/12 No School – Indigenous Peoples’ Day
  • 10/13 PAPA PTSO Meeting, 7:00pm, PAPA Parents Welcome! (virtual link, pw: panda)
  • 10/15 Governing Council Meeting, 4:30pm
  • 10/21 Early Dismissal
  • 10/23 BamBOO! Fall Festival, 4:30pm-7:00pm (No 8th Period)
  • 10/28 Thespian Troupe Chipotle Fundraiser
  • 10/30 Honor Concert/Ice Cream Social (only for PAPA students)

Early Release Dates

  • 10/21, 11/18, 12/2, 1/13, 1/27, 2/10, 2/24, 3/17, 4/7, 4/21, and 5/5.
  • Dismissal at 2:15 pm. Study Hall is available in the cafe on these dates until 3:18 pm.

Health and Wellness


October’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) will focus on “Bullying Prevention, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Digital Literacy.” SEL discussions during the week of October 19th will create opportunities for students to reflect on how individuals can do their part to make PAPA’s campus safe for everyone.


Senior Announcements


Daniels Scholarship Application closes October 15th! “New Mexico is important to the Daniels Fund, and we know there are many charter students eligible for this life changing opportunity.” Learn more and apply: Daniels Scholarship Program – Daniels Fund


Community


  • Do you know a student who would love to attend a college-prep arts focused education setting? Here are the dates for the upcoming lottery. https://www.paparts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Lottery-Dates.pdf
  • BamBOO! Fall Festival is on October 23rd and pre-sale tickets are already available! Click this link to pre-purchase: https://go.theprom.us/a25651. PAPA is also looking for donations for the following items to support the BAMBOO Fall Festival fundraising event. If you can help, we would greatly appreciate it!
  • Nominate a PAPA Student: The PAPA way is all about creativity, expression, and kindness. This means we hold the door open for others, we take care of our space and belongings, we leave things better than we found it.  Did you notice a PAPA student demonstrating kindness? Nominate them for PAPAPAWsitivity by completing the form outside the front office or emailing info@paparts.org.
  • Nominate a PAPA Staff Member: Help us recognize an awesome PAPA staff member. Thank you for taking a moment to tell us about a positive impact or interaction.  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0pQgi9k-xB4I8YWJIgq9occjuGXb2dKGD6caJDP1M2KrdqQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=114791415821990573038
  • Student Drivers: Students who drive must display a student parking decal and park in the west lot, which will be secured from 8:30 AM until dismissal. Anyone needing access to this lot during the school day must contact the front office: 505-830-3128
  • PAPA PTSO invites all PAPA families to attend our meetings. Our next meeting is on October 13, 2026 at 7:00pm. We meet via zoom.
    • Link to Join Zoom Meeting: https://hsc-unm.zoom.us/j/92781115142?pwd=ytBQEarScTK2b6n591aSKLgjIaRaKN.1
    • Meeting ID: 927 8111 5142
    • Passcode: panda
    • The mission of PAPA PTSO is to support our students, celebrate our incredible staff, and build vibrant, connected school community. We will be voting in our new executive board at the August meeting. We are still looking for parent volunteers to support the PTSO! Please reach out to Tara at tkonecny@paparts.org for more information.

Clubs


Monday’s

  • MS Art Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Chandler’s Room
  • MS Social Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Torrez’s Room
  • MS D&D Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Cunningham’s Room
  • HS Bible Club, High School Lunch, Ms. Labog’s Room
  • HS Thespian Troupe #6667, 5th Period, Ms. Sundstrom’s Room

Tuesday’s

  • MS Art Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Chandler’s Room
  • MS D&D Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Cunningham’s Room
  • MS Poetry Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Dominguez’s Room
  • PJHS Officer Meeting (when announced), Middle School Lunch, Ms. Gonzales’ Room
  • HS Poetry Club, High School Lunch, Mr. Ramirez’s Room
  • NHS Officer Meeting (1st Tuesday), High School Lunch, Ms. Hennig’s Room
  • HS Thespian Troupe #6667, 5th Period, Ms. Sundstrom’s Room

Wednesday’s

  • MS Art Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Chandler’s Room
  • MS Debate Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Dominguez’s Room
  • PJHS Monthly Meeting (when announced), Middle School Lunch, Ms. Gonzales’ Room
  • HS Garden Club, High School Lunch, Ms. Walker’s Room
  • NHS Monthly Meeting (1st Wednesday), High School Lunch, Ms. Hennig’s Room
  • HS Thespian Troupe #6667, 5th Period, Ms. Sundstrom’s Room

Thursday’s

  • MS Art Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Chandler’s Room
  • MS Social Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Torrez’s Room
  • MS Poetry Club Leadership Meeting (last Thursday), Middle School Lunch, Ms. Dominguez Room
  • HS Gender Sexuality Alliance (every other Thursday), High School Lunch, Ms. Sundstrom’s Room
  • HS Language Club (last Thursday), High School Lunch, Ms. Eiland’s Room
  • HS Bible Club, High School Lunch, Ms. Labog’s Room
  • HS Thespian Troupe #6667, 5th Period, Ms. Sundstrom’s Room

Friday’s

  • Student Council Meeting (last Friday), 7:00am, Choir Building
  • MS Art Club, Middle School Lunch, Ms. Chandler’s Room
  • MS Descendants Club, Middle School Lunch, Social Worker Office
  • HS Thespian Troupe #6667, 5th Period, Ms. Sundstrom’s Room

School Policies and Technology


Tardies

  • When a student has three tardies in one class period, students will receive one lunch detention. The cycle will start over again when that detention is served.

Technology

  • Devices: Cell phones, wireless headphones, smart watches, smart glasses, personal tablets, iPads and gaming systems are to be put out of sight upon arrival on campus. Items seen or heard during the school day will be taken to the front office for pick up by a parent or guardian.
  • Chromebook Insurance: It is not too late to sign up for Chromebook insurance. Here is the link: www.smarttechins.com/papa

Student Health


Caffeine & Our Students
What Parents Should Know

Caffeine is common—but children and teens are more sensitive to its effects than adults. Pediatric health experts recommend that children and adolescents avoid caffeine when possible, and they specifically recommend that children and teens avoid energy drinks.

Why does caffeine matter?

  • Caffeine is a stimulant. It can temporarily increase alertness, but it does not replace sleep, nutritious food, hydration, or rest.
  • Too much caffeine may cause:

☕ Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

❤️ Racing or pounding heartbeat

😟 Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability

🤕 Headaches

🤢 Nausea or stomach discomfort

🫨 Shakiness or jitteriness

📚 Difficulty concentrating when sleep is disrupted

Because caffeine can remain in the body for many hours, afternoon and evening caffeine can interfere with the sleep students need for learning, memory, mood, and physical health.

How much is too much?

  • There is no established safe daily amount for younger children.
  • For adolescents ages 12–18, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry suggests limiting caffeine to no more than 100 mg per day. This is an upper limit—not a recommended daily intake. Less is better, and avoiding caffeine is the healthiest choice for children and teens.

Caffeine can add up quickly!

  • The amount varies by product and brand, so checking the label is important.
  • Beverage/Product    Approximate Caffeine*
    • 12 oz caffeinated soda    23–83 mg
    • 12 oz green tea    ~37 mg
    • 12 oz black tea    ~71 mg
    • 12 oz brewed coffee    ~113–247 mg
    • Energy drinks    Can contain 200+ mg

*Caffeine amounts vary considerably by brand, serving size, and preparation.

Energy drinks are different from sports drinks. Energy drinks may contain large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents not consume energy drinks.

What can parents do?

  • Talk about caffeine without judgment. Help students understand how caffeine affects their individual sleep, mood, heart rate, and concentration.
  • Encourage students to:

💧 Choose water for hydration

🥗 Eat regular, nutritious meals and snacks

😴 Prioritize adequate sleep

🏃 Use movement and fresh air to boost energy

🏷️ Read labels and check caffeine amounts

⚡ Avoid energy drinks and highly caffeinated products

A simple message for students:

  • Caffeine can make you feel more awake—but it cannot give your body what sleep gives you.

If your student regularly consumes caffeine, especially large amounts, talk with your child’s healthcare provider before making significant changes. Some students may be particularly sensitive to caffeine because of individual health conditions or medications.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org); American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry; U.S. Food & Drug Administration.


Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Statement


PAPA Is a Drug-, Alcohol-, and Nicotine-Free Campus

As we begin the new school year, we want to remind our entire PAPA community of an important expectation designed to keep our campus safe, healthy, and focused on learning.

Public Academy for Performing Arts is a drug-, alcohol-, tobacco-, and nicotine-free school.

In accordance with New Mexico Administrative Code 6.12.4 (Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Free School Districts), schools are required to prohibit the use and possession of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs by students, school staff, parents, and visitors on school property and at school functions held away from school property. (NMPED)

Therefore, the following are not permitted:

  • Alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Marijuana/cannabis products
  • Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or other tobacco products
  • Vapes, e-cigarettes, and electronic smoking devices
  • Nicotine pouches, nicotine products, or other alternative nicotine products
  • The possession, use, or distribution of these products

This policy applies to all students, parents/guardians, staff, volunteers, and guests:

  • On the PAPA campus and school property
  • In school buildings, parking areas, and athletic/performing arts spaces
  • On school buses and school transportation
  • At school-sponsored concerts, performances, dances, field trips, and activities—even when they take place off campus

We ask everyone in our PAPA community to help us maintain a safe and healthy environment for our students. Please leave all tobacco, nicotine, vaping, alcohol, and drug products at home.

Thank you for helping us protect our students and uphold our commitment to a safe, respectful, and healthy school community.


Visit our website for updates: www.paparts.org

Please contact the office for any support at info@paparts.org.

Submit attendance needs to attendance@paparts.org or call the attendance line at 505-830-3128, press 5.

Do you know a student who would love to attend a college-prep, performing arts school? If so, refer them to lottery@paparts.org for any enrollment questions.