Announcements 11/4/2026 – Public Academy for Performing Arts

Announcements 11/4/2026

PAPA AdminNovember 4, 2026 Uncategorized

Public Academy for Performing Arts


Announcements Week of November 4th, 2026
Upcoming Events 11/9 Progress Reports 11/12 PAPA PTSO Meeting (All welcome! Info below.) 11/13 No School – Veterans Day Observance 11/16 PAPA Lottery Window Opens 11/18 Early Dismissal Prospective Student Open House 11/19 PAPA Family Thanksgiving Luncheon GC Meeting, 430pm Modern Band Concert, 6pm 11/20 Karaoke Fundraiser for Musical Theatre, 5pm 11/23-11/27 No School – Thanksgiving Break Early Release Dates 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 November’s SEL theme is “Attitude of Gratitude.” This month, students will explore different ways to practice gratitude, how to recognize the positives in our everyday lives, and the idea that gratitude can help us navigate both the good days and the challenging ones. Senior Announcements Superlatives: Seniors, please vote for your class superlatives! You can find the voting form in the Senior 411 Google Classroom. PAPA Family Thanksgiving Luncheon PAPA families are invited to celebrate this cherished school tradition by enjoying Thanksgiving lunch with your student on Wednesday, November 19th, during their regular lunch period! Date: Wednesday, November 19th Middle School Guests: Please arrive by 11:45 a.m. High School Guests: Please arrive by 12:40 p.m. Guest Limit: Due to limited space and meal availability, please limit attendance to two guests per student. Guest Meal Cost: $8 per person Ticket Purchase Deadline: Tickets must be purchased by 8:00 p.m. on November 12th so we can prepare the appropriate amount of food. Ticket Sales: https://go.theprom.us/151367 We Need Parent Volunteers! 🍂 We are looking for parent volunteers to help with setup, serving lunch, and cleanup. If you are interested in helping make this special tradition a success, please email info@paparts.org. We look forward to sharing this special Thanksgiving tradition with our PAPA families. Thank you for being part of our wonderful school community! Community Intent to Return: It’s that time of the year again! Please click the link below and fill out a google form regarding your student’s Intent to Return to PAPA for the 2027/28 school year. This data helps us determine how many open spots we have for our annual lottery process. The deadline to submit your intentions for your student(s) is Friday, December 11th, 2026. Link to Intent to Return Form: https://forms.gle/4zRkaDPAMQRQm39t8 Poinsettia Fundraiser Sale! Purchase beautiful poinsettia plants from PAPA’s PTSO and support two causes at once! Your purchase directly supports PAPA and the wonderful program at ARCA La Paloma Greenhouse, who employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to assist in the various steps of growing, preparing, packaging, and distributing. When you purchase a plant, know it was grown with the utmost love and care. Poinsettias ordered through PTSO will be delivered to the school and available for pickup on December 1st. Link to purchase: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/papa-ptsos-shop Chromebook Insurance available for $34 until December 1st! Why risk replacing a computer at full cost for hundreds of dollars when you can spend $34 to cover accidental damage, cracked screens, liquid spills, loss, or theft? Coverage is quick and easy to set up online: www.smarttechins.com/papa. Protect your student’s device today so you’re covered for the rest of the school year! Winter Performance Schedule! Performance events will be announced individually as the dates get closer, but in the meantime PAPA’s Winter Performance schedule can be found here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHYGwcUxkc/HumPja1-lnisC7xylUBHLg/edit PAPA Thrives Questionnaire: Please take a moment to complete this quick form for our PAPA THRIVES team. All members of the community (including families and students) are invited to complete the form to provide feedback about the PAPA experience. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdophZCaEeNjdvOuVfGMTWM-lfDx89nZESz0dN7VQ4c1YVp1g/viewform?usp=preview 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 PAPA PTSO invites all PAPA families to attend our meetings. Our next meeting is on November 12, 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 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 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 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 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 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 Public Comment Request for Insurance Policy Update: PAPA is taking steps to reduce the cost for our school’s insurance. In this process we are asked by our insurance carrier, POMS and Associates, to adopt the boundary policy provided in the link below. We are sharing the policy with you for public comment. If you wish to make a public comment email info@paparts.org with your comment directly. Boundary Policy Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19rpI3B9XPWIdW4ybq3l5nE1aH-Tstja4hDE3ZV14eSc/edit?usp=sharing Campus Safety: As a reminder, keeping our campus safe is everyone’s responsibility. We follow the important rule: “If you see something, say something.” If something doesn’t look right or doesn’t feel right, please report it to a trusted adult. Never assume someone else has already reported it. After the first bell rings, all students, parents, and visitors must enter through the front door and check in at the front office. Never let anyone in through the gates. If you see a black exterior perimeter gate propped open, please close it. Thank you for helping keep PAPA safe! 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: 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 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.