2 Minute 22 Second Dance Party

Stand up wherever you are at 2:22 pm for a 2 minute 22 second dance party to commemorate the date today, 2/22/22.

COVID Updates

Masks are now optional at school. Families and students may choose to use or not use them with exceptions noted below. Students are required to bring a mask to school in case they are  needed. Exceptions are:

• Some teachers may require masks in their classrooms.  If a teacher requires masks in their classroom, students are required to use them.
• If COVID numbers increase to level of concern, the mask requirement can be re-instated.
• If a student is wearing a mask, teachers and staff will be respectful of their wishes and put on a mask when working closely with that student.

The COVID infectious rate at PAPA for the last two weeks is 0.8%.

If your child feels sick, please keep them home. If your child has COVID symptoms, they are required to isolate for 5 days from symptom onset unless they have a negative PCR test. This is regardless of vaccination status.

Quarantine Response Hotline, 800-805-1192, is available to quarantined and self-isolating K-12 students in districts and charter schools. Students can call the hotline between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday to get connected to an academic success coach provided by the Graduation Alliance, the Public Education Department’s ENGAGE New Mexico partner. Video chats are also available to students needing more in-depth assistance, and callers can choose to receive help in English or Spanish. Students who are missing school due to the COVID-19 pandemic do not have to be referred to the ENGAGE New Mexico program for ongoing support to get help from the hotline, and there is no cost to students, districts, or charter schools.

To participate in free surveillance testing or test to stay if you are a close contact to COVID while at school you will need to follow these 3 steps. 1. register with PMG. Enter parent information first. 2. Click add companion and enter your child’s information. 3. Email Ms. Lopez to let her know you would like to be tested this week at tlopez@paparts.org. Here is the link: pmg.app.perseus.id/DIV/PAPA

Did your student get a COVID vaccine or booster recently? If so, please bring a copy of their vaccination card to the front office so we can update our records. Per PED Guidance students that are eligible for a booster and not yet boosted will be asked to participate in COVID surveillance testing. If your child is “boosted” they will not need to participate in surveillance testing.

Shout-Outs!

Thank you to the Broadcast team for your recent PAPA news. We look forward to each episode.

Advanced Band had their inaugural performance at the Albuquerque Jazz Fest last Thursday. We are proud to announce that they earned “Good” and “Excellent” ratings for that performance. The performance marks the first ever PAPA participation at the Jazz Festival and band participation in any music festival in the last 15 years. Good Job, we look forward to what the future brings! Great job Bamboo Groove!

Meetings

Equity Council is open for any parent, student or staff member to join in meaningful conversations and planning. Equity Council is meeting February 23, 2022 at 3:30 pm in room 14.

Middle school students who are interested in joining the Climate Crew Club are invited to join us on Thursdays starting this week, in room 11 (Mrs. Cunningham’s room) during middle school lunch from 12-12:20. If you care about protecting our earth and the resources it provides us with, please join us.

Black History NM Connection

Information from Smithsonian on New Mexico’s first black settlement:https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/welcome-to-blackdom-the-ghost-town-that-was-new-mexicos-first-black-settlement-10750177/

Save the date!

Class of 2025 Parent Meeting 8th grade going to 9th grade 3/9/22 4:30 pm

Class of 2023 Parent Meeting for 11th grade going to 12th grade 3/9/22 6 pm

Award Notice

Nominate a student today for the Diana Diaz Award Community Service Award – Diana Diaz was a PAPA student that passed away unexpectedly her Senior year. She was a student leader, dancer, and volunteer in organizations both in and out of school In her honor we recognize a current student with the Diana Diaz Community Service Award each year at our End of Year Awards Celebration.

Requirements: In addition to serving as a student ambassador in at least one PAPA event during the school year, the recipient of this award must be a student in good academic and behavioral standing (academic standing based on New Mexico Activity Association guidelines and behavioral standing with no discipline referrals during the current year). It will be presented to a student or students who consistently demonstrate qualities of compassion for school peers and members of the greater community. The recipient(s) must have provided unpaid service during the current school year for at least (2) two organizations not affiliated with the school. Community service is not limited to performing arts, although it is highly encouraged. Award recipient(s) must also attend at least one community-based workshop, conference or event promoting social justice, diversity, safety, non-violence, or healthy habits. Staff, students, or community members can nominate students for this award. A nomination form is available in the office. A committee assigned by administration will determine the award recipients. Award submissions are due April 6, 2022 to the front office.