What to know about back to school

We know the kiddos hate to hear it, but the start of the school year is right around the corner, and there a few things that local schools want students and parents to know to be prepared. Teachers and staff on the Albuquerque Public Schools extended calendar return to work Thursday, July 28, with students at those schools scheduled to start Thursday, Aug. 4. Teachers and staff on the traditional calendar begin the school year Wednesday, Aug. 3, with students starting on Aug. 10.With the impending start date coming up quickly, there are a few things to check off the list, and most school websites can help check the necessary boxes. School supply lists are available on many of the school websites, as are hiring announcements for teachers and staff. To browse APS job postings, visit aps.edu/jobs. Some of the opportunities and recommendations for students at schools in northwest Albuquerque include:

Volcano Vista High School

The students at Volcano Vista High School are already prepared for the new year, with extensive information about student leadership elections on the school website.“Student Leadership Elections will take place August 15th & 16th. Upon confirmation from Mr. Woods our Activities Director students may campaign beginning August 3rd.”For parents who missed the eighth-grade orientation night presentation, it can be viewed online at https://vvhs-aps-nm.schoolloop.com/8thgradeparentnight.Girls Soccer tryouts will take place from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. 8-9 at VVHS Soccer Field.Boys Soccer tryouts will take place 2:15-4:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8 at VVHS Soccer Field.

Tony Hillerman Middle School

Classes have already begun for Tony Hillerman Middle School’s Leadership After School Clubs, but it’s not too late to sign up. Visit the school website for more details. Clubs include archery, STEM, drill and flag football.

THMS has also posted full class descriptions on its site for curious parents and students.

Registration is now open for THMS’s AVID Leadership program as well. AVID helps prepare students for a future in higher education. The program is run in conjunction with the national AVID program and uses its college-preparedness curriculum to help ready students for college.

And last, but certainly not least, the Thunder-N-Things Scool Store is now open for (online) business.

Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School

LBJ Middle School provides a helpful list of tips for parents on the school website. The list includes:• Monitor your student’s reading time.• With all students having a Chromebook with access to Google Calendar and e-HallPass, your student will be expected to read and sign an electronic copy of the agenda. If the agenda is lost, replacement is available for $6. • Your student will be given an LBJ picture identification card. Students must have their ID card for book check-out, bus transportation, etc. If the ID card is lost, replacement is available for $5.• Monitor your student’s dress to conform to the LBJ dress code.• Student messages, lunches, homework, etc. will be delivered twice a day only – before second period (9:21 a.m.) and before sixth period (2:05 p.m.). LBJ will not accept deliveries of flowers, candy, balloons, etc. for students.Parent/guardian picture ID must be presented before picking up any student, and you must be listed as an authorized person on the particular student’s information.For the full list and to view the new student orientation video, visit lbj.aps.edu.

Ventana Ranch Elementary

Ventana Ranch Elementary has posted its school supply lists on the school website.Before & After School Care will be provided from several sources, using the Community School Initiative, a grant sponsored by the city of Albuquerque in order to provide free after-school programs on site. Program participants include Kids Club House, Kinder Care, Paradise Hills Community Center, Beginning Steps and La Petite.

Tierra Antigua Elementary

Before- and after-school care are provided by the Rio Grande Education Collaborative, and registration is now open through both the school website and the RGEC website. There are no updates as of print time about the fate of the school’s renowned clubs and activities, which were suspended at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sunset View Elementary

Registration is open for Sunset View Elementary, but spots are filling up. For parents interested intaking a tour, the school website provides a QR code that can be used to take a virtual tour of the campus. Before- and after-school programs have begun registration, and SVES offers numerous options including “On Campus” care from 2 Steps Ahead and the YMCA, “Off Campus” care provided by Beginning Steps, Kinder Care, La Esperanza, and La Petite, and after-school care only at Paradise Hills Community CenterSunset View Mountain Lions gear can now be purchased at the online store.

Petroglyph Elementary

Registration is open for Petroglyph Elementary School. Parents can begin the sign up process at https://petroglyph-aps-nm.schoolloop.com. Please note that PES requires proof of residence provided between July 1-29, 2022.Here are two ways you can show proof to Petroglyph Elementary:1. You can fax it to: 505-898-09492. Email it to: petroglyph@aps.eduBefore-school clubs have begun sign-ups. They include the Crafting Club, the Yoga Club and The STEM Club.

This back-to-sch0ol roundup was compiled by Neighborhood Journal contributor Taylor Hood.