Dear nex+Gen Community, 

We have a lot going on at nex+Gen in the run-up to spring break. Here are some important announcements:

• Talent Show:  Get ready to take the stage at the nex+Gen Talent Show on April 9, 2026! Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, perform comedy, or have another amazing talent to share, we want to see it.

Students interested in performing should complete the Google Form linked below as soon as possible. Sign up here:  Talent Show Form

Auditions will be held: March 17, 2026 – After school and March 19, 2026 – During lunch (backup auditions)

• SAT School Day is Wednesday, March 18th:

11th graders will be on campus to complete this exam, and it is a release (asynchronous) day for all other grade levels. An agenda will be posted for all classes that students can access from home. The SAT School Day is the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) assessment of reading and math required for 11th grade students in all public schools in New Mexico. Students should arrive by 8:40am, and will be released when testing is complete (by lunchtime). All test takers must bring their fully charged APS Chromebook. Information about testing room assignments and other logistics will be sent to students' emails before the test. Please leave any smartwatches or other electronics at home. You'll need to power off your phone and keep it in a designated spot for the duration of testing. Students are not allowed to wear hats with brims or a hood during testing.  If you have any questions, please reach out to our testing coordinator: michelle.haack@aps.edu. Breakfast and a bag lunch will be served. 

• Alumni Day, March 20th: Our annual Alumni Day is coming up on March 20th. This special event allows our alumni to reconnect with nex+Gen, share their career experiences with current students, enjoy some friendly games, and celebrate together. RSVP for our alumni day here: RSVP form

• 3rd Quarter Progress Reports: The 3rd Quarter ended on March 13th. The progress report should be available on ParentVue/StudentVue on March 21st. 

• Search for the Class of 2030: We need your help! We still have spots available in the 9th grade for the 2026-2027 school year. Forward this link as far and wide as possible: learnaboutnexgen.com 

•  New Check-in/Check-out System: We are implementing a new Visitor Management System. 

All visitors must present a valid picture ID upon check-in and wear a visitor’s badge while on campus. Linked here is a brief letter explaining the new system. 

All visitors are required to enter through the Main Entrance, the southwest corner of the school. 

• Parent/Guardian Participation Required - Level All Next Step Plan: Students are beginning to work through the Level All Next Step Plan (NSP). This plan requires students to reflect on their progress toward graduation, post-graduation goals, and interests. As students finish their survey responses, they will send an email request from Level All to their parent/guardian to review and sign their plan. 

Once you receive the Level All email request, please read through the email instructions to provide a digital signature approving your student’s NSP. Please ask your student about the NSP process and whether an email has been sent. If the email doesn’t appear in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder.

This is a graduation requirement, and we are focused on a 100% completion rate. Thank you for supporting your student and the school’s goals by signing your student’s Next Step Plan. 

• Online Registration for 2026-2027: Online Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is open. If you need assistance with ParentVUE, please contact Ms.Granone at nicole.granone@aps.edu. 

• Pet Essentials Drive: Student government is holding a Pet Essentials Drive from February 2nd to April 22nd! We are partnering with Watermelon Ranch to provide cats and dogs with essential supplies. There will be a donation box located on the stage in the cyber hall. We are accepting: shelf-stable cat/dog food, blankets, cat litter, and toys. Also! There will be fliers posted around the school for anyone interested in volunteering at Watermelon ranch 

• Individual Learning Showcase- (Conferences)  Learn about what your student is doing in school with our Individual Learning Conferences, which will be held on March 26th and 27th. Your student's advisor will reach out to schedule the conference. March 26th and 27th are asynchronous learning days.  No in-person classes will be held. Students can access class agendas from home on those days. 

• Spring Break:  Spring Break is closing in fast.  This year's Spring Break will be from March 28th- April 5th. Classes resume on April 6th. 

• Spring Project Showcase-  Save the date!!!!  April 23rd 

• Summer School: See below for important summer school information. 

Important Updates for Seniors

1. Caps and Gowns will be distributed in May, the exact date is TBD.  If you have not yet ordered a cap and gown PLEASE do so asap through Campus Specialties. The final deadline is Saturday February 14.

2. Senior Sunset is Monday May 18 at 6:00 pm at nex+Gen. This is a final informal gathering for just seniors, and is a potluck.  If you have a grill and a way to transport a grill, please let me know.  We’d appreciate having 2-3 grills to cook out with this special evening!  

3. Senior Honors Ceremony is Tuesday, May 19 at 6:00 pm at nex+Gen.  This very special event is for ALL seniors and their families!  We honor each senior and this is a more personalized ceremony than graduation.  More details about this event are forthcoming.

4. Graduation is on Thursday May 21 at 12:30 pm at Berna Facio.  Doors will open to the public at 12:00 pm. There will be no tickets - you can bring as many family members as you’d like, but saving seats is not permitted.  There will be a clear backpack policy in place.  More details about this event are forthcoming!

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Laura Ornelas laura.ornelas@aps.edu

Make your voice heard on the Instructional Council (IC) 

Family and Community Partner Instructional Council (IC) Voice Form is now available. We are happy to launch a new system for our families and community partners to have an opportunity to voice feedback, input, and suggestions on previous* and upcoming IC meetings. To read the IC agenda meeting minutes, please click on the link here. To enter comments, please complete the Google Form linked here. The meeting agenda minutes will be available for public review. *Comments are open for the previous meeting and upcoming meeting only.