Monday Notes - August 11

Happy Monday! Here’s to a great start to the week and the beginning of great routines. As we move into mid-August, now’s a good time to take a quick look at the information below to help kick off the school year on the right foot.

It is time to register for the 2026 All-State Music Festival & In-Service Conference & Jazz All-State! Don't miss out on jam packed days of learning, sharing, music, and connecting. Register now!

Registration: Link

• Conference Dates: January 14-17, 2026
• Location: University of New Mexico
• Jazz All-State Dates: January 22-24, 2026
• Location: Eastern New Mexico University

Be sure to check out the NAfME back to school page — it’s packed with helpful resources and fresh ideas. Whether you’re looking for advocacy tools, support for new teachers, or just some inspiration to start the year strong, you’ll find it all there.

The NMMEA Board of Directors has established an Advocacy Committee chaired by Daniel Fear. The scope of the committee can be viewed here.

If you are interested in serving on this committee, please submit your name here.

Click here, just do it!

As we start the new school year, and especially with many high school programs bringing on new staff, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of clear, healthy boundaries.

This article, while focused on athletics, offers a helpful reminder about maintaining appropriate relationships between students, staff, and faculty. It's well worth a read.

As we know, August in New Mexico is hot - especially for our marching band students. Take a few minutes and review the following helpful information provided by NMAA.

• NMAA Heat Illness Policy
  
• Tarp Assisted Cooling with Oscillation (Cold Tub Alternative)

When in doubt, check with your administrator or athletic director. Let's have a great and safe season!

Governor Lujan Grisham has officially declared it, and it’s up to all of us to make sure the spotlight stays on Arts education. Mention it often. Build it into your curriculum. Talk about it with your students, your colleagues, and your communities.

Moments like this don’t come around often, and we have an opportunity to show exactly why the Arts matter — in every classroom, for every student.

Below, you’ll find a few tools and resources to help you plan and bring the Year of the Arts to life. Let’s lead with purpose and make this year unforgettable.

• Monthly Event Submission Form
• Due by the 15th of each month for following month
• Spotlight your program & events on the NMACAE Website (artsednm.org)
• Social Media Guidelines
• Share your stories, student work, and events on social media using #nmartsinedyear and tagging @nmartsinedyear.
• Suggested Activities & Celebration Ideas
• Official Proclamation
• Year of the Arts Logo
• Please use on all correspondence and programs