New Mexico Parent Teacher Association Newsletter

November 27, 2025

The mission of NMPTA is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

New Mexico PTA's Board of Directors is grateful for local leaders all over New Mexico that give their time, effort, and more to their families and their communities!

DEVELOPING HEALTHY VIDEO-VIEWING HABITS

The American Psychological Association released an evidence-based guide and 13-part video series to help parents and caregivers support teens in developing healthy video-viewing habits. The short videos offer practical strategies for families as they navigate the impact of technology on youth mental health and development.

Watch the Videos

GAME ON: CREATING SAFE GAMING SPACES TOGETHER

Dec.3: Join National PTA’s Game On: Creating Safe Gaming Spaces Together Townhall from 7–8 pm ET, followed by an optional 45-min focus group to explore how families can support safe, empowering play.

DISCORD FAMILY CENTER

Discord Family Center. Still getting "stuff" when you ask your teen about their day? Discord's updated Family Center gives you better conversation starters about their online world—with full transparency so your teen sees exactly what you see. Learn how these new tools help you stay connected without surveillance, turning data into real dialogue.

Read the Article

AIM WEBINAR INFORMATION

Did you miss the AIM insurance webinar? Don't worry! Click below to view the slides from the presentation.

View the Slides

TAKE ACTION: URGE CONGRESS TO CHAMPION INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION

As part of their efforts to downsize and ultimately dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, the Administration recently announced they will be transferring several of the core functions of the Department of Education to other federal agencies. This decision follows two rounds of mass layoffs conducted in the Department earlier this year, as well as the passage of legislation only authorizing federal funding for education programs through Jan. 30, 2026.

Send a Message to Your Legislator

PACKING HEALTHY AND BUDGET-FRIENDLY LUNCHES FOR KIDS

Keeping school lunches both exciting and affordable can be a challenge for busy families. With a little creativity and planning, parents can send their children to school with meals that are nutritious, fun, and wallet-friendly. In the coming months, we will share the latest tips and resources to help make lunchtime a success.

Smart Budget Strategies

Plan meals weekly and stick to a shopping list.
Buy staples in bulk and portion them into daily servings.
Repurpose dinner leftovers to reduce waste.
Cook at home rather than relying on packaged or ready-made meals.
Shop sales, compare prices, and use store brands when possible.
Embrace seasonal produce for freshness and affordability.
Invest in reusable containers and bottles to reduce long-term costs.

Healthy Eating on a Budget

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE IN NEW MEXICO

All New Mexico families now have access to universal free childcare, regardless of income.

While the program expanded on Saturday, the process is not automatic. Parents still need to register their children with the Early Childhood Education and Care Department.

Universal Childcare Factsheet

FAMILY CONNECTIONS

Monday 12/08

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Family Connections is a safe and supportive space where families of individuals with disabilities can connect with one another, share their experiences, and access valuable information and resources.

MEET READ-A-SAURUS REX!

This 6ft tall Dinosaur is roaring to protect your books.

Just in time for the season of connection and joy, we have a raffle, not for sugar or toys. Enter to win this shelf for your books, and take home its' magical, jurassical looks.

Read-a-saurus Rex could be yours to take, to protect all your curiosities and your keepsakes. $5 per ticket gives you a chance at the prize, but every dollar helps our communities to rise!

Purchase a Ticket

FIVE ACTIONABLE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S MENTAL HEALTH

It is natural to worry about your child’s well-being. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, approximately one in five adolescents (aged 12 and 17) had a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition in 2023. A Pew Research Center survey from the same year showed that mental health sits atop the list of parental concerns. Forty percent of parents with children under 18 were extremely or very worried their children might struggle with anxiety or depression. For parents who share these concerns, here are five actionable ways you can support your child’s mental health.

Read the Article

Send photos and a short paragraph about your great event to NMPTA

(nmpta@newmexicopta.org) for a chance to be featured in the PTA SPOTLIGHT!

PTA SPOTLIGHT

EAGLE NEST ELEMENTARY, EAGLE NEST, NM

Every year Eagle Nest Elementary PTA and the community come together to make a Fall Festival. I overheard someone say they have been attending for more than 30 years. We have bingo, cake walk, games, candy, and silent auction items all donated from local businesses. This year, 2025, was our biggest fundraiser yet breaking all past records. Ticket sales for bingo, wrist bands for games, and the silent auction are the biggest fundraising attractions. The local high school in Angel Fire has students that volunteer for service hours. The high school students look forward to being involved every year to help the younger students have an amazing night.

NMPTA ANNUAL SPONSORS

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Connect with Us

WEBSITE

CALL 505-881-0712

SOCIAL MEDIA

This document contains information about and from public and private entities and organizations for the reader’s information. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by NMPTA of any entity or organization or the products or services offered, or views expressed. This publication also contains hyperlinks and URLs created and maintained by outside organizations. They are provided for the reader’s convenience; however, NMPTA is not responsible for the accuracy of this information.