Monday Notes

Fall is around the corner and with that cooler temperatures, concerts, programs and conference preparations! Please take a few minutes and review the items in this newsletter as several are time sensitive. Have a great week.

As some of you may know, House Bill 171 has recently introduced changes to graduation requirements for freshmen starting in the fall of 2025. The updated state requirements are as follows:

• Math: 4 credits

• English: 4 credits

• Science: 3 credits

• Social Studies: 4 credits

• PE: 1 credit

• Health: 0.5 credits

• Electives: 5.5 credits

• District-determined: 2 credits

This change reduces the number of elective credits from 7.5 to 5.5, while allowing districts to require 2 additional classes of their choosing.

If these district-determined classes are not related to fine arts, it could significantly impact enrollment in music courses, especially at the 9th-grade level.

We strongly encourage you to reach out to the committee or administration responsible for these decisions and advocate for one of the district-determined classes to be a fine arts requirement. Another option would be to advocate for a fine arts career pathway and allow fine arts to meet the two unit pathway. Additionally, it would be a good idea to talk to counselors and encourage them to have freshmen not front load their schedules (start a foreign language later, take PE later, etc).

Since class offerings need to be printed by mid-fall to prepare for early spring registration, this matter is urgent—please consult with your committee today. Additionally, this decision could affect middle school students if the district opts to include certain classes in the middle school curriculum.

Monday means it is time for a new advocacy challenge. Remember the best time to advocate for your program is...always. This week's challenge:

• Drop by the PE classes and meet the coaches.
  

Please take a few minutes and complete this NFHS survey. NFHS is a great partner organization to NAfME and works tirelessly on behalf of activities. Thanks!

• Survey Link

Sign up for the January conference today and check one more item off your to-do list! The 81st All-State Music Festival & In-Service Conference is shaping up to be an exciting event, featuring informative clinics, outstanding music, and incredible networking opportunities with colleagues from across the state.

• Registration link

We're kicking off an exciting new campaign for the 2025 conference, spotlighting the incredible journeys of past All-State musicians! We're looking to feature individuals who have pursued not only music but also those who’ve made their mark in other fields. If you know a former All-State musician whose story should be shared, submit their name using the form below. We can’t wait to celebrate their achievements with you—thank you for helping us showcase their inspiring paths!

• Click here to submit names for consideration