03/19/2020 –
Since the last notices, our current state recommendations have changed quite significantly. This includes the closure of all public schools through April 6 and the closure of many universities, public spaces, businesses, and more. NM MESA is diligently monitoring developments involving the COVID-19 virus and will continue to do so. We will make all organizational decisions based on current information available.
With that in mind, if you registered to participate in one of the following events you should have received initial notice. But, UPDATES to the 2020 NM MESA Statewide Events have been affected as follows:
The MESA USA Statewide Competition scheduled for March 24, 2020 will be CANCELLED. If all participating schools resume as normal on April 6, we will re-evaluate and possibly host a late virtual competition. If schools do not resume as normal, it is assumed we are still under recommendation to socially distance. This will impact the ability for teams to gather and ready for the competition and there will be no virtual event as not all of our school districts have access to equitable technology to allow participation. All students registered to attend will receive a MESA USA Participation in credit in MIMS.
The MESA Day Statewide Competition scheduled for March 25, 2020 will be CANCELLED. If all participating schools resume as normal on April 6, we will re-evaluate and possibly host a modified optional late virtual competition. The modified competition would include utilizing the Prepared Design elements only. If schools do not resume as normal, it is assumed we are still under recommendation to socially distance. This will impact the ability for teams to gather and ready for the competition and there will be no virtual event as not all of our school districts have access to equitable technology to allow participation. All students registered to attend will receive a MESA Day Participation in credit in MIMS.
The Senior Incentive Field Trip scheduled for April 7-10 to Miami, Florida will be CANCELLED. No attempt will be made to reschedule and all submitted deposits and payments will be returned. The safety and impact of out-of-state travel remains unknown. Additional information will be sent to participants and advisors of participants.
The MESA USA National Competition scheduled for June 17-19 in Phoenix, Arizona will be CANCELLED. All of the MESA USA states are undergoing various levels of schools and community closures and all states will not be able to complete qualifying competitions. In addition, the safety and impact of out-of-state travel remains unknown as does the ability for our host location to host the event.
The Loyalty Award for Graduating Seniors is CONTINUED AS NORMAL. Transcripts were due to the Regional Coordinator by 2/24/20 so this was unaffected. The online application was open since 3/16/20. NM MESA Staff will continue to process the applications through the deadline of 4/17/20.
All other NM MESA state events, regional events and fieldtrips will also be postponed, cancelled, or modified to meet the current State of Emergency and school district travel restrictions. In addition, we are looking at ways for NM MESA to support services during this difficult time. We feel these changes are in the best interest to comply with current school travel restrictions and to safeguard against the spread of the novel coronavirus. Our main focus is and always will be the well-being of our MESA students, advisors and staff. Additional changes to the NM MESA events and program will be communicated with the utmost importance.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact any MESA Staff.
