“School’s out for summer!” shouted school-aged children across Eddy County this week. The Alice Cooper anthem echoes in everyone’s ears as the official date of summer, Memorial Day Weekend, looms ahead. The completion of the 2021-2022 school year is a historic one and will live in the minds and hearts of students, parents, teachers, school staff, and administrators alike. In-person learning across the state of New Mexico resumed after the nation-wide closure of schools in March of 2020. The 2021-2022 school year was a throwback to normality for many students and families. If we as a community ever took all the wonderful opportunities for us to be social for granted, then the mass pandemic closures truly taught us how to appreciate them. Keep those kids (parents and family members of all ages) interacting this summer in all that our Southeastern New Mexico communities have to offer.

Check out the community calendar for both Artesia and Carlsbad events at focusnmdaily.com and look at the community magazines on stands packed with ideas and ways to connect. The Water Park along the Beach in Carlsbad and the Artesia Aquatic Center in the City of Champions will be operating at capacity and there are many opportunities to pursue musical and artistic interests in both towns. Check out the Carlsbad Museum and the Artesia Arts Council social media pages and websites for oodles of details!