1. Take it Easy
There are two ways you can mess this up. One is to go out, party, and stay up late. The other is to spend the night cramming! Whatever prep you do the night before the SAT will have very little effect on your score. You’re better off taking it easy. If you insist on studying the day before, limit it to 30 minutes. Otherwise, chill out and do something relaxing like watching your favorite TV show, hanging out at your friend’s home (but coming home at a reasonable hour), or going out for a walk. Yes, even playing video games the night before the SAT is highly recommended – just not more than an hour or so, though!
2. Pack Your Bag
It’s a good idea to pack your belongings the night before so you don’t risk forgetting something in the morning. Here’s what you have to bring: [could consider having pictures of these pop up, or having the speaker hold them up]
Admission Ticket – You can print out your admission ticket from the College Board website.
Photo ID – This can be a driver’s license, learner’s permit, passport, or school ID, for example.
#2 Pencils – We recommend you bring 5 pencils just in case. They should be regular, non-mechanical pencils, and make sure they’re sharpened!
Calculator – While calculators are not required, they are permitted and will be a big help on the calculator math section. Put in new batteries the night before the test.
And here’s a few more things we recommend:
Watch – It’s a good idea to wear a watch. While testing rooms usually have a clock, sometimes they may not, or the clock may not be working. It’s best to wear your own watch so you can keep track of the time no matter what. Digital watches are fine, but just make sure they aren’t going to beep during the test. Keep in mind smart watches are not permitted.
Jacket – No matter what time of year you’re taking the test, it’s a good idea to dress in layers. The testing room could be cold or hot, and you want to make sure you’ll be comfortable.
Snack – You’ll get two breaks during the test, so it’s a good idea to bring a healthy snack to keep your energy going.
Small drink – Bring a small bottle of water or your preferred drink in case there isn’t a drinking fountain.
How about what not to bring? [put an X over these to show they’re not allowed. again you could put a photo or hold them up]
Cell Phone – It’s best to leave cell phones at home or in your car. If you have to bring your phone into the test center, it will need to be turned off and turned in to your proctor.
Any Other Electronics – Be sure to leave any smart watches or electronic fitness devices at home. Even if your intentions are good, the presence of electronic devices can not only invalidate your scores but also the scores of everybody else in the room.
Other Tools – Do not bring a highlighter, ruler, or any other tools unless you have testing accommodations specifically allowing them.
3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep is a great SAT strategy
You’re probably tired after a week of school, so use that to your advantage! Hit the sack at a reasonable hour so you can be well-rested for test day – no video games or movie watching until 2am! Believe it or not, sleep plays a huge role in your memory and ability to perform academic tasks. The best thing you can do for your brain is to get plenty of sleep! However, don’t try to go to sleep too much earlier than usual, or you might have trouble falling asleep.
THE MORNING OF THE SAT: Other SAT strategies
1. Wake Up!
It’s a bad idea to roll out of bed and go straight to a 65-minute reading section. Instead, allow yourself plenty of time to get up and get ready before you have to leave. Once your alarm goes off, help yourself wake up completely by taking a shower. You want to be completely awake before you leave!
2. Get Your Heart Pumping
It’s a great idea to do a little exercise before you leave home on test day. Exercising gets your heart pumping, which in turn will send oxygen to your brain. The better shape your brain is in, the better you will do on the test! Consider doing 10-15 minutes of push-ups, jumping jacks, or any other exercise that will increase your heart rate.
3. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Reach for a bowl of oatmeal, fruit, or granola instead of a doughnut or sugary cereal. You won’t be able to eat another meal for at least five hours, and you don’t want to be distracted by your stomach growling during the test.
4. Stick with Your Routine
If you normally drink coffee or tea before school, it’s okay to have your usual amount before the test. However, if it’s not a normal part of your routine, don’t try it out on test day. Caffeine can affect people differently, and you don’t want to risk feeling sick or jittery. The same goes for energy drinks and any kind of medicine.
🎓✨ Class of 2026 Senior Edition – Photo Request! ✨🎓
Attention parents and guardians of our graduating seniors!
Each year, Gallup-McKinley County Schools creates a special Senior Edition magazine that is mailed to our graduates as a lasting keepsake. This edition features individual senior photos along with highlights from graduation.
📸 We need your help!
Please send in your student’s senior picture so they can be included in this special publication.
While we do receive some photos from school photographers, we would love to include as many submitted photos as possible so every senior is represented. Students without a submitted photo will still be listed, but we truly want to showcase each of our graduates.
📥 How to submit:
Send them to Public_Relations@gmcs.org. Don't forget to tell us your student's name and the school they attend. Please have your submissions in by MAY 8TH.
Let’s work together to make this a meaningful and memorable keepsake for the Class of 2026! 💙
Thank you for your support!
#ClassOf2026 #SeniorEdition #GMCS #SeniorMemories
During spring break, our construction teacher Jimmy Carl, took his class to compete at the 60th Annual SkillsUSA New Mexico State Leadership and Skills Conference on March 20, 2026, held at Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque.
We are incredibly proud to announce that Maximus King Begay, our OCC student and Thoreau High School student, earned a 🥈 Silver Medal in Carpentry!
This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the hard work, skill, and dedication of our students at Opportunity Career Center.
📸 Pictured (left to right):
Maximus King Begay – Silver Medal
Student from Hobbs – Gold Medal
Student from Shiprock – Bronze Medal
Please join us in congratulating Maximus on this amazing accomplishment! 👏
#OpportunityCareerCenter #SkillsUSA #Carpentry #StudentSuccess #CTE #ThoreauHighSchool #ProudMoment #FutureBuilders
Good Luck, GMCS SkillsUSA Competitors!
Next week, students from across Gallup-McKinley County Schools will travel to Albuquerque, NM (March 18–21) to compete in the New Mexico SkillsUSA State Conference.
Even though the conference falls during Spring Break, our students and advisors have chosen to dedicate their time to represent their schools and showcase their technical skills, leadership, and professionalism on the state stage. We are incredibly proud of their commitment and hard work.
To all of our competitors and advisors—
compete with confidence, support one another, and represent GMCS with pride. You are already champions to us!
Good luck to all of our SkillsUSA chapters representing:
Gallup HS
Miyamura HS
Tohatchi HS
Crownpoint HS
Navajo Pine HS
Opportunity Career Center
Go GMCS! Bring home the gold!
We’re excited to host our first-ever Family Academic & Career Night on March 26th from 5:30–7:00 PM in Gurley Hall!
Come explore future career pathways and opportunities as several organizations share information about career fields, requirements, and ways students can start preparing now for their future. It’s a great chance for students and families to learn, ask questions, and start planning ahead.
And to make the evening even better—we’ll be serving burgers and hotdogs!
Check out the flyer for more details. We hope to see you there!
March 11th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Construction will have activities with math, science, and model building! 🔨
It was a great day focused on health, wellness, and connecting our students with valuable community resources. Tables were set up throughout the halls with representatives from local agencies sharing information about the services they provide. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, gather resources, and learn more about supports available to them.
We also held informative presentations in the library, giving attendees even more insight into health and wellness topics.
Thank you to all of our community partners and everyone who participated in making today such a meaningful event!
Ready to challenge yourself and take your future to the next level?
McKinley Academy offers a dynamic early college experience where motivated students can earn college credits, engage in meaningful learning, and get involved in a variety of leadership and extracurricular opportunities—all while still in high school.
If you’re looking for a supportive, academically rigorous environment that prepares you for college and beyond, McKinley Academy is the place for you.
📅 Application Deadline: July 9, 2026
✔ Final Deadline to Complete All Requirements: July 16, 2026
Take the first step toward accelerating your future—apply today!
Gallup-McKinley County Schools is excited to host our Spring 2026 College & Career Fair for our Junior Class!
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Gallup High School Gym
Session 1: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Session 2: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Lunch will be provided
This is an incredible opportunity for colleges, universities, technical schools, military representatives, industries, and career organizations to connect with ambitious GMCS juniors who are preparing for their postsecondary journey.
Showcase your programs, scholarships, certifications, career pathways, jobs, apprenticeships, internships, and resources — and help inspire the next generation of scholars and leaders.
Last day to register: March 6, 2026
Scan the QR code on the flyer to register
For questions:
505-721-1000
mbond1@gmcs.org
adelacr1@gmcs.org
Let’s work together to elevate success through rigor, relevance, and relationships.
#GMCS #CollegeAndCareerReady #CCCR #Pathways #FutureFocused #CollegeAccess #CareerExploration #Spring2026
Join us February 18–20, 2026 at Red Rock Park for our Heritage Language and Culture Social Studies Fair!
February 18, 2026
7th & 10th Grade (All Schools)
February 19, 2026
5th Grade
(Crownpoint, Twin Lakes, Navajo, David Skeet, Catherine Miller, Stagecoach, Del Norte, Jefferson)
February 20, 2026
5th Grade
(Thoreau, Tohatchi, Ramah, Chee Dodge, Lincoln, Tobe Turpen, Indian Hills, Red Rock)
This event is open to the public, and we encourage parents and community members to stop by and see all the fun and creative projects our students have been working so hard on. Come support our students and celebrate their amazing work!
House Bill 253 is being heard 02/09 at 8:30 AM, and your voice matters.
If this bill passes it will cause a $47 million dollar shortfall for GMCS this year - but there is still time to stop this legislation from moving forward. We are asking our community to please call and email members of the House Education Committee and our local legislators and urge them to vote NO on HB 253.
Please know this: GMCS is doing everything within its power to avoid any negative consequences to our students, staff, and community. We are actively advocating, working with legislators, and fighting to protect the funding our students depend on. A few minutes of your time telling our legislators to vote NO on House Bill 253 will make a real difference. Thank you for standing with our students and schools.
We are asking our community to please call and email members of the House of Education Committee and our local legislatures and urge them to vote NO to HB 253.
We are asking our community to please call and email members of the House of Education Committee and our local legislatures and urge them to vote NO to HB 253.
Chair
G. Andrés Romero – 505-514-9574
andres.romero@nmlegis.gov
Vice Chair
Joy Garratt – 505-986-4341
joy.garratt@nmlegis.gov
Ranking Member
Brian G. Baca – 505-986-4221
brian.baca@nmlegis.gov
Members
Jack Chatfield – 505-986-4467 – jack.chatfield@nmlegis.gov
Catherine J. Cullen – 505-986-4226 – catherine.cullen@nmlegis.gov
Martha Garcia – 505-986-4464 – martha.garcia@nmlegis.gov
Anita Gonzales – 505-986-4255 – anita.gonzales@nmlegis.gov
Yanira Gurrola – 505-986-4435 – yanira.gurrola@nmlegis.gov
Raymundo Lara – 505-986-4777 – raymundo.lara@nmlegis.gov
Tanya Mirabal Moya – 505-986-4214 – Tanya.MirabalMoya@nmlegis.gov
Patricia Roybal Caballero – 505-986-4416 – pat.roybalcaballero@nmlegis.gov
E. Diane Torres-Velásquez – 505-986-4255 -diane.torresvelasquez@nmlegis.gov
Harlan Vincent – 505-986-4450 – Harlan.Vincent@nmlegis.gov
Representatives:
Michelle Paulene Abeyta - 505-986-4254 - michelle.abeyta@nmlegis.gov
Martha Garcia - 505-986-4464 - martha.garcia@nmlegis.gov
D. Wonda Johnson - 505-986-4433 - dwonda.johnson@nmlegis.gov
Patricia A. Lundstrom - 505-986-4249 - patricia.lundstrom@nmlegis.gov
Senators:
George K. Muñoz - 505-986-4371 - george.munoz@nmlegis.gov
Shannon D. Pinto - 505-986-4835 - shannon.pinto@nmlegis.gov
Please visit our website for more information on HB 253. https://www.gmcs.org/page/hb
