You don't have to be a student or a teacher to celebrate Texas Public Schools Week, which is March 8-12.

Take time to visit your neighborhood school. Watch the eyes of children light up as they read their favorite book. Help students build an award-winning science project. Ask about volunteer opportunities, or become a volunteer or a mentor to a student in need. Whatever you do, make a difference in the life of one of 4 million-plus public school children in the state of Texas.

The Texas Public Schools Week theme this year is "Building Leaders: Today they learn. Tomorrow they lead."

"Parents and community members are always welcome in our schools to see firsthand what is happening in our classrooms and our schools," said Dr. John Folks, NISD Superintendent.

For example, did you know:

• Northside, a Recognized District, has 42 Exemplary schools, 37 Recognized schools, and 10 Academically Acceptable schools.
• The NISD Child Nutrition Department serves more than 100,000 meals a day and 18 million meals a year.
• In 2009, NISD libraries circulated more than 2.37 million items, served more than 58,000 classes, and served an estimated 1.4 million walk-ins.
• For the 7th year in a row, Northside has achieved the highest rating of "Superior Achievement" from the state's financial accountability rating system, called Schools FIRST.
• With about 5,000 wireless access points throughout the District, NISD has the largest school district wireless deployment in the United States.
• Northside's energy management program saves the District more than $1 million a year in utility bills.
• Currently, 20,694 community members volunteer in Northside schools. Call 397-8599 to join them.

In Northside, Texas Public Schools Week is when the District recognizes the Educators of the Year from every campus. NISD will honor both veteran and first-year teachers who were selected by their peers as campus educators of the year in three ceremonies March 9-11. Districtwide Educators of the Year also will be announced.