In this issue:
Greetings from Your Principals
Dear Bulldog Families,
Happy New Year! As we begin an exciting new semester, we want to take a moment to thank you for your incredible support. Bulldog Day and our World's Finest Chocolate Fundraiser were both huge successes, and we could not have done it without the time, energy, and Bulldog spirit shown by our students, families, and staff.
Your continued involvement makes a meaningful difference in the experiences we are able to provide for our students. We are grateful for the strong partnership we share and for your commitment to our school community.
We are already looking forward to the exciting events planned for this semester, with our next one being Love of Learning in February—a fun-filled evening centered on learning, creativity, and family engagement. We can’t wait to share more details and hope you’ll join us for a night of learning and fun.
Thank you for helping make our Bulldog community such a special place.
💛🐾
With Bulldog Pride,
Mrs. Barraza, Principal
Mrs. Barboza, Associate Principal
Upcoming School Events
January
January 9 2nd Quarter Report Cards Sent Home
January 12-16 K-1st Grade MOY MAP MATH Testing Window
January 19 Staff/Student Holiday
January 19-23 K-1st Grade MOY MAP READING Testing Window
January 19-23 No Name-Calling Week
January 26-30 Holocaust Remembrance Week
January 27 Pre-K and Kinder Round Up
January 29 3rd-5th Grade STAAR Interim RLA Testing
February
February 2-27 PTA Walk-a-Paw Fundraiser
February 3 5th Grade STAAR RLA Field Testing
February 10 5th Grade STAAR Interim Science Testing
February 11 Love of Learning Family Event
February 13 Pillar of Character Ceremony: Responsibility
PreK and Kinder Round-Up
Join us on Tuesday, January 27th from 4:00-5:00 p.m. for our Pre-K and Kinder Round Up
Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year
Fernandez Elementary Library
Please complete your child's registration online @ https://www.nisd.net/schools/registration
Documents required for Registration:
- Child's Social Security Card (optional)
- An original certified copy of the child's birth certificate
- An up-to-date immunization record
- Proof of residency:
- a current or prior month's utility bill; or
- a sales, lease, or rental contract; or
- a notarized Affidavit of Residence (AOR) form (en Español)
Documents may be uploaded directly into the online registration system or brought to the school so that copies can be made.
Students must qualify to attend our Full Day Pre-K program.
Pre-K Qualifying Areas are:
- Language other than English
- Educationally Disadvantaged
- Homeless
- Military
- Foster Care
- Star of Texas Award
Please complete your child's registration online @ https://www.nisd.net/schools/registration
Computers will be available in our Fernandez Elementary Library to complete registration.
Important Campus Policy Reminders
As we kick off the spring semester, here are a few important reminders for the safety of our campus and students:
Arrival
Doors open at 7:00 a.m. Student & Parents Breakfast Time: 7:00 - 7:40. Doors will be monitored and all adults will need a Visitor Pass or Fast Pass to enter the building. If you forget your Fast Pass, you will be required to check in at the front office with a valid ID. All parents must depart the building by 7:40, so that we can secure the building for all students and staff.
Dismissal Pick Up
There are two dismissal areas: Front Drive: ECSE, PreK - 1st Grade and Back Bus Loop: ALE and 2nd–5th Grade (Siblings of these students who are in 2nd – 5th grade will join their younger siblings in the front pickup area.)
Parent Pick-up (by vehicle): Please have your student’s name and iDismiss Tag # visible for our check-in staff throughout the entire pick up process.
Parent Walk-Up (Pick-up): Parents may walk to the front walkway on the side of building to pick up their students. Please have your student’s name and iDismiss Tag with number available to expedite reuniting you with your student.
* If iDimiss Tag is not present, a staff member may ask for an ID to verify pick up person. *
Dismissal Changes
If you need to change your child’s normal dismissal routine, please call the office no later than 2:30 p.m. This is to ensure that the message reaches the teacher in time for dismissal.
UPDATE! Campus Visitors, Get Your UPDATED Fast Pass Today!
We are asking all visitors to get an updated Fast Pass (yellow) by Friday, January 23rd. Just bring in your state issued ID to the front office to get an updated fast pass. Beginning January 26, the blue colored Fast Pass will no longer be accepted.
Safety is our number one priority. To maintain a secure environment for all students and staff, we will implement our "Fast Pass" system for parents and guardians who wish to walk their children into school each morning and visit during school lunchtime.
What is a Fast Pass?
A fast pass allows you to enter the building without having to scan your driver's license each time you visit the campus. Whether you are coming in for breakfast, lunch with your child, or stopping by to see a parade, have your fast pass ready to show our front door monitor each time you visit our school. If you forget your fast pass, be sure to bring a valid ID to get scanned by our front office staff. Fast passes and visitors badges must be worn and visible at all times while on campus.
What if I already have a Fast Pass from last year?
Last year's fast pass will not be valid for the upcoming school year. Every parent and/or guardian wishing to obtain a Fast Pass will need to scan their valid ID for the new school year.
How to Obtain a Fast Pass?
Stop by the front office to get your Fast Pass. Make sure to bring your current driver's license to be scanned.
Background Checks
Although a background check is not required to obtain your fast pass, it will be required to be a volunteer on campus and on field trips. Click on the link below to fill out the NISD Volunteer Background Check. A new background check must be completed every school year and take approximately two weeks to clear. Fill yours out now, so you don't have to worry about it later.
A Word from Our Counselor, Mrs. G. Puente
Stay connected—our counselor’s newsletter has tips, updates, and encouragement for families.
School Fundraiser: World's Finest Chocolate-THANK YOU!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Our community showed up to support our chocolate fundraiser. We raised over $8,000!!! Our students and staff are grateful for your support.
Chocalate Fundraiser Top Sellers and Special Prize Winners
winner pic
winner pic
BULLDOG DAY SUCCESS! THANK YOU!
We would like to thank each and everyone of you who helped make this year's Bulldog Day a success. It truly takes a village and we are so grateful that our community continues to show up and support our school and students.
outside food booth
outside food booth
inside vendors
spirit squad
inside vendor
outside food booths
STATE ASSESSMENT DATES
Save the Dates!
Please note the upcoming state assessment dates above. During these testing days, our campus will be a closed campus--closed to visitors to ensure a quiet and productive testing environment for our Bulldogs. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to help our students do their very best!
INFORMATION FROM THE NISD
Dear Parents:
Attached are the 2023-2024 and 2024–2025 School Report Cards for our campus, produced by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as required by state law. These reports include information on student performance on STAAR®, College, Career, and Military Readiness, enrollment, class size averages, and financial expenditures.
We also encourage you to visit TXschools.gov to review our school’s performance.
For your reference, we have included the 2023-2024 and 2024–2025 School Report Card definitions, which explain the terms used in the report (note that some may not apply to our campus). You can also access these reports on TEA’s website: http://tea.texas.gov/perfreport/src/index.html.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Mrs. Barraza
Federal Report Cards
Federal Report Cards
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), requires each State education agency to prepare and publish an annual report card with state, district and campus level data. The Federal Report Cards for 2024-2025 are now available here: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/federal-report-cards. Please contact the school office if you'd like a printed copy.
State Assessment Scores Parent Letter
Parent directions to access STAAR, STAAR Alt 2, TELPAS and TELPAS Alt results are attached.
Our STAAR and TELPAS testing has not yet occurred in elementary; however, you will want to ensure you have your HAC set up appropriately prior to February.
- TELPAS is administered in February / March
- STAAR is administered in April for Grades 3 - 5
- April 14th -- 3rd-5th Grade STAAR RLA
- April 21st -- 5th Grade STAAR Science
- April 28th -- 3rd-5th Grade STAAR Math
NEW: HB 8 now requires schools to notify parents each time state assessment results are available.
Notable:
- Families can access their child’s assessment scores along with tailored resources on the dates included in the attached parent letter.
- Parents can view their child’s score history 24/7 by logging into NISD’s Home Access Center (HAC) and choosing the Texas Test Scores tab. This connects parents to the Texas Assessment Student Portal for families.
- As always, the results will include detailed information in each subject, including areas of strength and gaps in learning, actual test questions, and tailored resources parents can use at home to support learning.
- If parents do not currently have a HAC account, they may follow the instructions here to create one. Once the account has been created, parents may view their child’s state assessment score history by following the steps attached.r
Give a Staff Member a Shoutout!
Our campus is filled with hardworking staff members who pour their hearts into our Bulldogs. Take a moments to shine a light on the awesome things that they do or just a simple thank you to brighten their day. Click the link submit a Pawsitively Awesome Shoutout!
https://forms.gle/aCfaE2gJJxBvsztU6
Any submitted shoutout is printed on a certificate and shared with the staff member. Last month these staff members below loved being recognized!
Attention 5th Grade Parents -- Magnet Applications Now Open!
NISD Magnet Middle Schools -- Families Welcome to Apply
Northside ISD Magnet Programs are now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year! From health science, STEM, multimedia and law, our specialized Middle and High School programs offer unique learning pathways and opportunities to earn high school and college credit while exploring their passions. Learn more and apply at nisd.net/magnets.
Attendance at Fernandez ES
Every day in school matters! When students are present, they build stronger learning habits, connect with friends, and take important steps toward success. This year our campus daily attendance rate goal is 95%. Take a look at our daily attendance rate so far this school year!
August: 94.7%
September: 95.4%
October: 94.1%
November: 93.0%
December: 93.5%
January: 95.5% (as of January 8)
25-26 Average: 94.28%
We’re proud of our 94.28% attendance rate. We know we can reach our 95% goal! 🌟
Every day counts—when students show up, they grow! Let’s keep up the great work and make every day matter. Thank you for partnering with us to help your child succeed!
Here at Fernandez ES, we love to celebrate students who show up ready to learn each day. We encourage strong attendance with a variety of incentives such as classroom rewards, school-wide recognition, fun celebrations, and special shout-outs for students who demonstrate excellent attendance. These positive reinforcements help students see that being in school every day is something to be proud of!
Take a look below! We are currently working as campus to LEVEL UP to Level 4 and earn a Pajama Day!
Campus Wide Attendance Incentive
Classroom Attendance Incentive
Monthly Perfect Attendance Incentive
Attendance Warning Notices
Please be sure to communicate with your child's teacher and send a note in if they will be absent. Once a student has accrued 3 unexcused absences in the system, NISD will generate an Attendance Warning Notice that will be emailed to the parent/guardian. This Attendance Warning Notice is added to your child's school record. An example of what you will receive is shown here.
No Cell Phones at School
Texas House Bill 1481, also known as the "Phone-Free Classrooms" bill, mandates that all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas must implement policies prohibiting students from using personal communication devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, and other devices, during the school day.
All personal communication devices must be kept in backpacks and/or out of sight throughout the instructional day and placed in a designated area (cubbies). This is consistent with our current practice but now includes all communication devices. Personal communication devices include, but not limited to, cell phones, SMART watches, personal tablets, Air Pods and other technology devices.
Morning Arrival at Fernandez ES
As we begin the school year, we are getting our students used to the Morning Arrival procedures. You can help your child learn the routine too!
- Our doors open to students at 7:00 a.m.
- Breakfast is served from 7:00-7:40 a.m. in the cafeteria.
- Students will go through the line. Parents may eat with their child.
- Students not eating breakfast wait in cafeteria 7:00-7:15 a.m.
- Pre-K students report directly to the Cafeteria to wait with their class, even if they are not eating breakfast.
- At 7:15a.m., students walk to their grade level area to wait with a staff member. Parents may walk their child to their hallway during this time WITH A FAST PASS or Visitor Pass. Parents/visitors may not enter the classroom. If you’d like to meet with your child’s teacher, please contact them to schedule a conference.
- Pre-K will report directly to the Cafeteria to wait with their class, even if they are not eating breakfast.
- ECSE & ALE students will report directly to their classroom.
- 1st Bell Rings at 7:40 a.m.
- Students begin going into their classrooms to prepare for instruction.
- Parents exit the school building.
- Front Lobby doors close at this time and students walk to class independently.
- Cafeteria stops serving breakfast.
- Students eating breakfast head to class.
- Late arrival breakfast is served at Front Lobby doors. (NEW THIS YEAR!)
- 7:45 a.m. Tardy Bell rings and classroom instruction begins
- All visitors have exited the building.
- Any student entering the building after this time is marked tardy.
- 9:00 a.m. Students arriving at school after this time are considered absent unless a doctor's note is provided. Student MUST be checked into the office by a parent or guardian if dropped off after 9:00 a.m.
Safety First
The parent pickup car line is a No Phone Zone. For the safety of all, please refrain from using your phone while picking your child up in the parent pickup car line.
Join Fernandez ES PTA!
District: Northside School: Raul B. Fernandez ES
The Fernandez ES PTA helps support students, teachers, and staff! Joining PTA helps us provide that support.
Some of the events they help with include:
- Field Trips
- Trunk-or-Treat
- Bulldog Day
- Student Incentives
- Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
- and MUCH MORE!!
By joining, you can help support our school and our students!
Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Are you a grandparent raising your grandchild? Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is dedicated to providing resources, services, and support to meet the unique needs and challenges of grandparenting.
CLICK HERE to learn more about their services.
SchoolCafe App
SchoolCafé is a single location for all your cafeteria needs...Connecting Families to School Nutrition! From the SchoolCafé app, you can:
- access daily menus
- view nutritional and allergen info
- add money to your child's account for them to buy ice cream and other snacks
- get notifications about your child's cafeteria account
CLICK HERE to learn more
Learning Tree After School Program
Northside's Learning Tree After School program provides on campus fun, learning, and low cost tuition! Enroll today for the 25-26 school year!
For more information about enrollment or employment, call 210-397-8108 or visit our website at https://www.nisd.net/district/after-school
NISD Threads
NISD Threads is a a clothing closet that gives FREE gently used clothes to enrolled NISD students who need them.
NISD students who need clothes can ask their school counselor for a referral to Northside Threads.
Parents of enrolled NISD students can also call their child’s school and ask the counselor for a referral to Northside Threads.
A referral is required to get clothes.
NISD Market
The NISD Market provides 25lbs of food a week at no charge for families that qualify. They are a partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank.
Open Tues-Thurs from 1:30-4:00p.m. Closed for all school holidays.
For more info, call 210-397-8930
Located at Northside Family Engagement Center, 5223 Blessing St., San Antonio, TX 78228
NISD SCHOOL SAFETY
The safety and security of our students, staff, and families is a priority at Fernandez ES.
Click HERE to read about the Safety Initiatives in NISD for the 2025-2026 school year and learn more about our Standard Response Protocol.