November Happenings Around the District

Throughout November, Northside ISD students and staff showcased their Northside-giving spirit with generosity, creativity, and celebration across the District. Here are just a few highlights:

Acts of Giving

• Holmes High School ROTC and AVID students led a campus-wide collection of canned goods and non-perishables, delivering them to community members in need.
• The Taft High School Bike Club teamed up with Communities In Schools to collect turkeys and additional food items to support families at Cody Elementary.
• John Jay High School hosted its fourth annual Mustang-Giving food distribution, providing 100 families with essential food assistance.
• Students in the NISD Learning Tree program created more than 2,000 handmade placemats and centerpieces for the annual Jimenez Dinner—recognized as the nation’s largest Thanksgiving dinner event.

Campus Celebrations & Events

• Locke Hill Elementary celebrated its 50th anniversary with a “paw-some” program featuring music, testimonials, and a standing-room-only crowd.
• Seven NISD Pillars of Character were honored at the annual Northside Education Foundation Gala, celebrating the district’s best in leadership, service, and community impact.
• Nearly 400 middle and high school gamers competed in the NISD Esports Fall 2025 Qualifiers. Holmes, Sotomayor, Taft, and Warren high schools earned the top spots and will advance to the Fall Championships on Dec. 13.
• Magnet school applications opened Nov. 17 and will remain available through Jan. 23. NISD currently offers eight magnet high schools and four magnet middle schools, with a fifth middle school magnet opening in 2026–27.

Student Performances & Showcases

• Several NISD students will proudly represent the district in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Participants include:
  • Sotomayor High School Drill Team members Callie Esparza, Lizette Cantu, and Chloe Coudriet, along with Director Courtnie Mercer
  • Clark High School Cheer members Karina Carmona and Farah Valdez
  • Clark High School Drill Team members Khatalina Ramos, Madison Covarrubias, Molly Long, Aviv Reyes, and Deanna Anguiano
  • Clark High School Dance Team members Camila Segura and Morgan Martinez
• The talented Fisher Elementary mariachi will perform from a barge during the 44th Annual Holiday River Parade on Friday.
• Third-grade innovators at Leon Springs Elementary hosted a lively Market Day, showcasing homemade products, colorful displays, and creative business ventures that brought their entrepreneurial lessons to life.

A Night for Readers

• Despite a chance of rain, more than 300 students and families gathered under the soft glow of the stadium lights at Farris Stadium for the third annual Literacy Under the Lights. Families spread blankets across the field, enjoyed picnic dinners, and spent a cozy evening reading together beneath the cloudy November sky.