In this issue:
On the cover: Students at Adams Hill Elementary School are "Red-y" to be Drug Free! #RedRibbonWeek
World unites at Colonies North ES
choir
parade
parade
The world came together at Colonies North as the campus held its annual Parade of Nations. The campus is home to many refugees and “Newcomer” students, with 20 countries represented, and more than 25 identified languages spoken on campus. View pictures from the event here.
CELEBRATIONS
NISD schools ranked among the best in Texas
Northside ISD (NISD) has been recognized for academic excellence, with multiple campuses earning top honors in the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings.
After analyzing 103,391 Texas Pre-K, elementary, and middle schools, NISD proudly boasts 14 elementary schools that have received a Best Elementary School award and two middle schools that have earned a Best Middle Schools award. To receive these accolades, the schools placed among the top 40 percent of all schools in the state.
HELPFUL HINTS
Magic Bytes
Today's featured tool is the Multiple Choice Quiz/Assessment Generator, your shortcut to creating quick, standards-aligned assessments.
Enter your topic and grade level to receive instant multiple-choice questions with answer explanations. Perfect for checks for understanding, homework, or full assessments.
Pro tip: You can use the Multiple-Choice Quiz/Assessment Generator to create:
- Quick Formative Assessments
- Summative Test Creation
- Review & Practice Materials
Google Meet update: new control over attendance tracking
Google Meet has some new features to give you greater control over your own virtual classes or meetings! One of the great features allows you to easily manage the built-in attendance tracking feature. This feature is automatically enabled in your Google Calendar events that you create with Google Meet conferencing attached. You can now decide if you want the automatic attendance report (which is emailed to the organizer/host) to be generated.
How to Control the Setting:
- In Google Calendar (Recommended):
- When scheduling or editing a meeting, click the Settings gear next to the Meet link.
- Uncheck the box for "Attendance tracking" and save the event.
- Inside the Meeting:
- During the call, open the Host controls (shield icon).
- Toggle Attendance tracking to off.
Important Note: If you disable this feature in a recurring meeting, the setting will be saved for future sessions using the same link.
For instant or one-time meetings, it will return to the default setting after the meeting ends. Click here for a step-by-step click sheet. As always, check out nisd.tech/Google for more great features!
TIP - Schoolnet (CMS) Item Banks
Did you know that you have access to a CO Shared Item Bank in Schoolnet, containing almost 16,000 items, including STAAR-released items? This document will guide you on how to utilize that bank to create an assessment. Additional resources are also available on the Schoolnet (CMS) Support site on the HUB. For a listing of previous Schoolnet articles, click here.
TIP - Schoology grade syncing
It is best practice to sync your grades on a regular basis. Clicking the sync option at the end of the day is a great way to keep TAC up to date. Additionally, if there is only one assignment with new grades, you can sync it individually. Here are the directions to do that. This resource is also available on the Schoology Support site, available on the HUB - Instructional Systems Support. For a listing of previous Schoology articles, click here.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Future engineers in the making at Valley Hi!
Pre-K students at Valley Hi Elementary enjoyed a virtual read-aloud with a team of female engineers who shared the book, “Lucy's Engineering Adventure.” Thanks to Reading Is Fundamental and Trane Technologies, each student received their own copy of the book and a make-a-book kit.
Valley Hi was one of only 10 schools nationwide selected for this special event, which connected students’ lessons about the changing seasons to how engineers create comfort through heating, cooling, and innovation. The experience left many young Woodchucks dreaming of becoming engineers themselves.
Tricks and treats at Academic Spooktacular
Students and staff at Carlos Coon Elementary held an Academic Spooktacular event, where families enjoyed math and reading “tricks” to take home, treats at grade-level booths, and a fun dance. The event was a fantastic way for teachers to connect and have fun with students while keeping the spotlight on academics.
Pictured are students with their “Positivity Potion”! The recipe included a "Fluff of Fun", a "Sprinkle of Calm", a "Dash of Acceptance", a "Sprinkle of Confidence", and a "Feather of Hope" to help with their big feelings.
PERK OF THE WEEK
You’ve been boo’d... with pizza savings!
Mattenga’s Pizzeria is thrilled to treat our amazing teachers and school staff to exclusive savings — no tricks here! Enjoy 20% OFF in-store or 10% OFF online with code SCHOOL10 at mattengas.com. Show your school ID at pickup or delivery. Click here to view flyer. Offers can’t be combined with other discounts and aren’t interchangeable between in-store and online orders.
GRANT OF THE WEEK
First-Year teachers scholarships available
The Texas Retired Teachers Foundation is offering the First-Year Teacher Scholarship to provide funds to assist teachers in purchasing materials for his or her classroom. Click here to apply or contact the Grants Dept. at 210-397-8563. Applications close Jan. 9, 2026.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Click image to enlarge
voting
locke hill anniversary
daylight saving time
