October 2025 Parent Newsletter

On the cover: Students at Fisher Elementary are going head-to-head in this year’s pumpkin decorating contest! The challenge was simple: each pumpkin had to be inspired by a favorite character from a storybook. From Pig the Pug and Coco to Chicken Little (and even one student who created an original story of her own), it’s clear that creativity knows no bounds. The halls are filled with color, imagination, and a love of reading brought to life through these one-of-a-kind pumpkin creations! View additional pictures of these creative creations here. 

With the temporary government shutdown continuing, NISD officials are reaching out to families potentially impacted, saying, “How can we help?”

“No child will go hungry because they don’t have money for meals,” says Dr. John Craft, NISD superintendent. “And we want to make sure that their emotional needs are met as well because I’m sure this is a scary and uncertain time for many of them.”

San Antonio is home to several military installations, and about 7,000 military-connected students are enrolled in NISD. Additional students have parents and guardians who work as government contractors or in other government sectors, and they are also not receiving pay during the shutdown. 

Principals, counselors, social workers, and teachers will be attentive to students and families who may need additional financial and emotional assistance. 

Click here for full details. 

Nominate your favorite teacher, counselor, principal

Each year, H-E-B presents an Excellence in Education Award to outstanding educators. Applications are open until Nov. 2. 

The awards program honors outstanding teachers, principals, school counselors, school districts, school boards, and early childhood centers to recognize their dedication and commitment. 

Since the program’s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded over $14 million in cash and grants to recipients. To learn more or to nominate someone, click here. 

Kudos to three NISD employees who have received state recognition recently.

• Cruz Ramirez, an art teacher at Rawlinson Middle School, is the 2025 Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Middle School Art Educator of the Year.
• Theresa Yasger, Assistant Director of Visual Arts, is the TAEA Art Educator-Supervisor/Administrator of the Year.
• Saul Cepeda, a science teacher at Hobby Magnet Middle School, is the 2025 Outstanding Secondary Science Teacher by the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT). 

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.

Click here to view the list and for additional details.

NISD bands hit right note to advance to area competition

All 12 Northside ISD marching bands earned First Division Superior ratings at the UIL Region 29 Marching Contest held recently at Farris Stadium.

Each of the district’s bands advanced to the UIL Area round. All 11 of our 6A bands performed at the UIL Area H Marching Contest this past Saturday in Cedar Park. NISD took five of the 10 finalist slots, including the state alternate position earned by Brandeis High School. Other finalists were Taft, Stevens, Harlan, and Sotomayor high schools. Congratulations to our talented student musicians and directors on this outstanding achievement! 

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.

The NISD High School Bowling League launched its 2025–26 season in style with a festive parade and spirited celebration. School mascots and cheerleaders brought the energy, rallying behind the teams as they gear up for another exciting year on the lanes!

Ghouls and zombies took over Gus Stadium this week as part of the Fine Arts Department’s annual Thrill A Mill celebration. More than 800 middle school theater and dance students came out for a zombie walk and a routine performed to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and other “spooky” songs. Admission to the event was a canned food item.

 “Thrill A Mill” enables students to apply their knowledge from dance and theater classrooms to raise awareness about social issues affecting our community, and provides them with the opportunity to take an active role in combating hunger in San Antonio and Bexar County by hosting campus food drives.

The community service project began in 2009 with middle school theatre students and teachers. 

To view pictures from the event, click here. 

The Northside Early College High School (ECHS) program at John Jay High School, in proud partnership with the Alamo Colleges District, continues to open doors to limitless possibilities for students across Northside ISD. This innovative program now welcomes 8th-grade students and families from the Brennan, Jay, Holmes, Marshall, Stevens, Taft, and Warren high school areas, offering the chance to earn both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree - at no cost.

Through ECHS, students experience the best of both worlds: access to college-level courses and extracurricular activities while enjoying a full high school experience in a supportive, nurturing environment. Families save thousands of dollars in tuition as students earn up to 60 college credit hours before graduation. Graduates emerge confident, college-ready, and prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.

 Families are encouraged to attend an upcoming in-person information session to learn more about how ECHS can unlock new opportunities.

Visit nisd.net/Early-College for session dates and details.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Technology Service & NISD want to extend a few tips to keep you and your family protected.

What is Info Stealer Malware?

Info-stealer malware is like a digital pickpocket. It is malicious software designed to secretly steal personal information from your devices and send it to cybercriminals. It runs silently in the background, hunting for valuable data to be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or sold on the dark web.

Common targets include:

• Login Credentials: Usernames and passwords for email, social media, banking, and shopping.
• Financial Information: Credit card numbers, bank account details, and cryptocurrency wallet keys.
• Personal Data: Your name, address, phone number, and files.
• Browser History & Cookies: Information about your web activity.

Protect Your Family's Devices 🛡️

Protecting your devices is simpler than you think. Following a few basic security practices can significantly reduce your risk.

• Keep Everything Updated: Software updates often contain critical security patches. Enable automatic updates for your operating systems and apps.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Create long, complex passwords (at least 12 characters) with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager can help you create and store these.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security. Even if a thief steals your password, they cannot gain access without a second code, which is usually sent to your phone. Enable MFA on all important accounts.
• Be Smart About Clicks and Downloads: Cybercriminals use phishing (fake emails or texts) to trick you into installing malware. Think before you click on links or download attachments from unsolicited messages. Never download software from unofficial sources.
• Install Reputable Security Software: Security software acts as a guard for your device, scanning for, blocking, and removing malware. Install and keep an antivirus or anti-malware program updated on all your devices.
• Back Up Your Important Data: In the event of a device compromise, a recent backup ensures you won't lose important files, such as photos and documents. Regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or secure cloud service.
• Talk to Your Kids: Have open, age-appropriate conversations with your children about online safety. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything suspicious online.

Stay vigilant and learn more about NISD technology at nisd.net/district/technology.

Don't miss your chance! The NEF Silent Auction is almost here!

The Northside Education Foundation (NEF) auction opens on Nov. 5 and closes promptly at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12. That's your window to bid high and support NISD schools!

Ready to win?

1. Register here and create your login.
2. Download the Givi App now! This ensures you're set to snag a last-minute deal and outbid the competition.

🔥 BONUS OPPORTUNITY: Preview Items & Win Big!

Click here to preview all items and grab a Golden Raffle Ticket for "A Taste of San Antonio"—a spectacular prize package worth over $3,500!

Click images to enlarge.