In this issue:
On the cover: Hundreds of talented middle school and high school dancers lit up the stage during Northside’s Winter Dance Spectacular. A special thank-you goes to Student Ambassador Tina Quach for beautifully capturing the high school showcase. View pictures at https://northsideisd.smugmug.com/Winter-Dance-Spectacular-2025
A Holiday Gift of Reading for Valley Hi Students
On Tuesday, Dec.16, Valley Hi librarian Jennifer Grimes hosted a school-wide Holiday Book Giveaway, inviting every student to visit the library and select a brand-new book to keep. Thanks to DD’s Discounts’ annual Literacy Fundraiser and First Book Marketplace resources, students chose from hundreds of titles and received a scented bookmark courtesy of Communities in Schools Site Coordinator Abigail Crotts. Events like this reflect Mrs. Grimes’ ongoing commitment to inspiring Valley Hi Woodchucks to read—especially over winter break.
HELPFUL HINTS
New Phones and Google Authenticator
As the holiday season brings the excitement of new phones and device upgrades, make sure one of the first things you do is transfer your Google Authenticator codes to your new device!
If you use Google Authenticator for two-factor authentication to access district systems, this is a critical step. Failing to do so will result in being locked out of essential accounts. Be proactive in transferring your codes to guarantee seamless access moving forward.
Quick steps to transfer your Google Authenticator codes
- Open the Google Authenticator app on your current phone.
- Tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Select "Settings" and then "Transfer accounts".
- Follow the on-screen instructions to export your codes.
- Download the Google Authenticator app on your new phone.
- Import your codes onto your new phone using the Google Authenticator app.
Follow these steps to ensure uninterrupted access to MyPortal and other important online services. For detailed instructions and support, please visit nisd.tech/Portal.
Monitoring grade performance
As we approach the end of another marking period, it’s essential to monitor students who may be struggling. To identify those in need of support, run a “Prompted Student Failure Report” in DecisionEd to generate a list of students with low performance in your courses. Additional resources are available on the DecisionEd Support Site on the HUB to assist you.
App Vetting Submission Windows
The EdTech Request form, located in your portal, will only be open during specific windows this school year. The current window is closed but it reopens when we return from Winter Break, January 5, and will remain open for two weeks. Teachers, please submit any desired apps via the EdTech Request Form, located in your portal, during the following App Vetting windows:
EdTech Application Request Windows
- August 4-October 24
- January 5-16
- March 16-27
- May 11-22
C&I staff involved in curriculum writing should contact nisdappvetting@nisd.net for alternate vetting submission methods between these windows.
CELEBRATIONS
Artist win holiday card contest
Congratulations to two of our Northside art students for winning their division in the ESC Region 20 Holiday Card Contest. Winning the elementary division is Max Martinez, a fifth grader at Timberwilde ES. Max's teacher is Tony Garcia. Winning the high school division is Nicole Velazquez, a ninth grader at Stevens HS. Nicole's teacher is Matthew Hedlund. Both students received a swag bag including a Visa gift card. Way to go to represent Northside ISD!
Region 20 art contest
Region 20 art contest
Region 20 art contest
Another NISD artist wins big
Congratulations to Western Art Show winner, Lydia Ireland for her pen and ink drawing, Terlingua Cemetery. Lydia is a 9th grader at Sotomayor High School and her art teacher is Raudel Villareal. Lydia won the Briscoe Museum Choice Award and $200.
western art contest
western art contest
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Champions Crowned at NISD Fall Esports Championships
The Fall 2025 NISD Esports season wrapped up this weekend, delivering an exciting and action-packed experience for students across the district.
Middle and high school students competed in Super Smash Bros., while high school teams battled it out in Rocket League. Fifth-grade Esports Explorers built teamwork and creativity through Minecraft Education.
More than 400 middle and high school students participated in the Fall Qualifiers in November. After eight double-elimination brackets, competition narrowed to the top 16 Super Smash Bros. players and the top four Rocket League teams.
The season concluded with our most successful Fall Championships yet, drawing hundreds of elementary, middle, and high school students. Benjamin Gamboa (Zachry MS) and Jose “Toffy!” Pineda (Holmes HS) claimed the Super Smash Bros. titles, while Warren High School’s Rocket League team—Halen Martinez, Roman Cardwell, and Jayden Cerda—took first place.
Thank you to our players, sponsors, and staff for an outstanding season. We’ll see everyone this spring!
esports
esports
esports
Northside ISD students participate in food distribution
Recently, the O’Connor High School baseball team traded their bats for turkeys, joining hundreds of volunteers - including various Northside ISD student groups and other athletes – in a massive effort to distribute critically needed food to 900 families in the community.
The food distribution was one of three planned by the San Antonio Food Bank this month.
PERK OF THE WEEK
Disney on Ice tickets make a wonderful holiday gift!April 9-12 at the Alamodome Mickey and Friends will take you on a journey through unforgettable moments with a Magical MousePad. Discover thrilling adventures from Zootopia, Inside Out 2, and the all-new Moana 2. Relive the timeless tales of Toy Story, Frozen, Encanto, and the Disney Princesses. Disney On Ice presents Jump In! |
Click here for showtimes and pricing information. To receive your discount, call 210-262-9615 and identify yourself as a NISD employee.
GRANT OF THE WEEK
Classroom Assistant Grants
Texas Retired Teachers Foundation is offering The Classroom Assistance Grant to Texas public school teachers who, daily, demonstrate commitment to public education and children through the creation of programs, events, or other learning platforms.
Click here to apply or contact the Grants Dept. at 210-397-8563. Deadline is Jan. 9, 2026.
Dear Staff,
As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for your dedication, professionalism, and care for our students and community. Your commitment makes a meaningful difference every day, and we are truly thankful for the work you do. We wish you a joyful holiday season filled with rest, reflection, and time with those you love. May the new year bring renewed energy, good health, and continued success.
-- NISD Board of Trustees
UPCOMING EVENTS
