In this issue:
Reminder: In the event of inclement weather, please monitor local media, official NISD social media channels, and the NISD website for any updates regarding school closings or delays.
ASTA opens General Store to public
ASTA flowers
meat market
ASTA meat market
If you are wondering what's for dinner, you might want to stop by the ASTA General Store to pick up something.
The Agriculture and Science and Technology Academy (ASTA) opened a public-facing general store operated and stocked entirely by students. Housed in a new, state-of-the-art facility, the program allows students to experience the full farm-to-table process, from livestock processing to packaging and retail sales.
Students in the Food Science Lab will process and prepare products for sale, including steaks, ribs, sausage, and jalapeño poppers. Other student projects available for purchase include eggs, quail eggs, salsas, jams, flowers, and candles.
The ASTA General Store will be open to the public Monday through Wednesday next week from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and beginning in February on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (depending on school holidays and campus events).
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Digital Guardianship: Your Role
Your district devices are a gateway to your classroom, but they also carry the responsibility of protecting our students and staff. We are asking all staff to watch our new Digital Device & Data Security video to learn how to become a true "Digital Guardian".
📺 Key Takeaways:
- The Master Key: Treat your device like a set of master keys to our digital classroom; if they fall into the wrong hands, the consequences are serious.
- Vault vs. Bench: Use Google Drive as your "secure vault" rather than saving files to your desktop, which is as public as a "park bench".
- Protecting PII: Learn to identify and safeguard Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as student IDs and grades, to stay compliant with federal laws like FERPA.
Security is a habit, not a one-time button. Watch the video today and make one small change to help build a digital fortress around our school community.
Gemini in Schoology
High School teachers! To assist with the High School AI initiative. We have enabled the Gemini app in Schoology. This allows you to share Gemini Gems and NotebookLM with students to promote targeted learning. Check out this link to get started. 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.
CELEBRATIONS
Parent volunteer saves life of Ott ES student
John Gomez, a devoted parent volunteer at Ott ES, is the latest recipient of the Northside Citizenship Award, marking the 25th time since 1999 this high district honor has been presented.
The prestigious award was established to recognize individuals or groups whose actions go above and beyond, making a meaningful impact on the NISD community. Past recipients include students, staff, and volunteers whose quick thinking and selflessness saved lives and helped others in moments of crisis.
While helping in the cafeteria, Mr. Gomez noticed students urgently calling for help. A fourth-grade student was choking and unable to breathe. Without hesitation, Mr. Gomez rushed in and performed the Heimlich maneuver, quickly clearing the obstruction and saving the student’s life.
As the student began breathing again, the cafeteria erupted in applause, thankful that their friend was safe. We are thankful for Mr. Gomez and parent volunteers like him who continue to show the Northside Unstoppable attitude.
award
award
award
Northside ISD boasts 10 high schools designated as Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll Campuses.
They are Brandeis, Brennan, Clark, Harlan, Health Careers, Holmes, Jay, O’Connor, Sotomayor, and Taft high schools.
Of special note, Harlan, Holmes, and Taft high schools achieved the “Gold” Honor Roll status, signifying strong AP program results. Gold Status Criteria includes 65% or more of the graduating seniors took at least one AP Exam; 35% or more of graduating seniors scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam; and 10% or more of graduating seniors took five or more AP Exams with at least one taken in 9th or 10th grade.
District Middle School champs
Congratulations to the 8th-grade Briscoe Bengals and the 7th-grade Bernal Knights on being crowned District Middle School Boys Basketball Champions!
8th grade champs
7th grade champs
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Reminder: Verify your course listings for TIA success
As we move forward with Northside’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) plan, the district needs to ensure that every teacher’s assigned course listing is completely accurate.
To initiate this process, we are requesting that all classroom teachers complete a brief verification. Beginning Jan. 16, specific instructions will be sent to all classroom teachers on how to review their roster and report any discrepancies. Once teacher verifications are in, each campus principal will conduct a final review to confirm everything is correct for their school.
This is a critical step in ensuring the TIA process is successful for everyone, so please prioritize this once the instructions arrive.
Thank you for your time and for everything you do.
PERK OF THE WEEK
Open an account with RBFCU for free!
NISD employees can establish free membership with RBFCU, with no monthly maintenance fees and minimum balance requirements, and receive direct deposit two days earlier!
Click here for how to join.
GRANT OF THE WEEK
Teacher PD scholarship opportunities
The Association of American Educators Foundation (AAEF) Teacher Scholarship (up to $500) can be used for a variety of professional development opportunities, workshops, and materials. Click here to apply or contact the Grants Dept. at 210-397-8563.
UPCOMING EVENTS
