In this issue:
On the cover: The NISD Council of PTAs hosted their annual Founder's Day. This year's theme, "Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass of Our PTA Legacy," celebrated the PTA’s unwavering spirit and dedication district-wide. NISD has the largest PTA Council in the state with more than 36,000 members. Members embraced the theme by wearing appropriate outfits, supporters were recognized with special awards, and students took the spotlight with outstanding performances. Click here to view pictures.
CAST Teach Students Commit to Future in Education
CAST Teach Signing
CAST Teach Signing
CAST Teach Signing
On February 6, St. Mary’s University hosted CAST Teach High School’s Next Generation Teacher Signing Day, celebrating students from CAST Teach’s first graduating class as they formally committed to careers in education.
A total of 25 CAST Teach students were admitted to St. Mary’s University, including 11 juniors who received early admission—the first time in the University’s history that juniors have been extended early acceptance. Each student has been awarded, or will receive, a renewable scholarship of up to $25,000 per year, representing more than $2 million in scholarship support for this cohort.
In addition to tuition assistance, St. Mary’s is providing college mentors and covering textbook and meal costs, ensuring students have the support they need to succeed. The signing day marked the culmination of months of preparation, including college applications, interviews with professors, and ongoing mentoring.
The event celebrated a historic partnership and a powerful investment in the next generation of educators—students who are stepping forward to meet a growing need in classrooms across our community. Additional pictures can be viewed here.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Schoolnet (CMS) Tip: Test Security
Schoolnet (CMS) has several built-in security features that can be applied to a test. Such as:
- Customizing the student passcode
- Using a Lockdown browser (Secure Tester)
- Restricting when the test is available
- Scrambling question and answer choices
- The ability to show or hide scores
Check out this video for more details. This resource and others can be found on the Schoolnet (CMS) Site, under HUB - Instructional Systems Support. For a listing of previous Schoolnet articles, click here.
New in Google Chat: Schedule Send Messages
We are excited to share a new Google Chat feature designed to help our busy teachers and staff manage their communication more effectively. You can now schedule messages to be sent at a specific date and time!
In a fast-paced school environment, we know that inspiration—or a reminder for a colleague—often strikes at inconvenient times, like late in the evening or over the weekend. This tool lets you draft those thoughts while they are fresh in your mind and schedule them to arrive during school hours.
How It Works:
- Simple Scheduling: When you’ve typed a message in Chat, click the down arrow next to the "Send" icon. You can select a preset time or choose a custom date and time that works best for your recipient.
- Manage Pending Messages: If you have scheduled messages, a "Scheduled" or "Drafts" shortcut will appear in your left-hand navigation panel. From there, you can easily edit, reschedule, or delete any messages before they are delivered.
- Visual Reminders: A small banner will appear at the bottom of your conversation window to remind you if you have a message queued up for that specific person or group.
Much like the "Schedule Send" feature in Gmail, this update lets you be flexible with your messaging. You can now clear your mind and check off your tasks whenever it’s convenient for you, while ensuring your communication arrives at the most appropriate time for your colleagues.
CELEBRATIONS
Trustee Blount Honored During Spurs Heritage Night
The Spurs' Black Heritage Night honored local nonprofits with significant grants and special recognitions.
Our very own Board of Trustees member, Bobby Blount, was among those recognized for his leadership and work with students and the San Antonio community, and for advancing support for Black-led nonprofits and philanthropic initiatives.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
A Tail-wagging Special Visitor
Fourth-grade students at Henderson Elementary School welcomed a special visitor at the conclusion of their recent book study.
After reading Love That Dog by Sharon Creech—a novel told through free-verse poems from the perspective of a young boy named Jack, who discovers his voice and a love for poetry—the story came to life in an unexpected way.
To celebrate the book’s themes, a therapy dog from Therapy Animals of San Antonio surprised students, making the experience both memorable and meaningful.
$70,000 and Counting! Help NISD Reach Our United Way Goal
We are in week two of our United Way campaign, and the NISD family is already showing incredible generosity. So far, we have raised $70,101! Our district goal is $169,000.
- The Easy Way to Give: Payroll deduction is the simplest way to make an impact. For as little as $8 a month (March–July), you can lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.
- How to Give: Visit giveuw.org to donate through March 3.
- Login Info:
UserID ‒ Your work email
Password ‒ 6-digit e-number (with the e) + first 4 letters of last name (CAPS) + last 4 of SSN (If your last name has fewer than 4 letters, use the fewer letters.)
GRANT OF THE WEEK
STEM Grants Available for 6-12
Teachers in grades 6th–12th can apply for a Toshiba America Foundation grant (up to $5,000) to fund innovative STEM classroom projects. Apply online or contact the Grants Department at 210-397-8563. Click here for details and to apply. Deadline: March 1, 2026.
PERKS OF THE WEEK
Free Car Washes!
Quick Quack Car Wash is excited to announce the opening of its newest location at 5834 Babcock Rd. To celebrate, it's offering FREE car washes on Monday, Feb. 16, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Click here to learn more.
Love Where You Live February Incentives
Realtor Cathy Naiser and Firstmark Credit Union have joined forces to offer incentives for homebuying and refinancing in February. Click here to learn more.
EOY
EOY
Screenagers
