April 2, 2026 Staff Newsletter

On the cover: Briscoe MS Spanish students shared original, self-written books during a “Reading Buddies” visit with first graders at Hoffmann ES—bringing their language skills to life with a real audience. The experience sparked excitement, built confidence, and inspired both groups through a shared love of reading.

Fifth grader Jacob Munoz from Raba Elementary School took home the Grand Prize in the Texas Cavaliers River Parade Cover Contest! 

Munoz’s win earned him a UTSA art camp scholarship, prizes from Whataburger, the San Antonio Zoo, and H-E-B, plus $10,000 for his school’s art program. His artwork—along with fellow finalists—will be featured on a VIA bus across San Antonio. He will also ride in the 2026 Texas Cavaliers River Parade with his teacher, Katrina Gonzalez, helping kick off Fiesta.

Other NISD finalists are Demi Otinga, fourth grade, Forester ES; Sia Mithra Alagarraj, fifth grade, Steubing ES; Catherine Pyle, fourth grade, Carnahan ES; and Johan Rendon, fourth grade, Leon Valley ES. 

Click here for more details and pictures. 

Over 400 students from middle and high schools across our district came together recently to compete in the NISD Esports Spring 2026 Qualifiers!

Our middle school gamers kicked things off bright and early, bringing their A-game to the morning session with some seriously competitive rounds of Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. That afternoon, our high schoolers took the stage, adding Marvel Rivals to the mix, and brought the competition to the next level.

Click here to view the list of top teams. 

Harlan and Jay high schools are tied for the final two places in Marvel Rivals and will complete a tiebreaker match this week to determine who proceeds to the Championships. Stay tuned to find out who comes out on top!

Trinity Schwarzlose, a fifth-grader at Scobee Elementary, recently participated in the Bluebonnet Luncheon during the Texas Library Association's Annual Conference. 

Representing District 10, she presented and read a speech recognizing award-winning author Minda Dentler, recipient of this year’s Texas Bluebonnet Award. Students were required to read at least 5 of the 20 nominated books to vote—Trinity read all 20!

She was nominated by Scobee librarian Andrea Colwell. Way to go, Trinity!

Play ball -- new District Athletic Complex Opens

The District held a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday and officially opened its new Northside Sports Complex, a facility designed to expand opportunities and support student-athletes.

The complex features two turf ballfields with seating for 1,000 spectators each, along with batting cages, bullpens, lighting, dugouts, and press boxes. It also includes a cross-country course, turf staging area, and amenities such as restrooms, concessions, team rooms, and a training room.

Serving all high schools and middle schools, the facility will benefit more than 1,500 student-athletes each year. The project was made possible through the community’s support of the 2022 bond.

See the Savings: Exclusive LASIK Perk for NISD!

Give your glasses and your wallet a break! Through July 1, Manrique Custom Vision Center is offering a discount exclusively for NISD staff and family members. 

The Benefits:

• $1,700 Off LASIK procedures.
• Complimentary consultations.
• Flexible payment plans.

Click here for more information.

SHAPE America Grants

Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) is offering the Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant to support recreational programs for individuals with disabilities. Grants are awarded for $500 to $1,500 total per year. Click here to apply or contact the Grants Dept. at 210-397-8563. For details, click here.