May 2026 Parent Newsletter

On the cover: The Northside Education Foundation (NEF) 5K Run/Walk is always a highlight of the year, with hundreds of people coming out to support NEF and have fun at the same time. Over the years it has become a family affair, as shown by Rawlinson Middle School (pictured). The annual 5K is one of the Foundation's largest fundraisers. Pictures from the event can be found here. 

More than 7,000 seniors will don caps and gowns and receive their diplomas at one of 13 commencements for all Northside ISD high schools. The graduations will be streamed live on the Internet.  Just click the link on the front page of the NISD website on the days and times listed below to watch any of the graduations.

Links to the live feed for each high school graduation can be found on the Graduation Ceremony page.

A list of graduation dates and times, along with additional details, can be found here. 

Veteran gifted Tiny Home made by CCA students

Big things come in small packages, and that was definitely true at the annual Construction Careers Academy (CCA) Tiny Homes Showcase, where students displayed incredible craftsmanship, including custom furniture, professional-grade sheds, and even a school bus converted into a "Skoolie."

The heart of the event was the "Home for a Hero" presentation, where students and local partners gifted the keys to a stunning 970-square-foot tiny home to a local female veteran and her child. This two-bedroom home served as a powerful testament to the skill and compassion of our student builders.

"I am so touched and overwhelmed that students built this, and now it will be my home," said Army Veteran Kara Turner. "I had no idea that programs and resources like this were available."

It was an unforgettable day of celebrating hard work, community partnerships, and a very special homecoming. Pictures from this unforgettable event are found here. 

Subscribe for State Assessment Results

Log in to Northside's Home Access Center and learn more about your child’s STAAR results, including how your child answered each test question, and find personalized resources to support learning at home. You can now subscribe to Alerts to get updates when new test results are available for your student.

New Secure Parent Portal: Access Your Child’s Learning Materials

In compliance with Texas House Bill 1605, Northside ISD is proud to launch a secure Parent Portal designed to give you direct access to our Board-adopted, TEA-designated K-12 Mathematics instructional materials. While we are starting with Math, parents who opt in now will also gain access to all future High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) as they are adopted by the district.

For the 2026-2027 school year, parents can use this portal to view all K-12 Mathematics resources used in the classroom.

How to Get Started

To protect data privacy, accounts are only activated after you opt in.

Why participate?

• Direct Access: View the TEA-designated high-quality math materials your child uses in their classrooms.
• Easy Setup: By opting in, your registration email will be shared with any future Board-adopted, TEA-designated high-quality instructional materials providers as they are added to the system.
• Total Control: Participation is optional. You can change your opt-in status at any time through your child’s campus starting August 2026

Action Required

Check your inbox: Look for the official opt-in form sent on May 11 to the email address we have on file

We are excited to provide this tool to strengthen the bridge between the classroom and your home!

Northside ISD 2026 Summer Feeding Program Announcement

Northside Independent School District (NISD) will provide free meals to children during the summer months through its Summer Feeding Program. This program is open to all children 18 years of age and younger, as well as enrolled students with disabilities up to age 21, at designated sites.

Meals will be served at select NISD campuses and community locations on scheduled dates and times throughout the summer. Participation is open, and no registration or identification is required.

For a complete and up-to-date list of participating sites, service dates, meal times, and menus, please visit: https://www.nisd.net/schools/menus

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Student Device Collection: End of Year 2025-2026

As we approach the end of the school year, Northside is preparing for our annual student device collection. To ensure a smooth collection and proper maintenance of our district technology over the summer, please take note of the following guidelines based on your student’s grade level.

High School Students

Because all high school students are issued a district Chromebook for instruction and testing, every student is responsible for returning their Chromebook.

• Collection Window: May 11th – May 21st (Specific dates vary by campus).
• What to Bring: Please ensure your student brings their assigned Chromebook and the original charger.
• Missing Items: Remember to include any additional district-issued chargers or MiFis/hotspots that may have been checked out to your student during the year.
• Device Readiness: Report any device issues before your campus’s collection window to ensure all damaged Chromebooks are reported and repaired before next year’s distribution.

Middle & Elementary Students

This year, all of our middle and elementary campuses transitioned to a classroom cart model. Due to this change, most students will not have a device to turn in from home.

• In-Class Devices: If your student’s district device is stored in a cart in the classroom, it will be collected directly from the classrooms. No action is needed from parents.
• Take-Home Devices: If your student was issued a device that they bring home daily, they must return the Chromebook and charger to their campus during the collection window (May 11th – May 21st, though specific collection dates may vary by campus).

Important Note: Each campus will finalize its specific collection schedule soon. Please contact your school for detailed collection instructions and specific collection times. In addition, damage to devices or failure to return a student’s district-assigned device and/or charger could result in a fine.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us account for our District technology!

Student is in Top 10 of National Coding Competition

Callie Xia, an 8th-grade student at Zachry Magnet School, was named a Top 10 finalist in Code/Art’s prestigious All-Girls Coding Competition.

The international competition brings together talented young programmers from around the world and provides a platform for girls to showcase their skills in computer science, creativity, and problem-solving. Designed to inspire and empower young women in technology, the program encourages innovation through coding and digital art. 

Harlan DI Team Advances to Global Finals

The Destination Imagination (DI) team from Harlan High School has earned a spot at Global Finals, where they will represent both Harlan and NISD on the world stage. As the only team from NISD and the Central Texas Region to qualify, their achievement is truly exceptional.

Global Finals, set for May 21–24 in Kansas City, Missouri, brings together top-performing students from around the globe. Teams showcase their skills through STEAM-based Team and Instant Challenges, highlighting creativity, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving.

Free admission to NISD events with the Gold Card 

Continuing a tradition of neighborly appreciation, Northside ISD is once again inviting residents 65 and older, as well as veterans living within the NISD boundaries, to enjoy the many perks of its long-standing Northside Gold Card program. This initiative serves as an ongoing "thank you" to the community, offering cardholders and a guest the chance to experience the energy of student life through free admission to Fine Arts performances and regular season athletic events. Program perks extend to the district’s pools, where Gold Card holders can enjoy complimentary open swim sessions at the George Block, Northside Natatorium, and Northside Swim Centers, as well as a 15% discount on Adult and Community Education classes for those looking to spark a new hobby. To keep the program running smoothly, please note that all guests must arrive together. There are several locations where you can pick up a Gold Card. Click here to learn more or call the NISD Partnerships Office at (210) 397-8599. 

Headed to the Finish Line

O’Connor High School student-athlete Diego Maltos is turning heads as a standout distance runner—while also preparing to compete at the Special Olympics Texas State Summer Games.

Diego’s journey began with Special Olympics, where he explored multiple events but found his passion in distance running. The program helped him build confidence, discipline, and lasting friendships—skills that continue to shape his success today.

Now a member of O’Connor’s cross country and track teams, Diego has posted impressive times, including 4:45 in the 1600M and 10:18 in the 3200M. His 9:48 finish in the 3000M at the SOTX Area Meet qualified him for State in both the 3000M and javelin.

For Diego and his family, the biggest victories go beyond medals. His growth, perseverance, and confidence—along with the joy he brings to the sport—are what matter most.

Congratulations, Diego! The district is cheering you on at State.

Solar Car Teams Race to the Finish Line

The rain held off, and the races were heated as 245 elementary and middle school teams competed in the 29th annual Texas Solar Race Car Event at Gus Stadium today. Congrats to the 1,000 participants, their coaches, and their supportive parents. It was a great day of teamwork, sportsmanship, and collaboration. After preliminary heats, semifinals, and a final race, awards were handed out to champions in the elementary and middle school divisions.

To view the results, click here.  Photos from the event can be found here. 

Literary All-Stars: Celebrating the Top Readers in the Great SA Challenge

Kudos to Burke and Chumbley Elementary for making the Final Four and placing third and second in the Great SA Reading Challenge! 

Inspired by NISD Trustee Bobby Blount, this NCAA-inspired competition brought together 105 schools and nearly 10,000 3rd graders from across San Antonio—all reading beyond the school day to rack up minutes and advance through the brackets.

The celebration was just as exciting, featuring professional breakdancers, a magician, Brandeis Cheerleaders and Dance Team, Clifford the Big Red Dog, the Spurs Coyote, and a whole lot of excited readers!

Also, a shoutout to Wyatt from Scarborough ES and Genevieve from Chumbley, who placed 1st and 3rd in the individual reading contest! View pictures of the event. 

Click to enlarge graphics.