In this issue:
On the cover: NISD Police Officer Garza is pictured reading to students at Ellison Elementary School as part of the Northside Police Department's Books and Badges program, which promotes literacy in schools.
While NISD has asked voters to consider bond issuances in the past to address aging facilities, it has never put a VATRE on the ballot. So, what is the difference?
While a VATRE and bond election are often discussed together, they serve different purposes.
Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE)
A VATRE is designed to provide additional funding for a school district’s day-to-day operations. If approved by voters, the additional revenue would support the district’s contingent (pay) employee compensation plan for this current school year, and help reduce the district’s budget deficit.
Bond Election
A bond election is different from a VATRE. Bonds are used to fund major, long-term capital investments in facilities, infrastructure, technology, and other large-scale projects.
CELEBRATIONS
NISD celebrates 7th consecutive year among Texas’ Top Visual Arts Programs
Northside ISD continues to set the standard for excellence in visual arts education, earning the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction honor for an impressive seventh consecutive year.
The recognition places Northside ISD among the top 1.3 percent of visual arts programs in Texas and in an elite group of just 16 school districts statewide that have earned the distinction every year since the award was established.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Leveling Up AI Safety
This October, Northside will launch a K–12 ChatGPT environment for staff. This district-sanctioned space provides walled garden, a more controlled way to use ChatGPT for everyday work while helping protect student and staff information.
What is a “walled garden”?
Think of it as a protected space with clear boundaries. The K–12 ChatGPT environment includes district controls designed to help safeguard information and support our responsibilities under FERPA, COPPA, and district data governance requirements.
What does this mean for you?
You can still use ChatGPT for lesson and instructional needs the same way you always have, it will just be in a safer environment without limits, much like our Gemini environment.
And yes, Gemini is still available! You can continue using Gemini alongside K12 ChatGPT. Both are district-approved AI tools—giving you flexibility to choose the right tool for the job while following district guidelines for protecting confidential and student information.
Same tools. More possibilities. Safer AI. Look for more information about the K12 ChatGPT rollout coming next month!
Top 5 Things to Know About ClassDojo
Thank you for your continued patience and adaptability as we bring ClassDojo to all of Northside ISD. Use this quick reference guide to resolve the most common questions so you can keep families and students connected!
- New Student Roster Sync: Allow 24–48 hours for automated system syncs to display newly added students in your class roster.
- AUP Status Check: If a student is missing after 48 hours, check their Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) agreement. Students marked "No" will not automatically populate in the platform.
- FERPA & Photo Sharing: Always verify a student's FERPA agreement before posting any student photos or media to ensure compliance.
- Help Center Resources: Access feature guides, self-service tutorials, and platform information anytime at help.classdojo.com.
- Technical Support: Reach out directly to hello@classdojo.com for technical troubleshooting or account support.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
College Board Assessments given in 2026-27
NISD will once again offer College Board's SAT and PSAT/NMSQT assessments during this school year.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the PSAT/NMSQT will be administered at high school campuses to 10th and 11th grade NISD enrolled students who register in advance to participate. There is a fee for this optional test for Grade 10 students. There is no fee for Grade 11 students since the PSAT/NMSQT exam is the route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program for 11th grade students.
On Wednesday, April 7, 2027, all 11th graders will be able to take the SAT or TSIA2 at high school campuses.
Detailed information for PSAT online registration is available on high school campus websites. Registration is available through Sept. 23.
Please read more information below.
PERK OF THE WEEK
Don't feel like cooking?
Mattenga’s Pizzeria is offering 20% off your in-store order or 10% off your online order.
[Click HERE for more details.] Offer expires May 26, 2027.
Check out other NISD Employee Perks HERE.
Follow NISD Partnerships on:
Facebook ‒ facebook.com/NorthsideISDPartnerships/
X ‒ x.com/NISDpartnership
Instagram ‒ instagram.com/nisdpartnership/
GRANT OF THE WEEK
Northside Museum Grant helps teachers
The Northside School Museum Association created the NISD School Museum Association Campus Assistance Grant to help dedicated educators in the district offset out-of-pocket expenses for creative classroom projects and resources. The grant awards educators with $300. Click here to apply and view eligibility or call the Grants Dept. at 210-397-8563. Applications open Sept. 1 and close Sept. 24.
Click on graphic to enlarge.
Register to Vote
NEF Nights
heb nominations
