In this issue:
On the cover: Students at Ott Elementary came together to make a big impact, collecting an incredible 634 jars of peanut butter to support local food pantries! Amanda Reardon’s fifth-grade class led the way, collecting more than 90 jars on their own. The entire Ott community joined together to support Brennan High School's participation in the Peanut Bowl and its effort to help provide food to local families in need. Started in 2016, the Peanut Butter Bowl is an annual high school football tradition and charitable food drive in San Antonio designed to unite communities in the fight against hunger.
What is a VATRE and How is it Different from a Bond Election?
September is Attendance Awareness Month, and NISD joins districts across the nation in reaffirming our commitment to reducing chronic absenteeism and supporting student success. As we begin a new school year, Driven With Purpose, we know that showing up every day is one of the most important steps students can take toward reaching their goals.
“September is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on attendance,” said Kathy Lyssy, Director of the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice. “When we address absences early—both in the school year and in a child’s academic journey—we have the power to positively shape their path toward success in both attendance and achievement.”
HELPFUL RESOURCES
New to Administering Assessments in Schoolnet (CMS)?
Whether you are giving your students a CCA, a District Benchmark (CDB), or a Unit Assessment, visit the Schoolnet (CMS) Support Site, where you will find resources for:
- Supporting students with online testing
- District Benchmarks (secondary level) and Unit Assessments (elementary level) for Test ID#s, student passcodes for Unit Assessments (elementary only)
- Reporting & Data Analysis
- and more!
The Schoolnet (CMS) Support site is available on the HUB - Instructional Systems Support.
User Access Resource
Knowing which systems you have access to can often be a bit confusing. If you have a question about what access you should have, the User Access Resource document should be your first stop. If this document does not answer your questions, please contact the specific system. This and other resources can be found on the HUB - Instructional Systems Support.
PSAT Exam to be Given on Oct 21
Registration is open!
On Wednesday, October 21, the PSAT/NMSQT exam, a College Board assessment, will be administered at high school campuses to NISD-enrolled students classified as 10th- and 11th-graders who register in advance and choose to participate in this optional assessment. There is a fee 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.
Be sure to sign up before September 23, 2026, to avoid a late fee. Late registrations from September 24- 30 will incur a $5 late fee.
AI in Northside
As we kick off the new school year, Northside ISD is committed to fostering innovative learning while ensuring thoughtful, ethical, and responsible use of AI across our classrooms. AI is here to support, never replace, the expertise and meaningful human connections that you build with students every day.
Here are the key guardrails to keep in mind as you incorporate AI into your work this year:
- Use District-Sanctioned Tools Only: Stick to platforms with signed Data Privacy Agreements; specifically, Gemini, MagicSchool, and NotebookLM.
- Prioritize Data Privacy: Never input Personally Identifiable Information, rosters, or student assessment data into public-facing AI tools.
- The Human "Final Grade" Rule: AI cannot be the final decision-maker on scores; teachers must read, evaluate, and grade all student work.
- Verify Before Instruction: Double-check all AI-generated output for factual "hallucinations" and bias before sharing content with students.
You can access approved tools, current district policies, and ELA-specific guidelines through the NISD Portal, AI Resource Hub, and Digital Teacher Toolbox located on your portal.
Please review the graphic below for a guide to AI in the classroom.
ACROSS THE DISTRICT
Big Lessons Grow from Small Seeds
About 80 elementary and middle school Project ACORN teachers and community partners attended the kick-off off the year of school gardens and outdoor learning.
Project ACORN (Alamo-area Children Organized to Replant Natives) is an environmental education and STEM program that provides students with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to explore science, nature, and conservation. The program serves students at 63 campuses across multiple grade levels, depending on the campus, ranging from Pre-K through eighth grade.
What began as an environmental education initiative has grown into a district-wide model for outdoor, hands-on learning. Through Project ACORN, students participate in activities that connect classroom learning to the natural world while developing an appreciation for the environment and the importance of conservation.
Several Northside ISD campuses have active Project ACORN science clubs and garden initiatives. At Carnahan Elementary School, students participate in unique “Creek Patrol” bike excursions to Leon Creek at O.P. Schnabel Park, where they collect environmental data and learn about the local ecosystem. Glenn Elementary School focuses on cultivating native plants and monitoring local Monarch butterfly populations, giving students an opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts while building valuable STEM skills.
GRANT OF THE WEEK
Toshiba America Foundation Innovation Grants
K-5 grade teachers are invited to apply online for a Toshiba America Foundation grant of up to $1,000 to help implement an innovative project in their classrooms. Click here to apply or contact the Grants Department at 210-397-8563. Deadline to apply is Oct. 1.
PERK OF THE WEEK
Score Discounted UTSA Game Tickets!
Catch the UTSA Roadrunners in action this fall! Northside ISD employees get exclusive discounted tickets for football, soccer, and volleyball.
Bookmark the link and check back often—new game dates and updated NISD staff discounts will be added throughout the school year.
Click image to enlarge.
Register to vote ad
Did you know?
Register for Strong Families Conference scheduled for Sept. 25.
Join your campus PTA!
Financial Aid Nights, Sept. 21 and Sept. 28.
Upcoming Esports Schedule
