Rayburn Family Newsletter - October 24, 2025

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Fall Family Festival this past Tuesday. It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the games, food, and time together as a community. We truly appreciate your support and participation. We’ll be hosting another family event in the spring semester, so stay tuned for more information as we get closer to that date.

I also want to thank our students and families for helping us start the year strong with great attendance. Over the past two weeks, our school-wide attendance has averaged 94–95% each day. That’s good, but we know we can do even better. Regular attendance helps students stay on track academically and ensures they get the most out of every learning opportunity. It also directly impacts our school funding. As we enter flu season, please continue to take care of yourselves and your families so that students can be here, healthy, and ready to learn.

Looking ahead, we have Halloween coming up next Friday, and students will be allowed to wear costumes to school as long as they follow the guidelines shared in last week’s newsletter (and listed again below). If you have any questions about whether a costume is school-appropriate, please contact us before Friday so we can review it together.

Please remember, no candy should be brought in large quantities or shared with other students. Any candy found in violation of this expectation will be confiscated.

Thank you again for your continued support and partnership. Have a great weekend, and we’ll see everyone back on campus Monday.

Rayburn students will be allowed to wear Halloween costumes to school on Friday, October 31st! We’re excited to see everyone’s creativity while keeping our focus on learning and safety throughout the day.

Please note the following guidelines for all costumes:

• No masks or face paint
• No props or accessories (such as swords, wands, or toy weapons)
• No candy allowed at school
• Costumes must be school appropriate, including:
  • No fake blood
  • No sexually suggestive outfits
  • Non-violent themes only
  • Costumes must not impede learning or restrict the safe flow of traffic in hallways

If you have any questions about whether a costume is appropriate, please contact a campus administrator before Friday, October 31st. This helps ensure all approvals are made in advance and that learning can continue smoothly on that day.

We can’t wait to celebrate a fun and safe Halloween at Rayburn!

Reminder to Parents / Guardians

Remember that the use of cell phones while in the school zone is prohibited by Texas Transportation Code 545.425 Use of Wireless Communication Device in a School Crossing Zone or While Operating a Bus With a Minor Passenger; Local Authority Sign Requirements. 

This includes the parent drop off/pick up lane in front of the campus. It is illegal (and unsafe) to operate a motor vehicle while using a cell phone in a school zone. This offense is a Class C Misdemeanor. Please be aware that if a person is observed using a non-hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone, may be subject to a citation for the offense. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please click the link below.

The Northside Early College High School (ECHS) program at John Jay High School, in proud partnership with the Alamo Colleges District, continues to open doors to limitless possibilities for students across Northside ISD. This innovative program now welcomes 8th-grade students and families from the Brennan, Jay, Holmes, Marshall, Stevens, Taft, and Warren high school areas, offering the chance to earn both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree - at no cost.

Through ECHS, students experience the best of both worlds: access to college-level courses and extracurricular activities while enjoying a full high school experience in a supportive, nurturing environment. Families save thousands of dollars in tuition as students earn up to 60 college credit hours before graduation. Graduates emerge confident, college-ready, and prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world. 

Families are encouraged to attend an upcoming in-person information session to learn more about
how ECHS can unlock new opportunities.

Visit nisd.net/Early-College for session dates and details.

Empowering Students to Turn Dreams into Degrees - because choosing ECHS means unlocking
tomorrow, today!

The Title 1 Family Survey is one of the most important ways for us to hear directly from you about your child’s education. Your feedback is important to us. Please take a moment to complete this survey as soon as possible or by October 30th.

*Open to any 6th or 7th grade students and all skill levels
*Time: After school 4:00-5:45 pm (no later than 5:45 pm)
* Start date 10/28/25 (Tuesday)
*Must wear tennis shoes
*Students with Asthma must carry their inhaler
*Students must bring their own water bottles
Coordinator: Ms. Lima (ana.lima@nisd.net)

This week we’ll be celebrating Red Ribbon Week, and we invite all students to join in the fun by participating in our dress-up days and visiting our Counselor Pop-Up! Check out the flyer below for all the details.

Also, don’t miss our upcoming Elective Night! This is a great opportunity for students and families to explore our elective courses, school organizations, and high school credit options. Be sure to complete your passport during the event for a chance to win a raffle prize!