Rayburn Family Newsletter - January 23, 2026

Happy Friday Raiders. We completed our second week of MAP testing on Wednesday for the Reading portion of the assessment. The results are coming in and I'm happy to see that progress is being made throughout the campus. We haven't met our goals yet, but we're moving in the right direction. In order to continue making progress, I ask that we continue to work together as a community to make sure that students are here everyday, on time and ready to learn. Attendance plays a major role in student success measures, so we want to make sure we're doing everything we can to have students present everyday that they're able to be. We also want to continue supporting each other by helping our students make good choices while on campus. The more students are in class paying attention to lessons the better off they will be when it comes time to showing what they have learned throughout the year.

We have some serious weather in the forecast for this weekend and the beginning of next week. Any and all decisions concerning school closures will come from the district. To stay informed on what may happen please visit the district website at nisd.net, or follow the district social media page on all platforms. If the decision is made to keep schools open, please know that we will be making sure that heaters work and all precautions are taken to keep students safe and warm. 

I hope everyone has a safe and warm weekend. 

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.


his 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:
https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/transportation-code/transp-sect-545-425/ 

Parents are invited to learn more about Rayburn’s Gifted & Talented (GT) Program on
Wednesday, February 4 from 5:30–6:30 PM in the E Building, Room E116. 

This session will cover what it means to be gifted, the goals of the NISD GT program, the identification and referral process, testing timelines, and how GT services support students from elementary through high school.

Please note: Most 6th graders who attended an NISD elementary school were screened for GT in 5th grade. At this time, we are especially looking to support 7th and 8th grade students who may be interested in testing or who are new to NISD.

Before submitting a referral, families are encouraged to review the characteristics of gifted learners and reflect on whether their child shows a need for advanced academic enrichment. High achievement alone does not always indicate a need for GT services.
We hope this information helps you decide whether GT services may be a good fit for your child.

 

Being at school every day really matters! Each day gives students important learning time and the chance to stay connected with their teachers and friends. We also know that illnesses can spread quickly this time of year.

If your child is out sick, please send a note when they return so we can document the absence correctly. Parent notes are helpful for minor illnesses, and doctor’s notes are needed for medical appointments or extended absences when possible. These notes help us keep accurate records and ensure absences are marked appropriately.

A quick reminder about partial-day absences: for a health-related absence to be considered excused, students must be present for at least part of the school day—even if they have a doctor’s appointment. Partial-day absences are still counted as full-day absences, so every minute in class makes a difference.

For students currently enrolled in high school credit courses, attendance is especially important. Missing too many days can impact their ability to earn credit for the course.

Lastly, please remember that cold weather absences are considered unexcused unless the district has directed families to stay home or has officially closed school.

Thank you for your continued support in helping your student be at school as much as possible!

Our campus was one of many selected by the Texas Education Agency to participate in a 2026 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Reading Language Arts Field Test. On Tuesday, February 3, 6th and 7th grade students will be participating in this assessment while our 8th grade students take their RLA Interim Assessment

Students are not allowed to use personal technology devices including cell phones during state assessments.

The current STAAR assessments are based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the state-mandated curriculum. Each STAAR assessment measures what students are learning in a specific grade or course. 

Schools and families will not receive scores for this Field Test as the results will be used by the state for STAAR assessment development in future years.

For additional information and an overview of the statewide assessment program, visit the Texas Education Agency information website at: Texas Assessment

Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher, counselor or an administrator should you have any questions regarding assessments.