August 6, 2026

The countdown is on: School starts next week!

The school year begins Wednesday, August 12! Northwest ISD is sharing important reminders to help students and families prepare for a successful start. Visit www.nisdtx.org/backtoschool for key dates, events and updates, and watch for additional campus communication in the days ahead.

Back-to-school events start this evening!

Northwest ISD campuses will host events to welcome students and families before the start of school. Elementary Meet the Teacher events will take place Monday, August 10, while high schools will host Meet the Mascots celebrations tonight, August 7 or 10. Event dates and times vary by campus. Visit www.nisdtx.org/backtoschool for a full schedule.

2026-2027 Vacation Planning

Northwest ISD encourages families to plan vacations around the district calendar to help maximize student learning. Every day in the classroom supports academic success, and consistent attendance makes a difference. Save this Vacation Planning printable for an easy reference to extended student holiday breaks throughout the school year. You can also view the complete 2026-2027 academic calendar at www.nisdtx.org/calendars.

Teacher assignments and schedules available tomorrow

Elementary families will be notified of their child's teacher by phone or email by August 7. Due to enrollment changes, notifications may take time to complete. Teacher assignments and secondary student schedules will also be available in Home Access Center the afternoon of August 7.

Online enrollment for 2026-2027 remains open

Families who have not yet enrolled their child for the upcoming school year should complete enrollment immediately at www.nisdtx.org/enrollment. Late enrollment may result in class changes as student numbers continue to grow. Required documents include proof of residency and updated immunization records.

Apply Now for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program

Northwest ISD encourages families to apply for the federally funded Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program, which provides students with one free breakfast and lunch combo meal each school day. Meal prices for students who do not qualify have increased by 10 cents for most breakfast and lunch combo meals. Beyond meals, qualifying students may also be eligible for additional benefits like weekend snack packs, free school supplies, discounted exam fees and more. Apply online for the fastest processing or pick up a paper application from your child’s campus. A new application is required each school year. To learn more, please read this news article.

Bus route details and Smart Tag app

Families whose children ride the bus can view route information in Home Access Center beginning August 7. Because routes may change before school starts due to enrollment growth, check again during the first week of school and do not rely on last year's information. Families are also encouraged to download the Smart Tag app to track their child's bus.

Customize your ParentSquare notifications

Families with enrolled students are automatically connected to ParentSquare, Northwest ISD's official communication platform. After logging in, you can choose to receive notifications immediately or as a daily evening digest.

Schools and the district will use ParentSquare throughout the year to share back-to-school updates, event reminders and important announcements. Download the ParentSquare app to stay informed all year long.

New technology safeguards implemented

Following months of feedback from students, staff and families, Northwest ISD has adopted new technology safeguards to support distraction-free learning and keep students focused in the classroom. The updated standards include grade-level limits on device use, expanded content restrictions and a new parent portal that allows families to view their child's browsing history. Developed using community input, the safeguards are designed to create a balanced approach to technology while strengthening teaching, learning and family partnerships. For a full breakdown of Northwest ISD's updated technology safeguards, view this news article. Community feedback from surveys conducted this year can be viewed on this community dashboard.

Athletics ticketing sales options set for 2026-2027

The Northwest ISD Athletic Department will implement new ticketing options for event attendees, with all middle school ticketing options moving to online payment.

Fans will have the option to buy sports passes to receive admission to any district-hosted athletic event except for varsity football, with a sports pass available for just middle school events or for both middle school and high school events. Read this article for ticketing options beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Spirit Shop Sale available Saturday, August 15

Looking for spirit wear before the new school year begins? Stop by the Northwest ISD Spirit Shop Sale on Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside Northwest ISD Stadium, 1937 Texan Drive. The sale is open to the public, with many items marked 50% to 75% off! Northwest, Byron Nelson and Eaton high schools apparel will be available.

Northwest ISD staff honored at convocation

The Northwest ISD Education Foundation recognized outstanding employees during convocation with the Rookie of the Year and Dr. David Hicks Excellence in Education awards.

Rookie of the Year

Zackery Seeman of Chisholm Trail Middle School was named the 2025-2026 Northwest ISD Rookie of the Year. Presented by the Northwest Retired School Employees Association, the award honors an exceptional first-year teacher who exemplifies the Northwest ISD Profile of an Educator.

Dr. David Hicks Excellence in Education Awards

The Dr. David Hicks Excellence in Education Award recognizes employees who go above and beyond to make Northwest ISD an exceptional place to work. This year's recipients were Paul Elder of Eaton High School, Lupita Solis of Roanoke Elementary, Zach Wilson of Special Programs Center and Kayla Cotton of Chisholm Trail Middle School. Honorees were nominated by their peers for their outstanding contributions and dedication.