December 12, 2024

Winter break just around the corner

We are just one week away from winter break! For Northwest ISD students, the break lasts from December 20 through January 7. Teachers will be on campus to prepare for the new semester January 5-6. Classes will resume at their regular times on Wednesday, January 8.

Thursday, December 19, is an early-release day at all schools. Elementary schools dismiss at 11:45 a.m., middle schools at 12:55 p.m. and high schools at 12:30 p.m. (Steele ECHS at 12:20 p.m.).

Visit the following links for the complete 2024-2025 calendar and school hours.

Byron Nelson earns UIL volleyball state title, top national ranking

The Byron Nelson Bobcats earned the 2024 UIL 6A Division II Volleyball State Championship with a dominant three-set sweep of the Houston Stratford Spartans on November 30, capping the season with a top national ranking.

With this victory, the Bobcats finished their season with a 40-1 record and a remarkable run in the playoffs where they didn’t drop a single set.

In the championship game, the Bobcats quickly defeated the Spartans with set victories of 25-20, 25-13 and 25-14. During the season, the team only dropped eight sets and finished the year having not dropped a set in nearly two months.

Byron Nelson previously won the volleyball state title in 2019. The program now joins the school’s cheerleading program as the only Northwest ISD programs with multiple UIL state championships. The Bobcats will look to defend their title next year, as they lose just one starter to graduation.

CTE opportunities to expand with two new academies

Northwest ISD will expand its award-winning career and technical education programs in the coming years with two new academies! 

The Construction Academy, housed at Northwest High School, will open in August 2025 and provide training in construction trades and management. The Transportation, Automation & Logistics Academy will open in August 2027 in the district's new high school and harness Northwest ISD's unique advantage of being located in one of the top transportation and logistics hubs in the United States.

Learn more about the upcoming academies in this news article.

Frozen JR. opens tonight at Byron Nelson

The first of four Frozen JR. shows is tonight at Byron Nelson High School! Visit Arendelle through stunning visuals, memorable songs, and captivating performances as Anna and Elsa journey through sisterhood and self-discovery in this modern classic.

The production brings together the talents of 45 students, including performers from Tidwell and Medlin middle schools.

Additional winter theatre productions include The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Eaton High School next week and The Sound of Music which played at Northwest High School last week.

Granger Elementary celebrates legacy of former teacher on "Shine Like Shay" Day

Thursday was "Shine Like Shay" Day at Kay Granger Elementary as the Wranglers celebrated the life and legacy of Shay McDonald on her birthday! 

The day started with an assembly to remember Ms. McDonald, a beloved teacher who passed away four months ago after a courageous battle with cancer. Shay joined Granger as a fourth-grade teacher when the school opened in 2007 and was known for her dedication, creativity and unwavering care for her students. 

Throughout the day, students and staff are taking part in activities that celebrate some of Shay's favorite things like science, Star Wars, Minecraft and much more.

At the assembly, a bench and oak tree were unveiled that will be placed on campus in Shay's honor. Additionally, the creation of the Shay McDonald Legacy Scholarship was announced.

Signing day ceremonies recognize 34 NISD student-athletes

Northwest ISD would like to congratulate the 34 student-athletes from Byron Nelson, Eaton and Northwest high schools who took part in National Signing Day ceremonies on November 13 and December 4, signifying their intent to play collegiate sports and continue their academic pursuits. 

A complete list of students who signed letters of intent along with their sports and future colleges can be seen here for those that signed on November 13 and here for those that signed on December 4. Additional pictures from all three ceremonies can be found on the district's Flickr account or at the links below. 

Schluter Elementary students’ letters about orcas reach French Minister

When fourth-grade students at Schluter Elementary discovered the decision for two orcas' fate was in the hands of France’s Minister of Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate and Risk Prevention, they knew they had to act!

Their voices did not go unheard. The students' letters reached the French Minister, and one student's drawing was featured on her Instagram post.

Read more here or watch NBC DFW's feature story.

NISD students craft more than 7,000 cards for U.S. troops

Last year, Northwest ISD schools crafted and collected 3,300 holiday cards for New Country 96.3's 10,000 for the Troops. This year, students from 12 NISD schools more than doubled that amount, collecting over 7,000 cards for U.S. troops away from home over the holidays!

Read more and listen to Sendera Ranch Elementary's Mr. Drew on the radio by clicking here.

Eaton High School celebrates staff with "Thank a Teacher, Win a Pie" program

Eaton High School recently hosted the “Thank a Teacher, Win a Pie” program to promote gratitude and celebrate the impact teachers have on their students. This initiative invited students to write thank you cards to teachers, sharing their appreciation and recognizing the meaningful ways teachers support their growth and success.

Out of the many heartfelt submissions, four cards were randomly selected, resulting in four student winners and four teacher winners. Each winning student and teacher received a delicious pie as a token of appreciation. The winners were Mr. Greg Hale, art teacher; Mrs. Katherine Nelson, art teacher; Mr. Schuler McNeese, ag science teacher; and Mrs. Lauren Collins, English teacher.

Samantha E. wrote, "Ever since I got to Eaton, Mr. Hale has been my favorite teacher. He has taught and motivated me to be a better artist and chase my dream. I hope others can feel the same, and let's not forget his great sense of humor."

NEF Resource Store and Library in need of books

The Northwest ISD Education Foundation’s resource store and library provides support to NISD teachers and students through free resources and educational materials. NISD teachers can “shop” for school and classroom supplies, snack packs, books and more. All items are free to district educators! Already this year, more than 1,400 teachers have shopped the store and saved more than $300,000!

You can help by donating from the store’s online wishlist. Immediate needs include nonfiction elementary level books. You can also help by volunteering in the store! Volunteers help sticker and prep inventory, restock shelves and fulfill online requests from teachers. 

Mobile Food Pantry open December 21

Northwest ISD is partnering with Tarrant Area Food Bank and the Northwest ISD Education Foundation to offer a monthly mobile market to provide groceries and assistance to families in need.

Time: 9 to 11 a.m. - Saturday, December 21

Location: NISD Temporary Administration Building

2001 Texan Drive in Justin

Interested in volunteering at the monthly food markets? Sign up today!