February 12, 2026

No school for students and staff on Monday

In observance of Presidents' Day, Northwest ISD would like to remind you that Monday, February 16, is a student and staff holiday. All NISD schools and offices will be closed. School will resume, on regular bell schedules, on Tuesday, February 17.

Visit the following links for the complete 2025-2026 calendar.

Class size reductions taking place in 2026-2027

As promised to voters in the operations funding election, Northwest ISD will reduce class sizes for the 2026-2027 school year as a result of increased funding. Class sizes will be decreased in second, third and fourth grade at the elementary level and in core subjects at the secondary level. Additionally, middle schools will regain their full-time assistant director positions in band and choir.

In addition to these changes, Northwest ISD has already increased custodial staffing as a result of the new funding as it exceeded projections. To view a report presented to the school board about the improvements in class sizes, click here.

Hicks Early Childhood Center to begin new era of pre-K education

The first school designed exclusively for pre-kindergarten in Northwest ISD will soon usher in the next generation of learning for our youngest students! When it opens in August, the Hicks Early Childhood Center will emphasize play-based learning classrooms that provide teachers with unique environments to integrate into lessons for students. Families of pre-K students in the Eaton High School feeder pattern will have the option to enroll their child in the school. 

The Hicks ECC represents the first of four early childhood centers approved by voters in the 2023 bond election. Once complete, the centers will serve students in the north, south, east and west portions of Northwest ISD. Expect more information about the Hicks ECC in the coming weeks!

Northwest ISD celebrates Black History Month

It's Black History Month! Join us in honoring the generations of African Americans who have shaped and enriched our nation. As we celebrate Black History Month, take a moment to explore the powerful history of those who overcame adversity to pave the way for future generations. Learn more at www.blackhistorymonth.gov. 

Student feedback needed for school food services

NISD students, your feedback is valuable and will help us improve the food service program at your school. By participating in our survey, you’ll help us build a dining program that meets the needs of all students and is enjoyable for everyone.

Parents, you can support your younger students by encouraging them to complete the survey and helping them if needed. Your involvement ensures that every student’s voice is heard!

More from NISD Child Nutrition

For more information from NISD Child Nutrition, including a look at February's limited-time offer and much more, view the Food for Thought newsletter.

Let your learning shine with Expo 2026

Northwest ISD's Expo showcase annually celebrates future-ready learning by involving fellow students, teachers and the community in an exhibition of Northwest ISD’s innovative and inspiring educational opportunities. The event gives students the chance to shine as they fine tune their presentation skills and communicate their innovative ideas in a variety of ways. 

Please join us as we celebrate our student achievements from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 26, at Northwest High School, located at 2301 Texan Drive in Justin. For additional information, visit the Expo website.

NISD musicians on the big stage this weekend

Each year, nearly 30,000 attendees gather in San Antonio for the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention, making it one of the largest music education events in the nation. This year's event begins today with Northwest ISD well represented!

Adams Middle School Chorale Treble (pictured above)

Friday is the big day for the Leo Adams Middle School Chorale Treble! The all-girls choir will perform at the TMEA Clinic/Convention, making them one of 14 ensembles selected from a pool of 130 middle, high, and collegiate applicants.

Congratulations to the girls, their families, and directors Ashley Grant and Emily Cowan on the tremendous honor! Check out photos below from a recent rehearsal and preview concert.

Thirteen NISD students earn TMEA All-State honors

Northwest ISD would like to congratulate the 13 students, representing Byron Nelson, Eaton and Northwest high schools, who were selected to Texas Music Educators Association’s (TMEA) All-State ensembles, the highest honor a high school musician can achieve in Texas.

These top-ranking musicians have advanced through progressively tougher rounds of competitions to earn a spot in one of 18 Texas All-State ensembles sponsored by the Band, Orchestra and Vocal Divisions. The group will perform with their ensembles on Saturday in San Antonio

NISD wrestlers and swimmers set for state competitions

A total of 19 Northwest ISD student-athletes will represent the district at the UIL Wrestling State Championships. Wrestlers from Eaton and Byron Nelson high schools have qualified for the state tournament, including two who won Regional Championships last weekend.

The state tournament, which is held at the Berry Center in Cypress, just outside of Houston, begins on Friday, February 13 and concludes on Saturday, February 14. More information on the state tournament, including brackets for each weight class, can be found on the UIL website.

Three Northwest ISD student-athletes will represent the district at the UIL Swimming and Diving State Championships in Austin. Swimmers from Eaton and Byron Nelson high schools have qualified for the state meet, including two who won Regional Championships.

The state meet, which is held at the Lee & Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin, begins on Friday, February 20 and concludes on Saturday, February 21. More information on the state tournament, including full schedules, can be found on the UIL website.

Reading is sweet with Northwest Reads

Northwest ISD elementary students embarked on exciting adventures last week without leaving their classrooms, thanks to Northwest Reads!

This district-wide event brings together fellow students, community members, parents, district staff and board members to read to students, helping foster a love of reading. With this year’s theme, Reading is Sweet, students explored imaginative stories with the help of the program’s lovable mascot, Northie!

Thank you to the hundreds of participants who volunteered their time to read with our students!

Meet the winners of the Northwest Reads Bookmark Contest!

Congratulations to Adeline Meling from Sendera Ranch Elementary and Briannah Hang from Worthington Middle School! These talented artists were surprised last week by their families, along with campus and district staff. Hundreds of bookmarks featuring their winning designs are now printed and will be given to students across Northwest ISD!

The contest is part of Northwest Reads, bringing families, community and students together through the joy of reading.

Signing day ceremonies recognize 25 NISD student-athletes

Northwest ISD would like to congratulate the 25 student-athletes from Byron Nelson, Eaton and Northwest high schools who took part in National Signing Day ceremonies last week signifying their intent to play collegiate sports and continue their academic pursuits. 

In total in 2025-2026, 64 NISD student-athletes have signed to play collegiate sports!

NEF scholarship application now open

The Northwest ISD Education Foundation has opened its scholarship application for graduating seniors, offering the chance to apply for dozens of scholarships. Last year, NEF awarded more than $198,000!

All graduating seniors in Northwest ISD who plan to enroll in an accredited institution in the summer or fall of 2026 are eligible to apply. Accredited institutions include private or community colleges, public or private universities, military academies, and vocational or trade schools.

The online application is available on the foundation’s website and will remain open until Monday, March 2. Before starting the application, students are encouraged to review the scholarship policy and information guide.

Help the NEF Resource Store and Library

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 1,500 teachers have shopped the store at its new location and saved more than $930,000!

You can help by donating from the store’s online wishlist or the library wishlist. Immediate needs include books and snacks. 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 set for February 21

The NISD monthly Mobile Food Pantry is open monthly at Pike Middle School (2288 Texan Drive, Justin, 76247). Attendees can enter Texan Drive from FM 156 or TX 114. The Pike Middle School entrance is across the street from the NISD Administration Building. The pantry is a drive-thru service. Attendees should remain in their vehicle at all times, and food pantry staff will assist in the loading process.

As a reminder, we do not share any identifying information with any entity. We only provide information to the Tarrant Area Food Bank to ensure enough items are available for our population.

The Mobile Food Pantry is a partnership between Northwest ISD, Tarrant Area Food Bank and the Northwest ISD Education Foundation. It is open on the third Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. or until food runs out.

Time: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, February 21

Location: Pike Middle School

2288 Texan Drive, Justin, 76247

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