February 13, 2025

Reminder: No school on Monday, February 17

In observance of Presidents' Day, Northwest ISD would like to remind you that Monday, February 17, is a student and staff holiday. All NISD schools and offices will be closed. School will resume, on regular bell schedules, on Tuesday, February 18.

Visit the following link for the complete 2024-2025 calendar.

Class size and program adjustments in 2025-2026

To address the ongoing Texas School Funding Crisis and failure of the Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election in November, Northwest ISD has finalized class-size adjustments and program changes. These adjustments, set to begin in 2025-2026, are designed to eliminate the district’s $16 million structural deficit while maintaining high-quality educational and extracurricular services.

In alignment with neighboring districts, Northwest ISD will increase class sizes and modify for budget efficiency and continue to provide the programs and services families expect. For information about these changes, read this informational post.

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. 

Let learning shine at Expo 2025

Northwest ISD's Expo showcase annually celebrates future-ready learning by involving 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. 

All community members are welcome to join us as we celebrate our student achievements from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 27, at Byron Nelson High School. For additional information, visit the Expo website. 

NISD earns top Career and Technical Education distinction

Northwest ISD has been designated a Career and Technical Education District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas!

This prestigious honor recognizes districts that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to preparing students for success through high-quality CTE programs. The recognition also comes during CTE Month, which brings awareness to the importance of these programs. With eight academies and 23 programs of study, NISD CTE continues to provide students with cutting-edge learning experiences that align with workforce demands.

Job request form for The Big Event available now

The Big Event — the largest one-day, student-run service project in the nation — will take place this year on Saturday, April 12 with Northwest High School hosting the kickoff at Texan Stadium!

If you have a job student volunteers can help with, please complete a Job Request Form by Wednesday, March 12. Students are willing to help with jobs around the house, weeding, mowing, painting, gardening, tree-trimming and general clean outs!

Northwest sophomore runs against Olympians, sets U.S. high school record

Congratulations to Northwest Texan sophomore Cooper Lutkenhaus, the new U.S. high school record holder in the indoor 800-meter run! Cooper ran a time of 1:46.86 against Olympic athletes at the Millrose Games in New York.

Read more about Cooper, including his aspirations, what motivates him and much more about his historic race at the Millrose Games, the world's most prestigious indoor track and field meet.

Night of Stars showcases NISD theatre talents

Northwest ISD’s second annual Night of Stars was a huge success as the district’s theatre programs walked the red carpet and gathered for a night of celebration on Saturday, February 8, at the Eaton High School Performing Arts Center. 

Similar to the NISD band, dance and cheer showcases, Night of Stars showcased the talents and efforts of theatre students from throughout Northwest ISD. The show featured performances from each of this year’s NISD musicals, including Hello, Dolly! (Byron Nelson HS), You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Eaton HS), The Sound of Music (Northwest HS) and Freaky Friday (Middle School Musical).

Numerous awards were given throughout the night, ranging from Excellence in Marketing to Excellence in Hair & Makeup to Best Performer in a Lead Role. The night was capped with Hello, Dolly! bringing home the award for Best Musical.

Northwest Reads takes students on an exciting adventure

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. This year’s theme, Choose Your Own Adventure, took students on imaginative journeys with the help of the program’s mascot, Northie! 

Thank you to the hundreds of participants who volunteered their time to read with our students! Check out photos and a video recap of Northwest Reads.

Signing day ceremonies recognize 24 NISD student-athletes

Northwest ISD would like to congratulate the 24 student-athletes from Byron Nelson, Eaton and Northwest high schools who took part in National Signing Day ceremonies on Wednesday, February 5, signifying their intent to play collegiate sports and continue their academic pursuits. 

In total in 2024-2025, 58 NISD student-athletes have signed to play collegiate sports!

NISD student's breakfast-inspired creation hits the lunch menu

Northwest ISD elementary students got a special treat this week — a unique sandwich featuring pancakes, eggs, bacon and a drizzle of syrup. The creative mind behind this dish? Fourth-grader Asher Holcomb from Lakeview Elementary.

Asher’s idea was selected as the winner of the district’s Breakfast for Lunch Challenge, an initiative by NISD Child Nutrition. Students were invited to brainstorm a new entrée, write a description and submit a drawing of their concept.

Granger Elementary leadership students receive special surprise

There was a big surprise celebration at Kay Granger Elementary last week as staff from the Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association were on campus to honor some incredible student leaders! 

In the fall, students from Granger attended a TEPSA Leadership Workshop, and as part of the experience, submitted ideas to showcase their leadership. Granger's submission of a song and theme reflecting leadership, was chosen to be featured on TEPSA's t-shirts next year. The song, I Can Show You How to be a Leader, set to the tune of Blank Space by Taylor Swift, and the theme INSPIRE IGNITE LEAD, stood out among 374 submissions!

To make the announcement, TEPSA staff members visited Granger with an award for the Wranglers' House Council Officers at a special assembly. The event was also the kick off to Kindness Month as KGE celebrates the spirit of leadership and kindness within their school community!

NISD takes you Inside the Classroom

For the 2024-2025 school year, Northwest ISD has introduced Inside the Classroom, a series that visits NISD campuses throughout the year and highlights the magical moments that happen between teachers and students.

The next two editions of Inside the Classroom featured Hatfield Elementary School and Justin Elementary School. Click to learn how Christina Lincoln is helping fifth graders make masterpieces with clay, or to see how Julie Gavin is using a harmonica and soil "parfaits" to teach fifth-grade science.

Stay tuned for upcoming editions of Inside the Classroom!

NEF scholarship applications open now

The Northwest ISD Education Foundation has opened its student scholarship application, providing graduating seniors from the district with the opportunity to apply for dozens of scholarships. This year, NEF will award more than $160,000!

The application is open to all graduating seniors in Northwest ISD who plan to enroll in an accredited institution in the summer or fall of 2025. Accredited institutions include private or community college, private or public universities, military academies, and vocational or trade school.

The online application, which will remain open through Sunday, March 2, is available at the foundation’s website, nef.nisdtx.org. Applicants should review the scholarship policy and information guide prior to starting the application.

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 this Saturday

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, February 15

Location: NISD Temporary Administration Building

2001 Texan Drive in Justin

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