Northwest News: Pike robotics headed to state, student-athletes sign

Feb. 3, 2017

Pike robotics qualifies team for state for second consecutive year

A Pike Middle School robotics team has qualified for the state competition for a second consecutive year, earning this year's trip with a machine that folds shirts on its own.

In the Texas Computer Education Association's Area 11 Robotics Contest, Pike's "Laundrobot" robotics team - composed of Alex Earnhart, Claire Johnson, Matthew Pope and Caleb Skeem - qualified for state in the advanced-level invention. The team came in second place in the area competition thanks to its Laundrobot invention, which can fold a shirt in 3 to 5 seconds with the push of a button.

Despite being middle school students, the Laundrobot team will primarily compete against high school students, as advanced TCEA robotics competitions are open to both middle and high school teams. The Pike robotics program is led by William Freeze. Last year, two of his Pike robotics teams finished 23rd and 35th at the state meet.

Byron Nelson, Northwest student-athletes sign to play collegiate sports

Byron Nelson and Northwest high schools each saw 10 student-athletes signing letters of intent this week, signifying those students' commitment to continuing their academic and athletic participation at the next level.

Ten Northwest Texan student-athletes signed letters of intent at a Wednesday ceremony, followed by the same amount of Byron Nelson Bobcat student-athletes who signed letters of intent at their school's Thursday ceremony. To read about Northwest Texan student-athlete signings, click here; to read about Byron Nelson student-athlete signings, click here.

Northwest's student-athlete signees

Byron Nelson's student-athlete signees

Three elementary schools showcase integrity-building characteristics

Three Northwest ISD elementary schools showcased their integrity-building initiatives, with two continuing their work in a leadership program and one receiving a character-based distinction.

Prairie View and Seven Hills elementary schools recently displayed their leadership focus to attendees of the Leader in Me symposium, which showcases how schools are building the next generation of leaders. The two elementary schools are in their first year of the Leader in Me process and will continue adding leadership-focused elements in the months and years to come.

On another side of the district, Beck Elementary was recently named a 2017 Texas School of Character. Presented by Character.org and the Texas Elementary Principal Association, the School of Character distinction was awarded to just seven Texas schools for 2017, and just 80 nationwide. For eligibility, schools must adhere to 11 principles of effective character education, including providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in character-building efforts.

Prairie View student leaders guided educational advocates

Seven Hills students sang about their leadership skills

See student technology projects at Techo Expo on Feb. 23

Northwest ISD will host its Techno Expo on Feb. 23 at Northwest High School, where visitors can see innovative learning going on in the district that relies on unique technology uses.

This event will showcase the technology skills students use to improve upon their natural capabilities. Combined with culinary arts, photography, orchestra and other groups, the Techno Expo will allow visitors to see students fine tuning their presentation skills and communicating innovative ideas.

Light food will be served from 5:30-7:30 p.m., with student presentations from 6-8 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Don't forget Feb. 20 is a student holiday

The next scheduled student holiday will take place Monday, Feb. 20, which was slated to be Northwest ISD's first inclement weather make-up day if we had to cancel school for bad weather. Teachers and staff will be on campuses and in district facilities, as this day also serves as a staff development day.

To view the full 2016-17 Northwest ISD academic calendar, click here.

Eaton closing out Northwest ISD's spring musical season

Eaton High School will wrap up Northwest ISD's spring musical performances with its rendition of "The Wizard of Oz" this week. The show follows the recent Byron Nelson High School performances of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and Northwest High School performances of "Big Fish."

Remaining performances of "The Wizard of Oz" will take place daily from Friday, Feb. 3, to Sunday, Feb. 5. All performances are at 7 p.m. except for Sunday's performance, which takes place at 2 p.m. Performances will take place in the Eaton performing arts center, with tickets costing $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Northwest ISD staff and Gold Card members receive free admission.

Remaining "The Wizard of Oz" at Eaton High School Performances

7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3

7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4

2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5