I hope everyone is having a great week, and I also hope everyone is preparing for a very positive Thanksgiving / Fall Break in the next couple of weeks. As we count our blessings this school year, I want to emphasize the importance of Veterans Day and how Northwest ISD is preparing to honor those (and their families) who have sacrificed so much for us and our country.

Tomorrow we will proudly honor our veterans. Now that we are returning to more normal operations on our campuses, we have activities and events scheduled across the district to recognize and to say a huge “Thank You” to our veterans on their day. If you or a member of your family has served our country – thank you – sincerely! Those of us who have not served can never say thank you enough for what you have done. Please know that we are truly grateful for you and your service to our country.

In Northwest ISD, our schools take great pride in teaching our students about patriotism and recognizing the hard work of our service men and women. We are Americans, and that has been earned on the backs of our veterans. As I can only imagine, the battles and struggles through the years have been tough and real, but it is those leaders who provided America and our way of life protection, security, and hope. It is a privilege and an honor to recognize those who have served our nation, and I encourage you to talk with your child about what they have and will learn about Veterans Day.

While I encourage you to recognize and thank our veterans, I also want to thank you for your efforts. Our schools are able to open their doors to honor local veterans as a result of your efforts to keep our students and community safe. 

Please remember that because the number of COVID cases in the district and all our schools remains low, visitors are welcome – in accordance with any information your campus has sent out – to some Veterans Day events. I am so grateful that we can maintain our health and safety protocols to allow visitors in our schools. It is great to have some normalcy return to our school celebrations and activities. We will continue careful monitoring of our COVID cases, but plan for our schools to operate as normal as possible.

Together, we can spend time honoring those who have sacrificed so much. Their actions have kept us safe and have kept us free. Please find a veteran tomorrow and make him/her feel special, because that is exactly what they are!

Ryder Warren, Superintendent

Northwest Independent School District