August 13, 2026

Ready, set ... let’s begin! School is officially

back in session!

Thank you to all of our students and families for making the start of the 2026-2027 school year so special! We hope you are having an incredible first week of school! Click below for an album of first-day photos from across Northwest ISD!

High school community pep-rally-style events

kick off the school year

Byron Nelson, Northwest and Eaton high schools hosted their annual Meet the Mascot nights. These pep-rally-style events were packed with music, performances and plenty of school pride as students, staff and the community came together to celebrate the start of a new school year.

Students get first glance at classrooms,

meet teachers

Northwest ISD elementary campuses were buzzing Tuesday night at Meet the Teacher, as students and families explored their schools, dropped off supplies, reunited with friends and met their new teacher

New campuses open across Northwest ISD

Hicks Early Childhood Center, Barksdale Middle School and Romer Elementary welcomed students this week, adding new learning spaces to communities across Northwest ISD.

Located in the Eaton High School feeder pattern, Hicks Early Childhood Center is designed specifically for prekindergarten learners, featuring museum-inspired experiential classrooms, hands-on learning spaces and play-based instruction.

Romer Elementary, named for longtime Northwest ISD educator Dr. Leigh Anne Romer, serves families in the new Madero community near Sendera Ranch, where Dr. Romer previously served as a principal.

Located near Pecan Square in Northlake, Barksdale Middle School provides additional capacity in one of the district’s fastest-growing areas, with modern learning spaces designed to foster collaboration, innovation and student success.

The three campuses are part of Northwest ISD’s voter-approved 2023 bond program, which is expanding the district’s capacity and supporting its long-term growth across the community.

Northwest ISD annual middle school musical

presents Newsies, Jr.

Tomorrow is opening night for Northwest ISD’s annual middle school musical.

This year, students and staff from across the district are bringing Newsies, Jr. to the newly renovated VR Eaton High School Performing Arts Center, 1350 Eagle Blvd. Based on the Broadway musical and film, Newsies, Jr. follows a newsboy who rallies young vendors to strike against unfair newspaper price increases. 

Catch it August 14–15 at 7 p.m. or August 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets vary in price; NISD employees attend free but must reserve tickets.

Back-to-School Fair provides supplies, services

for more than 2,500 students

Northwest ISD's annual Back-to-School Fair provided supplies and services for more than 2,500 students this year, the most ever.

This event is possible thanks to the support of volunteers and our community through the Northwest ISD Education Foundation. NEF continues to raise funds to support more students.

2026-2027 Vacation Planning

Northwest ISD encourages families to plan vacations around the district calendar to help maximize student learning. Every day in the classroom supports academic success, and consistent attendance makes a difference. Save this Vacation Planning printable for an easy reference to extended student holiday breaks throughout the school year. You can also view the complete 2026-2027 academic calendar at www.nisdtx.org/calendars.

Apply Now for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program

Northwest ISD encourages families to apply for the federally funded Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program, which provides students with one free breakfast and lunch combo meal each school day. Meal prices for students who do not qualify have increased by 10 cents for most breakfast and lunch combo meals. Beyond meals, qualifying students may also be eligible for additional benefits like weekend snack packs, free school supplies, discounted exam fees and more. Apply online for the fastest processing or pick up a paper application from your child’s campus. A new application is required each school year. To learn more, please read this news article.

Bus route details and Smart Tag app

Is your child riding the bus this year Be sure to download the SMART Tag app to track your child's bus.

With the SMART Tag app, families will receive push notifications when their student boards and gets off the bus, as well as real-time tracking of the bus’s location, including alerts on the bus’s proximity to home or school.

Be sure to check in Home Access Center again today for route information, as routes may change. 

Customize your ParentSquare notifications

Families with enrolled students are automatically connected to ParentSquare, Northwest ISD's official communication platform. After logging in, you can choose to receive notifications immediately or as a daily evening digest.

Schools and the district will use ParentSquare throughout the year to share back-to-school updates, event reminders and important announcements. Download the ParentSquare app to stay informed all year long.

New technology safeguards implemented

Following months of feedback from students, staff and families, Northwest ISD has adopted new technology safeguards to support distraction-free learning and keep students focused in the classroom. The updated standards include grade-level limits on device use, expanded content restrictions and a new parent portal that allows families to view their child's browsing history. Developed using community input, the safeguards are designed to create a balanced approach to technology while strengthening teaching, learning and family partnerships. For a full breakdown of Northwest ISD's updated technology safeguards, view this news article. Community feedback from surveys conducted this year can be viewed on this community dashboard.

Athletics ticketing sales options set for 2026-2027

The Northwest ISD Athletic Department will implement new ticketing options for event attendees, with all middle school ticketing options moving to online payment.

Fans will have the option to buy sports passes to receive admission to any district-hosted athletic event except for varsity football, with a sports pass available for just middle school events or for both middle school and high school events. Read this article for ticketing options beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Spirit Shop Sale available Saturday, August 15

Looking for spirit wear before the new school year begins? Stop by the Northwest ISD Spirit Shop Sale on Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside Northwest ISD Stadium, 1937 Texan Drive. The sale is open to the public, with many items marked 50% to 75% off! Northwest, Byron Nelson and Eaton high schools apparel will be available.