The Patriot
July 2020: Parent Newsletter
A message from Mireles...
Hello Patriot families,
As you may have already heard, Northside will begin the 2020-2021 school year on Monday, August 24 in a distance learning environment. There will be no in-person instruction until at least the Tuesday after Labor Day, Sept. 8.
Dr. Woods announced:
"After weeks of listening to teachers, parents, and school leaders we have made the decision to begin the year in distance learning," Woods said. "Our plan meets TEA guidelines released last week, though we remain hopeful that the state will allow local school districts to make decisions based on the health conditions in their own communities. We will continue to develop protocols for a return to school buildings and in-person instruction as soon as it is safe to do so. We know that in-person instruction is the best environment for most students and we will continue to work to provide that safely.”
The District continues to monitor local conditions, they will work with city and state leaders, and follow guidance from local, state, and federal health officials.
- Technology update: NISD will provide students with access to technology devices, such as iPads, Chromebooks, and WiFi hotspots, to begin remote learning.
- The District also remains committed to providing nutritional support to families with meal distributions.
Although not ideal, Rawlinson MS is committed to providing high-quality instruction to all students whether in person or through distance learning. Our teachers have spent much of their summer attending online professional development to enhance instructional strategies for students. It amazes me to see the dedication and determination our teachers have shown throughout this process.
I can assure you, this challenge will only make us better.
Stay tuned, stay well and stay positive!
Sherry Mireles, RMS Principal
PATRIOT POWER HOUR
Attention all future 6th graders: You won't want to miss this.
We will hold our very first "Patriot Power Hour" via Zoom this coming Wednesday, July 22. Here we will introduce staff and go through some much needed and important information. See the flyer below and click the padlet for additional information and a place to ask questions!
Additional "Power Hour" meet & greets for 7th & 8th graders as well as a parent Power Hour is in the works. Stay tuned, we'll keep you posted on those dates & times!
Patriot Power Hour and Power-Up Prep Days!
A virtual welcome back meet & greet via Zoom for all 7th & 8th graders is in the works. Stay tuned, we'll keep you posted on those dates & times!
Why would I want to attend this virtual event? Q & A opportunity, a chance to win door prizes, meet and greet with new staff, updates on Schoology requirements.
"Safety First" Power-Up Prep Day
Dates/Times: TBD
As of now all (F2F) face to face events must be postponed until further notice.
Although we don't have a F2F date, our "Safety First" Patriot Power-Up Prep day is already in the planning stages. More to come.
PARENT POWER HOUR: Wed., August 5, 2020 @6:00 PM
All Northside families should have received an email with a request to complete a short survey that takes into account changes and updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. This feedback is critical as we make decisions for the upcoming year. If you haven't had a chance to complete the survey, I've linked it here: bit.ly/3iZrpQo
We ask that all families complete the survey by Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
Student Data Validation
Northside's Student Data Validation process for all new and returning students is live!
As a reminder, this is the process that took place last summer through our online system, HAC or the Home Access Center. Here you completed all necessary information regarding your child. This year is much simpler, as you will only be required to validate that the information on file is still current, or update any information that has changed. This is a vital step as we gear up for the 2020-2021 school year.
Please make sure to complete this process between as soon as possible. To ensure your student is counted towards enrollment next year.
The entire process will be done through the Home Access Center (HAC). If you already have a HAC account for reviewing grades, attendance, and report cards you are set.
If you do not have a HAC account, or need assistance with HAC - please complete the form found on the NISD.net - parents page (also found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekcDWcg7A2sUMXdUpJ0bFpdjpo9G27o02S5IdWx2rdf44IzA/viewform) and you will receive directions via email within 48 hours.
As we finalize course selections for next year, if you need to make any updates to your course requests or have questions, please email your counselor this week with the change.
mailto:latonyia.fleming@nisd.net (Head Counselor/ 7th Grade)
mailto:tara.callaway@nisd.net (6th grade)
mailto:joshua.lopez@nisd.net (8th grade)