Joe Straus III Newsletter
March 1, 2021
Campus Updates
Last week I started the process of meeting with all of our future Straus students to discuss the mascot and color options. We also discussed the voting process that goes with selecting a mascot and school colors. The students and I discussed our name sake, Joe Straus III, and how his family history influenced the options for a mascot. During the week of March 15th, all future Straus students will be sent a voting link to vote for the mascot and school colors. I can hardly wait to see what they select!
I am excited to welcome my secretary, Mrs. Rodriguez, to the team. Mrs. Rodriguez comes to us with 8 years of experience in NISD and is ready to be a support to the Straus community. If you call the campus for assistance during this transition, it will be her lovely voice that you hear. Please feel free to reach out with any questions that you may have.
Lastly, the last few weeks have certainly been a bit stressful in our state and in our city. I hope that during spring break you all have time to unwind and enjoy some down time with your family. Be Safe Straus Families!
Parent Q&A
Parent Q&A Questions and Responses
When will Volleyball tryouts take place? Volleyball tryouts are in the fall. Information regarding tryouts will go out in early August.
Will you have advanced band? Yes, we will have all levels of band.
Registration Reminders
- All NISD campuses have similar academic programs to include Advanced Academics and Special Education programs.
- Straus will offer electives that are currently offered at Folks and Briscoe.
- Your child's CURRENT school will do the registration for next year and then at the appropriate time Straus will take that registration over and build the courses in our system.
- Folks students have completed the registration process.
- Briscoe is currently registering students.
- AVID applications can be sent to the current campus counseling department (to be forwarded to me) or directly to the campus at straus@nisd.net. Once the AVID position is filled, the staff will reach out to families.
- Straus will have a Robotics program, however, we do not know if it will be offered thru advisory or as an after school program. That decision will be based on campus staffing.
- If you have any course registration questions, the counselors at your child's current school can answer them or you can contact Straus at 210-398-2550.
Look Who Joined the Straus Family!
2021-2022 NISD Official Calendar Approved
The Board of Trustees approved the District calendar for the 2021-2022 school year. Northside ISD traditionally approves school calendars two years ahead to provide parents and students ample lead time. Given the COVID disruption along with significant changes to instructional delivery that necessitated changing the current year calendar, the typical two-year lead time couldn't be accomplished. Multiple options for the calendar were shared and discussed with Cabinet, the Northside Educational Improvement Council (NEIC), and the Academics Committee of the Board.
Teacher planning dates/early dismissal dates will be added later. Click here to view the calendar.
What is Happening at JSMS?
- The construction of the building is moving along as scheduled.
- We are preparing to start the mascot and school colors selection process and our students will vote on a mascot and colors in March.
- I had the opportunity to meet with our campus namesake and he is so excited about this campus and the students who will attend this amazing school.
- We had a Town Hall with our future 6th grade parents and students regarding course selection.
- I met with Kallison students last week to discuss the middle school transition and mascot selection.
Joe Straus III MS
Email: straus@nisd.net
Website: https://www.nisd.net/straus
Phone: 210-398-2550