Mustang Memo October

Hello NSMS Community,

The first nine weeks is coming to a close, and what a great start it has been! Academics and extracurricular activities are in full swing, and our students are working hard every day to be better than they were yesterday—whether it’s in sports, quizzes, band, group projects, or simply being a kind friend.

Academically, we are seeing positive growth, but we also need your help with one important area: turning in assignments. Please make sure you have access to your child’s grades through the Parent Portal and keep in touch with teachers through the ROOMS app. Missing work can result in zeros and may keep students from enjoying fun events like pep rallies and PBIS trips. Students can access their programs at home through Classlink, and if your child needs extra help, call the office—we’ll make arrangements.

MS UIL is in full swing. If your child is interested in participating, please encourage them to sign up! Some events are still looking for participants. We want as many Mustangs as possible representing our school.

At Middle School, we remain focused on two lifelong skills: Treating People Right and Doing the Right Thing. These lessons extend beyond the classroom. We ask that you continue this message at home—encouraging your child to show respect in school, at home, online, and in the community. Together, we’re building a culture where students and staff treat each other like family.

If you are looking for ways to help your child be more sucessful, here are a few things you can do:

1. Reading: Set aside time daily for your child to read, and ask simple comprehension questions. Reading together—even articles or research topics—makes a big difference.

2. Math Practice: Review basic math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication). Quick recall of these skills helps with solving multi-step math problems.

Your partnership ensures your child is on the path to reaching their full potential. We look forward to seeing everyone at Trunk-or-Treat! Thank you for your continued support as we travel together on our journey to Destination Greatness.

Brittany Rogers

Principal

Oct 2nd - Pep Rally @ 3:00; FB @ Home

Oct 3rd- Intersession Grade and Attendance Check

Oct 6th - Intersession Letters Go Home

Oct 6th - VB @ Poth

Oct 9th - Texas State Visit for 7th & 8th Graders Interested

Oct 9th - Grades Due for Report Cards

Oct 9th - FB @ Natalia - Athletes may not attend if they have to attend intersession

Oct 9th & 10th - INTERSESSION

Oct 13th- No School - Holiday

Oct 14th - 17th - Homecoming Week

Oct 15th - Hispanic Heritage Night @ HS

Oct 15th - Athletic Booster Club Meeting @ 6:30

Oct 16th - Report Cards Go Home

Oct 16th -3:00 Pep Rally; Homecoming FB @ Home VB @ Home

Oct 17th - MS attending HS Homecoming Pep Rally @ 1:30 pm

Oct 20th - VB @ Home

Oct 21st - Football & Volleyball Pictures

Oct 23rd - FB @ Dilley Pep Rally @ 12:15

October 27th - Picture Day

Oct 27th -31st - Red Ribbon Week

Oct 29th - PSAT 8/9

Oct 29th - Trunk or Treat

Oct 30th - FB @ Home; Pep Rally @ 3:00

Notes go home to all students on October 6th. This note will determine if your child attends the first Intersession or not. The first intersession days are October 9th and 10th. If students are required to come, they must be here. If they do not come, this will count against there attendance and could require them to come to Saturday Schools or other requirements for missing class.

In order for your child to earn Intersession time off, they must keep their grades at 70 or above and their attendance must be above 95%.

**This does not apply to elementary students. Elementary students will follow the normal calendar year and attend all school days.

Most of the time, if we ask our children questions like "what did you learn at school today?" or "how was your day?" the answer is usually, "nothing" or "fine." Children of all ages are still developing the art of communication, and so we have to help guide them through the process. We can do that by asking questions that require more than one-word answers.

• What was the best thing that happened today?
• What was one thing that surprised you today?
• What is one thing you learned or did today that made you smile?
• What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
• What was your least favorite part of the day?
• Tell me 2 things you learned today.
• What is one thing you hope happens before school is out for Thanksgiving break?

Other tips for talking with your teen:

• Talk about topics that your child likes -children are more willing to talk about things they are interested in. Find topics that your child likes and talk about those things.
• Put yourself in their shoes - Teenagers think that their parents and caregivers don’t understand them. Try to resist saying things like, “I understand what you are going through because I was a teenager once too you know”.
• Be patient - Give your child opportunities to talk about things with you, but don’t try to force them to talk to you. That will only result in her becoming more stubborn and closed off.

October 2025: Self Control - Capturing Kids' Hearts

Focus: This month our focus is Self-Control in which students will learn that they have a choice in their thoughts, actions, and words and make that choice. Find out more in the Capturing Kids Hearts Newsletter in English and Spanish.

• ASCA Calendar Events:

• National Bullying Prevention Month: October 2025

• Mental Health Awareness Day: October 10, 2025

• Unity Day: October 22, 2025 - Wear Orange

• Red Ribbon Week - Say No to Drugs - October 27-31, 2025



• Parenting Tip: Expressing Emotions and Self-Control

• Our emotions come and go, but we can have self-control and choose how we express them rather than allowing them to control us. You can model acknowledging feelings and give choices of healthy ways to express them

• What to do when a child’s emotions take over?
• Name the emotion - “It sounds like your frustrated, sad, or _______”
• Validate it - “It is normal to feel that way.” “It makes sense why you feel that way.”
• Help them choose a healthy outlet/way to express it by offering choices:
• Deep Breathing, Take a break, or Journal/Draw
• Listen to music, Dancing, or Humming
• Call a friend or Take a Walk
• Once calm, offer to listen or problem solve
• Bullying Prevention and Awareness:

• Watch this video with your child - The Difference Between Rude, Mean, and Bullying

Student Tip: Practice Self-Control by setting goals for yourself.

• What are 2 goals you have for yourself this semester?

• What are 2 ways to work towards that?

• How can you implement it this week?

• Watch this video to learn How to set SMART Goals

Bullying Prevention

• What We Will Do: We will have a “Be A Friend, Not a Bully” poster. Students will have the opportunity to write their name on a card to attach to the poster, committing to “Not Bully Other Students”.

• Students will WEAR ORANGE on October 22nd in honor of Unity Day and work together to prevent bullying.

• Students will have the chance to create Anti-Bullying Posters with the School Counselor and be entered into a contest.




Red Ribbon Week

• What We Will Do: We will host and share Red Ribbon week fun celebration dress-up days that promote saying no to drugs. Students will be able to participate in dress-up days to signify standing with the message of living drug-free. - October 27-31

• We will have a banner displaying the motto “Take my Hand and Make a Stand…Be Drug Free!”. The Student Council will then give the opportunity to write their name on a red hand card to pledge to say no to drugs.

• How to have Conversations with your child about Living Drug-Free

5th Grade: Uriel Arriaga

Uriel is a very hard worker and always has a positive attitude. He has shown outstanding effort , willingness to learn, follows directions and participates in class.He is willing to help others and is respectful to teachers and students. His kindness, respect and responsibility makes him a role model in the classroom. We are proud of his achievements!!

6th Grade: Elian Delmas

Elian is an exceptional student who truly embodies our school’s values. He listens attentively to teachers and classmates, showing respect for everyone’s ideas. He cares deeply about his work and the success of those around him, always offering encouragement and support. Elian is committed to growing as a learner and consistently goes the extra mile—he contributes thoughtful ideas in class, takes initiative, and strives for excellence in everything he does. Additionally, he helps protect a positive classroom environment by demonstrating maturity, kindness, and good manners. Elian’s dedication, effort, and leadership make him a well-deserved choice for Student of the Month!

7th Grade: Adamaris Ochoa

Adamaris is a great example of traveling the extra mile! She is consistent in academic excellence, as she actively engages in class, works diligently, and completes her assignments with persistence. She embodies outstanding character by maintaining a positive attitude, treating others with respect, and taking responsibility for her actions. As a natural leader, Adamaris encourages her peers to excel, making a positive impact on our school community.

8th Grade: Grady Posas

Grady is courteous, mannerly, and respectful. He is a strong example of what Destination Greatness looks like by showing growth and working hard towards his goals. He is an active learner and puts forth his best effort when completing assignments. He takes responsibility in his actions, completing his assignments, and shows ownership and determination for his education. Grady wants to do well and be successful and it is evident through his hard work and attitude!

We will have our Thanksgiving Meal on November 14th this year. We welcome you to come and join your children for an amazing Thanksgiving lunch. Ticket sales will be ONLINE ONLY. TICKET SALES WILL OPEN ON OCTOBER 16TH. You can purchase tickets here ONCE AVAILABLE. You will have to present your ticket (physical or online email) in order to get your plate. If you purchase multiple tickets, you will be given all of your tickets at the same time when you check-in. The last day to purchase tickets is Friday, October 25th. We will not be able to serve a meal to visitors who have NOT purchased a ticket before the deadline. Lunch times are as follows: 5th/6th- 11:05 -11:45 and 7th/8th -11:55-12:35. We look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with you.

At NSCISD, safety is always our top priority. Our district follows the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) procedure, a federally endorsed safety protocol that trains students and staff in options for responding to an active shooter or school intruder. During our recent drill, local law enforcement observed and shared very positive feedback about how well our staff and students carried out the practice.

The ADD steps are simple but powerful:

• A – Avoid: Move away from danger whenever it is safe.

• D – Deny: Create barriers and make it difficult for an intruder to get in.

• D – Defend/Disrupt: As a last resort, be prepared to defend yourself.

By practicing regularly, we help ensure that our Mustang community is prepared and empowered to respond in a crisis.

We do not allow deliveries to our campus. This includes any outside deliveries such as flowers, gifts, food, or drinks. Students can bring cupcakes for their birthdays as long as they are store-bought.

At the middle school, we strive to make SMART choices. These posters are hung up around our campuses and we remind students of these things daily. Please reinforce making SMART choices at home with your child.

To communicate with our teachers you can use the Rooms feature in our Nixon-Smiley App. This app will be for all teachers in our district. If you need assistance setting up your account, click here. Once you create an account, the video below will show you how to use the app. English Video. Spanish video. We will also post information on the Nixon-Smiley CISD Home of the Mustangs Facebook page and our district website. Please also check with your child daily about any important information that may have been sent home or communicated with them.

If you have a question or concern, please call us at (830) 582-1536, Ext 301. We are happy to set up Parent/Teacher conferences at your request either by phone or in person.

Email: rogersb@nixonsmiley.net
Website: www.nixonsmiley.net
Location: 800 North Rancho Road, Nixon, TX, USA
Phone: (830) 582-1536
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nixon-Smiley-CISD-Home-of-the-Mustangs--264506510244649
Twitter: @nixonsmileycisd