Wildcat Parent Newsletter

Our Mission

Natha Howell Elementary is committed to ensuring high levels of learning for all students by providing a rigorous, high‑quality instructional program that builds a strong foundation for college, career, and military readiness. In partnership with families, staff, and the community, we prepare students with the academic skills, character, and adaptability necessary for long‑term success in an evolving global society.

Our Vision

Natha Howell Elementary will be a campus where all students demonstrate continuous academic growth and personal responsibility within a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Our educators are dedicated to meeting the needs of every child by fostering social‑emotional development, academic achievement, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Through collaboration and shared responsibility, students learn to model respect, ownership, positive attitude, and responsibility, developing pride in their school and themselves. At Natha Howell, being a Wildcat means striving for excellence, accountability, and growth—every day.

Dear Families,

As we begin preparing for an exciting new school year, we kindly remind all families that FWISD enrollment and registration for the 2026–2027 school year opens on July 1, 2026. We strongly encourage all parents and legal guardians to complete this process as early as possible to ensure a smooth and successful start for your child.

Why Registration Matters

Timely enrollment is essential to ensuring that every student is properly scheduled, supported, and ready to learn on the first day of school. Completing this process allows our campus to plan effectively for staffing, classroom materials, and student services so that we can meet the unique needs of every child.

Required Information and Documentation

During registration, families will be asked to provide accurate and up-to-date information, including:

• Student identification and immunization records
• Proof of residency within FWISD
• Parent/guardian identification
• Academic records for new students

Providing complete and accurate documentation helps us ensure compliance with district, state, and federal requirements while allowing us to serve your child efficiently.

Living Arrangements (Confidential and Important)

We ask that families take special care to clearly and honestly describe their current living arrangements. This includes indicating if your family:

• Is living in your own home with a lease or mortgage
• Is sharing housing with another family
• Is residing in a location without a formal lease agreement
• Is in temporary or transitional housing

This information is kept confidential and is critical in determining eligibility for additional support services. It allows us to provide assistance under federal guidelines and ensure every child receives the stability and resources they deserve.

Economic Information and Available Supports

Families will also be asked to provide information regarding household income. We want to reassure you that this information is used solely to determine eligibility for valuable student supports, including:

• Free or reduced-price meals
• School supplies and instructional materials
• Access to academic and family support programs

By providing complete and accurate information, you help us connect your child with resources that promote success both in and out of the classroom.

A Shared Responsibility

Enrollment and registration are an important responsibility of every parent and guardian. Submitting this information confirms that all details provided are accurate to the best of your knowledge and allows us to serve your family effectively.

Important Reminder

Registration opens July 1 — please do not wait.
All families must complete enrollment to ensure your child’s placement and access to services for the upcoming school year.

We are honored to partner with you in your child’s education. If you need assistance at any point during the registration process, our campus is here to support you every step of the way.

With appreciation,

Monica Granados
Campus Principal

Registration opens July 1—do not wait! All families must complete this important process each year to ensure students are ready for the first day of school.

First, Know the Difference: Enroll vs. Register

• New Students (Enroll):
  If your child is new to FWISD, you will need to ENROLL. This means creating a new student record and submitting all required documentation for the first time.

• Returning Students (Register):
  If your child already attends an FWISD school, you will need to REGISTER. This is the annual process of updating your child’s information, verifying residency, and confirming services for the upcoming school year.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Process

Step 1: Access the Parent Portal
Visit the FWISD website and click “Enroll” or “Register.” Log in or create your Parent Portal account.

Step 2: Enter Student Information
Provide accurate and current details, including emergency contacts and any updates to your child’s information.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Have the following ready:

• Birth certificate or legal ID (required for new students)
• Current immunization records
• Proof of residency (lease, mortgage, or utility bill)
• Parent/guardian photo ID
• Previous school records (new students only)

Step 4: Provide Family Information (Very Important)
Families must carefully report living arrangements and household income. If you are living with others, do not have a lease or mortgage, or are in a temporary situation, please indicate this clearly.

This information is confidential and allows the district to determine eligibility for important supports such as:

• Free or reduced-price meals
• School supplies and materials
• Additional academic and family support services

Step 5: Submit Your Application
Review your information, submit, and save your confirmation.

Important Reminder

All families must complete enrollment or registration beginning July 1. Early completion helps us finalize class placements, prepare resources, and ensure every child is supported and ready to learn on the first day.

Campus Accountability & Community Update

Natha Howell Elementary is expected to earn a “B” accountability rating, based on current academic performance data with a strong emphasis on TEA Domain 2: School Progress (Student Growth).

This projected rating reflects significant gains in student academic growth and demonstrates that our instructional focus, high expectations, and targeted supports are producing meaningful results. While we are proud of this progress, this work does not stop here. Moving forward, academic rigor and student accountability will continue to increase, and expectations will be elevated for all learners.

We sincerely thank the families who have already enrolled their children for the upcoming school year and look forward to continuing this important work together. For families interested in joining Natha Howell Elementary, we encourage you to contact the campus to learn more about our academic expectations and student accountability structures. Enrollment is thriving, and we are committed to sustaining this momentum into the 2026–2027 school year.

Being a Wildcat—whether as a student or a staff member—means being willing to commit the time, effort, and dedication required for excellence. Because of this shared commitment, our campus remained open, was not reconstituted, and is now positioned to thrive as it should.

This success is made possible by our students, staff, families, and community working together. That is what makes Natha Howell Elementary—and the Riverside community—truly special.

Here is your final enhanced version with an expanded family message and your event details clearly included:

Natha Howell Elementary | Fort Worth ISD 2026–2027

Dear Natha Howell Elementary Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! At Natha Howell, our work is guided by The Natha Howell Strategic Plan for Achievement, a clear framework that defines what high-quality teaching and learning look like in every classroom. This plan ensures that instruction is intentional, engaging, and focused on results for every learner. Through strong routines, purposeful pacing, explicit instruction, meaningful practice, and ongoing feedback, we create classrooms where students are actively learning, thinking critically, and building independence. Our goal is that every learner experiences rigorous, supportive instruction daily—resulting in grade-level achievement, growing confidence, and long-term success. We are committed to aligning the efforts of our teachers, learners, and families so that together, we build a culture where learning is the priority and every child thrives.

Important Dates

• First Day of School: August 10, 2026
• Fall Break: October 8–12, 2026
• Thanksgiving Break: November 23–27, 2026
• Winter Break: December 18, 2026 – January 4, 2027
• Spring Break: March 15–19, 2027
• Last Day of School: May 26, 2027

What High-Quality Instruction Looks Like at Natha Howell

At Natha Howell Elementary, families can expect to see classrooms that reflect our Strategic Plan for Achievement through:

• Consistent routines that maximize learning time
• Strong classroom management and high expectations
• Purposeful pacing that keeps learners engaged
• Explicit, clear instruction with frequent checks for understanding
• Academic language used by both students and teachers
• Inquiry-based questioning and learner discussion
• Frequent opportunities to practice and apply learning
• Reading, writing, and problem-solving across all content areas
• Deep practice to ensure mastery
• Ongoing monitoring of learner progress
• Instruction that responds to learner needs in real time

What This Means for Our School Community

For Our Learners

We expect every learner to:

• Be actively engaged in learning each day
• Participate in discussions and collaborative work
• Show perseverance and give their best effort
• Take ownership of their learning and growth
• Practice reading, writing, and thinking deeply

For Our Parents & Families

Your partnership is essential to your child’s success, and we are excited to work together this year! At Natha Howell Elementary, we believe strong communication and collaboration between school and home create the foundation for student achievement.

Families can support their learner by:

• Ensuring daily attendance and on-time arrival
• Establishing routines that support homework and reading each night
• Asking questions about what their child is learning and encouraging meaningful conversations
• Supporting practice of academic skills in reading, writing, and math
• Staying connected through campus communication and teacher updates
• Reinforcing habits such as responsibility, effort, perseverance, and respect
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We also invite all families to kick off the school year by attending our upcoming events:

Enrollment & Registration:
July 31 | 4:00–6:00 PM- More information to come

Meet the Teacher Night:
August 5 | 4:00–6:00 PM- More information to come- on campus

These events are a great opportunity to complete registration, meet your child’s teacher, build connections, and prepare for a successful start to the school year.

For Our Teachers

Our teachers are committed to:

• Delivering engaging, high-quality instruction every day
• Using data to guide instruction and respond to learner needs
• Creating structured, supportive, and positive classrooms
• Providing feedback that helps learners grow
• Ensuring every learner is challenged and supported

Our Shared Goal

When our Strategic Plan comes to life in every classroom:

• Learners are engaged every day
• Learners learn at or above grade level
• Learners grow as independent, confident thinkers

❤️A Message to Our Families

At Natha Howell Elementary, we know that strong schools are built through strong partnerships. We are committed to providing your child with a high-quality, supportive, and engaging educational experience, and we know that your involvement makes a lasting difference.

We encourage you to stay connected, stay involved, and take advantage of opportunities to engage with our campus. From attending events to communicating with teachers, your partnership helps ensure that every learner succeeds.

Together, we will make this a year of growth, achievement, and success for every child. We look forward to welcoming you soon and beginning this exciting journey together!

With appreciation,
Monica Granados
Campus Principal
Natha Howell Elementary

Staff Updates | 2026–2027 School Year

At Natha Howell Elementary, we value the incredible educators and staff who make a difference in the lives of our learners every day. As we begin the new school year, we would like to share important updates regarding team members who are transitioning as well as those who are joining our school family.

Celebrating Our Departing Staff

We extend our sincere appreciation to the following staff members who will be leaving Natha Howell Elementary. Each has made a meaningful impact on our learners, families, and campus community:

• Ms. Meghan Cooper
• Ms. Elia De los Santos
• Ms. Tracy Ball
• Ms. Aleidy Blanco Davis
• Ms. Ashley Blanco-Davis
• Ms. Judith De la Torre
• Ms. Heather Faaborg
• Ms. Gloria Perez

We are grateful for their dedication, passion, and service. We wish them continued success and fulfillment in their next chapters.

Welcoming New Members to Our School Family

We are excited to welcome the following individuals to Natha Howell Elementary:

Instructional Staff

• Ms. Nichole Coke – Special Education
• Ms. Tricia Allen – Special Education
• Ms. Alice Castro – Special Education/Inclusion
• Ms. Emma Restivo – Kindergarten (RP)
• Ms. Vanessa Flores – 2nd Grade (DLE)
• Ms. Carolina Kuffo – Teacher Assistant, Bilingual (Interventions & Support)
• An Nguyen- SEAS/TA III
• Reba Torres- SEAS/TAIII

Student Support and Well-being

• Ms. Dibi Lindy – School Counselor

Fine Arts (Shared with Versia Williams)

• Fine Arts team providing both Music and Art instruction to enrich our learners’ experiences

Front Office & Health Services

• Ms. Melissa Perez – Front Office
• Ms. Blanca Gomez-Rodriguez – Front Office
• Ms. Krysla Gillmore- Campus School Nurse – Supporting student health and wellness

Moving Forward Together

Change is a natural part of growth, and while we will miss those who are departing, we are excited about the new energy and expertise joining our campus. Together, our team remains committed to creating a positive, supportive, and high-achieving learning environment for every learner.

Please join us in thanking our departing staff and warmly welcoming our new team members to the Natha Howell family!

Our campus continues to see growing interest in enrollment as families seek a school environment rooted in a welcoming culture, highly qualified and certified instructional staff, and strong academic outcomes supported by a unified team of educators and volunteers. At the heart of our work is a shared commitment to our Pillars of Success—Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Responsibility—along with a focus on hard work and dedication. These values guide our instruction, shape student behavior, and strengthen our connections with the community.

Although districtwide enrollment trends within FWISD have resulted in adjustments to teacher-to-student ratios at our campus, we remain optimistic about continued growth. We anticipate increased enrollment that will allow us to maintain current staffing levels and preserve instructional consistency for our students.

We encourage our stakeholders to help share the story of Natha Howell Elementary with families in the surrounding community who are exploring educational options and seeking a strong elementary program led by dedicated educators with a proven track record of student success. Transfer requests may be approved, and we look forward to welcoming and supporting new learners whose potential we are confident will thrive within our school community.

As we prepare for the start of the school year, families are encouraged to begin gathering school supplies and uniforms in alignment with Fort Worth ISD expectations for the 2026–2027 school year. Ensuring learners arrive prepared on the first day helps create a smooth and successful start. Updated supply lists and uniform guidelines can be found on the Fort Worth ISD website (www.fwisd.org) by navigating to the Families or Back-to-School section, as well as through campus communication. We appreciate your support in helping every learner come ready to learn, engage, and succeed from day one.