Keeping Up with Comm Arts

As we begin another exciting week of school, we're thrilled to share the recent events and achievements in our community. We encourage everyone to stay engaged and embrace the opportunities ahead. Let’s make this week remarkable!

Dr. Baker is hosting Karaoke on Tuesday and Coloring on Wednesday during the Comm Arts lunch in our LGI.

UIL Eligibility Check

Please note that if your student participates in one of our UIL sports or activities, eligibility is determined at the 6-week point of the first marking period. Students must pass all classes by September 18th, when grades are uploaded for the progress report, to continue participating in those activities. Students, please work with your teachers to address any grade concerns. Parents, please check your student's progress in HAC. We encourage parents to contact their child's teachers with questions.

Northside 10th and 11th graders can take the College Board Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, or PSAT, on Wednesday, October 21st.

Registration is required and now available at www.totalregistration.net/PSAT/446271, until September 30th. A $5 late sign-up fee will be applied after September 23rd.

All 11th-grade students can participate at no cost, since results are connected to scholarship opportunities. 10th-grade students who choose to participate must also register in advance and pay a $20 testing fee. Students who receive free or reduced lunch pay a reduced fee of $10.

For 11th-grade students, the PSAT/NMSQT is the entry route to the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website (www.nationalmerit.org) explain participation requirements, competition steps, and awards offered.

Don't wait! Register now for this opportunity!

• Preparation for the SAT, where scores can help students get into honors college programs and college pathways (college within a college)
• Connects students to colleges and universities
• Scholarship opportunities for Grade 11 students - National Merit Scholarship Corporation's website at www.nationalmerit.org
• Scores can be used to qualify for dual credit courses.
• Results will include resources about local two-year colleges, workforce training programs, and career options.

Hispanic Heritage Month officially begins September 15! Our SNHS members are preparing fun weekly activities to celebrate Hispanic culture, traditions, and heritage. We are also excited for our Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week, September 21–24. See the flyer for more information. We hope you will join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month together!

Thinking about attending Palo Alto College next year? PAC is hosting an Open House event on November 13th, but space is extremely limited—we only have 14 spots available.

If you want to attend, email Ms. Lewis right away to reserve your spot before they run out!

This interactive event is designed to help you take the next step toward becoming a Palomino. You will learn how to get started at Palo Alto College, explore academic programs, and connect with campus representatives who are ready to answer questions and provide guidance.

We're excited to share that the GPA and rank for our 10th, 11th, and 12th graders will be available in HAC at 5 PM on Friday, September 25th. Meanwhile, our 9th graders will receive their first GPA and rank after completing their first semester.

Friendly Reminder from the library:

Teachers and staff you're welcomed to enjoy free coffee in the library daily, however, please bring your own cup/mug to help with the rising cost of everything.

If you plan to attend Homecoming, you MUST complete the Homecoming Ticket Interest Form before you're eligible to purchase a ticket.

The Homecoming Ticket Interest Form is now CLOSED.

• NO FORM = NO HOMECOMING TICKET SALES.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT

• Before you are approved to purchase a ticket, we will verify your attendance.
• Students may not have more than 9 unexcused absences in any class to be approved to attend Homecoming. Attendance was checked on September 11th, and any student over the threshold in any given class will not be permitted to purchase a ticket.

MYSCHOOLBUCKS TICKET SALES

• MySchoolBucks ticket sales will be available Tuesday, September 15th @ noon through Wednesday, September 30th at 11:59 p.m.
• Once you are approved, you will receive an email containing a unique code to purchase your ticket through MySchoolBucks.
• Please note: If you do not use your emailed code by September 30th at midnight, your code will expire and you will no longer be eligible to purchase a Homecoming ticket.
• MySchoolBucks will charge an 8.7% convenience fee for each ticket, which will be the responsibility of the purchaser to cover

Taft/Comm Arts Student Ticket Prices:

• September 15–24: $25
• September 25–30: $30

CASH TICKET SALES

Students who are approved to purchase with cash may do so during lunch in the cafeteria on the following dates ONLY: Cash tickets will be $25. We WILL be verifying that you were approved to purchase before accepting payment.

• September 16 & 17
• September 23 & 24

PURCHASING A TICKET FOR YOUR DATE

If your date is a Comm Arts or Taft student:

• If you would like to purchase your date's ticket using a card through MySchoolBucks, your date must also complete the Homecoming Ticket Interest Form so their attendance can be verified.
• Once they are approved, they will receive their own MySchoolBucks code. They can provide that code to you so you can purchase their ticket through their account (enter your card information at the end of the payment process).

BRINGING A GUEST FROM OUTSIDE COMM ARTS/TAFT

• If you plan to bring a guest who is NOT a Taft/Comm Arts student, you must have completed the Guest Form located at the bottom of the Homecoming Ticket Interest Form by September 11th.

All approved non-Taft/Comm Arts guest tickets are CASH ONLY and must be purchased during lunch in the cafeteria on:

• September 16 & 17
• September 23 & 24
• Non Taft/Comm arts guests tickets are $30 cash only (Guest tickets will not be permitted to be sold through MySchoolBucks)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

• Tickets will not be sold at the door.
• Online ticket sales will end on September 30th @ 11:59 p.m. No tickets will be sold after this date.

Students, continue reviewing your daily routines, coursework, and study habits to stay on track for academic success. Establishing consistent habits and utilizing available tutoring services early on can help you maintain strong grades, manage workload expectations, and keep stress levels low.

In this issue, you will find academic success strategies, grounding techniques for stress management, and important resources recognizing September as Suicide Awareness & Prevention Month.

Academic Success: Tips to Achieve Your Academic Goals

Developing structured study habits early in the semester helps prevent feeling overwhelmed as major projects and exams approach. Here are key strategies to help you succeed:

• Manage Your Time Wisely: Use a daily planner, digital calendar, or dedicated study log to track assignment deadlines, reading goals, and upcoming exam dates.

• Designate a Dedicated Study Zone: Set up a clean, organized study space at home that is free from television, phone notifications, and other distractions.

• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Instead of cramming, study in focused 25- to 30-minute intervals, followed by short breaks, to improve retention and stay refreshed.

• Ask for Assistance: Reach out to your teachers and parents if you find yourself struggling with coursework or needing extra guidance.

• Attend Tutoring Sessions: Your teachers are here to support you. Take advantage of scheduled tutoring sessions to reinforce learning.

• Monitor Progress Regularly: Check your grades and attendance frequently in the Home Access Center (HAC). If you notice a grade drop or feel confused about course content, connect with your teacher early for feedback and support.

It is completely natural to experience moments of stress or anxiety as academic expectations build. Learning to recognize and process these emotions builds long-term resilience.

Grounding & Relaxation Techniques

When stress begins to build, try using these evidence-based exercises to ground yourself and re-center your mind:

1. The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique: Pause and focus on your environment by identifying:
   • 5 things you can see
   • 4 things you can touch
   • 3 things you can hear
   • 2 things you can smell
   • 1 thing you can taste
2. The 4-7-8 Relaxation Breath: Inhale quietly through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale completely through your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat 3 to 4 times to soothe your nervous system.

Developing a Growth Mindset

Remember that academic challenges are not signs of failure; they are opportunities to learn and grow. Approaching difficult subjects with a growth mindset transforms obstacles into stepping stones toward mastery. Never hesitate to ask for support—advocating for yourself is a true sign of strength.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline initiative, #BeThe1To, we are all reminded of the meaningful actions we can take to promote healing, offer hope, and help save lives. By fostering open, compassionate, and supportive conversations around mental health, we cultivate a community where everyone feels safe seeking support when they need it most.

The semicolon has become a powerful symbol within the mental health awareness movement, representing hope, resilience, and the strength to keep going. In writing, an author uses a semicolon when they could have ended a sentence but chose not to. You are the author of your life, and your story continues. Remember: you are deeply valued, stronger than you realize, and never alone in your journey.

Support Resources & Helplines

If you or someone you know is struggling or in distress, help is always available:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24/7, free, and confidential)
• NISD Safeline: Call 210-397-SAFE (7233) or email safe@nisd.net

• Student Achievement Coordinator: Comm Arts HS and Taft HS share a Student Achievement Coordinator, Ms. Adriana Najera. She helps students explore and navigate various academic and career opportunities, including college applications, scholarships, fee waivers, military enlistment, career pathways, FAFSA/TASFA financial aid, resume building, Dual Credit, and TSIA2 testing.
• Scheduling an Appointment: To schedule an appointment with Ms. Najera, email Adriana.Najera@nisd.net or call 210-397-6052. Her office is located at Taft HS in Room A222a.
• Student Support Staff: Ms. Danyelle Foster serves as the support staff for the Student Achievement Coordinator. To schedule an appointment, email danyelle.foster@nisd.net.
• ApplyTexas Senior Workshops: Ms. Foster will be hosting reserved sessions in the Taft HS Library from September 21–25. Seniors will receive hands-on assistance creating ApplyTexas accounts and applying to Alamo Colleges during class time.
• This past week, I met with 11th-grade students for individual planning services. These audit meetings consisted of reviewing credits and projected courses for senior year to ensure students are on the right track for graduation.
• How to Order Transcripts: Submit all transcript requests online through Parchment. Please review the key details below:
  • The Taft Registrar requires up to 10 business days to process transcript orders. Students must use a personal email address, not their school email.
  • Transcripts sent directly to your home are considered unofficial. Colleges, universities, and scholarship committees require official transcripts sent directly from the school.
  • Counselors do not process transcript requests. The Taft Registrar issues all official transcripts directly to the designated institution or organization.
  • If you would like to follow up on your transcript request, please contact Mrs. Torres via email: Rosa.Torres@nisd.net

Scholarship Opportunities

Here are several upcoming scholarship opportunities from the September 10th update:

• Stantec Future Leaders Scholarship: $10,000 (46 Awards) — Application Deadline: October 2, 2026

• Craig Huffman Memorial Scholarship: $2,000 (2 Awards) — Application Deadline: October 10, 2026

• Elks Most Valuable Student Competition: $30,000 (500 Awards) — Application Deadline: November 12, 2026

Financial Aid Night

Financial Aid Night will be held on September 21st from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Brandeis High School Auditorium. Seniors, make plans to attend.

Information Regarding Course Schedules

Please note that we cannot process schedule adjustments based on elective choices, teacher preferences, or changing course interests. The master schedule is constructed around initial requests, and many courses are currently at maximum capacity.

Academic Support: If you find a course challenging, we strongly encourage attending tutoring sessions, communicate directly with your teacher, and utilize available resources. Counselors are unable to process teacher change requests.

Parent Conferences & Inquiries: Parents wishing to discuss student progress are encouraged to contact teachers directly to schedule a conference.

We are dedicated to supporting you through every step of your high school journey. Have a wonderful and productive semester!

Respectfully yours,

Dr. Minerva Rosales

Communications Arts High School Counselor

Minerva.Rosales@nisd.net

Purple Star Campus Designation: We are proud to announce that Communications Arts High School has been awarded the 2026–27 Purple Star Campus Designation by the Texas Education Agency! This designation recognizes our campus's significant commitment to welcoming, supporting, and serving military-connected students and their families. We value you and thank you for your commitment and service.

This nationwide campaign highlights the critical role attendance plays in student success. Missing just two days a month means students lose 10% of the entire school year.

Tips for Families and Students:

• Establish routines: Set a consistent bedtime and morning wake-up time.
• Prep the night before: Lay out clothes, pack backpacks, and organize lunches ahead of time.
• Avoid unnecessary pull-outs: Schedule medical or dental appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. You can also schedule them at the beginning or end of the day. If the student is on campus for part of the day and has a doctor's note, it won't count towards a student's absences.
• Communicate early: Talk to teachers, school counselor, or administration right away if your child faces health, emotional, or transportation barriers.

The Texas Compulsory Attendance Law states that students between the ages of 6 and 19 are subject to the Texas Compulsory Attendance Laws.

Let's start with how it affects a student's academics. The Law states that a student must attend 90% of the class time offered to receive credit for a course. In Northside, our calendar shows 174 school days for the 26/27 school year. This equates to 17 absences in a full-year course before attendance recovery is required or a student loses credit, regardless of their grade. For a semester course, we have 85 days in the fall, which allows 9 absences, and 89 days in the spring, which allows 9 absences, before attendance recovery is required or a student loses credit, regardless of grade. Remember, when considering the 90% rule and its impact on gaining credit, both excused and unexcused absences count.

A student absent more than 75% of class time will no longer be eligible for attendance recovery and will need to retake the course to earn credit. This equates to 22 absences per semester.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email cahs.attendance@nisd.net.

The Texas Compulsory Attendance Laws state that a parent/guardian will be notified (Attendance Warning Notice) if the student has been absent from school without excuse under Section 25.087 for three days or part days within four weeks. You might receive an Attendance Warning via email if your student falls into the above situation. If the student, after receiving the attendance warning, continues to accumulate unexcused absences (a total of 10 absences in 6 months), they may be subject to possible referral to the truancy court, depending on the circumstances. When it comes to the legalities of the Compulsory Attendance Laws, only unexcused absences are considered. Ways to avoid referral to the municipal court can include, but are not limited to:

1. Set up HAC and monitor your students' attendance and academics.
2. Have your student set up a HAC account and make them responsible for monitoring their attendance.
3. Provide the school with notes when the student is out, such as a doctor's note or a parent's note. A parent's note should contain the student's name, school ID, and a brief description of the reason for the absence.
4. If you receive an alert (HAC) that you do not think is correct, contact the school to determine why you were marked absent or tardy. Talk to your student to see what caused them to be marked absent or tardy.
5. Talk to your student regularly about their academic progress and the importance of attending class and doing their best.
6. Maintain open communication with the school when a student will be out for more than three consecutive days.

The Comm Arts front office purchased test review materials as well as scholarship guides. Students are welcome to stop by and check out any of these materials.

NISD Council of PTAs offers a $1,000 scholarship to one high school senior from each Northside ISD high school PTSA who will be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university or a technical institute in the summer or fall semester immediately following the applicant's high school graduation.

Through our scholarship program, the Northside ISD Council of PTAs supports students focused on achieving career goals through higher education. In evaluating each application, the Scholarship Committee will also consider service and participation in school activities, community involvement, and scholastic merit.

The application deadline is November 15th, 2026, at midnight.

Applicant must use a NON-SCHOOL-ISSUED EMAIL ADDRESS. NO EXCEPTIONS.

10th and 11th graders can qualify for $500 and $40,000 scholarships from BigFuture®! The scholarships are open to all students, with no GPA, test score, essay, income, or citizenship requirements. Every month, BigFuture will award $500 and $40,000 to students who take steps toward their career and the education they need to reach it.

For more information: BigFuture Scholarships

It's time to register for AP Exams. Payments for AP exams will be made using MySchoolBucks online or by cash/check (payable to 'Taft High School') handed directly to Ms. Najera in room A222a before November 9, 2025 (for full-year & fall semester AP courses). Payment for spring semester only exams (AP Macro) is due in full by March 4, 2026.

The AP Exam Fee for the 2026-2027 school year is $40 per exam, or $10 if a student qualifies for free or reduced lunch. If a student registers for an exam and cancels after the November ordering deadline, they will be charged a $40 cancellation fee. Additionally, if a student does not order an exam by November 9, 2025 (for a full-year course), a $40 late order fee may apply.

For more information about the Free and Reduced Program contact their office at (210) 397-4517, email free-reduced@nisd.net, or visit www.nisd.net/schools/menus.

Reminder: All My School Bucks School Store products will be disabled during NISD's Winter Break and Spring Break

Students can request a fee waiver directly from College Board. Eligible students can receive SAT fee waiver benefits by logging in to their College Board account and submitting a request. Learn more on the College Board website.

Practice Builds Confidence

Take advantage of free Official SAT Practice at Khan Academy®. Take a practice test, set a target score, and feel confident on test day.

Students in grades 9-11 took their school pictures last Friday, September 4th. Cady will be back on October 16th for picture retakes.

Visit cady.com/pictureday to confirm your info, explore package options and place your order.

Seniors, take time to schedule your senior portraits with CADY this summer.

Our Verification of Enrollment (VOE) is available digitally. Use this Google Form to request a copy.

Comm Arts students will attend assemblies during the second week of school to discuss campus expectations.

As a safety reminder, NISD does not allow food deliveries for students or faculty/staff members. Additionally, all students, faculty, and staff must wear their school IDs on campus for safety. Students who need an ID will have opportunities during the first week of school.

Here is the link for more information: https://www.nisd.net/schools/safetySafety First, 2026-2027

Additionally, any visitors to campus will need to apply and pass a background check. This must be completed every year. It will not roll over. Here is the link to the background check: https://www.nisd.net/community/volunteer-mentor

If you notice anything unusual or a potential safety concern throughout the school year, please get in touch with the NISD Safeline. The Safeline is anonymous and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Phone number: 210-397-7233

Email: safe@nisd.net

The Home Access Center (HAC) allows parents to access grades and attendance information.

Adobe Creative Suite Software at Home for Personal Devices

ComArts CTE students can download and install Adobe Creative Suite software onto their personal laptops and computers (not Chromebooks) for FREE using your NISD student login credentials. Use the attached instructions for guidance. Keep in mind that the Adobe software version installed at home will be a newer version than what is available at school.

Mission: Our school promotes curiosity while providing rigorous academics in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vision: Communications Arts H.S. students will be confident, capable, communicative leaders.

Email: cahs@nisd.net

Attendance Email: CAHS.attendance@nisd.net
Website: https://www.nisd.net/communicationsarts
Location: 11600 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78253, USA
Phone: (210) 397-6043
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommunicationsArtsHighSchool/
X: @NISDComArts