Brief Message From the Principal

NMS Blue Jay Families,

Happy New Year! Spring semester started last week, and we had a great first week back!
Spring semester is always busy with clubs, UIL events, testing, field trips and more! Please be sure to check the weekly newsletters.
This week we will start our mid-year MAP testing in Reading, Math, and Science (next week). These computer based tests help determine students' current academic levels and guide our teachers in how to best support our students. Encourage your Blue Jay to do his/her best and show what they know! No added pressure or stress!
Monday 1/19/26 is a Holiday - Enjoy the 3 day weekend!
Check out the sections below for info about NMS! There is a lot of info in this newsletter, so please take note 📝

- Mandy Bryan, Principal

There are many Houston Area Events that we would like to share!

Space Center Houston Sensory Friendly Events

Space Center Houston invites people of all ages who experience disabilities such as, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder, to explore science and space exploration in a reduced sensory environment. Sensory Friendly Events provide a sensory-supportive setting including modified lighting, music and sound effects. The number of tickets is limited for these exclusive events to allow visitors to enjoy Space Center Houston in a sensory friendly atmosphere without large crowds.

Visitors can participate in special educational activities operated by instructors who are trained to accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities. There also will be a designated quiet room for guests. Additionally, there is a reduced admission price of $15.95 per person (over age 3).

Check out their UPCOMING EVENTS!

Recreational Programs for Individuals with Disabilities

Please share this resource with your families. It includes opportunities to participate in theater, horseback riding, soccer, and more!

Recreational Programs

HLSR Special Children's Events

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ is an experience everyone should enjoy. The Rodeo’s Special Children’s Committee interviews social agencies and schools so physically/developmentally challenged children and adults may attend Houston’s biggest event.

Participation in these events are through social agencies and schools on our agency list. The limited number of tickets are distributed as equitably as possible every year. If your social agency or school would like to be on the list to be considered, please send an email to specialchildrens@rodeohouston.com.

Visit their website for more information about upcoming events.

TAMU Work-Based Learning Project

The purpose of the TAMU Work-Based Learning Project is to create authentic work experiences for high school students with disabilities in Texas. Our team collaborates with selected high schools to implement Work-Based Learning programs either on campus or within their communities. Through funding, training, and technical assistance, the project helps schools teach pre-employability skills and provide meaningful work experiences that lead to paid employment. Grant funds are still available, and the application process is very straight-forward.

You are welcome to come to NMS during the week of your Blue Jay's birthday and have lunch with them! Be sure to bring your ID and check in at the office first.

Regarding Birthday Celebrations and Birthday Lunches:

Students may have up to 4 visitors during the week of their birthday (no small children, please)
Visitors may bring lunch for themselves and their birthday student, only
Students may have 1 friend sit with them and the friend must provide their own lunch
One treat may be allowed to be shared with the class.
All treats MUST be approved by the teacher BEFORE they are brought to campus

4th Grade Lunch: 11:35-12:05

5th Grade Lunch: 12:25-12:55

6th Grade Lunch: 10:45-11:15

Thank you in advance for following these procedures for birthday visits!

If your NMS student is trying to access Google Classroom from home...

Go to https://classroom.google.com/ to log in. Students will enter their username and password:

Username: 6digitID@needvilleisd.com

Password: 8 digit numeric password

If anyone in the household is already logged into a Google account, be sure to click on the circle icon in the upper right and add another account