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The Blazer Beat

January 23, 2026

The Blazer Beat January 23, 2026
The Blazer BeatJanuary 23, 2026

Principal's Message Principal's Message

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North Lake Family,


College classes are underway here on campus, and our students are already busy setting calendar dates for projects and tests in their courses. Our teachers are also assisting in our advisory courses, and starting next week, we will start checking college grades to ensure our students are on track. Please encourage your student to share their college grades with you and their upcoming projects as well.


I have been asked by many students and parents regarding the weather and potential for delay or cancellations next week. At the time of this Blazer Beat going out, the District is closely monitoring all weather conditions and will decide on cancellations this weekend. As soon as I receive any word on cancellations, I will send out on Remind to all families with the official statement from the District.


Winter Storm Fern will arrive on Friday evening, and the impact will be felt into next week. Please stay safe during this time and remember to take care of each other as we go through this together. Stay warm and see you all next week.



Sincerely,


Adrian Hernandez

Principal

North Lake Early College High School

Twitter @AdHernandez2648



Familias de North Lake,


Las clases universitarias ya han comenzado aquí en el campus, y nuestros estudiantes ya están ocupados planificando las fechas de entrega de proyectos y exámenes. Nuestros profesores también están brindando apoyo en las tutorías, y a partir de la próxima semana, comenzaremos a revisar las calificaciones universitarias para asegurarnos de que nuestros estudiantes vayan por buen camino. Les pedimos que animen a sus hijos a compartir con ustedes sus calificaciones universitarias y los próximos proyectos.


Muchos estudiantes y padres me han preguntado sobre el clima y la posibilidad de retrasos o cancelaciones la próxima semana. En el momento de enviar este boletín informativo, el Distrito está monitoreando de cerca las condiciones climáticas y tomará una decisión sobre las cancelaciones este fin de semana. Tan pronto como reciba información sobre las cancelaciones, la compartiré con todas las familias a través de Remind, junto con el comunicado oficial del Distrito.


La tormenta invernal Fern llegará el viernes por la noche y sus efectos se sentirán durante la próxima semana. Por favor, manténganse a salvo durante este tiempo y recuerden cuidarse unos a otros mientras superamos esto juntos. Abríguense bien y nos vemos la próxima semana.


Atentamente,


Adrián Hernández

Director

North Lake Early College High School

Twitter @AdHernández2648

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How Does North Lake Early College H S Rank Among America's Best High Schools?

See how North Lake Early College H S in Irving, TX ranks among America's best high schools.

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Dallas ISD Parent Survey Results Dallas ISD Parent Survey Results

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Welcome our Student Teacher, Mrs. Leo! Welcome our Student Teacher, Mrs. Leo!

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Parent Information Parent Information

Thank you to the families that participated in our SBDM Meeting on 1/8/26

SBDM #2: January 8, 2026

Site Based Decision Making Committee (SBDM) North Lake Early College High School Matthew Fazio, NLECHS SBDM Chair Adrian Hernandez, NLECHS Principal John Johnson, NLECHS Asst. Principal 1 January 8, 2026 SBDM Meeting

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Join PTA

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Volunteer/Donation List

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Voly | Where your passions and volunteer opportunities click.

VOLY.org is the premier online volunteer matching program for volunteers and nonprofit organizations.

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Family and Community Events! Family and Community Events!

To access fresh food and local programs near you, go to WIC https://texaswic.org/, FoodFinder https://foodfinder.us/, or the North Texas Food Bank https://msg.care/8G8kq

North Lake ECHS Teacher of the Year - Mrs. Locker North Lake ECHS Teacher of the Year - Mrs. Locker

Congratulation to founding staff member, Mrs. Alex Locker! Mrs. Locker is our Algebra II teacher, Student Ambassador, and Destination Imagination Sponsor. She is an amazing part of the North Lake ECHS family and we are fortunate to have her! She will represent North Lake ECHS and hopefully move on to be a finalist for District Teacher of the Year!

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ASPIRE Award Winner - Ms. King ASPIRE Award Winner - Ms. King

Ms. Tierra King, is an aspiring math teacher who serves the North Lake ECHS community as our Teacher Assistant. She is always willing to help in any areas needed and has been a major factor in our students being able to pass TSIA2 Math. Congratulations!

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Important Dates Important Dates

January 19 - January 23, 2026


Monday, January 19, 2026 - Holiday - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day



Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - B Day - First Day of Dallas College Classes

Virtual Mock Trial Scrimmage for Mock Trial Members


Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - A Day - Campus Uniform Day

Open House 4pm - 7pm


Thursday, January 22, 2026 - B Day - College Career Military Readiness Day

Wear your gear!


Friday, January 23, 2026 - A Day - North Lake ECHS Spirit Day!



Tutoring starts back on January 27th!


North Lake ECHS Social Media

Instagram:

@northlakeechs

X/Twitter: @NorthLake_ECHS

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/NLECHSDISD

Technology Updates Technology Updates

Password resets will be handled by the student themselves (via calling tech support at (972) 925 - 5630) or by the classroom teacher they are with at the time. Instructions for resetting passwords can be found linked here which is also at the bottom of this Student password document.

Laptop repairs: Please familiarize yourself with the NEW process here students are asked to follow for laptop repairs, notifications, and pick-up. The blue wagon mentioned in the process is located in the front office in front of Mr. Matney’s workspace.

Creating a Parent Portal Account Creating a Parent Portal Account

Parent Sign In

Students - Click the button to sign in. You will be redirected to the Student sign in page.

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Creating a Parent Portal Account

TSIA Support TSIA Support

Please look over these videos to support you with TSIA ELAR and Math!

TSI English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) Crash Course - Day 1 (Part 1) - TSI Reading Practice!
TSI Math Crash Course Day 1 (Part 1) - The Best TSI Math Review - Full Course Updated for TSIA2

UPDATED Bus Transportation! UPDATED Bus Transportation!

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE REVIEW ROUTES.

Please review the routes below, a live link is also available. If you encounter any issues, please contact transportation first. 972-925-4287. Remember, buses can run behind schedule due to increased traffic.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OuunwjN-sbEmHSFSN-Q6HG7WeMZGaOoPL0jACIWJ7xU/edit?gid=1532365375#gid=1532365375


This link also provides information on tracking your bus.

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1718999515/dallasisdorg/s9d8xkppldxbtsm50pql/parent-portal-infographic_82020.pdf

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Tutoring Bus Routes Tutoring Bus Routes

Tutoring buses arrive between 5:30 pm and 6 pm. Please make sure you have joined the North Lake Tutoring Buses Remind nlechbus so you are notified of your bus’s arrival.

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North Lake Family Handbook 2025-2026 North Lake Family Handbook 2025-2026

We have created a family handbook that answers many of the questions you may have for the 2025-2026 school year. Please click on the link below to access the handbook.

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Counselor's Corner Counselor's Corner

Visit our Counseling website for additional resources and Information!


Parent Counseling Needs Assessment - Please complete today!


Register for an upcoming district Parent Training!


Counselor’s Corner: First Week of College Classes


This week marked the first week of college (dual credit) classes, and we are excited to see our students beginning this important step in their academic journey. Starting college coursework while still in high school is a big transition and an excellent opportunity for students to build confidence, responsibility, and college-ready habits.


Parents play a key role during these first few weeks. We encourage you to check in with your student about how their classes are going and review expectations together. Students should be logging into their college platforms regularly, staying aware of deadlines, and managing their time carefully, as college courses move quickly and require a high level of independence.


Helpful ways families can support students this week include:


  • Reviewing syllabi and key due dates together

  • Talking through time management and study routines

  • Encouraging students to ask questions and reach out to instructors early

  • Reminding students that support is available if they feel overwhelmed

The first few weeks set the tone for the entire semester. Staying engaged now can help prevent small challenges from becoming larger obstacles later. If you or your student have questions about college courses, platforms, or expectations, please reach out to the counseling office. We are here to support our students in every way!


Internship/Scholarship Opportunities

UNT Dallas College of Law (9th-12th)

UT Southwestern Psychiatry HS Internship

Home Depot: Path to Pro Program (18+)

Ladder Internships

Law Internship

Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

NASA Internships

Rabbi Gerald Klein HS Internship

Dallas County

Justice of the Peace Internship

https://www.lumiere-education.com/students-application-form

Inspiring Careers in Mental Health 2026 Flyer (1).pdf

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Dr. Baker 10th/11th Grade

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Dr. Hart 9th/12th Grade

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Blazer News Blazer News

Please enjoy the December issue of the Blazer News!

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Blazer News Dec. 2025
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ASP College and Student Success with Mr. Matney ASP College and Student Success with Mr. Matney

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Hello North Lake Families!


I hope everyone had a great three day weekend! Our ASP updates for this week are as follows:


Applications: 98% of our students have applied to multiple four year universities, and at least 57% have been accepted!


FAFSA: 93.5% of our students have completed their FAFSA/TASFA! The remaining students eligible to complete the FAFSA have completed the student portion, and are waiting on their parents to complete the parent section. I sent an email and a letter home last week, and will follow up with families this week to offer support.


Scholarships: While I am still adding up all of the scholarship awards I have received from students, we are at approximately $4,822,696 in scholarships and grants! Many schools have not released financial aid awards yet, so this number should continue to rise as more and more schools release financial aid!



Thank you all for your continued support!

School Dress Code,Uniforms, and Clear/Mesh Backpacks School Dress Code,Uniforms, and Clear/Mesh Backpacks

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Beginning on the first day of school (August 12, 2025), all students will be expected to adhere to the the North Lake Early College dress code and uniform policy.


Wednesday will be "Uniform Day" On Uniform Wednesdays, students are required to wear their ECHS uniform shirt, black slacks, khaki slacks or a skirt (no shorter than “finger-tip length” with arms in normal position, i.e., arms hanging naturally, as student is standing straight and upright).


Senior Only Uniform of grey slacks or Grey/Blue plaid skirt with the North Lake ECHS uniform shirt or Senior Shirt!


North Lake ECHS Uniform can be purchased at Levine's two locations or via their website https://levinesstores.com/collections/north-lake-early-college-high-school.


Students will be required to follow the North Lake Dress Code on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Please see the image below which outlines the do's and don'ts.


All students will be required to have clear or mesh backpacks for the 25/26 school year, small personal non clear bags are allowed. Dallas ISD will provide all students with one free clear back from the school year. I would recommend the mesh bag as they are more durable for the year. If you require a backpack, you can pick up at open house or first day of school


Mesh/Clear Backpack examples - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mesh+backpack&crid=21Z8OKVNB5ZZY&sprefix=Mesh+Bac%2Caps%2C144&ref=nb_sb_ss_pltr-data-refreshed_1_8

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Seniors Only, click on the photo for product info at Levine's

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Seniors Only, click on the photo for product info at Levine's
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Seniors Only, click on the photo for product info at Levine's
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2025-2026 Bell Schedule and School Hours 2025-2026 Bell Schedule and School Hours

Please review the bell schedule for the 2025-2026 school year. If changes occur due to testing or special events, parents and students will be notified ASAP.


The building is open from 7:15am - 4:15pm. Classes are from 8:00 am - 3:20pm. Note that tutoring will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm - 4:45pm.

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Grade Level Remind Code Grade Level Remind Code

Remind Codes


Class of 2026

text @nlechs26 to the number 81010


Class of 2027

text @nlclass-27 to the number 81010


Class of 2028

text @nlech28 to the number 81010


Class of 2029

text @nlechs 2029 to the number 81010


NLECHS Parents

text @nleparents to the number 81010


North Lake ECHS Tutoring Buses

text @nlechsbus to the number 81010

Staff Contacts Staff Contacts

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Meet the Team! Meet the Team!

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John Johnson - Assistant Principal

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Monique Gossett - Campus Coordinator

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Kara Hoover - English I Cluster Lead Teacher

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Kane Cortez - MAPS and Algebra I

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Ana Martinez - Biology and AP Environmental Science

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Hector Osegueda - AP Human Geography and AP African American Studies

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Aaronia Ferguson - English II, Senior Sponsor and Cluster Lead Teacher

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Bethany Crawford - Dual Credit German

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Jeff Heiple - Geometry and Cluster Lead Teacher

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Samah Al-Hamadi - Dual Credit Biology

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Alexandra Locker - Algebra II

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Swati Chakarvarty - Honors Chemistry

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Aubry Born - Dual Credit English

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Dr. John Davis II - Special Education

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Elida Rueda - Parent Support Specialist

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Dr. August Darbonne - Dual Credit US History and Mexican American Studies

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Dhara Katbamna - Dual Credit Math and AP AB Calculus

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Kelly Green - Dual Credit Government and AP Economics

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Steven Nguyen - Dual Credit Health/PE and Cluster Lead Teacher

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Michelle Smith - Dual Credit English

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Danny Whitsell - Business and Financial Literacy

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Nurse Archie - School Nurse

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Natasha Sublet - Office Manager

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Sandra Fisher - Financial Clerk and Parent Liaison

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Cledy Olivares - Campus Safety Monitor

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Tierra King - Teacher's Assistant and TSIA2 Math Tutor

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Tonya Caston - Data Clerk/Registrar

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