Keeping Up with Comm Arts
~ October 19, 2026 ~
NHS Fundraiser
Día de los Muertos CAHS Ofrenda
Part of learning a new language is exploring the cultures of the people who speak it. One of the most meaningful celebrations in Mexico and other Latin American countries is Día de los Muertos.
The Spanish National Honor Society (SNHS) is displaying a community ofrenda featuring mini ofrendas, sugar skulls, and more.
To participate in our school community ofrenda, please use the QR Code. You may honor a relative, a pet, or someone who inspired you and is no longer with us.
For Students
For Teachers and Staff
The Congressional App Challenge
This competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. They encourage students of all skill levels to participate and learn how to create their own apps. Students are encouraged to register online and submit their apps by October 26, 2026.
To learn more about the competition or to submit an app go to the CongressionalAppChallenge.us
U.S. Service Academy Nominations
If you are interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy, you can CLICK HERE or you can email TX20.Nominations@mail.house.gov.
Congressional Award Program
Take the Challenge and earn Congress' highest award for youth. Bring service, initiative, and achievement to your community and set a goal to earn The Congressional Award. Start your journey today.
If you would like information on the Congressional Award Program or would like a brochure and workbook, call the San Antonio District Office.
Congressional Art Challenge
Every spring, high school students are encouraged to compete in the
Congressional Art Competition for a chance to showcase their work amongst the most talented students in the nation. The overall winner in our district will have their art displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. They will also have the opportunity to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the Congressional Art Competition, click here.
Tutoring Bus
Students who stay after school for tutoring may ride the late bus to the designated elementary and middle schools. The bus will leave the Taft bus loop promptly at 5:30 PM. All students must have a signed bus pass from their teacher to board.
**Please note the elementary schools listed on the flyer.
CAHS Tutoring
Mental Health & Wellness: Managing Fall Stress
Balancing rigorous magnet coursework, test prep, and personal commitments can create stress. Practicing simple grounding techniques can help restore cognitive equilibrium:
- Mindful Micro-Breaks: Step away from digital screens during long study blocks to rest your eyes and refresh your focus.
- Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds to calm your mind during high-stress moments.
- Box breathing relaxation technique: how to calm feelings of stress or anxiety
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense each muscle group for 5 seconds and then release to systematically reduce physical body tension.
- Brain Dump Journaling: Write down all your current thoughts, tasks, and worries onto paper without filtering to clear mental clutter.
Stress Management 101
- Identify Stressors: Recognize early physical and mental signs of stress, such as fatigue or muscle tension, and take proactive breaks.
- Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Add daily movement, journaling, or creative outlets to your routine to release stored tension.
- Reach Out for Support: Don't hesitate to visit the Counseling Office or talk with a trusted adult when you feel overwhelmed.
- Prioritize Sleep Hygiene: Keep a consistent sleep schedule and create a restful environment free of screen distractions before bed.
- Engage in Physical Exercise: Add regular movement, like walking, jogging, or stretching, to help lower stress hormones and improve mood.
- Set Digital Boundaries: Establish specific times to disconnect from social media and notifications to prevent digital overload.
- Practice Gratitude Journaling: Take a few minutes each day to write down what you are thankful for to shift your focus to positive experiences.
- The Science of Gratitude
Campus Reminders & Policies
- Red Ribbon Week: Red Ribbon Week kicks off in late October. Remember that all daily student outfits and costumes must strictly comply with the NISD dress code (no face paint, costume masks, or onesies).
- Attendance Requirement (90% Rule): To receive course credit, state law requires students to be in attendance for at least 90% of class days. Submit all parent and doctor notes promptly to cahs.attendance@nisd.net.
- Personal Communication Devices: Cell phones, earbuds, and smartwatches must remain powered off and stored in backpacks during school hours. Personal laptops are permitted strictly for educational purposes.
Digital Citizenship Basics
- Positive Digital Footprint: Remember that your online activity reflects your personal brand. Think critically before posting or sharing content online.
- Respect & Responsibility: Communicate constructively in online group spaces, respect digital privacy, and report any instances of cyberbullying.
- Digital Citizenship | Things Explained
Gearing Up for Red Ribbon Week (October 23rd to October 31st)
- Theme & Awareness: Red Ribbon Week takes place October 23rd through October 31st. Join us in celebrating drug-free choices and healthy living through school-wide spirit days and awareness activities.
- Dress Code Reminder: All spirit-day attire and costumes must strictly comply with NISD dress code guidelines (no face paint, costume masks, or onesies).
TSI Testing
ASVAB Testing
NVC - College Awareness
Attention seniors! If you're interested in learning more about College Connection, Alamo Colleges, and AlamoPROMISE, check out the College Awareness Video Presentation. It provides valuable information that can help you in your college journey. Additionally, indicate your interest or need for support by completed the form linked for the Alamo College Connection Support Request. Don't miss out on these important opportunities!
Jack C. Jordan Scholarship
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.
Study Review Materials & Scholarship Guides
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.
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
Comm Arts Clubs
Taft Clubs
NISD 26-27 Calendar
Off & Away for the Day
We would like to remind everyone of our No Personal Communication Device Policy during school hours. This includes cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and similar devices, in line with Texas House Bill 1481, to support a focused learning environment.
Students may use personal laptops for classwork as directed by their teachers. Specific devices, such as Adobe-equipped iPads for certain courses, are also permitted. However, all devices must be powered off and kept in backpacks during passing periods, lunch, and non-applicable classes.
Please use laptops responsibly for educational purposes only. Misuse will result in loss of privileges. Thank you for your cooperation!
School Safety Reminder
Northside ISD joined the Texas School Safety Center's public awareness campaign, "Threats Are No Joke!" aimed at educating students and parents about the serious consequences of making or sharing threats. The campaign highlights that even joking about threats can have legal repercussions and endanger safety, as shown in the PSA video linked below. Students are encouraged to report any concerning information through NISD's Safeline. We encourage everyone to watch the video at https://txssc.txstate.edu/videos/threats-are-no-joke/ to understand better the importance of keeping our schools safe. Thank you.
Attendance Matters
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.
