Keeping Up with Comm Arts

The school year is moving along! Grades were captured on Friday, September 18th, and are available via HAC as of Monday, September 21st. Please review grades with your child(ren).

Support Comm Arts StuCo by eating at Sonic this Thursday, September 24th.

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.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month officially began September 15th! 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 21st–24th. See the flyer for more information. We hope you will join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month together!

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.

We are excited to announce that Maddison Martinez has been selected for the UP Leaders of Tomorrow Fellowship! This 9-month, paid program focuses on civic leadership and advocacy for young people aged 16 to 24 in Bexar County, Texas. Through this fellowship, Maddison will gain insights into local government, education, and public policy, enhancing her skills as a community leader and advocate. Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment!

Last week, our editors had an amazing time at the Jostens Yearbook conference. We're buzzing with excitement as we look forward to a truly stellar yearbook that captures all the unforgettable moments of this year! Stay tuned for something special.

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.

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.

Freshmen

Lady Isabella Luzarraga

Lordy Daniel Perez

Sophomores have a tie for both Duke and Duchess so voting will remain open until the end of the day on Monday.

Juniors

Princess Jaysleon Bauri

Prince Maddox Guajardo

The final candidates for Homecoming Queen and King are:

Queen

Hannah Bauer

Madeline Bush

Avory Cortez

Sophia Knlot

King

Gerardo Medrano

Samuel Nunez

Salvador Rodriguez

Luciano Sandoval

Students are encouraged to continue reviewing their daily routines, coursework, and study habits to stay on track for academic success. Establishing consistent habits and utilizing available tutoring services early in the semester helps maintain strong grades, manage workload expectations, and keep stress levels manageable.

In this issue, you will find practical strategies for academic success, grounding techniques for stress management, and key 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

• 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

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

We are proud to announce that Communications Arts High School has received the 2026–27 Purple Star Campus Designation from the Texas Education Agency! This designation honors our school's commitment to welcoming, supporting, and serving military-connected students and their families. Thank you for your service and dedication to our country.

• Student Achievement Coordinator: Communications Arts HS and Taft HS share a Student Achievement Coordinator, Ms. Adriana Najera. She supports students in exploring academic and post-secondary opportunities, including college applications, scholarships, fee waivers, military enlistment, career pathways, FAFSA/TASFA financial aid, resume building, Dual Credit enrollment, 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 in Taft HS, 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 host dedicated workshop sessions in the Taft HS Library from September 21–25. Seniors will receive hands-on assistance creating ApplyTexas accounts and submitting applications to Alamo Colleges during class time.

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!

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.

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

• Stantec Future Leaders Scholarship: $10,000 (46 Awards) — Application Deadline: October 2nd, 2026
• Craig Huffman Memorial Scholarship: $2,000 (2 Awards) — Application Deadline: October 10th, 2026
• Elks Most Valuable Student Competition: $30,000 (500 Awards) — Application Deadline: November 12th, 2026

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

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

If you are a senior and need to take the SAT, you can sign up through the College Board. Most NISD high schools are weekend testing sites.

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.

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. If you already took your senior portrait and paid a studio fee, please reach out to CADY. They will reimburse you.

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