Keeping Up with Comm Arts

As we step into the fifth week of the school year, we hope you all enjoyed a refreshing Labor Day weekend! It's hard to believe we're already settling into our routines. This week marks a significant time for our students to reflect on their progress and get excited about the opportunities ahead.

Students, you need to check your grades, attendance, and email regularly. If you notice any discrepancies in your attendance, please inform your teacher immediately. Also, when you're absent, check Schoology for information about missed classwork. Some assignments can be completed at home, which will prevent you from falling behind. Parents, we appreciate your partnership in monitoring your child's attendance and grades.

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.

Communications Arts High School has been awarded the Purple Star Campus Designation, recognizing our commitment to supporting students from military families. We are among 427 designated schools in Texas.

NHS kicked off its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 1st. Members received a parental consent form required to join a school club/organization. Please return that form to Mr. Rosser to prevent being dropped from the organization.

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 will CLOSE on Thursday, September 10th at MIDNIGHT.

• NO FORM = NO HOMECOMING TICKET SALES.
• Please complete the form even if you plan to pay with cash.
• Make sure you are signed into your Northside account to complete the form
• If you plan to pay for another Comm Arts/Taft student, they must also fill out this form under their account!
• https://forms.gle/EMu6Fax5FUu3NYcS6

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. We will check attendance 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 complete the Guest Form located at the bottom of the Homecoming Ticket Interest Form by September 11th. ALL information must be filled in for approval.

You will need to:

• Complete the guest information.
• Upload a copy of your guest's student ID
• Wait for your guest to be approved before purchasing their ticket.
• Non-high school students will NOT be approved.
• If your guest is approved, you will receive an email confirming their approval.

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

• Please complete the form before the deadline. Once the form closes on September 10th at midnight, no additional students will be approved for Homecoming ticket sales.
• NO FORM = NO HOMECOMING TICKET.
• 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.

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.

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.

Students have now reached the first progress report of the semester! This is a great time to review your daily routines, coursework, and study habits to ensure you stay on track for academic success. Building consistent habits and using available tutoring services early 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, 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 struggle with coursework or need extra guidance.
• Attend Tutoring Sessions: Your teachers are here to support you. Use scheduled tutoring sessions to reinforce your 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. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline initiative, #BeThe1To, focuses on actions we can all take to promote healing, offer hope, and save lives. By fostering open, supportive conversations around mental health, we create an environment where everyone feels safe asking for assistance.

September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day. This day highlights global efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and reinforce the vital message that suicide is preventable.

The semicolon has become a powerful symbol in the mental health awareness movement, representing hope, resilience, and the power to keep going. In writing, an author uses a semicolon to continue a sentence rather than ending it. You are the author, and that sentence is your journey. Remember: you are stronger than you know, deeply valued, and your story is far from over.

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.
• 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.

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 you to attend tutoring sessions, communicate directly with your teacher, and use available resources. Counselors cannot 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

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

All AP Exams Have Benefits

Completing an AP course and exam means students took college-level coursework in high school. No matter the score, preparing for and taking an AP Exam sharpens students' skills to transition from high school to college. Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams have better college outcomes than their peers. Whatever the score, taking an AP Exam can keep students on track for college. Most students who score a 1 or 2 on their first AP Exam are likely to improve their score on a future exam. Students who achieve an exam score of 2 do significantly better in introductory college classes. Students who achieve exam scores of 1 or 2 are still more likely to attend college and graduate on time (than academically similar students who don’t take AP).

Helpful Resources:

• Do you want to understand better what your scores mean? Click HERE.
• Click HERE to learn more about AP Awards & Recognitions.

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