Smore logo
remove_red_eye 329
page background
Logo

The Blazer Beat

May 1, 2026

The Blazer Beat May 1, 2026
The Blazer BeatMay 1, 2026

Principal's Message Principal's Message

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

North Lake Family,


Welcome to the wonderful month of May! We have now entered the final stretch of the school year, and it will go quickly until our final day of class on May 27, 2026! The following weeks will be fast-paced as our students complete college finals, AP exams, and district ACPs. We start next week with our first two AP Exams, Human Geography and African American Studies, on the 5th and 7th.


We also start a new academic chapter for our incoming students as we will host the Class of 2030 and welcome our newest students to Signing Day on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 9 am on the North Lake ECHS Campus. This is always an exciting time of year as we welcome new students and families to our Blazer community. Seeing our newest Blazers light up with excitement as they hear their names called to sign their class banner is a proud tradition we have on our campus.


We have a short week coming up with a district holiday on Monday, May 4, 2026, meaning no school. I have included our AP exam schedule below, and all Freshman students will test on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 8 am. Students in AP African American Studies will test on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 11:45 am. Please ensure they are here on time, with a fully charged device, have had a good breakfast, and a good night’s rest.


Next week, I will also have the honor of representing North Lake ECHS as a Principal of the Year finalist in the Magnet/Choice category on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. I would like to thank you for the belief in our vision for the campus and the support you have provided throughout our time together. I am truly humbled to be a finalist and hope to make our North Lake ECHS community proud! Let’s make it a great week!



Sincerely,


Adrian Hernandez

Principal

North Lake Early College High School

Twitter @AdHernandez2648



Familias de North Lake,


¡Bienvenidos al maravilloso mes de mayo! Hemos entrado ya en la recta final del año escolar, ¡y el tiempo pasará volando hasta nuestro último día de clases, el 27 de mayo de 2026! Las próximas semanas serán muy intensas, ya que nuestros estudiantes completarán sus exámenes finales universitarios, los exámenes AP y los exámenes distritales ACP. Comenzamos la próxima semana con nuestros dos primeros exámenes AP: Geografía Humana y Estudios Afroamericanos, los días 5 y 7, respectivamente.


También iniciamos un nuevo capítulo académico para nuestros estudiantes de nuevo ingreso, ya que recibiremos a la Clase de 2030 y daremos la bienvenida a nuestros alumnos más recientes en el "Signing Day" (Día de la Firma), que se celebrará el sábado 2 de mayo de 2026 a las 9:00 a. m. en el campus de North Lake ECHS. Esta es siempre una época del año emocionante, pues damos la bienvenida a nuevos estudiantes y familias a nuestra comunidad Blazer. Ver a nuestros nuevos Blazers iluminarse de entusiasmo al escuchar sus nombres para firmar el estandarte de su clase es una orgullosa tradición que mantenemos en nuestro campus.


Nos espera una semana corta, ya que el lunes 4 de mayo de 2026 es un día festivo distrital, lo que significa que no habrá clases. A continuación, he incluido nuestro calendario de exámenes AP; todos los estudiantes de primer año (Freshmen) presentarán su examen el martes 5 de mayo de 2026 a las 8:00 a. m. Los estudiantes de la clase de Estudios Afroamericanos AP presentarán su examen el jueves 7 de mayo de 2026 a las 11:45 a. m. Por favor, asegúrense de que lleguen a tiempo, con su dispositivo completamente cargado, y que hayan tomado un buen desayuno y descansado bien la noche anterior.


La próxima semana también tendré el honor de representar a North Lake ECHS como finalista al premio de "Director del Año" en la categoría de Escuelas Magnet/de Elección (Magnet/Choice), el martes 5 de mayo de 2026. Me gustaría agradecerles por creer en nuestra visión para el campus y por el apoyo que nos han brindado a lo largo de nuestro tiempo juntos. Me siento verdaderamente honrado de ser finalista y espero hacer sentir orgullosa a nuestra comunidad de North Lake ECHS. ¡Hagamos de esta una semana fantástica!




Atentamente,


Adrián Hernández

Director

North Lake Early College High School

Twitter @AdHernández2648

Dallas ISD Principal of the Year - Dallas Independent School District

launch dallasisd.org

2025-26 Dallas ISD Parent Survey

Dallas ISD is asking parents to let us know their opinions about their children’s schools and other topics that will help us improve schools and the district overall.

launch dallasisd.sjc1.qualtrics.com
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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.

launch usnews.com
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

SBDM #3 Slide Deck SBDM #3 Slide Deck

SBDM #3 (CNA Overview)--April 30, 2026

Sign In North Lake Early College High School Dallas ISD 1

launch docs.google.com

Dallas ISD Bond Election Dallas ISD Bond Election

North Lake Families,


As you may be aware, Dallas ISD is having a Bond Election on May 2, 2026.

If approved by voters, the proposed bond would:

  • Build 26 new replacement schools

  • Provide renovations and upgrades at all campuses

  • Remove all remaining portable classrooms

  • Implement safety and security upgrades districtwide

  • Upgrade student technology

  • Redirect resources back to classrooms by refinancing loan

  • Repair the district’s swimming pools


The proposal was developed with input from a citizens steering committee and includes multiple propositions for voters to consider.


Early voting is April 20, 2026, through April 28, 2026. Election day is Saturday, May 2, 2026.

You can learn more about the Bond 2026 proposal by visiting bond.dallasisd.org/bond2026. Please encourage your family, friends and neighbors to vote.


Sincerely,

Adrian Hernandez

Principal

North Lake Early College High School

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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Parent Information Parent Information

Join PTA

launch txpta.my.salesforce-sites.com

Volunteer/Donation List

launch docs.google.com

Voly | Where your passions and volunteer opportunities click.

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

launch dallasisd.voly.org
User uploaded image
open_in_new zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Life Around North Lake ECHS Life Around North Lake ECHS

North Lake Honored with a Bronze Level Award for AP Classes! Thank you to our AP teachers, Mr. Osegueda, Ms. Martinez, Ms. Al-Hamadi, Ms. Smith and Ms. Katbamna! Also, lots of debate going on in government and English II!
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Important Dates Important Dates

May 4 - May 8, 2026

Value of the Week - Integrity

What will you do to show this value during the week?



Monday, May 4, 2026 - No School



Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - B Day

AP Human Geography Exam 8 am (All Freshmen Students)

World Heritage Club Cinco de Mayo Celebration during Clubs

Tutoring After School



Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - A Day - Uniform Day

Club shirts are ok!

District Counselor of the Year Awards



Thursday, May 7, 2026 - B Day - College and Career Readiness Day

AP African American Studies Exam 11:45 am

Tutoring After School




Friday, May 8, 2026 - A Day - North Lake Spirit Day

Awards Ceremony Day!


Save the Dates!

AP EXAMS

AP Human Geography 5/5/26


AP African American Studies 5/7/26


AP Pre Calculus 5/12/26


AP Psychology 5/13/26


AP Environmental Science 5/15/26



Class of 2026 Graduation

May 14, 2026 - Dallas College Graduation, 6 pm


May 23, 2026 - 9 am - High School Graduation


North Lake ECHS Social Media

Instagram:

@northlakeechs

X/Twitter: @NorthLake_ECHS

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/NLECHSDISD

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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.

launch dallasisd.powerschool.com
Creating a Parent Portal Account

TSIA Support TSIA Support

Please look over these videos to support you with TSIA ELAR and Math! Also the Study Guide Breaks down the test for you!

pdf
insert_drive_file
Taking on the TSIA2 (Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2).pdf
Download
113.7 KB
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!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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

launch resources.finalsite.net
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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.

pdf
insert_drive_file
25_26 North Lake ECHS Family Handbook.pdf
Download
9.9 MB

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!


May is Mental Health Awareness Month


May is recognized nationwide as Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support the emotional well-being of our students and families.


Mental health is just as important as physical health. Children and teens may experience stress, anxiety, or big emotions as they navigate school, friendships, and life changes. As parents and caregivers, your support plays a powerful role in helping them feel safe, understood, and resilient.


If you notice ongoing changes such as withdrawal, frequent mood swings, changes in sleep or appetite, or a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, it may be helpful to seek additional support. Our school counseling team is available to support students and families. If you have concerns or would like resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out.


Let’s work together to create a supportive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.


Credit Recovery Summer School


Students earn high school credits by successfully passing their classes. If a student does not pass a course, they must retake it or attend summer school to recover the credit.

In Dallas ISD, students are classified by the number of credits earned:

  • 10th grade (Sophomore): at least 6 credits

  • 11th grade (Junior): at least 12 credits

  • 12th grade (Senior): at least 18 credits


Credit Recovery Summer School will be held June 1–25, 2026 at the following campuses: W. H. Adamson, David W. Carter, Sunset, W. T. White, and Woodrow Wilson High Schools.

School counselors will reach out over the next few weeks if enrollment is necessary for your child.


Internship/Scholarship Opportunities

Summer Law Intern Program (Dallas Bar)

Home Depot: Path to Pro Program (18+)

Ladder Internships

Law Internship

NASA Internships

Rabbi Gerald Klein HS Internship

Dallas County

Justice of the Peace Internship

Lumiere


Summer Program Opportunity for Juniors Only

SOAR (Seeking, Observing and Achieving Results) Program

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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

launch drive.google.com
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Dr. Baker 10th/11th Grade

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Dr. Hart 9th/12th Grade

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

ASP College and Student Success with Mr. Matney ASP College and Student Success with Mr. Matney

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

North Lake ECHS Families!


While the weather has been stormy and dreary, our Blazer seniors are bringing the sunshine with their accomplishments! Our seniors have earned over $21 MILLION dollars in scholarships and grants, and 70% of our students have made their college decision!

Last week Emiliano was accepted to Syracuse University, and Odalys was accepted to the Texas A&M/Dallas College Engineering Academy! If she chooses to attend the academy she will receive guaranteed admission to the major of her choice in the Engineering program at Texas A&M! Odalys is the FIRST student at North Lake to qualify for the program!

Enrollment Spotlights

Davidson College:

  • Paris C: Physics (ASP X Davidson Scholar)
  • Nicolette: Exploring majors but considering fields in the social sciences


University of Rochester

  • Alyssa: Pre-Medicine


Syracuse University:

  • Mohammed: Dual Engineering/Business
  • Arturo: Business Management
  • Roman: Exploring majors


Augustana College:

  • Bailey: German major/Education minor (Shout out to Mrs. Tam for being her inspiration!)
  • Bryan: Pre-Veterinary Science- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine early acceptance program!
  • Iris: Biochemistry/Pre-Law


Cornell College

  • Emmanuel: Pre-Physician’s Assistant (Emmanuel is North Lake’s FIRST Posse Scholar!)


Texas Christian University:

  • Daphney: Nursing
  • Astrid: Nursing
  • Kim V: Pre-Medicine
  • Ruth: Psychology


University of Texas at Austin:

  • Angelina: International Studies
  • Mario: Exploring majors, considering applying for Economics or Business major.


Tarleton State University:

  • Angelique: Criminal Justice


UT Arlington:

  • Alondra: Nursing (Terry scholarship recipient!)
  • Cynthia: Nursing
  • Sorays: Pre-Occupational Therapy


University of North Texas

  • Bruno L: Criminal Justice
  • Jayden: Business Management
  • Enrique: Mechanical Engineering
  • Alex: Mechanical Engineering
  • Seforah: Pre-Occupational Therapy
  • Olivia: Fashion Merchandising/Marketing
  • Rachel: International Business
  • Eric: Integrative Studies with focus in Psychology & Music
  • Jesus: Business Management
  • Juan A: Business Management


Texas Tech University

  • Elizabeth A: Engineering


University of Houston

  • Trayvon: Economics
  • Natalie: Business

Metrics:

Acceptances: 100% of our students have applied to at least 3 colleges, and 100% of them have been accepted!!

FAFSA: 97.4% of our students have completed their FAFSA/TASFA!

Scholarships: Our seniors continue to soar past their scholarship goal of 20 million! As of this morning our seniors have earned at least $21,183,764 in scholarships and grants!

Enrollment: While many students are still weighing their options, 70% of our senior class have made their college decision! I will be supporting students this week and meeting with families to help them decide on the best option for their family before the May 1st enrollment deposit deadline.


Thank you all for your continued support!



Have a great week!

Milton Wolfe Prizes Milton Wolfe Prizes

The Milton Wolf prize is awarded for projects that exemplify civic awareness and a call to activism. Sponsored by Centropa, the annual contest asks for students to find a community problem, encourage others to become involved, provide resources for civic engagement and tie this cause to the work of Milton Wolf. Read more about this project by visiting https://www.centropawolfprize.org/


This year six exemplary projects were submitted for the grand prize of $400 and runner up prizes of $250. The past two years, North Lake Early College High School have been awarded a grand prize five times. We are hoping to add this number this year.


Ableism Awareness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=of8SE4UYbSnZrEFx&v=lajq3EJa-MA&feature=youtu.be


Liberate Literature

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70Py88WMtO4


Discrimination Against Minorities

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS_xNTdE3jE


Obesity Awareness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E653QI30Bgk


Education Disparities in Texas

https://youtube.com/watch?si=3q_u1SA5FSEuIUrt&v=eRTbBsJek0Q&feature=youtu.be


Keeping Our Streets Beautiful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWGyvMnpplo

User uploaded image
open_in_new zoom_out_map Show in original size

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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
open_in_new zoom_out_map

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

User uploaded image
open_in_new zoom_out_map
Seniors Only, click on the photo for product info at Levine's
User uploaded image
open_in_new zoom_out_map
Seniors Only, click on the photo for product info at Levine's
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Meet the Team! Meet the Team!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

John Johnson - Assistant Principal

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Monique Gossett - Campus Coordinator

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Kara Hoover - English I Cluster Lead Teacher

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Kane Cortez - MAPS and Algebra I

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Ana Martinez - Biology and AP Environmental Science

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Hector Osegueda - AP Human Geography and AP African American Studies

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Bethany Tam - Dual Credit German

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Jeff Heiple - Geometry and Cluster Lead Teacher

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Samah Al-Hamadi - Dual Credit Biology

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Alexandra Locker - Algebra II

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Swati Chakarvarty - Honors Chemistry

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Aubry Born - Dual Credit English

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Dr. John Davis II - Special Education

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Elida Rueda - Parent Support Specialist

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Dhara Katbamna - Dual Credit Math and AP AB Calculus

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Kelly Green - Dual Credit Government and AP Economics

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Michelle Smith - Dual Credit English

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Danny Whitsell - Business and Financial Literacy

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Nurse Archie - School Nurse

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Natasha Sublet - Office Manager

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Sandra Fisher - Financial Clerk and Parent Liaison

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Cledy Olivares - Campus Safety Monitor

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Tierra King - Teacher's Assistant and TSIA2 Math Tutor

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Tonya Caston - Data Clerk/Registrar

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
Adrian Hernandez
Adrian is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter