Gifted Wildcats

I hope that you enjoyed the 5-day fall break! Fall is a busy time for GT at Sotomayor.

ISM students will be visiting with their mentors at least six times in this grading cycle and they will begin brainstorming their product for the end-of-year showcase in April, while GT2 will begin their community service project in the coming days. Their plan involves outreach to both senior centers and hospitals--stay tuned for more in the next issue! In GT1, students will be learning effective study strategies, taking the PSAT, and exploring how music affects the brain. See below for a glimpse into our classroom!

This year-long honors elective class offers GT freshmen and sophomores a hands-on, active learning approach to leadership and organization, including college planning, resume writing, decision-making skills, problem-solving techniques, and communication skills. Students enrolled in the course will apply these skills in dealing with peers, school administration, and the community. This course meets the high school speech requirement if needed.

This one-semester honors elective class offers GT sophomores and juniors the opportunity to focus on service learning while allowing for global awareness and recognizing the contribution of responsible citizens and leaders through service projects. Students work in groups to develop products or events that connect their personal passions and interests, using a service-based project. The goal of this course is to give students an opportunity to practice professionalism, leadership, and collaborative skills while learning about our community needs.

Gifted juniors and seniors may enroll in a year-long Independent Study Mentorship class. In this honors class, students pursue an area of special interest under the guidance of a mentor for a full year. At the end of the year, students must give a presentation and product display to an invited audience including experts from the selected field of study. Students, parents, mentors, and college entrance committees report that this is the most useful preparation for the real world offered by the educational system.

ISM students are developing websites that they can use when applying for scholarships, colleges, and even jobs. Ms. Galindo, our journalism teacher, took free professional headshots of our ISM students! Thanks, Ms. Galindo! Check out our 6th period's headshots below, and next issue, I will showcase more!

Students in ISM had a chance to sit together and discuss their mentorships. From observing penguin surgeries to helping children spell to occasional awkward moments with industry professionals, ISM students experience more than most high schoolers!

GT2 created flyers and themed bulletin boards to encourage community involvement on campus! Spooktacular work, GT2!

GT1 has a number of building activities focused on improving leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking. One of those is the Sphero Chariot Races, where students build a cardboard chariot to be pulled by a remote-controlled Sphero Bolt robot. This robot-powered chariot must transport marbles across a track quickly and efficiently.

Check out the GTEAC Newsletter here!

Friday, October 30, 2026 Treat yourself to Panda Express and support our GT students and teachers at the same time! 28% of sales will be donated directly to GTEAC.

• When: Friday, October 30, 2026

• Where: Online orders only at PandaExpress.com or the Panda Express App

• Fundraiser Code: 9016407

How it works:

1. Go to PandaExpress.com or open the Panda Express App

2. Choose pickup or delivery

3. Enter code 9016407 in the Fundraiser Code box at checkout

4. Click Apply and enjoy your meal knowing you're making a difference!

Northside ISD honors GT students who continue to engage in GT elective courses in high school with a special graduation cord. Students who meet the requirements below will walk with this cord at graduation as a Northside GT Scholar:

• Student must complete GT1 or GT2 (or both)

AND

• Student must complete at least one year of ISM

PSAT Results will be available in early November. If your student is enrolled in Khan Academy (like our GT1 class), the results will link to Khan Academy, which will provide targeted practice for skills where your student can improve in the future.

• What Teachers Wish Parents of High Schoolers Knew

• Four Ways Parents Can Help Teens Use AI Safely

Horizon Academic Research Program

Do original research this winter. Work 1-on-1 with an Oxford or Harvard mentor.

The Horizon Academic Research Program pairs high school students 1-on-1 with researchers from Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard. In 12 weeks, you'll complete a 20-page, college-level research paper you can submit to competitions or journals and include in your college application.

39% of our alumni attend an Ivy League, Stanford, or MIT. More info in our brochure.

Our Winter Priority Deadline is October 18. Submit your application here.

Still have questions? Reach out to our Head of Academics at: Josiane@horizoninspires.com

The Coolidge Scholarship

The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that recipients may use for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. Any high school junior who plans to enroll in college in the fall of 2028 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply (current high school seniors are not eligible to apply). Winners may use the scholarship to pursue any academic major.

Academic excellence is the primary criterion considered by the Coolidge Scholarship. Secondary criteria include an interest in public policy and an appreciation of the values President Coolidge championed. Successful candidates will also demonstrate humility and have a record of genuine service to their communities. A complete description of the scholarship’s criteria is available here.

Email: benjamin.brahm@nisd.net

Phone: (210) 398-2700, ext. 029222
ISM Website: https://sites.google.com/nisd.net/ismsotomayor/home (Requires NISD Login)

Campus Website: https://www.nisd.net/sotomayor
Campus X: https://x.com/nisdsotomayor?lang=en