Week of September 7

Week of October 12, 2026
PRINCIPAL'S POST WITH DR. WRIGHT
🎬 NHE Families!
We hope our Knights and families enjoyed the extended weekend and some well-deserved time to rest, recharge, and spend time together! As we continue our “Knights, Camera, Action!” year, we remain focused on keeping learning, growth, and meaningful experiences at the center of everything we do.
This past week was another great one at Nottingham! Our 3rd–5th grade Knights completed PSA Reading 1, our PTA Walk & Roll brought energy and a focus on health and wellness to morning arrival, and our 4th graders enjoyed an engaging learning experience at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Thank you to our staff, families, PTA, and volunteers for helping make these opportunities possible!
We’re ready to return from the extended weekend for another action-packed week of learning and community at NHE!
⭐ Week at a Glance
🔬 Wednesday, October 14 – PSA 1 Science
Our 3rd–5th grade Knights will participate in PSA 1 Science (Priority Standards Assessment) on Wednesday. These assessments provide our teachers with valuable information about student learning and help us identify strengths and areas for continued growth. Please help our Knights come to school well-rested, on time, and ready to do their best!
➗ Thursday, October 15 – PSA 1 Math
On Thursday, our Knights will continue with PSA 1 Math. We are proud of the hard work our students and teachers have put into learning this year and encourage every Knight to show what they know!
🦒 Friday, October 16 – 4th Grade Field Trip
Our 4th grade Knights are headed to TGR Exotics Wildlife Park during the school day on Friday! We are excited for our students to take their learning beyond the classroom through a fun and engaging experience with wildlife and nature.
🎡 Knight of Fall Fun – Friday, October 16 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Get ready, NHE — the Knight of Fall Fun is here! 🎉
Join us Friday evening from 5:00–8:00 p.m. for a fun-filled community event and a great opportunity for our Knights, families, staff, and neighbors to come together and enjoy an evening at Nottingham.
A huge thank you to our NHE PTA and parent volunteers for the tremendous time, planning, and energy that go into making this special event possible. We appreciate your commitment to creating memorable experiences for our students and families. We can’t wait to see everyone there!
🍎 Free & Reduced Lunch Application – Every Application Helps!
We continue to encourage all NHE families who have not yet applied to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. In addition to determining meal benefits for eligible families, completed applications help Nottingham qualify for important Title I funding and resources that directly support our students.
Every completed application matters! Families are encouraged to apply even if they are unsure whether they qualify. Applications may be completed online through School Café, and paper applications are available in the front office.
Title I funding supports instructional programs, academic resources, student services, and additional personnel that directly benefit our Knights. Thank you for helping us protect these valuable opportunities for our students!
🚗 Arrival, Dismissal & Community Safety
Thank you for helping us keep our Knights and community safe!
➡️ Follow the designated traffic flow and do not drive the wrong way to bypass the car line.
🚸 Keep crosswalks completely clear while waiting in traffic.
👀 Avoid stopping in areas that block the crossing guard’s visibility of students and pedestrians.
🚲 If your child rides a bike to or from school, please remind them to use designated pathways and avoid riding through the yards or private property of our community neighbors.
❤️ Please remain patient, alert, and courteous during arrival and dismissal.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a safe and respectful arrival and dismissal for our students, families, and neighbors!
⭐ The Knight Way
As we return from the extended weekend, we encourage every Knight to continue demonstrating our 3 R’s:
⭐ Be Respectful
⭐ Be Responsible
⭐ Be Ready
Enjoy the extended weekend, NHE! We look forward to welcoming our Knights back rested, recharged, and ready for another great week of learning, growth, and fun!
Knights, Camera... Action! 🎬
With Knight Pride,
Dr. Wright
COUNSELOR'S CORNER WITH MRS. HOUSE
Pink October at NHE! 🎀
Throughout October, NHE students and staff are invited to wear pink every Wednesday in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Families who would like to participate further may also make an optional donation in the front office donation box, with all proceeds benefiting MD Anderson Cancer Center. Thank you for helping our Knights show support, spread awareness, and come together for an important cause!
October Guidance Lessons 💛
This month, NHE students will focus on being empathetic and self-aware—learning to understand their own feelings, recognize the feelings and perspectives of others, practice healthy self-care, and ask for help when needed. Families can reinforce these skills at home by talking about what respect looks and sounds like, discussing how we can show empathy to others, and finding simple ways to practice kindness and consideration as a family.
Red Ribbon Week: October 26th-October 30th
Dyslexia Awareness Month
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! Dyslexia is a common, brain-based learning difference that can affect reading, spelling, and writing. It is not related to intelligence or effort—students with dyslexia simply process language differently. Early recognition, appropriate instruction, and support at school and home can make a significant difference. Families can help by encouraging reading in a positive, pressure-free way, celebrating their child’s strengths, and partnering with teachers to support learning. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can help every student feel confident, supported, and successful.
Little People Awareness Month
Little People Awareness Month is recognized each October to promote understanding, acceptance, and belonging for people with dwarfism, with green serving as the official awareness color. Dwarfism is a condition that results in short stature, typically an adult height of 4’10” or under, and there are more than 400 types, with achondroplasia being the most common. Dwarfism affects bone growth rather than intelligence or ability, and people with dwarfism can lead full, active lives while pursuing careers, hobbies, and families. An estimated 30,000 people in the United States have dwarfism, and about 80% of individuals with dwarfism are born to average-height parents. Awareness helps encourage respect, kindness, accessibility, and recognition of the talents and contributions of little people, including accomplished actors, athletes, authors, and advocates. Families can help by using respectful language such as people first language “little person”, teaching children to value differences, sharing positive and diverse role models, and encouraging empathy and inclusion.
ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, organization, self-control, impulsivity, and activity levels, and it can look different from one child to another. About 11% of school-age children have ADHD, and symptoms often continue into adulthood. People with ADHD can focus deeply when they are interested or engaged, and the condition has been studied extensively for many years. ADHD Awareness Month helps reduce stigma, increase understanding, and encourage support for children and adults with ADHD. Parents can help by creating predictable routines, giving clear step-by-step directions, praising effort, and focusing on their child’s strengths. With understanding, encouragement, and appropriate support, children with ADHD can feel confident, valued, and empowered to thrive at school and at home.
SBISD Gifted and Talented Referral Window
The referral window for Gifted and Talented (GT) services is now open. If you believe your child may benefit from GT services and would like them to be evaluated, please complete the online referral form. Forms are also available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Please submit only one referral form per student.
The deadline to submit a referral is October 16, 2026. For additional information, visit the Advanced Academics Gifted and Talented webpage.
T-2-4 Awareness
Tuesdays are for T.2.4 Awareness! Each Tuesday, NHE helps students explore the many pathways available after high school. T.2.4 represents technical colleges, two-year colleges, and four-year universities along with the many opportunities offered through military service. Students are encouraged to show their future goals by wearing clothing or accessories representing a military branch, technical college, two-year college, or four-year university every Tuesday!
Absences - Kimberly Muckridge, Attendance Specialist, kimberly.muckridge@springbranchisd.com
Lunch Menu and Account Balance - SchoolCafé
School and District Communications - SBISD Apptegy
Student Courses and Assignments - Canvas
Student Grades - Skyward Family Access
Transportation Changes - nhe@springbranchisd.com and your student's teacher by 1:15 p.m.
NHE Picture Day - October 22, 2026
NHE's Picture Day is coming soon on October 22, 2026! 1st Photo will be at NHE to take school photos. Scan the flyer’s QR code or click below to preorder your student's pictures; the code is for NHE preorders only. Cash or check orders are due to the front office by Picture Day on October 22, 2026. Photo purchases help support our school!
SHS Spartanaires Dance Clinic - October 24, 2026
The SHS Spartanaires Dance Clinic registration is now open! Pre-K through 5th grade dancers are invited to join the Spartanaires on October 24, 2026 from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Participants will learn a routine and have the chance to perform pregame on the football field that evening. Families can also add the Sit with a Spartie experience for even more game-day fun!
NHE Red Ribbon Week - October 26-30, 2026
NHE will celebrate Red Ribbon Week on October 26-30, 2026 with fun dress-up days and activities that encourage healthy, safe, and positive choices. Students will focus on kindness, confidence, supporting one another, and making choices that help build a bright future!
On Friday, October 30, 2026, Kindergarten students only are invited to dress as a storybook character from a book of their choice (i.e. Pete the Cat, Curious George, Fancy Nancy, Pinkalicious, etc.) and parade the halls beginning at 8:15 a.m. More details will be shared as the event approaches!
NHE PTA Yearbook - ON SALE NOW!
NHE yearbooks are on sale now for $35 through TreeRing! Order by October 31, 2026 to save 10%, or purchase by April 9, 2027. Families will need to create a TreeRing account to order. Yearbook ads are also available through the site, with a March 12, 2027 purchase deadline. Questions? Contact Amanda Beutelschies at abeutelschies@gmail.com or visit the NHE PTA Yearbook website!
NHE PTA Knight of Fall Fun - October 16, 2026
It's finally here...NHE PTA’s Knight of Fall Fun! Join us THIS FRIDAY, October 16, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the NHE parking lot for food, music, inflatables, rides, face painting, a dunk tank, and more. We also need volunteers to help make the event a success, so please consider signing up to lend a hand! Questions? Contact Allie Hodges, NHE PTA Family Engagement Chair, at alliegracehodges@gmail.com. More details coming soon!
Middle and high school students can also volunteer at Knight of Fall Fun and collect hours/points for NJHS/NHS, Student Council, etc.! Students are invited to help support the event and parents may sign up on their behalf if needed. Click here to sign up as a student volunteer!
NHE PTA Spirit Wear Sale - October 20-24, 2026
A NHE PTA spirit wear sale is coming soon! Remaining NHE PTA spirit wear will be available October 20-24, 2026. Shop boys and girls shorts, scrunchies, necklaces, hair clips, socks, yard signs, metallic leggings, twilly scarves, kids hats, and more. Orders may be picked up October 23, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the location listed on your receipt. Shop the sale once the link goes live on October 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.!
NHE PTA Reflections - October 23, 2026
The National PTA Reflections program invites students to create original works in dance, film, literature, music, photography, or visual arts. This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.” Entries are due October 23, 2026. Email submissions to Megan Strange at meganemilystrange@gmail.com. Visual arts and photography hard copies may be submitted to Ms. Barrett. Learn more at the Texas PTA Reflections website!
NHE PTA Sister School Cake Collection - October 23, 2026
Cake for a cause! Help support our Sister School, Ridgecrest Elementary, by donating a store-bought, non-refrigerated cake for its Fall Festival Cake Walk. Drop off donations at 810 Soboda Court by 11:00 a.m. on October 23, 2026. Questions? Contact Christa Caraway, NHE PTA Sister School Chair, at christacaraway@gmail.com.
NHE PTA Fame Parties Holiday Family Photos - October 24 and November 15, 2026
Family photos that give back! Fame Parties is offering special photo sessions on October 24, 2026 and November 15, 2026, with a portion of proceeds benefiting NHE PTA. These quick 15-minute sessions are an easy, low-stress, and fun way to capture playful, laugh-filled family memories just in time for the holidays! After your session, consider ordering holiday cards or prints through Minted using code FUNDRAISENOTTINGHAME, so a portion of your purchase can also benefit NHE through our community partners.
Have questions or ideas, or want to volunteer for 5th grade? Contact the NHE PTA 5th Grade Chair, Brandee Johnson, at 5thgradechair@nottinghampta.org!
NHE PTA 5th Grade Informational Session - October 13, 2026
Join us for a 5th Grade Informational Session TODAY, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the NHE cafeteria! Support our students as they prepare for all the amazing things ahead in middle school and beyond. As our 5th graders continue to work hard and prepare for the future, we’ll celebrate them and the legacy they’re leaving at NHE.
NHE PTA 5th Grade GroupMe and Website
Stay connected with fellow 5th grade families through the optional 5th Grade GroupMe and visit the 5th Grade website for the latest news, dates, and events! Please note that GroupMe is not sponsored or managed by NHE or the PTA.
NHE PTA Box Tops
Support NHE at no extra cost! Download the Box Tops app, select Nottingham Elementary, and scan your grocery receipts to earn cash for our school on eligible purchases. It’s an easy way to give back every time you shop!
NHE PTA Community Partners
NHE PTA Flag Membership
Show your school spirit and celebrate our nation all year long! For just $60 per year, NHE dads will place an American flag in your yard for each of the six major patriotic holidays. All proceeds directly support the NHE PTA. This program is available to all homes zoned to Nottingham. Sign up for your flag today!
NHE PTA Knighthood Fund
Become a Knighthood Fund sponsor and help support student success at Nottingham. Your contribution strengthens PTA programs and our shared efforts with SBISD and the Spring Branch Education Foundation!
NHE PTA Marquee
Celebrate your student’s birthday or 5th grade graduation on the NHE marquee for $25! Their first name, last initial, and a special message will be displayed during their birthday or graduation month. Please submit requests at least two weeks in advance. Questions? Contact Sarah Dongo at sarahjlom@yahoo.com.
NHE PTA Parent-Hosted Parties
Host a NHE PTA party! These themed fundraisers can be for adults, kids, or families and can be as simple or creative as you like. Interested in hosting? Contact Katie McBeth, NHE PTA Family Giving Chair, at katie.mcbeth@gmail.com.
NHE PTA Spirit Wear
NHE PTA Knight of Fall Fun Volunteers Needed
Middle and high school students can also volunteer at Knight of Fall Fun and collect hours/points for NJHS/NHS, Student Council, etc.! Students are invited to help support the event and parents may sign up on their behalf if needed. Click here to sign up as a student volunteer!
NHE Art Room Volunteers Needed
NHE Lunchroom Volunteers Needed
NHE Media Center Volunteers Needed
NHE Recess Referee Volunteers Needed
NHE Workroom Volunteers Needed
SBS Chess Club Volunteers Needed
Please join us in celebrating our wonderful staff by wishing them a happy birthday on their special day! A kind note or thoughtful greeting from students and families is a simple way to help them feel appreciated.
10/14 - Ms. Cox-Nelson
10/17 - Ms. Bekiri
10/19 - Ms. Cisneros
10/28 - Ms. Stelly
10/30 - Ms. Lopez
10/13/2026 - NHE PTA 5th Grade Informational Session
10/14/2026 - NHE Breast Cancer Awareness - WEAR PINK
10/16/2026 - NHE 4th Grade Field Trip
10/16/2026 - SBISD Gifted & Talented Referral Deadline
10/16/2026 - NHE PTA Knight of Fall Fun
10/20-10/24/2026 - NHE PTA Spirit Wear Sale
10/21/2026 - NHE 2nd and 3rd Grade Field Trips
10/21/2026 - NHE Breast Cancer Awareness - WEAR PINK
10/22/2026 - NHE School Picture Day
10/22/2026 - NHE Early Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences
10/23/2026 - NHE Early Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences
10/23/2026 - SBISD Reflections Submissions Deadline
10/23/2026 - NHE PTA Sister School Cake Collection Deadline
10/24/2026 -✍🏻NHE PTA Fame Parties Holiday Family Photos Session #1
10/26-10/30/2026 - NHE Red Ribbon Week
10/27/2026 - 💵NHE PTA 5th Grade Yard Sign Preorder Deadline
10/30/2026 - NHE Kindergarten Storybook Character Parade
10/30/2026 - NHE 5th Grade Field Trip
10/31/2026 - 💵NHE PTA Yearbook 10% Discount Deadline and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
🎫 - ticketed event
✍🏻 - registration required
💵 - purchase required
2026-2027 NHE PTA Executive Board
President: Cassie McClung, president@nottinghampta.org
VP Programs: Alex Brock, programs@nottinghampta.org
VP Arts and Education: Jennifer Brown, artsandedu@nottinghampta.org
VP Volunteers: Jessica Merritt, volunteers@nottinghampta.org
VP Communications: Michelle Klovans, vp_communications@nottinghampta.org
VP Fundraising: Natalie Hightower, fundraising@nottinghampta.org
Treasurer: Maggie Reyes, treasurer@nottinghampta.org
Secretary: Dawn Rasch, secretary@nottinghampta.org
GroupMe
GroupMe is an optional communication app not sponsored by the school or PTA. It is a great resource to stay connected with other NHE parents and guardians that are in your student's specific grade level! There is a GroupMe for each grade level at NHE! Download the app and click to join:
Never miss an edition of Knightly News! NHE PTA members can log in through Membership Toolkit anytime to view the latest newsletter and updates. Questions? Contact communications@nottinghampta.org.