Mustang Memo April

NSMS Family,

As we welcome April, it's hard to believe how quickly the year is flying by. Every day, we're working hard toward our goals and striving for improvement. Our students and staff continue to come to school each day with the goal of being better than they were the day before. We encourage you to have a conversation with your child about the importance of self-motivation and perseverance as we approach the end of the school year. It’s essential that each student remains engaged and continues to put forth their best effort in their learning.

The rigor of the curriculum is increasing as we prepare students for the next grade level, and it’s crucial that they stay focused and committed to their work. As we approach STAAR testing, remember that the results will play a significant role in shaping your child's schedule for next year, even for those transitioning to high school. That’s why it’s so important that your child continues to give their best effort during this time.

Teachers have been working closely with students to set realistic and achievable goals for their STAAR tests, based on their previous scores and benchmarks. We encourage you to check in with your child to see what goals they have set for themselves.

Please take note of the STAAR testing dates (listed below), and make sure to support your child with a good night’s rest before the test. A positive pep talk the morning of will also help set the tone for a successful testing experience.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s education and helping them reach their full potential.

Thank you,

Brittany Rogers

NSMS Principal

• April 3rd - GT Wax Museum 5th - 7th Grade
• April 3rd - Grades Due Progress Reports
• April 7th - No School - Staff Development Day
• April 8th - Progress Reports Go Home
• April 10th - 5th - 8th Grade Reading STAAR
• April 17th - 5th & 8th Science STAAR
• April 18th - No School - Holiday
• April 21st - No School - Holiday
• April 24th - 8th Grade Social Studies STAAR
• April 29th - 5th - 8th Grade Math STAAR

Focus: Highlighting the importance of persistence and continued effort to achieve long-term goals. Find out more in the Capturing Kids Hearts Newsletter in English and Spanish.

ASCA Calendar Events:

• National Child Abuse Prevention Month: April 1-30

• Autism Awareness Week: April 1-7

Student Tip: Make time each day for some physical activity, whether it’s playing a sport, going for a walk, or even dancing. Active Families

Monthly Counseling Event: Goal Setting Stars

What We Will Do: Each student will be given a star-shaped cutout where they can write a personal goal they are working to achieve. These stars will be displayed in the classroom, and we will periodically check in on the students' progress throughout the month, encouraging perseverance and determination.

5th Grade Paige Catto

Paige has been doing an outstanding job! She is responsible, respectful, engaged, and prideful on a daily basis. She gets her work done on time and to the best of her ability. She participates in class and stays engaged throughout each lesson and takes pride in doing her best on all assignments.

6th Grade Kayleen Garcia

Kayleen is a wonderful student. She is very dedicated to growing her academic skills. She has been working very hard this year and it shows. Kayleen is a pleasure to have in class. She is kind and considerate and always willing to help out in the classroom. She works well in a group and does her best when working independently. Kayleen gets along beautifully with others and she is very respectful to teachers and students. We are proud to have her as our student of the month.

7th Grade Camilia Macias

Camila Macias is an exceptional choice for Student of the Month, showcasing dedication and kindness in everything she does. Her positive attitude inspires her classmates, and she approaches challenges with determination while always offering a helping hand. Camila's commitment to her studies and her vibrant personality make her a valued member of our school community. We are proud of her achievements!

8th Grade Kaitlyn Rice

Kaitlyn always comes to school with a good attitude and a smile on her face. She always has a kind word for her peers and her teachers. Kaitlyn cares about her studies and wants to do well in school. She never gives up and stops trying. She will redo an assignment until it's correct. During class, Kaitlyn is engaged. She focuses on her assignments and is dependable to complete them. Kaitlyn Rice is the 8th grade student of the month.

As our children grow, it is important to monitor their screen time. Research shows that the more time children engage with screens, the harder time they have turning them off as they become older children. Plus, screen time has been linked to eating more, having trouble sleeping and poorer performance in school. Here are some ways to limit screen time:

• Designate one or more days per week as “screen-free” days, where physical activity, reading and spending quality time together are prioritized.
• Set firm limits for using screens. For example, no video games on school nights or no electronic devices an hour before bedtime.
• Turn off electronic devices during dinner. Make use of the time together to talk about the day.
• Be a good role model and limit your time in front of a screen to no more than two hours per day, too. If your kids see you following your own rules and being active, then they’ll be more likely to follow your example.
• Make it a game! Place activity ideas in a jar. Whenever the family would typically be on electronic devices, pull an idea out of the jar instead and do it together. Find activity ideas in the Family Activity Points Game On activity.

To communicate with our teachers you can use the Rooms feature in our Nixon-Smiley App. This app will be for all teachers in our district. You should have received an email with a "magic code" for your child and instructions on how to create an account. Once you create an account, the video below will show you how to use the app. English Video. Spanish video. We will also post information on the Nixon-Smiley CISD Home of the Mustangs Facebook page and our district website. Please also check with your child daily about any important information that may have been sent home or communicated with them.

If you have a question or concern, please call us at (830) 582-1536, Ext 301. We are happy to set up Parent/Teacher conferences at your request either by phone or in person.

Email: rogersb@nixonsmiley.net
Website: www.nixonsmiley.net
Location: 800 North Rancho Road, Nixon, TX, USA
Phone: (830) 582-1536
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nixon-Smiley-CISD-Home-of-the-Mustangs--264506510244649
Twitter: @nixonsmileycisd