NHE News
October 28, 2025

A Note From Mrs. Smith
Dear NHE Families,
Last week was packed with fun and learning here at NHE! Our second graders sealed their Feed Freddie victory by raising the most money—way to go! The Color Celebration was the perfect way for our PTA to show appreciation, and it was such a joyful, memorable event. Huge thanks to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped make it all happen!
We also had a smooth early release day on Thursday, navigated our first rainy-day dismissal with patience and teamwork, and saw lots of excitement during field trips filled with experiential learning and discovery. Across classrooms, our students’ engagement and love for learning have been shining bright!
This week, we’re celebrating Red Ribbon Week, and there’s so much fun in store. We can’t wait to see all the school spirit and our Falcons’ commitment to making healthy choices! We’ll end the week with our PK–2 Storybook Character Parade before taking a well-earned break with student holidays on November 3rd and 4th.
Parent conferences are on November 3rd, and we hope you take time to celebrate how your students are "Leveling Up" this year. We’re so proud of our amazing students, teachers, and staff—and we know our teachers can’t wait to share their students’ progress with you!
Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of our Falcon Family!
Jenni Smith
NHE Principal
Coming up @ NHE
Please be aware of the upcoming events at NHE!
October 27-31 Red Ribbon Week
October 27: Tutoring
October 31: PK-2 Story Book Character Parade
November 3: No School - Parent Teacher Conferences
November 4: No School - Teacher Professional Development
November 5: Progress Reports
November 8: Saturday School
November 10: College Colors Day
November 10: Tutoring
November 11: 6th-grade field trip to the opera
November 12: Cogat Testing
November 13: 6th-grade field trip to the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
November 17-21: Family Lunch Week
November 17: Picture Retakes
November 17: Kinder -2nd grade field trip to the play at RHS
November 20: PTA General Meeting & Multicultural Night
November 21: Substitue Educators Appreciation Day
Red Ribbon Week is Here!
NHE is celebrating Red Ribbon Week week on October 27th - 31st! Mrs. Pendery and your PTA have some fun things planned! See the flyer below to know what to wear each day that week to help us celebrate!
PK-2nd Storybook Character Day October 31
NHE will have a storybook character parade on October 31st as part of our Red Ribbon Week celebration. All students in PK-2 are invited to dress up as a storybook character. No weapons, face masks or scary costumes please.
Household Data Forms: More that Just a Meal
🍎 Why It Matters
It is very important that NHE families who might be eligible for free and reduced meal benefits complete the Household Data Form each year to receive the benefits. In addition, your form helps NHE students and schools receive student fee waivers, Title I, and State Compensatory Education funding.
If eligible, this funding directly benefits your child and their school through:
Additional employees to support learning
More classroom technology
Tutoring and intervention services
Professional training for teachers
🕒 Important Deadline
October 30 is an important date in this process for families and schools. Why, you may ask?
School districts must submit student data, including the number of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals, by this timeline, to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). TEA then uses this data to determine a school district's funding. By families completing the form before or by October 30, it will not only help your children to receive free and reduced meals if you qualify for these benefits, but this also helps our district to receive state and federal funding that supports teachers and student programs and resources.
💻 More Than Just Meals
Completing your form can unlock major perks beyond breakfast and lunch:
Discounted cost for RISD's xPlore After School Program - $40 weekly per student, if family qualifies for free and reduced meals.
Technology Savings: Discounted internet access and RISD Chromebook insurance.
Academic Fee Waivers: Reduced or free fees for SAT, ACT, AP exams, UT OnRamps tuition, and even college and NCAA applications.
Summer Learning Discounts: Pricing for acceleration and summer credit recovery courses is based on Free/Reduced status.
📝 How to Complete
It’s quick and confidential—only one application per family is needed.follow this link to complete your family info form through RISD.
Bond 2025 - Early Voting Oct. 20 - 31
Early voting starts on Oct. 20 & ends Oct. 31. RISD voters will see Propositions A, B, and C on the ballot. Proposed improvement projects impact all RISD schools. Learn more about the RISD Bond 2025 proposal before you head to the polls, visit: www.risd.org/bond2025.
Early Voting Locations:
Islamic Association of North Texas
Brothers & Sisters Ent Foyer
840 Abrams Rd. Richardson, TX 75081
Ministerios Charima
Large Side Room
740 Melrose Dr. Richardson, TX 75080
Hamilton Park UMC Gym
11881 Schroeder Rd. Dallas, TX 75243
Richland Campus – Dallas College
LeCroy Center R012/019
9596 Walnut St. Dallas, TX 75243
Fretz Park Library
Black Box Theater
6990 Beltline Rd. Dallas, TX 75254
Audelia Road Branch Library Auditorium
10045 Audelia Rd. Dallas, TX 75238
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. Visit votetexas.gov for voting locations.
Counselor Corner
Library Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Our library is the heart of the school, and volunteers help bring it to life! By volunteering, you’ll support students as they discover the joy of reading, help keep our collection organized and welcoming, and model the importance of lifelong learning. Whether it’s shelving books or sharing a friendly smile, your time makes a big difference. Volunteering in the library is also a wonderful way to be part of our school community and see firsthand the excitement of students growing as readers. You must be registered in Verkana.
To receive email reminders throughout the year: https://forms.gle/HuPJQC1KhYdQYqK59
To sign up to volunteer in October: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090449A8A829ABF85-58760621-october#/
Family Lunch Week at NHE November 17-21
NHE PTA News
Feed Freddie Celebration!!
A huge thank-you to our amazing school community for making this year’s Feed Freddie fundraiser a tremendous success! Together, we raised over $4,000 to support student programs, classroom resources, and school events that make learning even more fun and engaging.
As part of the fundraiser, each grade level competed to see who could raise the most money — and our 2nd graders came out on top! Their incredible effort earned them a special Color Celebration with our teachers and principals. The field was bursting with color, laughter, and school spirit as students and staff joined in on the fun.
The event was a fantastic way to celebrate everyone’s hard work and highlight the power of teamwork and community. Thank you to our volunteers, staff, and families for helping make it all happen — we couldn’t have done it without you!
Trick-or-Treat Pizza Party
Come join us on the NHE playground before trick-or-treating the neighborhood this FRIDAY!! We will have pizza and drinks available starting at 6:00 until we run out. All neighborhood families are welcome so invite your neighbors!!
Little Caesar's Spirit Event
LAST WEEK to order from Little Caesars and help support our school! Last day to order from Little Caesars is October 31st, and you can click the link below to order online!!
https://fundraising.littlecaesars.com/products?support=3ada14e1-41a3-4550-9c38-9db93bc74682&c=5
Multicultural Night is Coming!
We’d love your help celebrating the amazing diversity of our school community! 🎉 We need 10 Families to represent a country of their choice at their own 6-foot table. Bring your decorations and we’ll provide a tri-fold board made by our students to showcase your country. Please bring small food samples for up to 100 guests so everyone can taste the flavors of your culture.
🕔 Set up: 5:00–5:30 p.m
🎊 Event: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Have questions or need a reimbursement, please email Ines.hermoso2025@gmail.com
Amigas de la Educación
Amigas de la Educación UPDATE!!
The moms volunteer group will now meet on WEDNESDAYS!! Click the link below to join the WhatsApp group and learn more information about how to join!!
Toiletry for Treats Challenge
NHE is partnering with the RISD clothes closet for our annual toiletry drive this year. It will be from Nov 5- Nov13. The Clothes Closet is currently in need of kid's toothpaste, Body Wash for Men/Women/gender neutral, Women's Shampoo and Conditioner, Men's Shampoo and Conditioner, Children's 3-in-1 body care. Each toiletry item donated equals one kindness point. The class in PreK-2nd, 3rd-4th, and 5th-6th with the most kindness points wins a donut party and 10 minutes of extra recess! Always remember, "Kindness Counts!"
Lunch Visitors
We’re Excited to Welcome Lunch Visitors!
Here are a few reminders to help make your visit smooth and enjoyable:
One visit per week, please. This helps us manage space and make sure every family has the opportunity to visit.
Arrive on time. Plan to be here before your child’s lunch period begins.
Bring your photo ID. All visitors must check in at the front office and wear a visitor badge while on campus.
Enjoy lunch at the visitor table. For safety reasons, visitors should sit at the designated visitor table with their child only. Parents may not sit in the cafeteria.
Friends can’t join your table. We know kids love company, but we ask that you enjoy this time just with your child.
Put phones away. To protect student privacy and keep the focus on your child, please avoid phone use, photos, or videos while in the cafeteria.
Head out after lunch. When your child’s lunch period ends, please exit through the front office. Visitors may not walk students back to class.
Permission for guests. If someone other than a parent/guardian plans to visit, we need written permission from the parent ahead of time.
Thank you for helping us make lunch visits a safe, positive experience for everyone. We can’t wait to see you in the cafeteria!
Learning Community News
Richardson ISD Folklorico Kids Camp November 15th
Richardson ISD Folklorico teams are excited to announce our 2nd annual Kids Camp!
Join us on November 15th at Pearce HS for a fun-filled day of dance and culture. Any Kinder-5th grade student is welcome to register!
Richardson ISD Folklorico Kids Clinic
K-5th Grade
Saturday, Nov. 15
10:00AM-1:30PM
JJ Pearce HS Dance Studio
$20.00
New Volunteer Management System
Before participating in volunteer opportunities in schools and district facilities, all RISD volunteers must complete a background check and an orientation through our NEW Volunteer Management System. We are using Verkada, the same program already in place for visitor management on every campus. Click here to complete your 2025-2026 Richardson ISD Volunteer Application.
Opt-In & Opt-out Preferences - Important Parent Message
Texas legislation requires all parents and guardians to provide clear opt-in and opt-out preferences for their student regarding various activities and services such as:
Available access to health services (all grade levels)
After-school clubs (all grade levels)
Counseling opportunities (K-5 & 7-12)
Library Services (all grade levels)
All RISD parents/legal guardians received an email from the district on Friday, August 22 with information to select your preferences for your student(s) in FOCUS. Please make sure that you check your email, you should have a message from Richardson ISD, with the subject line: Important Parent Message in Regards to Recent Texas Legislation.
Please visit the FOCUS portal and use the newly created page to submit your preferences for each of your children.
If you have additional questions, please submit a Let’s Talk here.
Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. We look forward to a great new school year.
Helpful Parent Resources
✅Verify Your Student's Immunizations Are Up-To-Date✅
By law, Richardson ISD must have an immunization record for each student on file. These records should be up-to-date at the time of registration. https://web.risd.org/healthservices/immunizations
🔎Create a FOCUS Account🔍
RISD provides electronic access to a student's grades, attendance, and other information via the FOCUS software system. https://web.risd.org/focus/
📱Download RISD Mobile Parent App📱
Access student information, view the latest news, receive important alerts, review an archive of parent messages sent by RISD, view school menus and lunch account balances, find your bus stop, access student schedules, assignment grades, attendance and more. https://web.risd.org/home/risd-mobile/
🚍Need a Ride to School?🚍
See bus route information and sign up for student transportation: https://web.risd.org/transportation/
🥗Download SchoolCafe App🥗
RISD’s school cafeteria payment system is called SchoolCafe. https://www.schoolcafe.com/
District Links
RISD Graduate Profile
Parent Information
RISD Student and Parent Handbook
25-26 Academic Calendar
✍🏻Front Office Contact Information✍🏻
Jenni Smith, Principal
(469) 593-4333
jennifer.smith@risd.org
Mark Bell, Assistant Principal
(469) 593-4328
mark.bell@risd.org
Martha Menezes, Dean of Students (habla español)
(469) 593-4275
martha.menezes@risd.org
Paige Pendery Counselor
(469) 593-4332
paige.pendery@risd.org, qwendolyn.dixon@risd.org
Crystal Hunt, Nurse
(469) 593-4250
crystal.hunt@risd.org
Sadaf Ramzan, Student Data Specialist/Enrollment
(469) 593-4251
sadaf.ramzan@risd.org
Leslie Ledezma, Executive Assistant (habla español)
(469)-593-4252
leslie.ledezma@risd.org

