The Blazer Beat
October 30th Edition

Principal's Message
North Lake Family,
We closed out the month of October with a great Red Ribbon Week full of fun, surprises, and raising awareness for our students to remain drug-free! This week we saw one of our Senior traditions occur with our annual Trunk or Treat. Our Seniors do a Trunk or Treat during clubs on the last Thursday of October. It was a huge hit, and we loved having the community participate in the event. I love to see our school community come together to support each other and have some fun as well! Thank you as well to all the families who donated time and candy for the event! We couldn't have done it without you!
This coming week, we will have TSIA2 coming up for 10th-12th grade students who have not attempted or been successful in Math or English. I have posted the students’ ID numbers below and the days they are testing. You will need your student’s ID to see what day they are testing. Students will have 3 hours to complete the exam. Please study and use your time wisely.
Don’t forget we have a day off on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for Election Day. I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys quality time with families and friends. Please be safe if you celebrate Halloween and head out on Saturday for trick-or-treating. One of our family traditions is to pass out candy and enjoy quality time with our family that comes over.
Sincerely,
Adrian Hernandez
Principal
North Lake Early College High School
Twitter @AdHernandez2648
Familias de North Lake,
Cerramos el mes de octubre con una excelente «Semana del Listón Rojo» (Red Ribbon Week), ¡llena de diversión, sorpresas y actividades para concientizar a nuestros estudiantes sobre la importancia de mantenerse alejados de las drogas! Durante esta semana, llevamos a cabo una de las tradiciones de nuestros estudiantes de último año (seniors): el evento anual «Trunk or Treat» (reparto de dulces desde los maleteros de los autos). Los estudiantes de último año organizan esta actividad durante el horario de clubes, el último jueves de octubre. Fue todo un éxito, y nos encantó contar con la participación de la comunidad. ¡Me encanta ver a nuestra comunidad escolar unirse para apoyarse mutuamente y, al mismo tiempo, pasar un buen rato! ¡Muchas gracias también a todas las familias que donaron su tiempo y dulces para el evento! ¡No lo habríamos logrado sin ustedes!
La próxima semana, realizaremos las pruebas TSIA2 para los estudiantes de los grados 10.º a 12.º que aún no han presentado el examen o que no han obtenido un resultado satisfactorio en las áreas de Matemáticas o Inglés. A continuación, incluyo los números de identificación (ID) de los estudiantes junto con los días en que les corresponde realizar la prueba. Necesitarán el número de identificación de su hijo(a) para verificar el día de su examen. Los estudiantes dispondrán de 3 horas para completar la evaluación. Les recomiendo estudiar y aprovechar bien el tiempo.
No olviden que el martes 3 de noviembre de 2026 no habrá clases debido al Día de las Elecciones. Espero que todos tengan un excelente fin de semana y disfruten de tiempo de calidad con sus familias y amigos. Si celebran Halloween y salen el sábado a pedir dulces, ¡por favor, manténganse a salvo! Una de las tradiciones de mi propia familia es repartir dulces y disfrutar de tiempo de calidad con los familiares que nos visitan
Atentamente,
Adrián Hernández
Director
North Lake Early College High School
Twitter @AdHernández2648
Student Devices Only for Testing!
For all testing, students are only allowed to test on their Dallas ISD Devices. No students are allowed to use a personal device. We will be doing a device check on Monday, if a student does not bring their device, it can lead to parent conference and student phone being pouched. Thank you!
North Lake ECHS Students TSIA Testing
North Lake ECHS is an "A" Rated Campus!
Class Dojo and Remind Codes
See below for your Grade Cohort. Remember to download the app and follow for updates.
Remind Codes
Class of 2027 (Seniors)
text @nlclass-27 to the number 81010
Class of 2028 (Juniors)
text @nlech28 to the number 81010
Class of 2029 (Sophomores)
text @nlechs2029 to the number 81010
Class of 2030 (Freshmen)
text @nlechs2030 to the number 81010
Join PTA!
Consider joining the PTSA! Parents and community are the backbone of our campus! First meeting coming soon!
A Message From Our Executive Director, Dr. Gonzalez
Greetings, families!
Please take a moment to follow the link below and read the Executive Director Quarter 2 Newsletter.
Thank you,
Dr. Gonzalez
Important Dates
Week of November 2nd
TSIA2 Testing Week
Value of the Week - Grit
What will you do to show this value during the week?
Monday, November 2, 2026 - A Day -
Hernandez Montessori Visit to North Lake ECHS
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - Election Day - No School
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 - A Day
PSAT Testing Day - All 10th Grade Students, Dallas ISD Scholars
SAT Testing for 12th Grade students who took Algebra I in 8th grade
Thursday, November 5, 2026 - B Day
Campus Tutoring
Solar Girls Visit to North Lake
DESA Recruitment Night
Friday, November 6, 2026 B Day
Senior Field Trip to Pinstacks!
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Discover Dallas ISD
Fair Park
9 am - 1 pm
North Lake ECHS Social Media
Instagram:
@northlakeechs
X/Twitter: @NorthLake_ECHS
Facebook:
Life Around North Lake
Principal for a day, Red Ribbon Week, and Trunk or Treat!
Stampede Yearbook Info!
Pre Order your copy of The Stampede, The Official North Lake ECHS Year Book! Click the photo for more info!
Creating a Parent Portal Account
TSIA Support
Check out the supports you can type into Google Gemini from your Dallas ISD Device! It will help you study for the test
Please look over these videos to support you with TSIA ELAR and Math!
UPDATED Bus Transportation!
*IMPORTANT*
HEAT MITIGATING TACTICS
Due to the high temperature, drivers will do their best to limit the opening and closing of doors on the bus to keep them cool. We ask that students do not open windows on the bus while riding to and from school.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE REVIEW ROUTES, THERE HAVE BEEN CHANGES!
Please review the routes below, a live link is also available. If you encounter any issues on the first day, please contact transportation first. 972-925-4287. Remember the first days of school, buses can run behind schedule due to increased traffic.
This link also provides information on tracking your bus.
Tutoring Bus Routes
Please review the tutoring bus routes. Please note our tutoring buses usually arrive at 5:30 pm and the last one arrives at 6 pm due to completing other routes first. Students, please report back to L building after tutoring is complete to wait for the bus. Thank you!
School Dress Code,Uniforms, and Clear/Mesh Backpacks
Beginning on the first day of school (August 11, 2026), 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. This also included no sleep ware such as pajamas or pajama pants. Failure to follow this will result in a student code of conduct referral.
All students will be required to have clear or mesh backpacks for the 26/27 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
Seniors Only, click on the photo for product info at Levine's
Remember Blazers, no strapless tops! Please bring a sweater if you wear this item.
Back Pack Policy
2026-2027 Bell Schedule and School Hours
Please review the bell schedule for the 2026-2027 school year. If changes occur due to testing or special events, parents and students will be notified ASAP.
The building is open from 7:15 am - 4:15 pm. Classes are from 8:00 am - 3:20 pm. Note that tutoring will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm.
Counselor's Corner
Character Counts Week | October 19–23
Visit our Counseling website for additional resources and Information!
Parent Counseling Needs Assessment - Please complete today!
Red Ribbon Week 🎗️
We had a great week helping our scholars explore healthy ways to manage stress and stay drug free! Thank you to Ms. Leah from YogaSix Las Colinas for joining us and giving our scholars a chance to breathe, stretch, and unwind.
YogaSix also has a special deal for our North Lake ECHS community! Reach out to the studio for details and mention you’re part of North Lake ECHS.
Come Share Your Career Story!
Parents, we’d love for our scholars to hear about what you do! If you’re interested in sharing your career journey or know someone who would be, please fill out the Google Form. You could help a scholar discover a new interest or future career!
https://forms.gle/BVwhQAYbyJmw2C9WA
Ms. Price
9th-Grade Counselor
diprice@dallasisd.org
Dr. Hart
10th–12th Grade Counselor
kyparker@dallasisd.org
ASP College and Student Success with Ms. Kinnard
Please DO NOT submit any applications without speaking to Ms. Kinnard first, any errors in your application materials could permanently affect students’ admission chances. Every senior should be meeting with Ms. Kinnard often enough (at least every 2 weeks) that last minute submissions are not even part of the conversation.
To give the best recommendations and help with financing she needs parents' 2025 tax information (digital or physical copies).
Parents can fill out this Parent Contact Information Form to receive updates on ASP advising opportunities and their students’ progress.
If you receive acceptance letters or award letters, please send documentation to Ms. Kinnard.
Only 31/74 seniors have completed the FAFSA and submitted proof to Ms. Kinnard this number should be 100%, it is urgent that you get this in and add all colleges on your lists if you haven’t already. (The FAFSA is also a graduation requirement, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Kinnard with any questions you may have: skinnard@aspdallas.org)
Many students will need to complete the CSS Profile as an additional financial aid document (still aiming for the end of October). It is a lengthy process and takes a good chunk of time, but it is often the most persuasive way to receive scholarships for the schools that accept it. It is imperative that Ms. Kinnard reviews your answers prior to submission, as one mistake could be detrimental to your aid process. Ms. Kinnard sent out a notification to most students who need to complete it, but as college lists are prone to shift, please double check whether this is required for you.
Complete the Common App through the Activities Section if you haven’t already done so. Activities you can include are: school organizations/ clubs, jobs, community service/ organizations, significant family responsibilities, and hobbies that take up a significant amount of time and reflect well on you.
Personal statements need to be completed. Work on sending Ms.Kinnard your supplementals for schools and major scholarships if that is done.
Visit Ms. Kinnard's office hours- open to students and parents as needed, if a parent is coming please email Ms. Kinnard to let her know: here
Students should have asked their teachers for letters of recommendation- these should be from at least 2 teachers who have taught their CORE classes and who know them well, they should be able to speak to their character in an academic setting. Students add recommenders on SCOIR from the “Docs and Recs” button under “My Colleges”. Many colleges will require them.
Check out the Overview of Senior Year on the North Lake ECHS website: this has many resources, including testing dates.
Scholarship Opportunities
A few opportunities for review, please follow up with Ms. Kinnard if you are interested, think you or your student may qualify, or have any questions (let her know if you apply):
Please Click on the link below for more information!
North Lake ECHS School Newspaper!
Enjoy the New Edition of the Newspaper! Please enjoy what our students are doing around campus!

