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NHE News

March 3, 2026

NHE News March 3, 2026
NHE NewsMarch 3, 2026
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NHE Family Handbook

A Note From Mrs. Smith A Note From Mrs. Smith

NHE Families,


Our campus is buzzing with energy as our Falcons continue to Level Up in everything they do! This week is a testament to the hard work of our students and the incredible support of our community. We are especially excited for our 5th graders as they tackle their Science STAAR simulation this week. This practice test will provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate how much they have grown already. To keep that momentum going, we will also host our third "Level Up! Power Boost Session" this Friday to give our students invited students that extra spark of academic confidence.


The excitement extends into the weekend as our UIL teams head to JJ Pearce High School this Saturday. We are so proud of these students for Leveling Up their studies and preparing to dominate the academic competitions with their knowledge and Falcon pride. Following the competitions, we can’t wait to see you all on Saturday evening for the NHE PTA Benefit. It will be a fantastic night of fun and community as we raise funds to support the unique programming and events that make NHE such a special place for our students.


Celebrate your Falcon! Many parents have asked about birthday messages on our school marquee. You can now purchase a birthday shout-out for your student through the silent auction link!


Your engagement is the true "Power-Up" for our school, and we invite you to get involved right now by visiting the silent auction, which is officially live. You can find all the details and links in the PTA section of this newsletter below. Thank you for your unwavering support and for helping our Falcons soar to new heights!


Sincerely,


Jenni Smith

NHE Principal

Coming up @ NHE Coming up @ NHE

Please be aware of the upcoming events at NHE!

  • March 5: 5th-grade Science STAAR Simulation

  • March 6: Level Up! Power Boost Session (3:30-6:30)

  • March 9: After-school tutoring

  • March 10: 3rd-6th grade Math STAAR Simulation

  • March 16-20: Spring Break

  • March 23-24: TELPAS Make-Up Testing

  • March 23: After-school tutoring

  • March 26: Report Cards shared through Focus

  • March 26: Open House 5:30-7:00

  • March 27: Level Up! Power Boost Session (3:30-6:30)

  • March 30: After-school tutoring

  • March 31: I Know What To Do Day

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Enrollment Is Now Open! Enrollment Is Now Open!

Enroll NOW and save your spot for 2026-27. Steps to Enroll and reserve your child’s seat are simple:


  1. Gather Your Documents

  2. Be on the Lookout for your Child’s Snapcode

  3. Complete and Submit your Online Enrollment


RISD.ORG/ENROLL

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NHE Two-Way Dual Language Applications Now Open for Incoming PK & Kinder NHE Two-Way Dual Language Applications Now Open for Incoming PK & Kinder

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First Grade Two-Way Dual Language Interest Form

Northwood Hills Elementary is exploring the possibility of opening a 1st‑grade Two‑Way Dual Language cohort for the upcoming school year. To help us determine interest andplan for staffing and enrollment, we are asking families to complete this brief form.


This interest form is not an application; rather, it helps us understand how many families would like their child to participate in a bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural learning environment. If sufficient interest and available seats align, we will move forward with offering a 1st‑grade Two‑Way Dual Language option for 2026–2027.

Thank you for helping us plan for this exciting opportunity for our students!


Interest Form

New Date for Elementary CogAT Results New Date for Elementary CogAT Results

Due to several factors, most notably the impact of the January ice storm on both RISD and the testing company, elementary families will now be notified of CogAT results on the afternoon of March 31st. This affects all 2nd-grade students and all students in grades 1 & 3-5 who were referred for testing this year. Students who qualify for GT services will begin services the week of April 6th, which corresponds to Texas GT Awareness Week. We look forward to welcoming our newly qualified students to GT services!

Thank you for your understanding. If you have additional questions, please speak with our campus Advanced Learning Teacher, Claire Swain.

Power Boost Twilight Camp Power Boost Twilight Camp

Power Boost Sessions will occur on the dates listed below from 3:30-6:30. Invited students in 3rd-6th grade are encouraged to stay late and enjoy an engaging and relaxed learning experience. During our time together, we will have learning sessions, but also time for food, fun, and friendship! These sessions are by invitation only and are designed for students who are ready to Level Up and achieve “Meets Grade Level Expectations” on the STAAR assessment this spring! Bus transportation will be provided. Students must have a signed permission form to attend.

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NHE Counseling Corner

launch app.smore.com

Library Information Library Information

Library Volunteers Needed

Please find a time to come in and shelve books in the library. Every week the library circulates between 1000 and 1500 books! Every little bit helps!


March Sign Up

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090449A8A829ABF85-62722718-march

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Spring Tutoring Information Spring Tutoring Information

Spring tutoring is starting soon—if you received a permission form, please sign and return it so your student can participate. Tutoring helps students build confidence, strengthen skills, and stay on track as our school remains committed to helping every learner Level Up.

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Spring State Assessment Dates Spring State Assessment Dates

STAAR Dates:

April 14: STAAR RLA (grades 3-6)

April 15: Make-up STAAR RLA (grades 3-6)

April 21: STAAR Science (5th grade only)

April 22: Make-up STAAR Science (5th grade only)

April 28: STAAR Math (grades 3-6)

April 29: Make-up STAAR Math (grades 3-6)

NHE PTA News NHE PTA News

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Join PTA Here

NHE Silent Auction is LIVE! NHE Silent Auction is LIVE!

The bidding has officially begun, but it's not too late to join the fun! NHE's silent auction is now live, and you can still purchase tickets for just $10 to participate. There's an exciting lineup of items, with something for everyone - from teacher experiences to our amazing class art, gift cards, marquee birthdays, and so much more! Every bid supports our school and helps make a meaningful difference for our students! Get your tickets now by following the link!!


https://northwoodhillspta.networkforgood.com/events/93715-viva-las-vegas-2026-nhe-pta-benefit

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Growth Goal Camp + Pancake Supper success!! Growth Goal Camp + Pancake Supper success!!

NHE had so much fun last Thursday at our family growth goal camp and pancake supper! Families visited their child's classrooms to learn about their child's MAP scores, growth, goals, and see some amazing things they are doing in school! And the dads were busy flipping and serving the most delicious pancakes! Thank you to teachers, staff, The Spciers, and our amazing Dad's Club for putting this event together and making it special and fun for everyone!!

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Learning Community News Learning Community News

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RWJH Volunteers Wanted RWJH Volunteers Wanted

Richardson West Junior High is looking for some volunteers to help on the PTA Board for the 2026-2027 school year. If you have a child at RWJH or a rising 7th grader going to West, please consider getting involved! You can view the positions by clicking on the link below.

https://bit.ly/RWJHPTA2627

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Congrats to NHE Alum Amber Arif Congrats to NHE Alum Amber Arif

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Westwood Junior High Westwood Junior High

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New 10-Digit Texting Phone # for District Communication New 10-Digit Texting Phone # for District Communication

To improve how we communicate with you, we’re updating the phone number we use to send text messages through our district’s mass communications - Finalsite. Starting on Thursday, Feb. 19 our text messages will be sent using a local 10-digit phone number. This update will NOT impact communication sent by teachers through Talking Points.


New Text Message Number: 469-326-9798
Emergency Text Message Number: 469-210-8290

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Recurring Information Recurring Information

What is for lunch?
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NHE Breakfast & Lunch Menu
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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.

    • NHE Lunch Schedule 25-26

  • 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!

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New Volunteer Management System 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.

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Opt-In & Opt-out Preferences - Important Parent Message 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 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 District Links

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RISD Graduate Profile

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Parent Information

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RISD Student and Parent Handbook

How to Upload Your Attendance Excuse for Focus

25-26 Academic Calendar 25-26 Academic Calendar

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✍🏻Front Office Contact Information✍🏻 ✍🏻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

NHE News Archive
See all of the newsletters from this year!
Northwood Hills Elementary
https://schools.risd.org/NorthwoodHillsES/

Want to Sign Up for This Newsletter?

Got this newsletter as a forward and want to sign up to receive future editions? Please click here to subscribe. Please note that parents of currently enrolled RISD students and current RISD employees are automatically sent newsletters from RISD and their school. It’s not necessary to subscribe. Parents or staff who wish to receive news from other RISD schools may subscribe using the link above.


This newsletter was sent through RISD’s Blackboard system, and current parents should be aware that unsubscribing from Blackboard messages at the link at the bottom of this message may prevent parents from receiving future messages from their child’s school.

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