Keeping Up with Comm Arts
~ February 23, 2026 ~
Hello Comm Arts Family and Friends!
We only have two more weeks till Spring Break. The spring semester is flying by quickly. Students, please keep checking your grades and attendance. Grades for report cards are due March 6th. Report cards will be available on HAC by March 23rd.
BSU's annual Mac & Cheese contest is Friday, February 27th, during our 4th-period lunch. Complete the form to receive a lunch pass to participate as a judge.
SNHS is hosting a Loteria Night on Friday, February 27th from 6-8 pm.
SAT/TSIA2 - Juniors Only
All juniors will be administered the College Board SAT OR the TSIA2 College Readiness Exam, free of charge, on Wednesday, April 1st. The registration form is open through February 25th, 2026. Students must be signed into their NISD student email when registering.
For the SAT, students may provide their mobile number during the digital exam setup to receive a text message when scores are available. They'll need their phone number to access the app securely, but no password is required. Students will be able to send their scores to up to 4 colleges or universities of their choice. Sending scores is optional and should be a family decision based on checking with the institution of higher learning. Sending scores at a later date will incur a fee.
Students taking the TSIA2 will receive a score report to their personal email shortly after the test date. Scores will also be available immediately upon completing the assessment.
Juniors who took the Algebra 1 STAAR EOC during their 8th-grade year will need to take the SAT exam. If you need assistance or have questions, see Ms. Lewis.
Campus Highlights
English 3
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, juniors analyzed love letters from both real and fictional individuals. It was a fun way to practice rhetorical analysis!
VASE
We're thrilled to share some fantastic news about our talented students at Communications Arts High School who shone at the VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event), a highly esteemed competition organized by the Texas Art Education Association. It's clear we have some amazing artists!
Let’s celebrate Nora Guzman demonstrated remarkable skill and dedication, securing a medal that reflects her growth and artistic excellence.
Another artist is Sieloh Valdez, who achieved a perfect score of 60 out of 60 and earned an impressive Rating of 4! She shared this incredible moment with her talented CAHS classmates, including Teodoro Mora, who earned two well-deserved medals. While none advanced to the state competition, we are so proud of their hard work and accomplishments.
We also want to highlight Lilia Resendiz, who showcased her exceptional talent and commitment by earning top honors at VASE.
These students represented the Northside Independent School District with pride, earning medals for their outstanding achievements in their divisions. What a wonderful showcase of creativity, skill, and passion for the visual arts!
Texas Theatre Scholars
We are thrilled to celebrate the exceptionally talented Comm Arts students who have earned the esteemed Texas Theatre Scholar Award for the 2025–2026 school year!
Congratulations to:
- Alessandra Sarabia-Chapa
- Ella Hinojosa
- Emma Rodriguez
- Hannah Bauer
- Madelyn Puente
- Mary Villarreal
- Mia Silva
- Sophia Gonzalez
The Texas Thespians recognizes these remarkable individuals for their stellar achievements, both in academics and on stage. Celebrating these young artists is a true privilege, as their dedication, discipline, and passion truly reflect the heart of outstanding theatre education. Let’s cheer them on!
AV SkillsUSA State Qualifiers
Huge congratulations to our amazing students! They've just rocked the AV SkillsUSA category. This talented crew is gearing up to advance to the state competition.
Quote of the Week with Isaiah Lockett
Freshman Isaiah Lockett asked members of the Comm Arts student and staff community to share their favorite quotes. To start us off is Señorita Navarro. Her inspirational quote is by Martin Luther King Jr: "Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education."
Announcements
Panoramic Pictures
Panoramic pictures were taken on February 6th. Don't forget to purchase your pictures today.
Band Registration for 26-27
Spring Voter Registration Day
On March 24th, our senior Government classes will participate in Spring Voter Registration Day. This is a great opportunity for eligible students to register to vote and take an important step toward civic engagement.
Students may register if they are at least 17 years and 10 months old on that date. To complete the registration form, students should bring the following information:
- Their mailing address and physical address (if different, such as a P.O. Box)
- Their Texas driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number
We are excited to help our seniors register and prepare to participate in the democratic process.
U.S. Service Academy Day
Congressman Castro will be hosting his Annual U.S. Service Academy Day on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10AM to 1PM at the John Jay High School Auditorium. This is event is open to all prospective San Antonio students and their families who may be interested in attending or learning more about the U.S. Service Academies. They will have admissions officers from each academy, and invited representatives from all congressional offices who can share information on their nominations process. Academy alumni was also invited to attend and give interview guidance for students preparing for the admissions process.
Student Council Banquet Tickets – On Sale February 23rd!
Student Council will be selling tickets for the annual Banquet starting Monday, February 23rd!
- Cost: $20 per ticket (includes a Maggiano's Italian dinner, DJ, and dance)
- Theme: The Great Gatsby – come dressed in your fun 1920s attire, or simply business casual if you prefer.
Tickets can be purchased on My School Bucks from Monday, February 23rd, through Friday, March 6th. After Spring Break, tickets will increase to $25—so don't wait!
Important:
- This is a Comm Arts only event—students from other schools will not be admitted.
- Bring your Comm Arts student ID to the Banquet on March 28th.
Get your tickets early and get ready for a night of fun, music, and 1920s glam!
Student Volunteers
Students, StuCo is looking for student volunteers to help with banquet set up and tear down. Complete the Google Form if you are willing to assist.
2026 Congressional Art Competition
All entries should be submitted to Representative Castro's San Antonio District Office, located at 727 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, Suite B-128, San Antonio, Texas 78206.
Art work entered in the contest may be up to 26” x 26” x 4”, including the frame. The art work may be:
- Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
- Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
- Collage
- Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
- Mixed Media
- Computer Generated Art
- Photography
All entries must be an original in concept, design and execution. No 3-D art will be accepted.
For more information - https://castro.house.gov/art
Library Palooza
Library Palooza is almost here! If you'd like to volunteer at this year's event, be sure to sign up at this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0B49A4A92CABF58-61536060-2026#/
Off Campus Lunch 26-27 School Year
Senior Off Block for 26-27 School Year
Seniors
Senior Shirts
Any seniors who did not pick up their free Class of 2026 shirt last week must go to Mr. Flores' room before or after school this week to pick it up.
Graduation
Graduation dates were released. Comm Arts/Taft High School graduation is Friday, May 29, 2026, at 2:30 pm. For more information, click HERE.
Make sure you order in a timely manner. Graduation items will be ready for pick up on April 21st, 2026. Our caps and gowns are white. Click here to order online.
Dual Credit
Dual Credit Enrollment Process for 2026-27 (new students only)
Please complete Steps 1 and 2 of the application process as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- Step 1 is the application to Northwest Vista College, our partnering institution for the dual credit program at Taft/CommArts. After submitting your application, you should receive an email at the personal email address you listed. This email typically arrives within 5–8 business days and will include your Banner ID and ACES username.
- You will need both of these items to complete Step 2, which is the physical form to elect dual credit courses. This form is available outside of Mr. Bernardino's office in A222.
Dual Credit Resources (use your NISD account to access):
- Dual Credit Application Checklist 2026 (All resources are also linked within this document)
- Step-by-Step guide to complete step 1
- Step 2: New to Dual Credit- Course Selection form (printed and delivered directly to Mr. Bernardino in A222) *Copies can be found on the windows at the entrance of A222*
- Dual Credit Parent Consent Form (printed, signed, and delivered directly to Mr. Bernardino in A222) *Copies can be found on the windows at the entrance of A222*
- Dual Credit Student Orientation (DCSO) Instructions
- Step 3: Dual Credit Student Orientation (DCSO) Module acknowledgement form
Retuning to Dual Credit
Please note that any Comm Arts students that are currently in dual credit this year do not need to reapply. The only necessary step would be to complete the returning to dual credit form that will need to be returned to Mr. Bernardino in A222a.
Academic Support
Varsity Tutors
Students, you can find a new tutoring support system in your NISD portal.
Varsity Tutoring offers:
- 24/7 On-Demand Chat Tutoring (including AP courses)
- On-Demand Essay Review
- Live Enrichment Classes
- Test Prep Classes (ACT, SAT, GED, etc), Academic Classes (study halls, algebra bootcamps, etc) and Enrichment Classes (languages, robotics, chess, etc)
Don't forget to check it out!
Counselor's Corner
The CAHS counselors met with ninth-grade students during their English 1 class to help them select courses for the 2025-2026 school year. A planning guide was sent home for students and parents to engage in academic conversations. Your input as parents is valuable to your student's academic journey. Last week, starting on February 17th, CAHS counselors met individually with all 9th graders to continue helping them with course selections for the next academic year. Counselors will visit the 9th grade through their Social Studies classes.
Kindness Week
Although Kindness Week was last week, kindness should be practiced daily. Being kind to others and yourself is essential for our society and our mental health. It is a time to remember that our words and actions impact others, and they do matter! Kindness is a mindful, conscientious act that helps our schools and communities feel and be friendlier, calmer, and more positive. Spreading good cheer helps alleviate stressful environments and situations, leaving people feeling good. This is also a time to teach and practice empathy, respect, and other positive social skills and behaviors. Here are a few ideas for expressing kindness and encouraging others to do the same. Random Acts of Kindness Ideas
Go Center
College Career & Military Advisor - Elaine Torres (elaine.torres@nisd.net)
College Board
SAT Practice
It's never too early to prepare for the SAT. For more information, click here: Official SAT Practice or the SAT Student Study Guide. There are also several practice SATs on Bluebook. Just log in to the Bluebook app using your College Board account.
BigFuture Ambassador
Here are their links:
- Jessai - BigFuture - JessaiAmbassadorLink
- Adrian - BigFuture - AdrianAmbassadorLink
You can use these links to explore post-secondary plans as well as other information related to college and scholarships.
BigFuture Scholarships
10th and 11th graders can qualify for $500 and $40,000 scholarships from BigFuture®! The scholarships are open to all students, with no GPA, test score, essay, income, or citizenship requirements. Every month, BigFuture will award $500 and $40,000 to students who take steps toward their career and the education they need to reach it.
For more information: BigFuture Scholarships
AP Exams
AP Exams
Seniors, the deadline to sign up and pay for your AP macroeconomics exam is March 1st.
If you wish to sign up for an exam, there is an additional $40 late fee. Each exam costs $40. Those with free & reduced, exam costs are $10.
Payments for AP exams can be made using MySchoolBucks or by cash/check (payable to ‘Taft High School’) handed directly to Mr. Kevin Bernardino in room A222a. Payment for spring semester only exams (AP Macro) is due in full by March 1, 2026.
Reminder: All My School Bucks School Store products will be disabled during NISD's Winter Break and Spring Break
SAT for Seniors
Seniors & SAT
If you are a senior and need to take the SAT, you can sign up through the College Board. Most NISD high schools are typically testing sites on weekends.
SAT Fee Waivers
Students can request a fee waiver directly from College Board. Eligible students can receive SAT fee waiver benefits by logging in to their College Board account and submitting a request. Learn more on the College Board website.
SAT Practice
Practice Builds Confidence
Take advantage of free Official SAT Practice at Khan Academy®. Take a practice test, set a target score, and feel confident on test day.
School Pictures & Yearbooks
Important Links & Documents
Spring Semester Exam Exemptions
A student enrolled in courses earning high school credit (full-year or semester) may be exempt from the spring semester exam if the following criteria are met:
- For the Spring semester, the student has three or fewer absences, excluding school business absences; (Spring semester begins January 6th, 2026)
- The student's final average for the spring semester is 80 or higher;
- The student's conduct grade in that class is satisfactory or better; and
- The student is in attendance during the scheduled exam time.
A student who is eligible for exemption may take the exam if desired.
Exam Weight: The two graded quarters of each semester shall weigh 90 percent of the semester grade, and the semester exam shall weigh 10 percent of the semester grade. If a student is exempt from the semester exam, the semester grade shall be calculated using only the two grade quarters of the semester.
Personal Communication Device Policy
We would like to remind everyone of our No Personal Communication Device Policy during school hours. This includes cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and similar devices. This policy was implemented to comply with Texas House Bill 1481 and to support a focused and distraction-free learning environment.
However, we understand the importance of technology in education. Therefore, students are allowed to bring and use personal laptops for classwork, note-taking, and other academic activities as directed by their teachers. Content specific technology such as an Adobe equipped iPad for an Animation course will also be allowed while in that class. Like all other devices previously mentioned, they will not be allowed during passing periods, lunch periods or in non-applicable courses and academic activities.
Please ensure that laptops are used responsibly and only for educational purposes during school hours. Misuse will result in loss of this privilege. Devices including cell phones must be powered off and kept in student's backpacks.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a productive and respectful learning environment.
VOE
Our Verification of Enrollment (VOE) is available digitally. The VOE form is used for driver's permits and licenses. Use the Google Form to request a copy.
Summer tends to be a busy time for new drivers. Our Verification of Enrollment (VOE) is available digitally. Use the Google Form below to request a copy. The VOE will remain valid through the summer months.
Attendance Matters
The Texas Compulsory Attendance Law states that students between the ages of 6 and 19 are subject to the Texas Compulsory Attendance Laws.
Let's start with how it affects a student's academics. The Law states that a student must be in attendance 90% of the class time offered to receive credit for a course. In Northside, we have a calendar that shows 174 days of school for the 25/26 school year. This equates to 17 absences in a full-year course before attendance recovery is required or a student loses credit, regardless of their grade. For a semester course, we have 87 days in the fall, which allows for 9 absences, and 87 days in the spring, which allows 9 absences before attendance recovery is required or a student loses credit, regardless of their grade. Remember, when considering the 90% rule and its impact on gaining credit, both excused and unexcused absences count.
A student who is absent more than 75% of the class time will no longer be eligible for attendance recovery and will need to retake the course to earn the credit. This equates to 22 absences per semester.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email cahs.attendance@nisd.net.
Here Comes the Bus
Safety
As a safety reminder, NISD does not allow food deliveries for students or faculty/staff members. Additionally, all students, faculty, and staff must wear their school IDs on campus for safety.
Here is the link for more information: Safety First, 2025-2026
Additionally, any visitors to campus will need to apply and pass a background check. This does need to be completed every year. It will not roll over. Here is the link to the background check: https://www.nisd.net/community/volunteer-mentor
If you notice anything unusual or a potential safety concern throughout the school year, please contact the NISD Safeline. The Safeline is anonymous and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone number: 210-397-7233
Email: safe@nisd.net
Adobe Access
Adobe Creative Suite Software at Home for Personal Devices
ComArts CTE students can download and install Adobe Creative Suite software onto their personal laptops and computers (not Chromebooks) for FREE using your NISD student login credentials. Use the attached instructions for guidance. Keep in mind that the Adobe software version installed at home will be a newer version than what is available at school.
Communications Arts High School
Mission: Our school promotes curiosity while providing rigorous academics in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Vision: Communications Arts H.S. students will be confident, capable, communicative leaders.
Email: cahs@nisd.net
Attendance Email: CAHS.attendance@nisd.net
Website: https://www.nisd.net/communicationsarts
Location: 11600 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78253, USA
Phone: (210) 397-6043
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommunicationsArtsHighSchool/
X: @NISDComArts





