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Northwood Hills News

January 30, 2025

Northwood Hills News January 30, 2025
NorthwoodHills NewsJanuary 30, 2025

Northwood Hills News is the school newsletter written by campus leadership. You'll find important dates and information about upcoming activities including evening events, school-wide assessments, and RISD area events. The newsletter will go out via email on Thursdays of each week. Please ensure your email addresses and phone numbers are up-to-date in Focus so that you receive each week's updates in a timely manner.

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

Hello NHE families,


Hooray for our second full 5-day week back at school in 2025! It's been a busy week of learning and we are looking forward to several school-wide events.


Tonight, we invite all families to join us at 5:30 for Family Growth Goal Camp. At this event, parents learn more about their student’s academic growth goals, get some giveaway packets with fun activities to do as a family, and enjoy a nacho snack! We are also very excited about our 5th & 6th grade Glow Party on Friday. We will also be hosting our Future Falcons in the art room this week. The kids are sure to have a great time! Please see more details about each of these events below.


We've had a lot of students out sick this week. Please encourage your kids to use good hygiene habits, including regularly washing their hands. We want to avoid spreading germs so students can be at school every day!


Student progress reports are available in Focus.


Sincerely,

Jenni Smith

Principal

Coming up @ NHE Coming up @ NHE

Please be aware of the upcoming events at NHE!

  • TONIGHT - Parent Growth Goal Camp 5:30-7:00

  • January 31 - 5th & 6th Grade Glow Party

  • February 3 - 5th-grade field trip to Biz Town

  • February 3 - College Color Day

  • February 3-7 National School Counseling Week

  • February 5 - I Know What To Do Day - Lockdown Drill

  • February 10-14 Kindness Week

  • February 13 - Early Release Day 1:10

  • February 14 - Valentine's Day Parties

  • February 17 - No School

  • February 19 - TELPAS Listening and Speaking (2nd-6th)

  • February 21 - TELPAS Reading and Writing (2nd-6th)

TONIGHT TONIGHT

Join us to learn more about your student's growth goals Join us to learn more about your student's growth goals

I Know What To Do Day February 5th I Know What To Do Day February 5th

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Safety Drill Notification

Wednesday, February 5th will be our next "I Know What To Do" Day. Students and staff will revisit safety protocols and practice a Lockdown drill. No action or preparation is necessary on your part as a parent. However, we encourage you to talk with your students after the drill to ensure they feel that they understand what to do in the event of an actual safety situation.

Afterschool Tutoring Information Afterschool Tutoring Information

Students who are invited to attend tutoring will receive an invitation. Bus transportation is provided for tutoring. If your child brings home a tutoring invite, please make it a priority to have them attend. We are committed to closing instructional gaps and providing the support necessary for each student to meet their growth goals.


Tutoring Dates:

February 4, 11, 18, 25

March 4, 18, 25

April 1, 8

Kindness Week Kindness Week

Student Badge Update Student Badge Update

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Dear Parents / Guardians,

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students follow the new badge procedures! Wearing badges each day teaches responsibility, prepares them for junior high, helps with efficiency in the lunch line and library, and most importantly, helps keep our school safe.


Please remind your child to wear their badge daily. Each student receives one free badge and two free replacements. After that, there is a $2.00 replacement fee. Payment reminders will be sent home in Tuesday folders next week.


We truly appreciate your partnership in making this a smooth process. We had a fantastic first semester, and we’re excited to finish the year strong together!

As always, thank you for your support!



Estimados padres / tutores,

¡Gracias por su continuo apoyo en ayudar a nuestros estudiantes a seguir los nuevos procedimientos de identificación! Usando los gafetes cada día les enseña responsabilidad, los prepara para la secundaria, ayuda con la eficiencia en la línea del almuerzo y la biblioteca, y lo más importante, ayuda a mantener nuestra escuela segura.


Por favor recuerde a su hijo(a) que use su gafete todos los días. Cada estudiante recibe un gafete gratis y dos reemplazos gratis. Después de eso, hay una cuota de reemplazo de $2.00. Recordatorios de pago serán enviados a casa en las carpetas del martes de la próxima semana.


Realmente apreciamos su colaboración en hacer de este un proceso sin problemas. ¡Tuvimos un primer semestre fantástico, y estamos emocionados de terminar el año fuerte juntos!


Como siempre, ¡gracias por su apoyo!

Author Visit Coming Soon Author Visit Coming Soon

On February 21, author Chris Barton will be visiting with kindergarten through 3rd graders. He will speak about his books and writing process. If you would like to purchase one of his books to be signed by him, please use the following link to make a purchase. The deadline is February 5. Your purchase is a fun keepsake, and it benefits our school!


https://interabangbooks.com/wishlist/jospereswosho

Upcoming Assessment Dates Upcoming Assessment Dates

TELPAS Assessment

This test is given to 2nd through 6th graders who are Emergent Bilingual. This test assesses their language acquisition.

February 19:Listening & Speaking (grades 2-6)

February 20: Reading & Writing (grades 2-6)


STAAR Dates:

April 15: STAAR RLA (grades 3-6)

April 16: Make-up STAAR RLA (grades 3-6)

April 23: STAAR Science (5th grade only)

April 24: Make-up STAAR Science (5th grade only)

April 29: STAAR Math (grades 3-6)

April 30: Make-up STAAR Math (grades 3-6)

Click Here to Join PTA

Glow Party January 31st Glow Party January 31st

Future Falcons Future Falcons

"Calling all Future Falcons! Get ready for a fun-filled, creative adventure with NHE's amazing art teacher, Mrs. Perez! Bring your Future Falcon and join us for an exciting art lesson where imaginations will soar! Don't miss out on the fun! Please RSVP to Kristy Blevins at 214-842-2114."

Partners Programs Partners Programs

RISD PTA Used Book Fair RISD PTA Used Book Fair

NHE PTA Auction & Gala NHE PTA Auction & Gala

6th Grade Junior High Transition Newsletter 6th Grade Junior High Transition Newsletter

Counselor Corner - 6th Grade

Counselor Corner - 6th Grade

Counselor Corner - 6th Grade - Transitioning to Junior High by Paige Pendery | This newsletter was created with Smore, an online tool for creating beautiful newsletters for educators, businesses and more

launch secure.smore.com

Eagle Spotlight Eagle Spotlight

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Richardson High School

Elementary students had a great time at the girl's soccer game this week!

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Westwood Junior High

Awesome opportunities for GT learners at Westwood!
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West Junior High

The Communication Arts program took a trip to SMG to see Wicked. These young filmmakers had a blast, their futures are unlimited.
More Information and Registration Form HERE

RISD Autism Parent Newsletter RISD Autism Parent Newsletter

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Please click here to read the latest Specials Student Services Autism Parent Newsletter. This month’s newsletter includes information about sensory toys, upcoming parent education opportunities, resources for parents of children with autism, and more!

Newsletter link: https://secure.smore.com/n/rtepz-risd-sss-parent-newsletter?ref=email

Region 10 Parent, Family, & Community Engagement Fair

Registration is now open!

Region 10 Parent, Family, & Community Engagement Fair

February 26, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

400 E. Spring Valley Rd., Richardson, TX 75081

presented by Region 10’s Multilingual Team

This free event is designed for parents who are raising bilingual or multilingual children. It’s a perfect opportunity for parents like yourself to engage, learn, and connect. The theme is “Lights! Camera! Action! Empowering Parents, Uniting Communities” and you’re the MVP of the event–the Most Valuable Parent!

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Learning Sessions on empowering families and supporting your child’s education

  • Networking Opportunities with other parents and community members

  • Exciting Resources that can benefit you and your family

  • Music and Entertainment for a fun and enjoyable day

Register here: Richardson ISD PFC Engagement Fair

Deadline to register: 2/7/2025

Click here to see last year’s fun: Region 10 Title III Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Fair Video

District Forming Bond Steering Committee & Two Others District Forming Bond Steering Committee & Two Others

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RISD is seeking parents and community members interested in serving on three new committees that will begin meeting this semester. Learn more about serving here.

January is School Board Appreciation Month January is School Board Appreciation Month

Every January, RISD recognizes our elected board of trustees, who volunteer many long hours each in their work to set the vision, mission, and goals for the district and determine the resources and budget necessary for RISD to operate in a way that supports every student, every teacher, and every leader every day.

The RISD community is grateful for the servant leadership of Board President Regina Harris and Trustees Eric Eager, Rachel McGowan, Vanessa Pacheco, Chris Poteet, Debbie Rentería and Megan Timme. Thank you, RISD Board of Trustees.

Save the Date for 2025-26 Enrollment Save the Date for 2025-26 Enrollment

Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year opens Feb. 25. Save the date, and visit the online enrollment page for information and what to have ready.

Richardson ISD enrollement for 25-26 opens February 25th

Helpful Parent Resources Helpful Parent Resources

  • Create a Focus account – RISD provides electronic access to a student’s attendance, grades, and other information via the Focus school software system. . https://web.risd.org/focus/


  • Please go to RISD Voly to fill out an application. Please make sure you select NHE as your school. This process needs to be completed every year!


  • All of RISD will be utilizing Talking Points for classroom communication. Please download the free app to get started communicating with your child's teacher!

    You can find more information online at this link


  • Download SchoolCafe app – RISD’s school cafeteria payment system is called SchoolCafe. https://www.schoolcafe.com/


  • Download RISD Mobile Parent app – Access student information, view the latest news, receive important alerts, review 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 via the RISD Mobile Parent app.


  • Support our amazing school by joining the NHE PTA!

District Links District Links

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Focus Parent Portal

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Library Opt-Out Program - Elementary

https://web.risd.org/studentservices/social-and-emotional-learning/
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SEL Opt Out 2024-2025

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RISD Graduate Profile

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Parent Information

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RISD Student and Parent Handbook

NHE Breakfast & Lunch Menu

Lunch Visitors Lunch Visitors

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Beginning next week, visitors are welcome to join their students for lunch. Here are a few reminders when planning to visit for lunch.


  • Due to space in our cafeteria we are asking that parents who wish to have lunch with their child do so only once per week.
  • Arrive before your child's scheduled lunchtime.
  • Bring your ID to be screened at check-in. You will be given a visitor badge to wear at all times while on campus.
  • Visitors should sit at the designated visitor table with their child and are not permitted to sit at the class cafeteria tables.
  • Lunch visitors may eat lunch with only their child. Friends will not be permitted to join another parent for lunch.
  • We request that visitors follow a no-cell phone policy to ensure student privacy and quality time with their child. Taking pictures or videos in the cafeteria that include any other students or staff is not permitted.
  • When your child’s lunch period is over, visitors should exit the building from the front or office doors. Lunch visitors should NOT walk their child back to class.
  • If a visitor who is not a parent or guardian comes to eat lunch with a student, we must have permission ahead of time from the parent or guardian or they will not be permitted to eat with the student.


These guidelines may need to be adjusted from time to time. Updates will be communicated as needed.

24-25 NHE Lunch Schedule

NHE Recurring Links and Information NHE Recurring Links and Information

2024-2025 NHE Family Handbook
Click to view NHE Bus Route
NHE Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
How to Upload Your Attendance Excuse for Focus

NHE Volunteers & Visitors NHE Volunteers & Visitors

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Safety and security is a top priority for us. You must complete a background check yearly if you will be volunteering for ANY school activities. Please go to RISD Voly to fill out an application. Please make sure you select Northwood Hills Elementary as your school. Again, this process needs to be completed every year!


All visitors must show a government-issued ID every time you are either visiting school or volunteering and will need to have a Verkada Badge. The great thing about our new system is that you can use the QR Code from home in the morning, and your badge will be waiting for you when you arrive. Please wait to access the code until 7 am the day that it is needed so that the badge doesn't time out. This is a requirement for any activity we will have during the school day.


Before entering the building, you will need to push the doorbell. Our office staff will ask how they can help you before letting you in. This is a requirement for everyone even if our office staff knows who you are. We appreciate your support and patience with this process.

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Parents and Families On Campus

With the increased need for security on all campuses, NHE will continue to use Verkada to sign in all visitors on campus. If you plan on visiting campus, please make sure to bring your driver's license to the front office to be scanned by our RAPTOR system.


During occasions when we have a big event, we will send out a QR code ahead of time for you to complete to help speed up the check-in process.


If you plan to volunteer on campus, please complete the additional background check with VOLY. It is best to complete the VOLY application as soon as possible. VOLY requests can take up to 72 hours to complete. Please call the Northwood Hills office for any help needed with completing VOLY. Sign up to volunteer at risd.voly.org

Click Here to Fill Out the Voly Form
Students and staff are encouraged to wear their favorite college  colors or college shirts on the following dates this year:   Tuesday, September 3rd  Monday, October 7th  Wednesday, November 6th  Monday, December 2nd  Tuesday, January 7th  Monday, February 3rd  Monday, March 3rd  Monday, April 7th  Monday, May 5th
NHE News Archive
Click here to view previous editions of the Northwood Hills News
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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