Keeping Up with Comm Arts
~ October 5, 2026 ~
Attention Seniors
Next week is Free College Application Week! You can apply to any Texas public university or college for FREE using the Apply Texas application. To get ready, take some time this week to prep your applications so you are ready to submit them next week. Don't let this fantastic opportunity pass you by!
Homecoming Court
Salvador Rodriguez & Madeline Bush were crowned Homecoming King & Queen for Comm Arts!
HOCO Pep Rally
HOCO Mums
Thank you, Ms. Fox for providing the opportunity for some of our students to make Homecoming Mums!
HOCO in AV
StuCo
Decision of Respect
On Friday, October 2nd, Comm Arts students signed the Decision of Respect.
Thank you, Mrs. Sabogal, for sharing pictures of your class showing their commitment to kindness.
Library Times
Calling all aspiring medical professionals!
Another amazing Comm Arts graduate, Tirzah Polk, shared this opportunity with us.
The University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine is excited to host the Student National Medical Association Regional Medical Education Conference (RMEC) this year. This event features unique programming for premed and high school students interested in medicine. Registration is just $20. Don’t miss this great opportunity—see the registration link for details.
Discover PAC
Thinking about attending Palo Alto College next year? PAC is hosting an Open House event on November 13th, but space is extremely limited—we only have 14 spots available.
If you want to attend, email Ms. Lewis right away to reserve your spot before they run out!
This interactive event is designed to help you take the next step toward becoming a Palomino. You will learn how to get started at Palo Alto College, explore academic programs, and connect with campus representatives who are ready to answer questions and provide guidance.
Support Taft Theater
Junior Masterclass
Sign up by Oct 8th
The Congressional App Challenge
This competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. They encourage students of all skill levels to participate and learn how to create their own apps. Students are encouraged to register online and submit their apps by October 26, 2026.
To learn more about the competition or to submit an app go to the CongressionalAppChallenge.us
U.S. Service Academy Nominations
If you are interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy, you can CLICK HERE or you can email TX20.Nominations@mail.house.gov.
Congressional Award Program
Take the Challenge and earn Congress' highest award for youth. Bring service, initiative, and achievement to your community and set a goal to earn The Congressional Award. Start your journey today.
If you would like information on the Congressional Award Program or would like a brochure and workbook, call the San Antonio District Office.
Congressional Art Challenge
Every spring, high school students are encouraged to compete in the
Congressional Art Competition for a chance to showcase their work amongst the most talented students in the nation. The overall winner in our district will have their art displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. They will also have the opportunity to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the Congressional Art Competition, click here.
Tutoring Bus
Students who stay after school for tutoring may ride the late bus to the designated elementary and middle schools. The bus will leave the Taft bus loop promptly at 5:30 PM. All students must have a signed bus pass from their teacher to board.
**Please note the elementary schools listed on the flyer.
CAHS Tutoring
Mental Health & Wellness: Strategies for Fall Success
Managing Semester Stress:
- Take Mindful Breaks: Practice short breathing exercises or step away from screens for a few minutes between study sessions.
- Reframe Challenges: Focus on what you can control, and don't hesitate to reach out to counselors, teachers, or parents when you feel overwhelmed.
- Prioritize with a Planner: Track upcoming assignments, tests, and deadlines using a digital calendar or paper planner.
- Break Down Big Tasks: Divide large projects into smaller, manageable steps to avoid procrastination and last-minute panic.
- Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 8-9 hours of restful sleep each night to help your mind stay sharp and resilient.
- Stay Active & Nourished: Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and include regular physical activity or outdoor time in your daily schedule.
TSI Testing
ASVAB Testing
NVC - College Awareness
Attention seniors! If you're interested in learning more about College Connection, Alamo Colleges, and AlamoPROMISE, check out the College Awareness Video Presentation. It provides valuable information that can help you in your college journey. Additionally, indicate your interest or need for support by completed the form linked for the Alamo College Connection Support Request. Don't miss out on these important opportunities!
Jack C. Jordan Scholarship
NISD Council of PTAs offers a $1,000 scholarship to one high school senior from each Northside ISD high school PTSA who will be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university or a technical institute in the summer or fall semester immediately following the applicant's high school graduation.
Through our scholarship program, the Northside ISD Council of PTAs supports students focused on achieving career goals through higher education. In evaluating each application, the Scholarship Committee will also consider service and participation in school activities, community involvement, and scholastic merit.
The application deadline is November 15th, 2026, at midnight.
Applicant must use a NON-SCHOOL-ISSUED EMAIL ADDRESS. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Study Review Materials & Scholarship Guides
The Comm Arts front office purchased test review materials as well as scholarship guides. Students are welcome to stop by and check out any of these materials.
It's time to register for AP Exams. Payments for AP exams will be made using MySchoolBucks online or by cash/check (payable to 'Taft High School') handed directly to Ms. Najera in room A222a before November 9, 2025 (for full-year & fall semester AP courses). Payment for spring semester only exams (AP Macro) is due in full by March 4, 2026.
The AP Exam Fee for the 2026-2027 school year is $40 per exam, or $10 if a student qualifies for free or reduced lunch. If a student registers for an exam and cancels after the November ordering deadline, they will be charged a $40 cancellation fee. Additionally, if a student does not order an exam by November 9, 2025 (for a full-year course), a $40 late order fee may apply.
For more information about the Free and Reduced Program contact their office at (210) 397-4517, email free-reduced@nisd.net, or visit www.nisd.net/schools/menus.
Reminder: All My School Bucks School Store products will be disabled during NISD's Winter Break and Spring Break
Class of 2027 Senior Portraits
Seniors, take time to schedule your senior portraits with CADY. If you already took your senior portrait and paid a studio fee, please reach out to CADY. They will reimburse you.
Comm Arts Clubs
Taft Clubs
NISD 26-27 Calendar
Off & Away for the Day
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, in line with Texas House Bill 1481, to support a focused learning environment.
Students may use personal laptops for classwork as directed by their teachers. Specific devices, such as Adobe-equipped iPads for certain courses, are also permitted. However, all devices must be powered off and kept in backpacks during passing periods, lunch, and non-applicable classes.
Please use laptops responsibly for educational purposes only. Misuse will result in loss of privileges. Thank you for your cooperation!
School Safety Reminder
Northside ISD joined the Texas School Safety Center's public awareness campaign, "Threats Are No Joke!" aimed at educating students and parents about the serious consequences of making or sharing threats. The campaign highlights that even joking about threats can have legal repercussions and endanger safety, as shown in the PSA video linked below. Students are encouraged to report any concerning information through NISD's Safeline. We encourage everyone to watch the video at https://txssc.txstate.edu/videos/threats-are-no-joke/ to understand better the importance of keeping our schools safe. Thank you.
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 attend 90% of the class time offered to receive credit for a course. In Northside, our calendar shows 174 school days for the 26/27 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 85 days in the fall, which allows 9 absences, and 89 days in the spring, which allows 9 absences, before attendance recovery is required or a student loses credit, regardless of grade. Remember, when considering the 90% rule and its impact on gaining credit, both excused and unexcused absences count.
A student absent more than 75% of class time will no longer be eligible for attendance recovery and will need to retake the course to earn credit. This equates to 22 absences per semester.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email cahs.attendance@nisd.net.
