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NHE News

March 10, 2026

NHE News March 10, 2026
NHE NewsMarch 10, 2026
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NHE Family Handbook

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

NHE Families,


We are in the final stretch before spring break, and I continue to be amazed by the incredible growth and energy our students show each day.


Enrollment is open! We are officially launching a Level Up Enrollment Contest to help make sure your child's spot at NHE is reserved. Please see the details below on how you can participate and help us spread the word about completing enrollment early!


I want to extend a sincere thank you to our amazing PTA and our generous donors for a successful fundraising event this past Saturday. The theme was Viva Las Vegas, and we had a blast raising money to support our school! The level of support from our community is truly humbling, and the funds raised will go a long way in enhancing the educational experiences we provide for your children.


We are excited to invite current and prospective families to our Kindergarten Roundup and Open House on March 26th. This is a wonderful opportunity to tour our campus, meet our dedicated staff, and learn more about why Northwood Hills is the perfect place for your child to begin their educational journey.


Thank you for your continued partnership and for making Northwood Hills such a special place to learn and grow.


Warmly,


Jenni Smith

NHE Principal

Coming up @ NHE Coming up @ NHE

Please be aware of the upcoming events at NHE!

  • March 12: 4th-grade Field Trip to Austin

  • March 13: Third Quarter SOAR Awards

  • 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: Kindergarten Round Up

  • 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

Enroll NOW for 2026-2027! Enroll NOW for 2026-2027!

🎮 Level Up Enrollment Contest!

It’s time for some friendly competition! For the next three weeks, we’re challenging each grade level to see who can reach the highest percentage of online re-enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year.


🏆 The winning grade level each week earns:

  • 5 extra minutes of recess every day the following week AND a "Workout Wear" pass for the teachers!

🗓️ Winner Announcements:

  • March 13

  • March 27

  • April 3

✅Parents:

Find your Snapcode, then go to https://web.risd.org/enrollonline/ and complete your re-enrollment today.


Let’s help your child’s grade level take the lead!

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Join us for Open House on March 26th Join us for Open House on March 26th

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Kindergarten Round Up Kindergarten Round Up

Northwood Hills Elementary will host a Kindergarten Round-Up on Thursday, March 26 from 5:00-5:30 PM in the NHE library. Parents and prospective 2026-2027 kindergarteners are invited to hear about NHE and the online enrollment process, as well as tour the school during this event.


If you have a prospective 2026-2027 NHE Kindergartener, please RSVP at https://forms.gle/R7Atza7EbsTv9b7P8, including regrets, for Kindergarten Round-Up. Once you complete this form, you will receive an email with detailed enrollment information.


RISD’s online enrollment is now open. All 2026-2027 students must be enrolled online at https://web.risd.org/enrollonline/.

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

New to 2026-27 Language Learning Program

Northwood Hills will offer a Language Learning Program starting next school year. The program will offer two pathways designed to expand access to Spanish enrichment opportunities, support biliteracy development, and strengthen academic outcomes for all students. The program is grounded in research and aligned to district goals around early literacy and student achievement.

launch schools.risd.org
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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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Counseling Corner Counseling Corner

NHE Counseling Corner

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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)

Update to Student Cell Phone Guidelines Update to Student Cell Phone Guidelines

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Please be advised that Richardson ISD has updated its Student Cell Phone Guidelines to explicitly prohibit the use of Meta glasses and all other smart glasses on campus. These devices are now categorized alongside cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, wireless headphones, and other electronic devices capable of communication.


  • At NHE, smart glasses must remain powered off and out of sight throughout the school day.


This update will be incorporated into our campus procedures as part of our ongoing efforts to minimize distractions and maintain an optimal learning environment. In addition, we have updated RISD has updated the Student Cell Phone Guidelines on the website

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NHE PTA News NHE PTA News

Join the PTA
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Join PTA Here

NHE UIL Team NHE UIL Team

NHE sent 18 students on to the UIL competition this past Saturday! We are so proud of all the hard work they put in; way to go students!! A special thank you to all of our teachers and parents who made this possible for our students. NHE is once again leveling up!!

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🎲✨ NHE Auction 2026 Success!! ✨🎲 🎲✨ NHE Auction 2026 Success!! ✨🎲

On Saturday NHE had its annual school auction and it was a huge success! With a little Vegas sparkle, a lot of community spirit, and the incredible generosity of our families, we not only met our fundraising goal — we exceeded it!


Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, bid, and helped bring the Viva Las Vegas theme to life. Your support made the evening fun, memorable, and impactful for our school. A special thanks to Megan Butler and the auction committee for all their hard work in making this event such a success and an amazing night for everyone!


Because we surpassed our target, we now have the exciting opportunity to decide how to use the extra funds to benefit our students and school community. We’d love to hear from you! In the coming days, we’ll be asking parents to share their ideas and priorities for how these additional funds should be used.


We’re so grateful for this amazing community and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together. And if you missed the fun this year, we hope even more families will join us next time — it’s sure to be another winning night! ♠️♥️♣️♦️

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Panera Bread Spirit Night Panera Bread Spirit Night

NHE is having another spirit night on March 25th at Panera Bread on Beltline! Grab your friends and come by from 4–8 p.m. Make sure you mention our school so that we receive part of your purchase! You can also order online and use code FUND4U. Thank you for all your support for our wonderful school!

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Freddie's Farm - Chicken Care Freddie's Farm - Chicken Care

Sign Up HERE
NHE Chicken Care Website
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Learning Community News Learning Community News

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RHS Baseball RHS Baseball

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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/

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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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