The Blazer Beat

North Lake Family,

We have just closed out the 6th week of instruction and are getting ready to close out the 1st 9-week quarter. Now is the time to encourage our students to stay on top of their work and attend tutoring sessions that are offered throughout the week at North Lake ECHS. Our students have adjusted to the workload of dual enrollment and are really starting to do well balancing being a high school and college student.

This coming week is Homecoming Week, one of our traditions here at North Lake ECHS. We celebrate the students who have set the foundation for our success and the students who are pioneering new avenues for our success! I would encourage students to participate in the theme days, and then on Friday, September 25, 2026, students are encouraged to wear their Mums!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and have time to spend with your family and friends. I look forward to welcoming you next week for Homecoming and continuing to build on our North Lake ECHS traditions. Make it a great week!

Sincerely,

Adrian Hernandez

Principal

North Lake Early College High School

Twitter @AdHernandez2648

Familias de North Lake,

Acabamos de finalizar la sexta semana de clases y nos preparamos para cerrar el primer periodo de nueve semanas. Es el momento ideal para animar a nuestros estudiantes a mantenerse al día con sus tareas y a asistir a las sesiones de tutoría que se ofrecen durante toda la semana en North Lake ECHS. Nuestros alumnos se han adaptado a la carga académica del programa de inscripción doble (*dual enrollment*) y están logrando un buen equilibrio entre sus responsabilidades como estudiantes de preparatoria y de universidad.

La próxima semana celebramos la *Homecoming Week* (Semana de Bienvenida), una de nuestras tradiciones aquí en North Lake ECHS. ¡Celebramos tanto a los estudiantes que sentaron las bases de nuestro éxito como a aquellos que están abriendo nuevos caminos hacia el mismo! Animo a los estudiantes a participar en los días temáticos y, para el viernes 25 de septiembre de 2026, ¡los invito a lucir sus *mums*!

Espero que todos tengan un fin de semana maravilloso y tiempo para compartir con familiares y amigos. Espero verlos la próxima semana para las celebraciones de *Homecoming* y para seguir fortaleciendo nuestras tradiciones en North Lake ECHS. ¡Que tengan una excelente semana!

Atentamente,

Adrián Hernández

Director

North Lake Early College High School

Twitter @AdHernández2648

Consider joining the PTSA! Parents and community are the backbone of our campus! First meeting coming soon!

Please take time to complete the Dallas ISD Parent Survey. Click the photo for the link!

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th to October 15th. During the month we will celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors are from Latin American Roots!

Week of September 21th

Value of the Week - Leadership

What will you do to show this value during the week?

Homecoming Week!

Monday, September 21, 2026 - A Day - Anything but a Backpack (No people, No Pets)

Augustana College Visit A 206

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - B Day - Emo v Coquette

Campus Tutoring Day

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - Meme Day A Day

University of Texas Visit to North Lake

Thursday, September 24, 2026 - 2016 Day B Day

Powderpuff Game

Wear your Mums!

Campus Tutoring Day

Friday, September 25, 2026 Frat Friday C Day

North Lake ECHS Social Media

Instagram:

@northlakeechs

X/Twitter: @NorthLake_ECHS

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/NLECHSDISD

Kudos to Mrs. Tam! She is the sponsor and advisory for our Art Club on campus and is displaying student art work in the L Building! Next time you are campus, check out the great art from these amazIng North Lake ECHS students! - Photos by Mrs. Tam

Pre Order your copy of The Stampede, The Official North Lake ECHS Year Book! Click the photo for more info!

Check out the supports you can type into Google Gemini from your Dallas ISD Device! It will help you study for the test

Please look over these videos to support you with TSIA ELAR and Math!

*IMPORTANT*

HEAT MITIGATING TACTICS

Due to the high temperature, drivers will do their best to limit the opening and closing of doors on the bus to keep them cool. We ask that students do not open windows on the bus while riding to and from school.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE REVIEW ROUTES, THERE HAVE BEEN CHANGES!

Please review the routes below, a live link is also available. If you encounter any issues on the first day, please contact transportation first. 972-925-4287. Remember the first days of school, buses can run behind schedule due to increased traffic.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OuunwjN-sbEmHSFSN-Q6HG7WeMZGaOoPL0jACIWJ7xU/edit?gid=1532365375#gid=1532365375

This link also provides information on tracking your bus.

Please review the tutoring bus routes. Please note our tutoring buses usually arrive at 5:30 pm and the last one arrives at 6 pm due to completing other routes first. Students, please report back to L building after tutoring is complete to wait for the bus. Thank you!

Beginning on the first day of school (August 11, 2026), all students will be expected to adhere to the the North Lake Early College dress code and uniform policy.

Wednesday will be "Uniform Day" On Uniform Wednesdays, students are required to wear their ECHS uniform shirt, black slacks, khaki slacks or a skirt (no shorter than “finger-tip length” with arms in normal position, i.e., arms hanging naturally, as student is standing straight and upright).

Senior Only Uniform of grey slacks or Grey/Blue plaid skirt with the North Lake ECHS uniform shirt or Senior Shirt!

North Lake ECHS Uniform can be purchased at Levine's two locations or via their website https://levinesstores.com/collections/north-lake-early-college-high-school.

Students will be required to follow the North Lake Dress Code on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Please see the image below which outlines the do's and don'ts. This also included no sleep ware such as pajamas or pajama pants. Failure to follow this will result in a student code of conduct referral.

All students will be required to have clear or mesh backpacks for the 26/27 school year, small personal non clear bags are allowed. Dallas ISD will provide all students with one free clear back from the school year. I would recommend the mesh bag as they are more durable for the year. If you require a backpack, you can pick up at open house or first day of school

Mesh/Clear Backpack examples - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mesh+backpack&crid=21Z8OKVNB5ZZY&sprefix=Mesh+Bac%2Caps%2C144&ref=nb_sb_ss_pltr-data-refreshed_1_8

Remember Blazers, no strapless tops! Please bring a sweater if you wear this item.

Please review the bell schedule for the 2026-2027 school year. If changes occur due to testing or special events, parents and students will be notified ASAP.

The building is open from 7:15 am - 4:15 pm. Classes are from 8:00 am - 3:20 pm. Note that tutoring will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm.

Visit our Counseling website for additional resources and Information!

• Parent Counseling Needs Assessment - Please complete today!

College Classes Are in Full Swing!

College classes are now fully underway, making this a great time to check in with your student about their progress. We encourage families to regularly discuss grades, assignments, attendance, and any areas where additional support may be needed.

Please remember that dual credit courses become a permanent part of your student’s college academic record, so staying engaged early can make a big difference. Encourage your student to monitor their grades, communicate with instructors, ask for help when needed, and take advantage of available academic supports.

If you have questions about the dual credit process, academic expectations, or available supports, please contact your student’s grade-level counselor. We are here to help students stay on track and be successful in both their high school and college coursework.

Seniors: College Visit Opportunities

Did you know that Dallas College offers opportunities for students to participate in college visits and campus tours?

If you are interested in learning more about upcoming visits, stop by and see Dr. Hart for additional information and the QR code to register.

Please note that these college visits are organized independently by Dallas College and are not sponsored, supervised, or affiliated with Dallas ISD or North Lake Early College High School. Participation is voluntary, and families should review all trip details and requirements directly with Dallas College before registering.

Upcoming college visits are listed below:

San Antonio Bus Trip (OVERNIGHT)

Tour Texas State University, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and The University of Texas at Austin Thursday, Oct. 1 - Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, 7 a.m. (Thursday) – 6 p.m. (Friday) .

• Must have a 2.75+ GPA, 30+ credit hours, 18+ years old, no student code of conduct, and must have applied to one of the universities.

Prairie View A&M University and The University of Houston Bus Trip

Prairie View A&M University and The University of Houston Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Must have a 2.50+ GPA, 12+ credit hours, 18+ years old, and no student code of conduct.

Texas A&M University and Rellis Campus Bus Trip

Tour Texas A&M University and Rellis Campus Friday, Feb. 5, 2027, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

• Must have a 3.00+ GPA, 12+ credit hours, 18+ years old, and no student code of conduct.

Ms. Price
9th-Grade Counselor
diprice@dallasisd.org

Dr. Hart
10th–12th Grade Counselor
kyparker@dallasisd.org

College Corner

Welcome back to College Corner! Class of 2027: Make sure you are checking SCOIR and Google Classroom to get the latest updates on your college application process.

Check Points:

I know it's exciting doing your college applications but do not submit any applications without speaking to me first, errors in your application materials can impact students’ admission chances. Remember to meet with me and we can both go over when we can submit the applications.

1. Make sure seniors have activated their accounts on SCOIR (still 5 seniors remaining). Everyone should have access to do so from their DISD email who hasn't already. If you have problems getting into SCOIR and have already activated your account try studentIDnumber@stumail.dallasisd.org . When you do this, consent to the FERPA release and waive your right to view your letters of recommendation. This is one of the main portals where they will work with the college advisor, Ms. Kinnard.

2. Personal statement drafts should be submitted on the Master Doc by the end of September (or sooner if otherwise discussed). Work on sending Ms.Kinnard your supplementals for Texas schools and major scholarships if that is done

3. Parents can start preparing for the FAFSA and other related financial aid forms by creating their FSA IDs or finding their login information from previous years. The FAFSA Beta form has officially launched for families hoping to get it in early. Parents can also fill out this Parent Contact Information Form to receive updates on ASP advising opportunities and their students’ progress.

4. Start making FSA IDs (accounts) for parents and students to login to the FAFSA when it opens October 1st. You will need to know your Social Security Number for this part of the process. Timing is crucial and the sooner we get this in, the better each students' odds of financial aid. (The FAFSA is also a graduation requirement, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Kinnard with any questions you may have: skinnard@aspdallas.org)

5. Visit Ms. Kinnard's office hours and start discussing financing and college list building (open to students and parents as needed, if a parent is coming please email Ms. Kinnard to let her know): here

6. Students should be asking their teachers for letters of recommendation- these should be from at least 2 teachers who have taught their CORE classes and who know them well, they should be able to speak to their character in an academic setting.

7. Check out the Overview of Senior Year on the North Lake ECHS website: this has many resources, including testing dates.

SAT Prep| Updates-

• SAT Prep will run starting Tuesday Sept. 8th, from 3:30-4:30 pm in Ms. Green's room (L234)

• Google Classroom for Standard SAT Prep: LKPQIHQK

• Google Classroom for Hard Math Prep: T22FQAD

• Mon, September 21st, 8-9 am, Augustana College NLECHS Visit- A representative from Augustana College will be coming to North Lake to talk with students about Augustana, the opportunities there, and the admissions process. Augustana has an excellent reputation for their financial aid and has had 14 graduates from North Lake since 2024. Augustana has an excellent pre-nursing track and is know for the Augie Choice grant that gives admitted students $2,000 towards study abroad or pursuing an internship (supporting experiential learning). More details to come in the coming weeks

• Weds, September 23rd, 8:00 am - 8:40 am, UT Austin NLECHS Visit- Come hear from the flagship University of Texas present on different opportunities. Room TBA.

• Tues, September 29th, 7:00 pm, UChicago, Brown, Vanderbilt, & Columbia Info Session, Molina HS- Come hear from 4 top colleges to get insight into four unique perspectives on a liberal arts education. Learn more about academic programs, admissions policies, financial aid, and student life in this uncommon opportunity for them to come together to talk to you.

Remind Codes

Class of 2027 (Seniors)

text @nlclass-27 to the number 81010

Class of 2028 (Juniors)

text @nlech28 to the number 81010

Class of 2029 (Sophomores)

text @nlechs2029 to the number 81010

Class of 2030 (Freshmen)

text @nlechs2030 to the number 81010