Plugged In

Between laptop pick-up and Meet the Huskies, it has been wonderful seeing so many of you over the last week. If you've visited, there has been a lot going on at NSITE and on the Holmes campus. If you haven't been here over the summer, you'll want to read about some of the happenings in this newsletter.

We've all decided that our word for this year will be patience! Ongoing construction and changes in staff will mean we'll need some time to get situated and acclimated. Please be patient with us.

Students may have to walk a little farther to avoid construction areas. It may take us a little longer to get to the door or phones as we are down to two staff manning the front office.

I will try to send out updates to this newsletter as they happen so that you have the most reliable information.

Here is what is going on at NSITE!

Students can find their first period class by checking their schedule in HAC or on the windows in the foyer of the auditorium. Students can report to their first period beginning at 8:50.

Our cafeteria is under construction so students will eat meals in the portables located at the very front of campus. Breakfast begins at 8:00.

During the assigned lunch period, students will report to the classroom listed as advisory on their schedule. Teachers will take attendance. For the safety of students while construction is active, teachers will escort students to the portables at the appropriate time for lunch.

Juniors and seniors with off campus lunch will be released as soon as attendance is taken. Students must have their ID with the appropriate stickers to be released.

While it is the expectation that every student have and wear an ID, we also understand that not all students (particularly freshmen) will have it on the first day. We will distribute IDs to those students who took them during prep day as soon as they are printed. Replacement IDs are $5.00 and are issued through the attendance office.

This year, NISD transportation will require students to have an ID in order to ride the bus. Additionally, students will require IDs to eat in the portable cafeteria as well as to enter buildings.

We anticipate high volumes of traffic during the first week as parents are dropping off and picking up their students. Please be patient. The Holmes and NSITE admin teams will discuss daily ways in which we can improve this process for all so that it is safe and efficient.

Student parking has been moved to the area along the between the A, F, and H buildings and the fence line facing Ingram road and 410. This lot runs parallel to the bus loop. Students need to secure their parking sticker as soon as possible but not during class time. Parking is $20 and requires proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and the attached form.

Part of our staffing changes include the loss of 1 counselor for NSITE. Therefore, Ms. Ijeoma is the only counselor for all NSITE students. Again, please be patient. Schedule changes will be triaged for the most immediate needs first.

Students who have issues with their schedule- not enough classes or "See Counselor" on their schedule will be able to get their schedule issues addressed on the first day.

Otherwise, students will receive via email a link to request a schedule change. Changes to electives will probably not be possible at this point due to very full classes. Students who wish to level down will need to wait until the 3 week mark before that change will be considered.

It is our understanding that transportation emailed bus routes to families within the last day or two. If you do not know your student's bus schedule, email nsite@nisd.net and we will try to email you the route between 5 and 7 pm on Sunday, August 9th.

Students should download and create an account for the Here Comes the Bus app.

In accordance with House Bill 1481, all students must power off and store all electronic devices from bell to bell. (this includes phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, and tablets). For our campus, that is 8:50 to 4:20 and includes passing periods as well as lunch. Beginning on the first day of school, students will be expected to put their phones away in every classroom. Teachers have the discretion to ask students to store their cell phones in a particular location or keep their cell phones in their backpacks. Either way, student backpacks are expected to be kept in a specified area of the classroom. We ask that you discuss compliance with this law with your student.

Students will be able to pick up their laptop before or after school any day. In order to expedite this process, please ensure the following forms have been completed:

PARENTS:

Complete Data Verification via HAC

Laptop Agreement Google Form- parents only

CEP Form

STUDENTS:

Complete the Laptop training in Schoology. Incoming freshmen who cannot or do not know how to access this training will need to complete this training prior to obtaining a laptop. The training takes 10-15 minutes.