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Northside Independent School District • San Antonio’s Premier School DistrictMarch 2017

In early January, Texas Legislators convened the 85th Legislative session. During this time, our elected representatives will work to support the continued prosperity of our state and will have an opportunity to make decisions that have far-reaching implications for all Texans. I want to identify some key priorities that have serious consequences for parents, students,

teachers, and community members in Northside ISD and for public education, in general, in this state.

I have spoken out against the A-F Accountability Rating system authorized by Legislators in 2015. Beginning next school year, schools will receive a grade of A, B, C, D, or F in each of five domains and an overall grade. This is bad policy for several reasons: it is not easy to understand; it is not meaningful to teachers, parents, or principals nor does it identify where schools can improve; it punishes poverty; and it declares some schools a failure to satisfy the goals of those who would privatize our public schools. I’d propose that the accountability system be applied only to the degree that the state actually funds local public schools. The rest, I believe, must be left to the local parents, community members, teachers, and school board trustees who have the best knowledge about what they want their children to know and be able to do.

Most Texans probably believe that the state funds the bulk of the cost of public education. That is not the case. Over time, as property values have risen, the state’s share of the cost of educating our children has consistently fallen. In 2008, state and local taxpayers each funded schools at about 45 percent of the total cost with the remainder coming from federal sources. Now, local taxpayers pay about 52 percent of the cost compared to the state’s 38 percent share. This happens because of a school funding formula called target revenue. School districts are capped at a particular dollar amount per student in attendance. When local property values rise, the state deducts the amount of that increase from the aid it sends districts in the following year. In other words, when homeowners pay a larger property tax bill this year than last year and naturally assume (because the school district’s name is on the bill) that a large part of that increase is going to local schools, they are wrong. You might also ask how much the state’s general fund is benefiting from this

A call for transparency in Texas’ Legislative session

n By Brian T. Woods, Ed.D., Superintendent

new program is being offered at Brandeis High School this year that will equip students with the knowledge, skills,

and abilities necessary to be active and successful learners both in high school and in college.

The AP Capstone™ program is designed to equip students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges.

The program, a two-year commitment, is comprised of two innovative high school courses: AP Seminar, the first of the two courses which focuses on team collaboration and communication; and AP Research which includes study in evidenced-based and independent research.

Currently, the AP Capstone program at Brandeis High School is the only one offered in Bexar County, although other NISD schools, area school districts, and even other districts across the state have visited the campus this year to learn more about the program. In fact, one additional NISD high school campus will be offering AP Capstone next year.

“The application process is a very long and complex one,” says Elisa McCracken, High School Science Instructional Support Teacher who initially worked on the application while still a science teacher at Brandeis. “It is a big deal that we received approval to offer this program.”

Two innovative courses offeredThe AP Seminar class (the only class offered in this first year)

provides sustained practice of investigating issues from multiple perspectives and cultivates student writing abilities so the students can craft, communicate, and defend evidence-based arguments. Students are empowered to collect and analyze information with accuracy and precision and are assessed through a team project and presentation, an individual written essay and presentation, and a

written exam. Using an inquiry framework, students are encouraged to consider multiple points of view in reading and analyzing articles, and looking at all viewpoints using multiple sources and research methods.

“The students often take on controversial topics, so parents sign off on the topics,” McCracken said. “The students are examining all sorts of global issues, which can make their lens a lot larger than perhaps a typical student as they become thinkers and creators.”

AP Seminar and AP Research are designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study experienced in other AP courses. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing will receive the AP Capstone Diploma™ indicating to colleges and universities the student has demonstrated advanced college readiness skills. Alternatively, students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research will receive the AP

AP Capstone program prepares students to think critically

our Northside high school Academic Decathlon teams advanced to the state competition after success at the

regional level. The team from Warren High School (pictured) won the 2017 Regional Academic Decathlon and advanced along with teams from Marshall, Holmes, and Brandeis high schools.

Academic Decathlon promotes student achievement by providing a format in which high school students compete in various academic areas. In addition to a seven-minute interview, a one-hour essay and two speeches, written comprehensive exams are given in music, art, language/literature, mathematics, economics, social science, and science. Students also participate in a Super Quiz Relay. This year’s topic is “World War II.” n

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Pictured are Kamini Adams (left) with teacher Christine Benavides.

Four NISD Academic Decathlon teams head to state

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Please see Texas Legislature, page 3 E

Please see AP Capstone, page 6 E

2Northside Independent School District • San Antonio, TexasNorthside Independent School District • San Antonio’s Premier School District March 2017

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hen elected officials talk about education these days, we almost always hear them refer to parents wanting “choices” for their

children. They are sometimes referring to parents being able to access public money to send their child to private, religious, charter schools, or

even homeschool them. Unlike public schools, these alternative settings do not take every child and yet they would use public money.

Our State Constitution says, “the State will provide a free public education for all students.” Therefore, public schools must be fully funded first and we all know schools are receiving less and less money per student all the time despite enrollment growth.

Despite these challenges in funding and to counter a preconceived notion, public schools actually provide countless choices. In fact, Northside schools offer hundreds of choices for our students to explore their interests and prepare for college and careers. Some of these are opportunities during the school day and others are offered as after school programs such as robotics, solar race cars, STEM programs, and chess. There are even summer offerings to keep students engaged in learning through Community Education and Learning Tree programs. For more information on the extensive programs offered, visit the Learning Tree website at nisd.net/learning-tree.

In middle school, students can become involved with athletics, art, choir, band, orchestra and many other clubs and activities. That continues in high school with even more choices, including athletics, fine arts, JROTC, journalism, Academic Decathlon, and numerous clubs and organizations. Northside even offers parents the opportunity to apply for a parental choice transfer and move their child from a home campus to another campus if enrollment space allows.

High school programs are too numerous to mention but Northside has five magnet programs that reflect the concept of choice. They include Construction Careers Academy, Health Careers, Business Careers, and Communications Arts high schools, and our Jay Science and Engineering Academy. Through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, there are programs focused on agriculture, cosmetology, auto mechanics, cyber-security, and culinary arts, just to name a few. At some campuses there are even courses in fire science and law enforcement, and there will be an EMT program available this fall. In addition to hands-on training, students are able to earn industry-recognized certifications and even college credit through programs like these.

There are so many more programs and CHOICES available to our students that I can’t list them all. Visit nisd.net and individual school websites to explore the CHOICES that are available for all students! n

n By Katie N. Reed, Board President

Meet your elected school trustees

Joseph H. MedinaDistrict 1

First elected: 2015

Gerald B. LopezDistrict 2

First elected: 2015

M’Lissa M. ChumbleyDistrict 3

First elected: 1995

Robert Blount, Jr.District 4

First elected: 1999

Katie N. ReedDistrict 5

First elected: 1990

Dr. Carol HarleDistrict 6

First Elected: 2013

Karen FreemanDistrict 7

First elected: 2005

Choices abound in Northside schoolsW

orthside ISD will hold 12 graduation ceremonies in June 2017. Health Careers High School and the Reddix Center

graduations will be held at the Northside Sports Gym located at the Farris Athletic Complex on Loop 1604 near Bandera Road. All others will be held at the Alamodome.

All ceremonies will be streamed live on the NISD website. DVDs and Blu-rays of high school graduations may be ordered online at nisd.net/parent-connection.

he 85th Legislative Session convened in January, and Texas lawmakers have tough decisions to make about

school funding, accountability, school choice, and testing.Superintendent Brian Woods said Northside ISD staff and

Trustees will communicate regularly with Bexar County’s delegation of senators and representatives to make sure they have the information they need as they vote on legislation that affects students and schools.

“Over the next few months, legislators will pass laws that could have a dramatic and far-reaching impact on Texas public schools,” Woods said. “We will do everything we can to make sure they understand the repercussions of their decisions.”

Before each new Legislative Session, the NISD Board of

Trustees traditionally adopts “legislative priorities” in the areas of finance, governance, assessment, school choice, and accountability. Northside’s 2017 Legislative Priorities can be found on the Board website at nisd.net/board. n

NISD has high expectations of legislators

N

T

Watch graduations live or on online

Campus Date Time

Brandeis High School Wednesday, June 7 3 p.m.

Brennan High School Thursday, June 8 3 p.m.

Business Careers High School Tuesday, June 6 7 p.m.

Clark High School Thursday, June 8 7 p.m.

Communications Arts High School Monday, June 5 7 p.m.

Construction Careers Academy Wednesday, June 7 7 p.m.

Health Careers High School Thursday, June 1 7 p.m.

Holmes High School Tuesday, June 6 7 p.m.

Jay High School Friday, June 9 7 p.m.

Jay Science & Engineering Academy Friday, June 9 7 p.m.

Marshall High School Tuesday, June 6 3 p.m.

O’Connor High School Monday, June 5 3 p.m.

Reddix Center Wednesday, May 31 7 p.m.

Stevens High School Friday, June 9 3 p.m.

Taft High School Monday, June 5 7 p.m.

Warren High School Wednesday, June 7 7 p.m.

Make Your Voice HeardTo contact your State Representatives, direct

correspondence to: The Honorable (Full Name), Texas House of Representatives, PO Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910.

To contact your State Senators, direct correspondence to: The Honorable (Full Name), Texas Senate, Capitol Station PO Box 12068, Austin, TX 78711.

3Northside Independent School District • San Antonio, TexasNorthside Independent School District • San Antonio’s Premier School District March 2017

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out innovation in my students.”At League qualifiers, students are provided a real-world,

scientific-based challenge that must be solved. Teammates also create and program autonomous lego robots that compete on a specially-designed robotics table. “Not only are the teams working on programming, designing, and building a robot to perform certain tasks in a mission, but they also have to explain the robot design”, says Elaine Estrada, NISD middle school science Instructional Specialist.

Teams are judged at qualifiers on three components: the Project, the Robot game, and their adherence to the FLL Core Values. This final component of core values is observed throughout the competition, but teams also meet individually with judges and are expected to share the problems they solved, what they learned from working together as a team, and what the concept of gracious professionalism, a FLL core value, means to them.

The opportunity to develop essential skills like problem-solving and team-building all while having fun with LEGOs is yet another way Northside is working to provide creative choices to students. n

olks Middle School eighth graders Matthew Lara and Madison Krick are months away from their first day

of high school, but they are already making decisions about endorsements and the courses they plan to take as freshmen.

“I’m already serious,” said Lara, “but I need to focus more and put my education first.”

Students entering high school are required by state law to follow the Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement. An endorsement is a program of study that reflects students’ interests. The courses they take within those areas lead to endorsements.

The five endorsement options are:• Arts & Humanities• Business & Industry• Multidisciplinary Studies• Public Services• STEMCounselors at the middle and high school level work with

students and parents to develop a four-year course plan and select one or more endorsements. It is possible for students to earn more than one depending on the courses they take.

“To me, selecting endorsements is a great conversation starter with students,” said Folks Middle School Head Counselor Freida Donzis. “We’re asking them, ‘what do you want to do?’ and ‘what do you like?’ We give them opportunities to explore their interests, such as taking online career surveys, in order to help them decide.”

New this year, all students will go online to sign up for courses and choose endorsements.

Despite preparation from her middle school counselors starting in seventh grade, Krick still wishes she had more time to weigh her options before selecting an endorsement.

“It’s scary.” said Krick, “It feels like I’m growing up too fast, but I also think about all the good things that are going to come out of high school.”

Both Krick and Lara are passionate about theater and perform with their middle school program. Continuing to explore that area of interest in high school would lead them to an Arts and Humanities endorsement.

“Endorsements give students a sequence to follow and lets them take charge of their education by making choices about what they want to focus on and hopefully they find something that sparks their interest and that they think is fun,” said Donzis.

Donzis also emphasizes that it’s okay for students not to know exactly what they want to choose. No matter which endorsement students select, they’ll still graduate in four years. Families can always talk to school counselors at both levels, go to Endorsement and Elective Nights at their prospective high schools, and take tours of the campuses.

“We’re just going to be nervous about it in general,” said Lara about the transition to high school, though he admits it’s less intimidating than the transition from elementary to middle school.

Visit the Northside graduation website at nisd.net/schools/graduation to learn more about planning for graduation, courses, and selecting endorsements. n

F

f you have ever stepped barefoot on a LEGO brick on the floor, you might

question the usefulness of having the small, plastic bricks around. But, rest assured LEGOs have tremendous usefulness and, in fact, can play a very important part in learning. This past fall, middle school students across the District began to see the usefulness and practicality of LEGOs through a unique program aimed at developing critical life skills. The program, offered as a club, teaches students how to use robotics, coding, and thinking skills to solve specific challenges.

While some schools in Northside have had LEGO robotics clubs in place, this school year is the first that every NISD middle school has had the resources that allow access to this innovative opportunity. The district saw great value in the concept after seeing the success at elementary campuses that host LEGO robotics activities and budgeted funds to purchase the necessary LEGOs and programing components for all middle schools.

Campus clubs spend time researching real-world problems around topics like the environment or recycling and then work to develop a solution. Their solutions are rooted in concepts from science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM concepts. In addition to developing valuable problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, club members also work on team-building skills. Campus clubs create teams of up to ten students that are able to participate with other teams in FIRST LEGO League (FLL) regional qualifiers hosted at various sites in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Teams compete to advance to regional and state championships.

Wendy Mueller, the LEGO Robotics Club sponsor at Folks Middle School says, “One of the many aspects of FIRST LEGO League that I appreciate as an educator is the way it encourages and nurtures cooperative competition, a real life skill that brings

Solving real-world problems one LEGO at a time

Endorsements offer high school students opportunity to explore interestsI

Members of the Rawlinson Middle School Ecobots are shown participating in a FIRST Lego League qualifier event hosted at Central Catholic High School.

A call for transparency in Texas’ Legislative sessionE Continued from page 1

process. The answer is well over $5 billion in the current biennium alone. Perhaps state leaders should be more transparent in how this money actually flows. A group that is working to this end is called ‘Taxparency Texas.’ More information can be found at www.taxparencytexas.org.

I believe the expectation of transparency should extend to the notion of school choice, as well. With growing movements to privatize our public schools, I stand firm in

the belief that public education is at the core of a prosperous democratic society. Our state leaders must recognize the importance we, in public education, play in the prosperity of our state and nation and must not be swayed by the sentiment that choice only exists among the ranks of private or charter institutions. The reality is that the notion of choice is one that we in public education hold just as dear. Choice, for our students, exists in many forms from multiple academic

programs to our Career and Technical Education, fine arts, and athletic programs. We welcome all students and recognize in each of them their potential to contribute to society.

I urge you to review the Legislative Priorities established and outlined by our Board of Trustees. They can be found at nisd.net/board. If you agree these are good for Texas and Texas school children, contact your representatives to let them know. n

C assandra Miranda, director of NISD

Partnerships and NEF executive director, was named a winner in the 2017 40 Under 40 awards by the San Antonio Business Journal (SABJ). More than 175 nominations were received, and the 2017 class was chosen by a panel of former 40 Under 40 winners. The SABJ 40 Under 40 program

celebrates the region’s most accomplished young business leaders who are committed to business growth, professional excellence, and community service. Recipients were recognized at a dinner celebration on Feb. 15. n

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Northside Education Foundation Annual Reportligning itself with last school year’s District theme, “Northside Proud,” NEF was able to proudly carry on its mission to

support NISD students and staff and strengthen its impact.NEF continues to be ranked in the Top 50 education foundations

in the U.S. and is #1 in Bexar County. NEF was named a finalist for a Texas Education Foundation Network Outstanding Achievement

Award in Fundraising and received a $1,000 award.These successes and others have transitioned the

Foundation well into the current school year. NEF’s superhero theme, “Be a Hero for NISD,” is very fitting and well aligned with the District’s “Northside Strong” theme.

To keep up with the District’s growth and the increased need for resources, the Foundation continues to partner with Northside and implement purposeful programs and community engagement that benefits unsung heroes, NISD staff, and the superheroes of tomorrow, NISD students. n

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NEF executive director receives prestigious business award NEF Fundraisers *4,845 NISD employee donors

2015 2016

Gala $212,872 $230,000

Employee Pledge Drive $140,533 $180,623*

5K Run/Walk $32,231 $52,890

Six Flags & SeaWorld Tickets $17,188 $25,773

Golf Tournament $47,400 $59,047

Sporting Clay Shooting Tournament $19,787 $25,505

Total $470,011 $573,838

Where NEF Donations Come From Where NEF Donations GoCassandra Miranda

Introducing the new NEF Nation

N EF is proud to welcome NISD alumni and others interested in being part of Northside

staff and student success to the NEF Nation. Join the NEF Nation and learn about how the Foundation’s grants program benefits the District, fun activities for all, and more. Get connected at nefnation.nationbuilder.com. n

NEF at a Glance 2015 2016

Raised $1.2M $1.2M

Assets $4.40M $4.44M

Awarded $1M $1M

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Northside Education Foundation Annual Report

Prize Patrol surprises superheroes

S ince the start of the school year, the Foundation has awarded almost $180,000 in grants. The NEF Prize Patrol has made

almost 150 campus and site visits to surprise staff with New Teacher, Resource, and Innovation Grant awards. Spring Innovation and Team Grants will be awarded in April. Visit www.facebook.com/NorthsideEducationFoundation for fun photos. n

alling all superheroes! It’s time to unite for a

special Northside Education Foundation (NEF) operation benefiting NISD staff and students. Your mission, should you choose to accept, is to be a hero for NISD and register for the NEF Superhero 5K.

On this day, almost 5,000 participants will come together to support and celebrate NISD’s real-life superheroes – staff and students. Don’t forget to wear your superhero gear, as prizes will be awarded to the most spirited NISD school/site.

Get your capes and sneakers ready for the NEF Superhero 5K!

NEF

RUN/WALKMay 6th

2017

Nominate NISD grads for 2017 Pillars of Character

A ny graduate from any of Northside’s high schools is eligible to be nominated as a 2017 NISD Pillar of Character, a prestigious annual

recognition. A committee of NISD and Northside Education Foundation (NEF) representatives selects the six Pillars. The honorees are celebrated at NEF’s annual Pillar recognition gala. The nomination form and list of past and present Pillars, along with photos and biographical information, is located at www.nisd.net/pillars. Anyone can nominate a graduate and the nomination remains active for up to five years. New information can be provided at any time. The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2017. For more information visit nisd.net/nef/pillars. n

Buy your collectible 2017 Fiesta medal!

T he Northside School Museum Association is selling Fiesta medals.

These limited-edition collectibles can be purchased at the NISD Partnerships Office. This year’s colorful medal was designed by NISD student Annika Martinez, a junior at Clark High School. The medal is being sold for only $8 and all proceeds benefit the Museum Association. The Museum is located at the Northside Learning Center at 6632 Bandera Road in Building A. For more information, call the Partnerships Office at 397-8599. n

2016 Pillars of Character. (left to right) Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, James “Drake” McLean, Kara Wilson, Lori Castro, Laura Silva Nieto, Dr. Todd Gureckis

Theme park tickets lowest price in town; Schlitterbahn tickets now available

N EF is selling Six Flags/Fiesta Texas one-day tickets for $37, which is less than half the gate price of $74.99. The park opens Feb. 25. New this year

is a Mardi Gras celebration and new water coaster. Tickets will be sold at several campuses and at the Partnerships Office. Some of the sales proceeds benefit both campuses and NEF. SeaWorld San Antonio and Schlitterbahn tickets are also available. For more information, please call the Partnerships Office at 397-8599. n

C Prices for the event include the following options:• $25 – Superhero Individual• $70 – Super Group Family & Friends (3-6

members)• $25 – Super Sleepwalker (sleep in, skip race,

but still support NEF)• $35 – SeaWorld lunch and park ticket per

registrant (Aquatica not included)In addition, children under 10 can participate

in the FREE Kids Fun Run by registering on site.For more information and to sign up, please visit

www.nisd.net/nef/superhero-5k and click on Apple Eddie. Contact the NISD Partnerships Office at 397-8599 for additional information. n

What: NEF Superhero 5K Run/Walk & Family Wellness Fair presented by CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health SystemWhen: Saturday, May 6, 2017Where: SeaWorld San AntonioDeadline: April 14 (early registration deadline)

6Northside Independent School District • San Antonio, TexasNorthside Independent School District • San Antonio’s Premier School District March 2017

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hange can be stressful. When that change involves

students transitioning from one grade to the next and from one campus to another, it can leave parents feeling just as anxious and stressed as their child. In Northside, counselors and administrators who help students and parents navigate through the transition stress that the experience does not have to be a scary or intimidating one. And, they have advice on how to make the transition a smooth one.

Rawlinson Middle School Counselor David Ely says transition raises different concerns based on the grade level of the student. For fifth graders the move to middle school is often characterized more by emotional and social concerns, while eighth graders tend to worry more about the academic and planning focus at high school. For this reason, campuses tailor the activities they do to ensure they are supporting both students and parents. “For our new sixth graders, we work to make them feel safe,” Eli says. “For our eighth graders, they’re more in need of information and help with course planning, endorsements, and credits.” Ely says they try to help parents by providing them as much information as possible about their child’s new school. His advice: “Come to the school. We will talk together. We will walk around, show you the hallways and classrooms.” Students and parents both begin to feel much better once they have a chance to experience their new school.

At Blattman Elementary School Principal Donna Gavegan has begun strategically including students as young as third and fourth grade in her campus’ middle school transition process. “We build a strong bridge from elementary to secondary by educating our families early on the benefits of attending a

Northside middle school,” says Gavegan. Her campus hosts a transition event, open to third, fourth, and fifth graders and their parents, that features a panel of middle school students from Blattman’s feeder schools, Hobby and Rawlinson middle schools. For a child uneasy about moving to middle school, there is no better expert than someone who has recently gone through that same experience and who can offer answers and reassurance.

At Oak Hills Terrace Elementary School, Counselor Tommy Koog has created an online, digital bulletin board, or Padlet, that allows parents to see up-to-date information about their child’s new campus, Neff Middle School. Koog says it is one more way to reach out to parents and help them feel more comfortable by being more informed. Koog stresses that involvement and connection with the new campus is also critical for easing the transition burden for both parents and students. His message to parents at Oak Hills Terrace Elementary School is one that is true for any parent whose child is going through a change of schools: “You will get through this and so will your child. Transition can be scary, but it can also be very wonderful.” n

Transitioning to a new school can be wonderful experienceC Honoree Campus Donor

Monica Anguiano Brauchle Brauchle StaffJ Archebelle Aue Your familyCarolyn Arredondo Myers Peter VassH. Elaine Asbell Alpha G.T. Roger W. ClarkDebora Bittner O’Connor HS Alyssa ContrerasRobert Blount, Jr School Board Elem ScienceRoxanne Brown Clark HS C. WernliCalvin Buchholtz Jay HS Orlando GonzalesRodney Buentello Jay HS Semper FiGwenn Bullock Michael Bullock FamilyDebbie Byrnes Connally MS Mike ByrnesMike Byrnes CCA Debbie ByrnesChris Campbell Warren HS Richard DaulJohnny Campos Jay HS DO THE DRILLMartha Castro Evers AnonymousIrene L. Chavez ICEA Faculty ICEA FacultyLindsey Christian McAndrew McAndrew StaffSteve Chumbley O’Connor HS Wright FamilyTerry A. Cover Coach/Prin 75-01 Cover FamilyJesse Cuellar Brandeis HS BBBBThomas Davern O’Connor HS Tex PasleyMary A. DeAnda Taft HS Kimberly RiesPhil DeMasco Jay HS DeMasco FamilyLaurel Dickson Jay HS Her DaughtersTed Dockery Marshall HS Harold LeinweberTed Dockery Marshall HS Johnny Pedroza

Ted Dockery Marshall HS Tommy Cullinane

Ted Dockery Marshall HS Dennis PetersenPhyllis Donovan Jones MS Donovan FamilyRita Kay Driggers NISD Librarian Driggers PTAPhillip Edge CCA CCA staffJana Edwards Helotes Matt DominguezCoach Espada Brandeis HS Riley BartelCynthia Ferrel Brennan HS 2016-2017 CheerMary Ann Field S. Texas Academy Rex Lewis FieldMary K. Fishbeck Reddix Center Kim O’BrienBobby Flores Central Office CO StaffRodolfo Flores Stevenson MS Flores FamilyKaren Forsberg Health Careers Daniel BumpJulie Fruge Vale MS TrevCanoMathChoaOswaldo Garcia Brennan HS The Holt FamilyAdriana Garza Brauchle Brauchle StaffTesilia Garza Myers Peter VassCoach Glodich Hobby MS J.R.-Cody-JazMarla Greene Aue The WallacesCharles Harms Evers Your 1992 StaffMSgt. Harwell Jay HS Sue E. HarwellBradley Hebert Health Careers Jordan HebertNorma Hernández Nellie M. Reddix Margaret & NoéRichard Herrera Brandeis HS BBBBLisa Holmes Secondary Rdg SpecialistJackie Horras Health Careers Linda EvansCarol Johnson Jay HS Family & FriendsMr. Kevin Kearns Jefferson MS PAC 16-17Marlene Kiriazes NAMS NAMSRichard Krueger Central Office Your GrandkidsCathy Logan Health Careers Joyce Gill

Honoree Campus DonorMarilyn Lubenow Krueger Crane & MeinenBrian Maher Brandeis HS FC GarraDavid Malesky OConnor HS Head FB CoachJason Marcelo Braun Station David WorkGerardo Marquez Brennan HS Brennan AdminBecky McCarley Rayburn MS Terri H. SurberDavid McCoy O’C Basketball O’C Girls BBallMary B. Michael Michael Michael StaffCarrie N. Moix Folks MS Gary J MoixR & C Montgomery Warren HS K & T MontgomeryKay Montgomery May M. A. RodriguezKathleen Moss Zachry MS J&C BrownKristi M Noriega Scobee Noriega FamilySherrie Oberg NW Crossing 5th Gr. ChildrenChris Perez Vale MS Matthew ClardyRobert Powers Adams Hill Colin and ChristMarlene Powers Westwood Terrace Colin & ChristiValerie Rabadán Administration Ramiro RabadánNancy Ramos Health Careers Daniel BumpLarissa M. Ramos Vale MS Leticia & NoahRory Raven Timberwilde Gabby ParkerRobert Richter Taft HS Davis & StoneEva Rodriguez Spec Ed Gina CastilloElsa Rosales Health Careers Linda EvansCorinne Saldana Holmes Principal Saldana FamilyAbigail Sanchez Glenn #TuSabesJackie Schafer Steubing Schafer’s KiddosBill Slingerland Marshall HS Karen ConnerWilliam Stiteler CCA CCA StaffJack A. Strawn OConnor HS M.L. MirelesDavid Suarez Brandeis HS BBBBJay Sumpter JSEA The RedfieldsGabriela Sutton Braun Station Guevara FamilyKurtis Swanson Taft HS Deric WynneCoach Tabor Hobby MS Jaz CarrasquilloSandra Tauer Scarborough Jeannine KeairneTerry Tomlinson Jones MS Matthew I. EvansMelissa Torrez Blattman Gabbi CarlsonMr. Evan Turner Aue LS Victory/OwensDe’Ann Upright McAndrew McAndrew StaffCoach Van Auken O’Connor HS AnneMarie VanessDavid Visentine Marshall HS 1991 FB teamSylvia Y. Wade Neff MS S. CarrasquilloMartha Wallace Helotes The WallacesDr. Joe H. Ward Ward Bradley B. WardBettie B. Ward Ward Bradley B. WardRussell Weaver Leon Valley Nancy W. CampJanice Webb Health Careers Linda EvansSteve White Marshall/Athletics Diane WhiteWayne Williams Rudder MS Nicole M.MurryMs. Wood Beard Class of 2007Dr. Brian T. Woods Superintendent Elem. SciencePegalaina B Work Rudder MS David A WorkMelissa Work Scarborough David WorkDavid A Work OConnor HS Pegalaina WorkSteven Work Hector Garcia MS David A WorkDavid A Work II Mead David WorkLinda Zarakas Sch Improvement Department Team

Honor someone who influenced your life

AP Capstone programE Continued from page 1

Seminar and Research Certificate™ signifying their attainment of college-level academic and research skills.

“I was interested in the AP Capstone Program because I wanted to be more prepared for college,” said Kamani Adams, a tenth grade student. “It intrigued me from the beginning because it focuses on

research and critical and analytical-thinking skills which will help prepare me for college.”

Eleventh graders Albara Younis and Saad Siddiqui both said that they enrolled in the course to improve and enhance their presentation skills. “My goal is to be an optometrist someday,” said Siddiqui. “These courses will help me improve my public speaking skills so that I can better relate to my patients.”

Christine Benavides, a science teacher at Brandeis, teaches the AP

Seminar class this year. There are currently three sections with a total of about 45 students enrolled. Next year, she will teach both the AP Seminar and AP Research classes.

“AP Capstone is an innovative cross-curricular program that is meant to help students to be successful,” Benavides said. “Students are learning how to write more analytically and delve deeper into examining what is credible research which are valuable skills in both high school and college.” n

Middle school students share their transition experience and answer questions from students at Blattman Elementary School. Pictured (l to r) are Rawlinson Middle School students Ava Faux and Avery Anson, Hobby Middle School student Frances Eaton, and Blattman Elementary School Principal Donna Gavegan.

7Northside Independent School District • San Antonio, TexasNorthside Independent School District • San Antonio’s Premier School District March 2017

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Bond projects addressing the needs of older facilities

Harlan High School rendering

he sounds of construction and renovation echoing around Northside are a sure sign that the work approved by voters as part of School Bond 2014 is progressing steadily.

Some of the construction projects are new and address growing enrollment. For example, two state-of-the-art facilities, John Marshall Harlan High School and Nathan Kallison Elementary School, have taken shape and are well underway to welcoming students for school year 2017-2018. Both of these new schools are located in far west Bexar County. Other Bond projects are addressing the needs of older schools and district facilities. In this way, School Bond 2014 directly impacts neighborhoods and students across Northside. While some projects are in progress or even nearing completion, a few are scheduled to begin soon. Below is a partial list of major bond projects and an update on their progress and/or start date. To see a more complete listing, please visit nisd.net/bond.

2014 Bond Projects in Progress• Harlan HS: Scheduled to open in summer 2017, Northside’s 11th

comprehensive high school campus is due to open with 1,450 students in grades 9-11. The new facility, a $111 million project, is approximately 90 percent complete. For more campus information, visit nisd.net/harlan.

• Kallison ES: Northside’s 77th elementary campus, Kallison ES, is scheduled to open in August 2017 and is projected to welcome 420 students its first year. This $25 million project is located in the Valley Ranch subdivision and will be relieving Henderson ES. For the latest news and information on this campus, visit nisd.net/kallison.

• Allen ES: This project totals approximately $4 million and includes classroom additions and ADA/window upgrades to the 57-year-old facility. Completion is scheduled for January 2017.

• Glenoaks ES: Set to be completed in May 2017, 56-year-old Glenoaks ES is receiving a new administration building that will include a new security lobby for a total cost of $3.75 million.

2014 Bond projects set to begin in Summer 2017• Holmes HS: Voters approved the use of nearly $28 million for a

Fine Arts building replacement at 53-year-old Holmes HS. This large-scale project will begin in June 2017 and is set to be completed in December 2018.

• Northside Activity Center (NAC): Northside’s multi-purpose facility, NAC, will see a $5.34 million facelift that includes additional space necessary to host a variety of district events, specifically professional development and training.

• Paul Taylor Field House: The 45-year-old Paul Taylor Field House will get a much needed $3.4 million renovation that includes both interior and exterior improvements.

• “Grosenbacher Area” ES: Still unnamed, this $22.5 million facility has been designed and is scheduled to open in summer 2018.

2014 Bond projects set to begin in Summer 2018• Security Lobby Additions: Nine campuses are scheduled

to receive security lobbies. They include Adams Hill, Allen, Beard, Braun Station, Forester, Hoffman, Knowlton, Timberwilde, and Villarreal elementary schools. Several other elementary campuses will receive lobbies as part of larger renovation projects. Cost for these nine campuses is estimated at $1.2 million.

• Boone ES: Receiving administration upgrades, a security lobby, and a bus/student canopy is 43-year-old Boone ES at a cost of approximately $4 million.

• Colonies North and Glass elementary schools: Both campuses will have window upgrades and ADA work completed. They are 51- and 61-years-old, respectively.

• Glenn ES: A major project is being planned for Glenn ES which opened in 1962. The project will include replacement of the administrative offices, the addition of a security lobby, and additional classrooms all for a budgeted $5.3 million.

• Knowlton and Timberwilde elementary schools: Cafeteria/kitchen renovations and a library renovation will take place on both campuses and will cost $4.4 million. n

TGlenoaks Elementary School rendering

Kallison Elementary School rendering

Kallison Elementary School aerial view

Harlan High School aerial view

8Northside Independent School District • San Antonio, TexasNorthside Independent School District • San Antonio’s Premier School District March 2017

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John Trimble, formerly vice principal at Brennan High School, is now the Principal at Brennan High School.

Kristi Bolstad, formerly vice principal at Glenn Elementary School, is now the Principal at Glenn Elementary School.

Billy Navin, principal at Esparza Elementary School, will be the first Principal at Kallison Elementary School, opening in August 2017.

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSan Antonio, Texas

Permit No. 1975

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER

Northside Independent School District5900 Evers Rd.San Antonio, TX78238-1699www.nisd.net

Board of Trustees

Joseph H. Medina District 1 TrusteeGerald B. Lopez District 2 Trustee

M’Lissa M. Chumbley District 3 Trustee

Robert Blount, Jr. District 4 Trustee

Katie N. Reed District 5 Trustee

Carol Harle, Ph.D. District 6 TrusteeKaren Freeman

District 7 Trustee

Administration

Brian T. Woods, Ed.D. Superintendent

Ray Galindo Deputy Superintendent

for Administration

Janis Jordan, Ed.D. Deputy Superintendent

for Curriculum & Instruction

David Rastellini Deputy Superintendent

for Business & Finance

is published by the Northside ISD Communications Department. Call 397-8550.

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Printed on 100% recycled paper.

Barry Perez: 397-8552

New upload instructions:Go to https://texomaweb.sharefile.comEnter username lon@satx.rr.comThen his password, CorporateImage69and it will open the Corporate Image folder.Select the NISD folder and upload files.

New campus leaders named

alling all five-year-olds! Northside ISD’s Kinder Roundup is scheduled for April 3–7.

The annual roundup gives next year’s kindergarten students and their parents an opportunity to pre-register for school, meet teachers, tour classrooms, and to help ensure there is a space for the child at their neighborhood school.

In order to be eligible for kindergarten, state law requires that children must be five-years-old on or before Sept. 1.

Visit Northside’s Kindergarten website at nisd.net/kinder for more information. n

The bright beginnings offered in Northside’s kindergarten classrooms prepare students for success in first grade and beyond. First graders at Steubing Elementary School recently celebrated the 100th day of school by counting all the ways they are 100 days smarter. Pictured at right are (from l-r) Sidney Martinez, Danica Crouser, Kate Ziriax, Janiyah Davis, and Jamie Dowe.

The 44th annual Walter Gerlach Livestock Show and Sale — raised over $957,000 for student scholarships. There were 795 entries in the show this year, held the last week of January at the Gerlach Show Barn off of Babcock Road outside Loop 1604. O’Connor High School junior Alyssa Olivarez (pictured) earned $23,275 in scholarship money for her Grand Champion goat.

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everal schools are celebrating major milestones or special dedications this

spring, and the public is invited to attend. All events begin at 6:30 p.m.• Ross Middle School celebrated its 50th

anniversary on Feb. 21 with a ceremony that included the debut of an updated school song and the opening of a time capsule.

• The Courtyard at John Jay High School/John Jay Science and Engineering Academy will be named after longtime teacher and Student Council advisor Calvin “Buck” Buchholtz, Jr. on Thursday, March 2. The ceremony will be held in the cafeteria with the reception in the courtyard. The school is located at 7611 Marbach.

• The Auditorium at Marshall High School will be named for longtime theater director Marion R. Sweatmon on Thursday, March 30. The school is located at 8000 Lobo Lane.

• Stinson Middle School will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, April 4. The school’s address is 13200 Skyhawk Dr.

• Business Careers High School will mark its 25th anniversary with a special celebration on Tuesday, April 18. The school is located at 6500 Ingram Road. n

Campuses hold special celebrations

Cheer squads win big at NCA Nationals — Four Northside cheerleading squads were crowned National Champions in their divisions at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) National Championships in Dallas – Brandeis, Brennan, Holmes, and Marshall high schools. Pictured is the Holmes High School cheer squad, National Champions in the Medium Novice Division.

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Register your kindergartener