february 1 - 13

Supporting young people is an opportunity with a lot of rewards and some unexpected challenges! If you are an adult reading this newsletter, you play an important role in the life of a student at Wilson! Please consider participating in one of NISD's Community Education Sessions in February. Topics range from technology use, strengthening academic support, and appropriate responses to trauma. All of the sessions are online for your convenience with dates, times, and links below. Thank you to all of the amazing adults who, like our students, are challenging themselves to learn new things to benefit themselves AND our community!

Natalie Childress, Principal

Monday, February 1

• First Day of Food Drive (in person or online). See flyer above.

  • • Competing against Adams MS. If we win, pajama day for the campus before Spring Break!

• First Day of NISD Expo Submissions

• Boys Basketball vs Dawson (8th grade at home, 5/6/7 pm)

Tuesday, February 2

• "Helping Children Cope with Change and Loss", Presenters: Tara Teague, Natalie Johnson, Laura Pierce- NISD School Counselors, 7 pm via Zoom

Thursday, February 4

• Does your student speak Spanish, French, or German? Take a look at the Native Speakers Placement Opportunity. See flyer above.

• Girls Basketball vs Dawson (8th grade at home, 5/6/7 pm)

Monday, February 8

• Boys Basketball vs Adams MS (7th grade at home, 5/6/7 pm)

Tuesday, February 9

• "Secrets of the Teenage Brain: Understanding Normal Teen Development vs. Warning Signs of Depression and Anxiety" Presenters: Kelly Wallace and Ashley Gaither, NISD School Counselors, 7 pm via Zoom

Wednesday, February 10

• Superintendent Ryder Warren Presents Facebook Live at 6 pm

  • Topics: possible May 2021 bond election, attendance boundaries, legislative priorities and more.

Thursday, February 11

• Girls Basketball vs Adams MS (7th grade at home, 5/6/7 pm)

Friday, February 12

• 7th Grade Girls and 8th Grade Boys: Spinal Screening (see information below)

• STUCO Fundraiser: Pajama Day $1

Monday, February 15

• Student and Staff Holiday

Upcoming Online Events (all linked here for 7 pm start times)

• February 16, "What You Need to Know About That App Your Kid Loves" Presenter: Jason Sanders, Director of Instructional Technology

• February 23, "Social Emotional Health: What Parents can do to Help!" Presenter: Cynthia Elliott, NISD Family Involvement Program

Due to challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, your child may not have received a spinal screening last year. Spinal screening can detect abnormal spinal curvatures at an early stage. Early detection is important for controlling spinal deformities.

Northwest ISD utilizes a screen team to conduct these screenings on our elementary and middle school campuses. These team members are certified through the Texas Department of State and Health Services and are employees of Northwest ISD.

Our school will be conducting a spinal screening on February 12th, 2020 for 7th grade girls and 8th grade boys along with assessing the vision and hearing of any students who did not get the opportunity this school year. If you have questions regarding any of the health screenings below, please consult with our Campus Health Coordinator, Kristy Edney RN, 817-698-7940 or kedney@nisdtx.org

If your child is present on this day, she or he will be screened unless you notify us, in writing, that your student has previously been screened and/or is under the care of a doctor for scoliosis. If your student is not present on the screening date, the Department of State Health Services, the entity that mandates early childhood screenings, encourages you to follow up with a medical provider for a well-child exam, including spinal screening, sharing the results of the screen with the school for our records.

Signs your child may have an abnormal spinal curvature:

· Uneven shoulders or hips

· Ribs that are prominent or stick out in one area

· Muscles that are prominent in the lower back or bulge on one side

If you think your child has an abnormal spinal curvature, please contact the school nurse. Discuss your concerns with them.

For more information regarding spinal screening, please visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/spinal/default.shtm

Vision and Hearing

For more information regarding vision and hearing screening in school age students, please visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vhs/default.shtm

Parents will be notified by the campus nurse should any of the screening results warrant a recommendation for further professional evaluation. It is important to note these health screenings should not replace a child’s need for regular health care or check-ups.

Update: NISD campuses will began sending automated attendance calls — which were disabled for the first semester — on Friday, Jan. 8. This call will occur on Fridays and will summarize student absences for the week, including the number of days the student has at least one absence for that week. Please log in to the Home Access Center to view details regarding your child’s attendance.

• All COVID related absences are reported through the district website at this link.

• Other absence notes can be dropped off at our attendance office or emailed to rebekah.chambers@nisdtx.org.

Have you been absent for a COVID related absence, but you're ready to return to school? Complete the "Ready to Return" link here.