We hope everyone had a wonderful and restful three-day weekend!

This Wednesday, September 4th, is professional learning time for teachers. Teachers will be in a meeting and unavailable for tutoring. Students can hang out in the Taft cafeteria or the Comm Arts building.

Grades for progress reports are due Friday, September 6th. Parents and students can access them via HAC on Monday, September 9th.

Open House is September 11th from 6-7:30 pm.

September is "National Attendance Awareness Month," a national event recognizing the connection between school attendance and academic achievement. Every day matters when it comes to attendance. If you must miss class, please bring in your doctor's or parent's notes.

Students attended assemblies last week to review campus expectations. Two main items discussed were student IDs and the dress code. Students, you must wear your IDs at all times while on campus. They need to be on your person and easy to see. Campus staff will be looking for them. All Communications Arts HS students are expected to adhere to the standardized attire requirement.

See below for NISD's dress code policy.

1. Shorts of mid-thigh length may be worn at all school levels. Suggestive and/or indecent shorts will be prohibited.
2. Mid-thigh length skirts, skorts, and dresses may be worn at all levels. There should not be a cut or slit in the clothing that extends above the mid-thigh. Suggestive and/or indecent styles will be prohibited. These requirements also apply to school uniforms.
3. Appropriate footwear must be worn; footwear with toes reinforced with steel, hard plastics, or similar materials is specifically prohibited.
4. Hair must be neat and clean. Unconventional hairstyles that distract from teaching and learning will be prohibited.
5. Any clothes that are suggestive or indecent or which cause a distraction will be prohibited. Specifically, oversized clothing, tank tops, muscle shirts, halter/crop tops, spaghetti straps, exposed backs or midriffs, and see-through garments are prohibited.
6. Indecent/inappropriate patches, writings, or drawings on clothing are prohibited. Undergarments must not be visible.
7. All pants must be worn at the waist (no "sagging"). Tight-fitting pants (e.g., tights, spandex, bicycle pants, etc.) are also prohibited. Frays or holes above the knees are not permitted.
8. Body piercing jewelry is prohibited except for rings, studs or other traditional jewelry. Any piercing that distracts the teaching and learning environment will be prohibited.

Parents and students, NISD has several metal detectors. They will be rotating from campus to campus. We will be using them from time to time.

The NISD Student Ambassadors is a select group of students chosen to be the "Face of the District through an application and interview process." This select group of 20 to 30 student leaders will be trained to assist with important public relations and communications services at NISD.

As a Student Ambassador, you'll be more than just a student leader. You'll be the face of NISD, representing our diverse community and advocating for our values. To excel in this role, you'll need strong leadership skills, a positive attitude, and a commitment to NISD.

Student Ambassadors will be privileged to meet new people, develop new skills, and work alongside District leaders to learn more about NISD's business and operations.

Ambassadors will be allowed to positively promote NISD while developing leadership skills through interacting with students and families, school staff, and the local community. They will represent NISD at various school and community activities and assist with the District's executive leadership team. The program will seek students from diverse backgrounds who are enthusiastic and who demonstrate exceptional communication and leadership skills.

Only juniors and seniors can apply.

For more information: https://www.nisd.net/district/student-ambassadors#Apply

Application - Student Ambassador

Students, it's crucial that you regularly check your grades, attendance, and email. If you notice any discrepancies in your attendance, please inform your teacher immediately. Also, when you're absent, make sure to check Schoology for information about the missed classwork. Some assignments can be completed at home, which will prevent you from falling behind. Parents, your partnership in monitoring your child's attendance and grades is highly appreciated.

All voting will be done through student email addresses.

The first round of voting will occur from September 2nd to September 5th.

The second round of voting will occur from September 9th to September 12th.

9th, 10th, and 11th grade winners will be announced on the intercom announcements on September 13th.

Senior King and Queen will be announced at the football game on Friday, September 20th.

Any posters need to be approved in the Comm Arts front office first.

This year our high school is using MORP – We will use MORP for purchasing tickets, answering questions and sending notifications. Download the app MORP today. It is available on the Google Play Store and IOS App Store. It is important to turn on notifications to get all the latest information regarding Homecoming. Register as the Taft HS Homecoming Dance. When creating an account use your personal email, not school email.

Students can add a credit card/debit card to their account for prom ticket purchase. A student's credit/debit card is not charged until they are approved to purchase their ticket. Once tickets go on sale, you will get one of the following messages: *Students can be approved to be part of the school but not approved to purchase tickets, for various reasons. Approval can take up to 24 hours*

• Approved : The student joins the guest list and receives a QR code digital ticket. The student's card is charged. The student gets a notification of the approval.
• Denied : The student's card is not charged and will remain in the student list. You will get a notification of the denial and why.
• Come See Me : The student's transaction remains on hold in the pending approvals list. The student is notified that he/she needs to come see the admin prior to approval.

*Student Purchasing Options

• Buy a single ticket. The student purchases a single ticket for themselves.
• Buy a ticket for themselves and a date who attends the same school. The student selects the name of his/her date from the student list. You will need their contact info and student ID number.
• Buy a ticket for themselves and a date who does not attend the same school. The student fills out this google form that will go into "Pending Status" awaiting administrative approval.

Guest IDs must be uploaded. If guest ID is not uploaded then the form will automatically be denied. SEPTEMBER 13th is the last day to submit a guest form. If you do not fill out the form then your guest will not be allowed to attend. GUEST FORM FOR TAFT HS HOMECOMING 2024

Ticket Sales will be as follows: All students will be required to show ID at the Homecoming Dance Entrance.

• September 3 - September 10 = Tickets $20
• September 11 - September 18 = Ticket price will increase to $25

*Tickets will not ne sold after Septemeber 18th*

*If a student does not have a phone or cannot purchase the ticket online, they must contact Mrs. Gleye before or after school or during 5th period lunch ONLY*

There were a few changes made. Double check this list below:

• Black Student Union (BSU) - Mrs. Lee and Ms. Cody - Every second and fourth Tuesday

• Chess Club - Ms. De La Rosa - Thursdays from 4:30-5:15 pm
• Commie Art Club - Ms. Cleveland

• Commie Lit Club - Mr. Polinard - Tuesdays during lunch

• Content Creators - Mrs. Lee & Ms. Cody - Every Friday
  
• Environmental Club - Mr. Polinard and Mr. Trevino - Wednesdays during lunch
  

• Esports - Mr. Villarreal - Thursdays after school

• Fiber Arts Club
  

• Film Club - Mr. Flores

• SkillsUSA - Ms. Cleveland, Mrs. Sabogal, and Mr. Flores

• Student Council (Comm Arts) - Mr. Harris and Mr. Trevino - Thursdays from 12:24-12:44 pm

• Tean to Teen / Pride - Mrs. Derby
  

• UIL Academics - Mrs. Davern

By now, students should have logged into their ACES accounts to verify that their dual credit courses are correct.

• Students can DROP a dual credit course until September 9th by 5:00 PM with no penalty.
• After September 11th, a DROP will require a withdrawal from the instructor, and a student's Northwest Vista transcript will show a "W," which may impact financial aid eligibility.
• Students MUST talk with their counselor and parent, then inform Mrs. Davern of any changes to their dual credit courses.

CAHS counselors will conduct senior audits through their government classes starting September 5th and continuing until September 11th. Students will review their graduation track and receive their latest GPA, Rank, and number of credits earned. Parents and students can also review this information on their student's HAC account.

The start of a school year can be a harried transition for families. If you notice your kiddo becoming overwhelmed or distressed, have them practice this grounding technique.

Once you find your breath, go through the following steps to help ground yourself:

• 5: Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you. ...
• 4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can touch around you. ...
• 3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear. ...
• 2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell. ...
• 1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste.

Practicing the 4-7-8 technique is another form of managing anxiety. This method involves breathing in for 4 seconds and holding it for 7 seconds, then exhaling for 8 seconds…and repeat. It's a simple yet powerful tool that can help you feel more in control of your stress levels. Read the Medical News Today link to learn more about it. 4-7-8 breathing technique

Northside 10th and 11th graders can take the College Board Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, or PSAT, on Wednesday, October 9th.

Registration is required and available at www.totalregistration.net/PSAT/446271, August 19th to September 11th. In order to register, campus needs to be set to Taft High School. Email Ms. Lewis at elizabeth.lewis@nisd.net with questions.

All 11th-grade students will be able to participate at no cost since results are connected to scholarship opportunities. 10th-grade students who choose to participate are also required to register in advance and pay a $20 testing fee. There is a reduced fee of $10 for students who receive free or reduced lunch.

For 11th-grade students, the PSAT/NMSQT is the entry route to the National Merit Scholarship Program. Requirements for participation, steps in the competition, and awards offered are explained in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide and on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s website at www.nationalmerit.org.

Don’t wait! Register now for this opportunity!

• Preparation for the SAT, where scores can help students get into honor college programs and college pathways (college within a college)
  
• Connects students to colleges and universities
  
• Scholarship opportunities for Grade 11 students
  
• Scores can be used to qualify for dual credit courses.
  
• Results will include resources about local two-year colleges, workforce training programs, and career options.
  

Students can request a fee waiver directly from College Board. Eligible students can receive SAT fee waiver benefits by logging in to their College Board account and submitting a request. Learn more on the College Board website.

Did you take your yearbook picture during prep days? Want to order pictures? Click HERE to order your pictures online. Use either your student ID or picture Day ID: EVT4KQVBF

ENJOY 10% OFF

your order!

CODE: F202410OFF

EXPIRES: July 31, 2025

Picture retakes will be September 11th and October 25th.

Seniors, if you haven't already done so, please call Prestige at (877) 244-9873 or visit the local Prestige website to set up your senior portrait session. Only pictures taken with Prestige will be in the yearbook. Please keep these things in mind:

1. Make sure they have you as a Communications Arts student, NOT Taft.
2. Our yearbook pose is a cap and gown NOT tux and drape. Be sure that the cap and gown you are given is WHITE with a red and white tassel, and for those in NHS, our stole is blue NOT white. The yearbook pose is cap on, and you MUST BE DRESS CODE COMPLIANT. We will NOT be Photoshopping pictures.
3. Yearbook ONLY sessions are free, but we encourage you to choose a package with a variety of outfits and poses to reflect your personality and interests.
4. Please consider purchasing a portrait package. A percentage of each sale is returned to our yearbook account to cover the cost of printing the portraits in the yearbook.
5. Be sure to have your pictures taken by November, so you can be included in the yearbook. The sooner the better, so you have time to do retakes if you are unhappy with the first session pictures.
6. Prestige will be on campus 9/18/2024 and 11/1/2024. These dates are for yearbook pictures ONLY.

Our Verification of Enrollment (VOE) is available digitally. The VOE form is used for driver's permits and licenses. Use the Google Form to request a copy.

Mission: Our school promotes curiosity while providing rigorous academics in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vision: Communications Arts H.S. students will be confident, capable, communicative leaders.

Email: cahs@nisd.net

Attendance Email: CAHS.attendance@nisd.net
Website: https://www.nisd.net/communicationsarts
Location: 11600 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78253, USA
Phone: (210) 397-6043
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommunicationsArtsHighSchool/
Twitter: @NISDComArts