Northwest News: See all the amazing recent accomplishments by students!

Nov. 2, 2016

AMAT student's challenging photo noticed by elite pilot team

Kaylee Smith, a senior photography student in Northwest ISD's Academy of Media Arts & Technology, recently took a difficult shot of a fighter jet. The photo was so impressive, its subjects - elite pilots in the U.S. Navy's tactical demonstration program - took notice.

Read the story behind Kaylee's shot by clicking here.

Byron Nelson veterinary science team crowned reserve national champions

Byron Nelson High School's veterinary science team, part of the FFA program, was recently crowned reserve national champions after finishing second at the 89th annual National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

The Byron Nelson team - composed of Lauren Hartmann, Jennifer Powell, Kylie Scott and Madison Staab - made history by becoming the first team in Northwest ISD history to reach the national level. In the veterinary science competition, participants complete knowledge tests, compete in team activities and handle animals to demonstrate their knowledge of the discipline. The competition promotes college and career readiness in veterinary fields by developing technical knowledge and using practical skills.

Individually, Kylie was the team's highest-ranking finisher, placing third in the competition, followed by Madison in fourth and Lauren in 12th. The team and all its members each received the Gold Emblem for their collective and individual performances.

The Byron Nelson veterinary science team is led by Mark Goggins, agricultural science teacher and FFA adviser.

Profile of a Graduate: Kale Burks

Kale Burks is a sophomore at Eaton High School who is making a name for himself not only in the classroom, but also in the air. Kale recently completed his first solo flight as a pilot, and hopes to major in aviation in college. Click the image above to view a video of Kale, our highlighted student in this Profile of a Graduate, and click here to read a story about his first time flying solo!

District hosting college and career fair on Thursday

Northwest ISD will host a college and career fair for all students and their parents or guardians on Thursday, Nov. 3, where they can learn about a variety of topics through multiple breakout sessions.

The event will take place at Byron Nelson High School, located at 2775 Bobcat Blvd. in Trophy Club, and is scheduled to last from 6-8 p.m. Attendees will be able to take two breakout sessions at the event, with sessions taking place at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

At the earlier breakout timeslot, the following sessions will be available: college admissions, financial aid and scholarships, Naviance Family Connections for middle school, and NCAA eligibility. At the latter breakout timeslot, college admissions, a Spanish-language college 101, financial aid and scholarships, and Naviance Family Connections for high school sessions will be available.

For more information about the college and career fair, please contact Jamie Farber, director of guidance and counseling at Northwest ISD, by phone at 817-215-0187 or via email at jfarber@nisdtx.org.

High school marching bands wrap up great season

Northwest ISD's three high school marching bands - from Byron Nelson, Eaton and Northwest - recently wrapped up their competitive season with strong finishes.

All three bands received the top rating possible at the UIL Region 2 contest on Oct. 22 (where Eaton and Northwest competed in 5A and Byron Nelson competed in 6A). Byron Nelson advanced to the 6A Area C competition on Oct. 29, as it was the only Northwest ISD school eligible to move on (the UIL alternates years in which even- and odd-numbered classifications have area and state competitions), finishing 15th out of 26 bands.

Northwest ISD's marching bands are led by the instruction of Jed Weeks, director of bands at Byron Nelson; Paul Elder, director of bands at Eaton; and Jim Boulet, director of bands at Northwest.

Share the holiday spirit by helping students in need

You can help make the season brighter by adopting one or more angels off Northwest ISD's Partners in Education Virtual Angel Tree. Northwest ISD uses the Virtual Angel Tree as a way for teachers, staff, student organizations, local churches and businesses to offer their assistance anonymously to qualified students who need extra help with clothing and gifts during the holiday season.

Adopting an angel is a quick process. Just a ccess the Northwest ISD Virtual Angel Tree by visiting angeltree.nisdtx.org and m ake your selections!

The Virtual Angel Tree items, including a printed copy of the details, will need to be delivered to the Northwest ISD Administration Building at the following mailing address by Friday, Dec. 2:

Northwest ISD Angel Tree

2001 Texan Drive

Fort Worth, Texas 76247

In addition to the supplies themselves, volunteers are needed to help sort and distribute Virtual Angel Tree items. If you're interested in helping out, please call Partners in Education with your availability at 817-215-0175.

Follow Northwest ISD on Instagram

Have an Instagram account? Follow Northwest ISD! You can see the latest photos from the district by following the @northwestschools account on the social network. Also be sure to follow the district's @NorthwestISD Twitter account and like its Facebook page.

Community invited to Deep Dish Discussions with superintendent

Northwest ISD and the Northwest ISD Council of PTAs are hosting a series of Deep Dish Discussions with Superintendent Ryder Warren this fall, where community members can learn about the current state and future of the school district.

Byron Nelson hosted the first event on Oct. 26, and the next event takes place at Eaton today. Join Dr. Warren and district leaders for the inside scoop on Northwest ISD's academic future, growth projections and details on the Texas Legislature's upcoming session. Collaborate on issues facing public education and Northwest ISD and enjoy a dish of ice cream at one of the two remaining meetings:

Nov. 2 - Eaton High School
Dec. 6 - Northwest High School

All meetings take place 6-7 p.m. in the host school's student union. Community feedback from each meeting will be used to help Northwest ISD prepare for the future.

Registration for ninth annual Reindeer Romp now open

The ninth annual Northwest ISD Reindeer Romp run benefiting district P.E. departments will take place Saturday, Dec. 10, and online registration is now open.

Runners can take part in either a 1-mile race at 8:30 a.m. or 5K race at 9 a.m. - or both at no additional charge - at Alliance Airport, located at 2221 Alliance Blvd. Early registration costs $15 for students ages 4 to 18 and $20 for adults and lasts through Friday, Nov. 4. On Saturday, Nov. 5, prices increase by $5.

Every runner who registers prior to race day will receive a T-shirt in his or her preferred size. T-shirts cannot be guaranteed for those who register at the event on race day.

To register or obtain more information, visit www.nisdreindeerromp.com.