

Mustang Memo February
Nixon-Smiley Middle School
Message from the Principal
NSMS Family,
The second semester is off to a fast start and we are happy with the things we are seeing so far. Our attendance has been improving this semester overall. We have started a grade level competition. If your child's grade level has attendance above 97%, they receive a star. After 5 stars the entire grade earns a reward. This competition is going well so far. Sixth and Seventh grades are in the lead so far, both earning five stars already. Please ensure your child is at school everyday if they are well enough to be here. There is no replacement for time in the classroom with their teacher. Remember, students must be here 90% of the time in ALL of their classes in order to be promoted to the next grade level.
One important topic that I would like to discuss is vaping. As vapes and e-cigarettes continue to grow in popularity, the likelihood of our kids coming into contact with them does as well. In a recent study, it was found that 1 in 10 or more than 2.5 million U.S. middle and high school students currently use e-cigarettes. Please talk with your child about the dangers of vaping. Click here for more information. NSCISD takes a firm stance on vaping because we want to do everything in our power to discourage students taking part in it. If students are caught with a vape or vaping on campus, it is automatic DAEP placement. We will also be bringing in presentations about substance abuse and healthy choices in next few months. Please look for permission slips to come home soon. If you would like more information or support with a topic like vaping, please contact us and we will do whatever we can to support your family.
Thank you all for your work in helping us meet the needs of your child. We appreciate everything that you do and if there is anything that we can do to help you and your family, please let us know.
Thank you,
Brittany Rogers
NSMS Principal
REMINDERS
- No Outside Deliveries - No Flowers, gifts, food, etc.
- Students are not allowed to share food with one another.
- Students are not allowed to use their cell phones on campus without permission from an adult.
- Transportation changes must be made 24 hours in advance.
- February 2nd - Basketball - Boys Home Girls Away
- February 6th - Early Release at 12:35
- February 14th - Progress Reports Go Home
- February 16th - UIL 5th Grade - In House Events
- February 16th - Track Meet in Stockdale
- February 20th - No School - Presidents Day
- February 21-23rd - Mobile STEM Lab
- February 24th - Track Meet in Runge
- February 25th - MS Band Concert
- March 6 - 8th Grade Social Studies Benchmark
- March 7 - 5th & 8th Grade Science Benchmark
- March 8 - 5th - 8th Reading Benchmark
- March 9 & 10th - Intersession Days for 6-8th Grade
- March 13-17th - Spring Break
Mobile STEM Lab
Nixon-Smiley Middle School was awarded the Texas Mobile Stem Lab Grant and students will be participating in February. We are very excited to welcome the amazing opportunity for our students. We were the ONLY school in our region (Region 13) that was selected. In order to participate, ALL students MUST have a permission slip signed. These permission slips were sent home with progress reports last week. The STEM LAB will be at NSMS Feb 21st-23rd.
The Texas Mobile STEM Labs are custom outfitted STEM learning spaces built from modified shipping containers. The mobile labs offer a blend of career and skills education, providing flexible in-classroom resources that empower teachers with new skills and content ideas while serving multiple classes simultaneously with engaging, hands-on experiences.
A Note from the Counselor
This month our focus is on Kindness and our own ability to care for and show compassion towards others . Find out more in the Capturing Kids Hearts Newsletter in English and Spanish.
"Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out. It will wear well and will be remembered long after the prism of politeness or the complexion of courtesy has faded away." - Abraham Lincoln
See More: ASCA National Educational and Health Awareness Dates
Student Self-Care Tip: Feeling drained? Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep and exercise. Also, consider your diet: are you eating well?
Students of the Month
5th Grade - Wyatt McKinney
Wyatt is the 5th grade Student of the Month. Wyatt is responsible, getting his work turned in on time. He is respectful towards peers and adults on campus and takes great pride in his work, always trying to give his best effort. We appreciate Wyatt's hard work and positive attitude!
6th Grade - Brayden Trigo
Brayden is an excellent example of a student who is responsible, respectful, engaged and prideful. He is responsible in the classroom and out completing assignments on time. He is respectful and friendly to classmates and teachers. Brayden is engaged and prideful. He takes on all tasks with a positive attitude and never gives up on a challenge.
7th Grade - Marisol Tovar
Marisol is a hardworking student and always willing to help her classmates out if they need help. She is a conscientious student and works hard to understand her work. She uses her manners and stays focused regardless of what her peers are doing. She has a pleasant disposition anytime you see her.
8th Grade - Jeremiah Morrison
Jeremiah is an enthusiastic learner who enjoys school. He is committed to performing his best in all his classes. Jeremiah is kind and helpful to his peers and teachers. He is thoughtful in his interactions with others. In class, Jeremiah listens attentively and follows directions. He uses his class time wisely and is always prepared. Jeremiah is a positive role model for his peers.
UIL
This past Saturday, January 28, 2023, Nixon-Smiley Middle School 6th - 8th Grade students traveled to Cole M.S. in San Antonio for the UIL District Meet (In-House events were held on January 10, 2023). The middle school students had great success bringing home 74 total awards: 7 gold medals, 10 silver medals, 17 bronze medals, 11 4th place ribbons, 13 5th place ribbons, and 16 6th place ribbons.
Stay in Touch
To communicate with our teachers you can use the Rooms feature in our Nixon-Smiley App. This app will be for all teachers in our district. You should have received an email with a "magic code" for your child and instructions on how to create an account. Once you create an account, the video below will show you how to use the app. English Video. Spanish video. We will also post information on the Nixon-Smiley CISD Home of the Mustangs Facebook page and our district website. Please also check with your child daily about any important information that may have been sent home or communicated with them.
If you have a question or concern, please call us at (830) 582-1536, Ext 301. We are happy to set up Parent/Teacher conferences at your request either by phone or in person.
About Us
Email: rogersb@nixonsmiley.net
Website: www.nixonsmiley.net
Location: 800 North Rancho Road, Nixon, TX, USA
Phone: (830) 582-1536
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nixon-Smiley-CISD-Home-of-the-Mustangs--264506510244649
Twitter: @nixonsmileycisd