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Panther Families Weekly Tidbits Oct. 31, 2025

Panther Families Weekly Tidbits Oct. 31, 2025

Panther Families Weekly Tidbits

October 31, 2025

 

 

A Note From Mr. D

Greetings Panther Families!

 

What an incredible week celebrating our Panthers! Our academic awards assemblies were a true highlight — a chance to pause and recognize the hard work, effort, and growth happening in every hallway. Over half of our students received one recognition or another, and the pride on their faces said it all. Even more impressive was how well-behaved, respectful, and supportive our students were of one another throughout each assembly. They truly made Pike shine.

 

A special congratulations goes out to our Golden Paw Award winners — four students from each grade level who exemplify our core values of being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible. While only a handful received this top honor, we had a large number of students nominated who represent Pike with excellence every single day. I challenge all of our Panthers to live out these core values not just here at school, but everywhere they go. These values don’t stop at our doors — they reflect who we are and who we’re becoming.

 

As we celebrate our students, I also encourage families to take a minute to reach out and thank their student’s teachers. Our teachers and aides invest so much of themselves into preparing students for success — not just in academics, but in life. Pike would not be what it is without their heart, dedication, and unwavering commitment to every child who walks through our doors.

 

Thank you for all you do to get your students to school each day — ready to learn, grow, and make us proud. Your support, encouragement, and partnership make a tremendous difference, and we’re grateful for everything you do to help our students succeed.

 

It was truly a joy to celebrate so many deserving students this week, and we look forward to keeping that momentum going as we head into the next stretch of the semester.

 

Until next time....y'all keep on keepin' on, and always KEEP BELIEVING!

 

Mr. D

 

 

The Panther Planner

Next Week

 

11/3 - NO SCHOOL - Student and Staff Holiday

 

11/4 - NO SCHOOL - Student Holiday

 

11/5 - Pike Boys Basketball

  • 8th Grade @ Hillwood Middle School
  • 7th Grade v. Hillwood @ Pike
  • C Team Games start at 5:00PM, with the other games following. Average start time for B team is 6:00PM and 7:00 PM for A-Team.

 

11/6 - Pike Girls Basketball

  • 8th Grade @ Hillwood Middle School
  • 7th Grade v. Hillwood @ Pike
  • C Team Games start at 5:00PM, with the other games following. Average start time for B team is 6:00PM and 7:00 PM for A-Team.

 

No School 11/3 and 11/4

As a reminder, all Northwest ISD students will not attend school on November 3 and 4. The latter date also marks the fall election season, and we encourage all registered voters to cast ballots. We look forward to the return of students on Wednesday, November 5!

 

 

Election Day on Tuesday, Prop A on ballot

Early voting in Northwest ISD’s operations funding election, listed as Proposition A on the ballot, continues from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Friday, October 31. The final chance to cast your ballot is Election Day, which takes place this Tuesday, November 4! If Proposition A is approved by voters, Northwest ISD will hire additional teachers to reduce class sizes.

 

Proposition A is projected to generate $12 million for schools, and all funding generated from Proposition A would stay within Northwest ISD and not be subject to recapture from the state. To see polling locations, visit www.nisdtx.org/polls. Additional information about Proposition A can be seen at www.nisdtx.org/election.

 

 

 

Veterans Day at Pike

We are proud to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country. On Tuesday, November 11 AT 9:45AM, Pike Middle School will host a special Veterans Day Breakfast to recognize and thank those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedom.

 

If your student has a family member who is currently serving or has previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces, we would be honored to have them join us for this celebration. Families are invited to enjoy breakfast together in the cafeteria, followed by a short “Victory Parade” through the building, where students and staff will line the halls to cheer and show their appreciation for our veterans.

 

To help us plan accordingly, please complete the Google Form linked below if your family plans to attend. The form also allows you to share information about your veteran so we can recognize them during the event.

 

We are deeply grateful for the courage, sacrifice, and service of all who have worn our nation’s uniform. We look forward to welcoming our heroes to Pike Middle School on November 11 for a morning of gratitude and celebration.

 

​PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR THE VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST

 

 

Annual Angel Tree program open to support students in need

More than 1,900 students are on this year’s Virtual Angel Tree, and they need our community’s support! The Angel Tree allows community members to select an anonymous child to support this holiday season to ensure they have gifts.

 

 

Registration Ongoing for Reindeer Romp

Registration is ongoing for Northwest ISD’s 18th annual Reindeer Romp! The event consists of a 1-mile fun run and 5K run, with all proceeds benefiting school P.E. departments.

 

For more information, go to https://www.nisdreindeerromp.com/

 

 

What Do You Want Mr. D to Know?

Thank you for those that have already sent us feedback, both positive and constructive ways we can improve. Keep it coming, as our continued dialogue is how we work together to make the school year positive for all of our Pike Panthers!

 

 

What Do You Want Mr. D to Know? - Click HERE

 

Student Drop-off and Pick-Up

A quick reminder that doors open at 8:25AM. There’s no staff supervision before then, and we’re seeing more students being dropped off early—sometimes more than an hour before doors open. Please help us keep everyone safe by dropping off at or after 8:25AM.

 

All student drop-off and pick-up must happen in the back of the school. The only exceptions are students arriving early for athletics or tutoring. We’ve seen too many cars stopping in the front lately, which creates unsafe conditions while buses are unloading. At 8:50AM when school starts, you may drop your student at the front, as the back doors will be closed and locked.

 

Mornings in the back run smoothly, but afternoons have become extremely hectic and congested. Please wait until you reach the pick-up zone under the awning before your student gets in the car, and avoid parking in or driving through the staff parking lot. This has our students crossing through traffic which puts them at risk for being hit, which I unfortunately have seen almost happen too many times.

 

While we may be close to the Texas Motor Speedway, our campus is a school zone—and safe and respectful driving is needed. Please drive slowly, follow the traffic flow, and avoid U-turns or cutting through lanes. We’ve had several close calls that could easily have been accidents.

 

Let’s all set the right example for our students by showing patience and following the Panther Way every day.

 

 

To help keep traffic moving safely and smoothly, please follow these reminders:

  • Pull All the Way Forward: When entering the pick-up/drop-off zone, continue to the front of the line before stopping. Stopping early—even if you see your student—causes unnecessary back-ups.
  • Student Pick-Up: Students will walk to meet you once you have entered the designated zone.
  • Stay in the Zone: Use only the official pick-up/drop-off area. This allows us to stagger traffic and helps limit the blockages we’ve been experiencing.
  • No U-Turns: Please do not make U-turns in the drive lanes. This creates a serious risk of accidents.
  • Drive with Patience: Rushing or cutting into lanes can lead to near-misses and unsafe conditions.
  • One-Way Traffic: Each direction is one lane. Avoid creating a second exit lane by picking up students from the back of the line or attempting to leave early.

 

 

Join us on Facebook!

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/GenePikeMiddleSchool/

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/genepikepta

 

 

Helpful Links

Report an Absence:

 

HAC:

 

 

Canvas Parent Observer Access: