Greetings Panther Families!

This week has reminded us how heavy the world can feel at times. In the midst of headlines filled with tragedy and division, Pike Middle School continues to be a place where kindness, learning, and hope grow each day. Thank you for the way you model respect, care, and patience for our students and for one another. We are extremely grateful for the many parents at Pike who partner so positively with our teachers and staff—your encouragement and teamwork truly help our school shine. Small acts of compassion—an encouraging word, a helping hand, a quiet smile—make a difference every day. Together, we can show our kids that even when the world feels unsettled, love and goodness are stronger.

We’re excited to welcome you and your students to Panther Open House Night next Thursday! This is a wonderful opportunity for families to see the classrooms where our students spend their days and to meet the amazing teachers who guide their learning. Come say hello, shake a few hands, and celebrate the great work happening at Pike. Please note that this evening is designed for introductions and a general look at your child’s day—not for individual conferences. If you’d like a one-on-one conversation about your student, please email their teacher to schedule a separate meeting.

During Open House, please join our counselors at 6:00 PM in the Cafeteria for a presentation of an Advisory Lesson titled Rude vs. Mean vs. Bullying. This lesson is a great example of how our Counseling Team supports students in navigating the challenges of middle school.

Finally, for parents who pick up in the afternoons, I’ll be sending a separate message soon with updates on new procedures aimed at making our pick-up process safer and more efficient. We know the afternoon gridlock can be frustrating, and we’re working on a few changes to help stagger departures so pick-up is quicker and less stressful for everyone.

That's all for now...I hope you have a great weekend, and we will see all the kiddos back here next week.

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

Mr. D

Next Week

9/15 - Pike Tennis

• Pike v. Tidwell @ Byron Nelson HS at 4:30PM

9/17 - Pike Cross Country

• @ Hillwood Middle School at 5:00PM

9/18 - Twin Day

9/18 - Pike Open House

• 5:30PM - 7:00PM
• 6:00PM - Presentation by our counselors in the cafeteria titled Rude vs. Mean vs. Bullying

9/18 - Pike Volleyball

• 8th Grade v. Worthington (Home)
• 7th Grade @ Worthington
• C Team starts at 5:00 PM, followed by B-Team, then A-Team. Estimated time for B is 6:00 PM, and A is 7:00 PM, but that could vary depending on the previous games.

9/19 - College Spirit Day! Gig'em!

On the Horizon

9/22 - Pike Tennis

• Pike v. Worthington @ Eaton HS at 4:30

9/23 - Favorite Jersey Day

9/23 - Pike Football

• 8th Grade v. Worthington @ NHS Sub-Varsity Stadium
• 7th Grade v. Worthington @ Worthington
• 5:00 PM - B Team, with A Team starting immediately after the conclusion of B Team

9/24 - Pike Cross Country

• Home Meet
• Meet begins at 5:00 PM in this order....8th Grade Boys / 8th Grade Girls / 7th Grade Boys / 7th Grade Girls

9/25 - Pike Volleyball

• 8th Grade @ Carroll Middle School
• 7th Grade v. Carroll (Home)
• C Team starts at 5:00 PM, followed by B-Team, then A-Team. Estimated time for B is 6:00 PM, and A is 7:00 PM, but that could vary depending on the previous games.

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

As part of our ongoing commitment to support the academic, personal, social, and emotional growth of every student, our district offers access to certified school counselors and intervention counselors. Beginning June 20, 2025, in compliance with Texas SB 12, we are required to obtain parent or guardian consent before providing these counseling services. These are the same traditional school counseling services that have been available previously.

This form allows you to grant permission for your child to receive school counseling services as needed throughout the school year. Please note, if a student is upset and we do not have consent on file to provide counseling, they will be allowed to spend up to 10 minutes in a quiet space to calm down before returning to class.

Our counseling team is truly amazing! Sometimes, our students simply need a caring voice to listen and guide them as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. Counselors aren’t there to analyze every thought, but to equip students with the tools and support they need to make it through the school day with confidence.

Here is the link to consent to supports given by the Counselor.

https://forms.nisdtx.org/Forms/Consent-to-Counseling-and-Support-Services 

In compliance with Texas Senate Bill 12, all Texas school districts must receive parent or guardian permission for nurses and athletic trainers to attend to students in certain situations. These can include routine health-related services.

Examples of health-related support that require consent include:

• First aid and injury evaluation
• Monitoring chronic health conditions such as asthma or diabetes
• Support during illness or injury while at school
• Administration of medications (upon parental request and physician order)

If you want your child to continue receiving all services that require written parental consent, please fill out the form below. Forms must be filled out for each student. 

Please be aware that a delay in submission will prevent the prompt implementation of these services for your child.

https://forms.nisdtx.org/Forms/Consent-for-Health-Related-Services

During North Texas Giving Day, charitable organizations across the region seek community support for their missions. This year’s North Texas Giving Day, taking place September 18, the Northwest ISD Education Foundation will seek support for its goals that benefit district students and schools.

If donors choose to support NEF directly, funds will go toward teacher grants, student scholarships and special initiatives such as the resource store that provides teachers with free items. Donors also have the option to support a specific school through NEF, which will donate 50% to the school PTA and 50% to NEF initiatives. For more information about the fundraising event, view this webpage.

Northwest ISD has called an operations funding election, Proposition A, to reduce class sizes, and the district invites questions and feedback on the ballot measure. Voters will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the proposal at several town hall events taking place in the coming weeks.

In-person meetings are scheduled to take place throughout the district in September and October, with an online Facebook Live taking place October 16. A full list of presentations can be seen at www.nisdtx.org/election, with additional town halls being added as they are scheduled.

Early voting will take place October 20 to 31, and Election Day takes place Tuesday, November 4. If approved by voters, the election is projected to generate at least $12 million in new revenue for Northwest ISD. Of that projection, $8 million would go toward lower class sizes and student programs, and $4 million would go toward raises for teachers and support staff.

Northwest ISD bands will host a special performance at the district stadium on Monday, September 29, with proceeds benefiting the district’s band programs.

The seventh annual Northwest ISD Band Showcase, sponsored by Bell’s Music Shop, will begin at 7 p.m. at Northwest ISD Stadium. Marching bands from all three comprehensive high schools – Byron Nelson, Eaton and Northwest – will perform. Also performing will be all seven Northwest ISD middle school band programs. The event will culminate with a combined performance from all district band students.

Gates will open to the public at 6 p.m. for admission. Tickets are just $5, with children ages 3 and younger receiving free admission. Additionally, all district band students who show their student IDs will receive free admission.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or by clicking here.

As a reminder, the expectation is that all students wear their IDs around their necks at all times during the school day. We will conduct checks at both entry points in the mornings. Any student without an ID will be issued a new one, and a $4 charge will be added to their account.

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