Director's Note

Director's Note
Dearest NESA Families,
Welcome back from a hopefully rejuvenating spring break! Did you chase butterflies? Build magnificent sandcastles? Or perhaps simply perfect the art of the afternoon nap? Whatever adventures you embarked upon, we're thrilled to have our vibrant students back filling the halls with laughter and learning.
Now, before we dive headfirst into the kaleidoscope of upcoming events, we have a little news to share. It's a bit like spring cleaning, but for our newsletter! We're waving a fond farewell to our old friend, S'More, and embracing a shiny, new platform called Curated.
Think of Curated as a magical garden where we can cultivate a more personalized and organized newsletter experience. Imagine:
Archived Treasures: No more frantic scrolling to find that recipe for the bake sale or the dates for the spring play! Curated allows us to keep all past editions neatly organized, like precious seeds in a packet. Personalized Blooms: We'll be able to tailor some parts of the newsletter to better suit your interests, like planting different flowers in different parts of the garden. Easy Subscription Sprouts: You can now subscribe directly to the newsletter, ensuring you never miss a single update. It's like having your own personal watering can for all the latest NESA news! Streamlined Sunshine: Curated will help us streamline the newsletter process, saving us time and allowing us to focus on what truly matters: your children's education. Why the Change?
We're always looking for ways to improve communication and make things easier for you. And let's be honest, S'More was starting to feel a bit like a garden gnome that had seen better days.
Important Note: Blackboard Farewell (Almost!)
While we'll continue to share snippets and reminders on social media, we'll be phasing out newsletter blasts via Blackboard after a few weeks. So, if you want to keep receiving the full, delightful NESA newsletter, please subscribe to Curated!
Worried about spam?
Fear not! Curated assures us that your email addresses will be treated with the utmost respect and will not be used for any unsolicited messages. Think of them as diligent garden gnomes guarding your privacy.
I am excited about this new chapter and believe Curated will help us blossom into an even better communication hub. As always, your feedback is invaluable. Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts and suggestions.
Let's make this spring term a season of growth, discovery, and shared joy!
Warmly, Marisol Askey
Spotlight

Unleash Your Inner Bard! The 5th Anniversary NESA Creative Writing Playoffs Are HERE!
Prepare for a theatrical explosion! The legendary NESA Creative Writing Playoffs are back, bigger and bolder than ever, celebrating their 5th anniversary with a spectacle you won't want to miss!
For three electrifying nights, our incredibly talented students will transform our stages into worlds of their own creation. Witness the raw power of imagination as 16 original plays, written, performed, and directed entirely by our students, take center stage.
A Theatrical Feast Across Two Stages!
This year, we're doubling the drama with two stages running simultaneously! Prepare to be captivated by a diverse range of stories, from side-splitting comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, all born from the brilliant minds of our NESA playwrights.
The Challenge: 16 Plays, 3 Nights!
To experience the full spectrum of creativity, you'll need to join us for at least two nights. And for the ultimate theatrical immersion, grab a 2-Day or 3-Day Festival Pass! It's the best value for seeing all 16 groundbreaking performances.
Important Playoff Intel:
Stage Loyalty! Once you choose a stage, you'll stick with it for the night. No stage hopping allowed! Festival Pass Perks! Festival pass holders receive the royal treatment with reserved seating! All other tickets are general admission. Choose Your Adventure! If you purchase a Festival Pass, please email acharn@neisd.net to select which performances/stages you would like your reserved tickets to be for. Doors Open at 6 PM! Arrive early to secure your spot and soak in the pre-show buzz. Don't Just Watch, Experience!
This isn't just a play; it's a celebration of storytelling, a testament to the boundless creativity of our students. Join us as we witness the birth of new narratives, the rise of future playwrights, and the sheer magic of live theatre.
How to Secure Your Spot:
Purchase tickets here at nesa.booktix.com
Don't miss out on this extraordinary event. It's a once-a-year opportunity to witness the future of theatre unfold before your very eyes! Come support our students and be part of the 5th Anniversary NESA Creative Writing Playoffs!
Let the Playoff Games Begin!
Tue

March 18
- NESA Shadow Day
- Today is NATIONAL AWKWARD MOMENTS DAY!!!!
- Just in case you think Askey is making it up... ๐ https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-awkward-moments-day-march-18
- Meeting for Musical Theater students wanting to go on the London trip next Spring Break at 6:00PM in the Black Box
Rem
RootEd Scholarship opportunity
Purpose The purpose of this scholarship is to give a one-time financial assistance to senior students from a RootEd school. Scholarships will be reviewed and awarded to students based on community involvement, school service involvement, and volunteerism.
Eligibility -The student applicant must be a senior in good standing from NISD, NEISD, South San Antonio ISD, Southside ISD, Harlandale ISD, SWISD, ECISD, Floresville ISD, or Alamo Heights ISD to apply. -The applicant must be graduating this spring 2025. -The applicant must have plans to continue their education (attending a university, college, or trade school). -The applicant must demonstrate character traits that may include, but are not limited to: service to others, honesty, leadership and integrity.
Value The scholarship amount for 2025 will be $1,000 awarded up to 5 graduating students, or as many as the budget allows. Awarded students will be notified by email. The scholarship amount will be paid in one payment to the institution where the student will be attending. Non awarded students will also be notified by email.
All eligible applications will be reviewed by RootEdโs Scholarship Committee. All applications need to be turned in no later than 11:59 pm Friday, April 4th, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
[APPLY NOW] (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14NlaKpAh7n2klrR2cpd-UlwqGn5TlBKO3OJvS8hlThc/viewform?ts=65b28982&edit_requested=true)
pARTners News
NESA pARTners
Weโre beyond grateful for the incredible support our parent organization, NESA pARTners, has provided this school year! In December alone, they raised $7,195 for our students and directors, along with contributions to key projects like: ๐ธ $450 for photography for Steppinโ Into the Holidays ๐ฌ $504 for StudioBinder software ๐ฅ $1,000 for the Austin Film Festival ๐ $335 for light signage for SpongeBob
Thank you, NESA pARTners, for your unwavering support and generosity. Your dedication plays a vital role in helping our students shine and achieve their creative dreams! ๐๐
NESA pARTners is a dedicated parent organization committed to supporting the North East School of the Arts (NESA) students and staff across all majors. Operating behind the scenes, the group provides invaluable assistance in a variety of ways. From fundraising initiatives and providing pre-show meals to backstage support, costume creation, and box office management, NESA pARTners volunteers contribute countless hours to ensure the success of NESA events and programs.
The organization plays a crucial role in supporting NESAโs mission by funding enrichment programs, scholarships, and classroom resources through membership dues and fundraising efforts such as Silent Auctions, Family Nights, and The Big Give. The annual NESA Banquet, hosted by pARTners, serves as a celebratory culmination of the school year, recognizing student achievements. With a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit different time commitments, NESA pARTners welcomes individuals eager to contribute to the vibrant NESA community.
News and links

College and Career Newsletter
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