Director's Note
Musings
Hello NESA Families,
I'm so excited to kick off what I know will be an amazing year! I can already feel the love and energy that makes our community so special. We truly have the best students in the world—and not just because they've all auditioned to be here. The way they uplift one another, and us, with such unmitigated joy is one of the most beautiful sounds you can hear. It's a testament to the incredible community we've built together.
We're trying a few new things this year, and I'd love for you to be a part of it. Get ready for a little friendly competition! We're hosting a Movie Trivia Night in the PAC on September 5th. I can't wait to see you there and find out who the true film buffs are. Be sure to check the rest of the newsletter for more details.
Important Information on Schedule Changes
(Please read carefully!)
We know schedule changes can be a source of stress, so let's clear up a few things. First and foremost, per district guidelines, we cannot change lunch periods for any student.
You will need to request a schedule change if you have any of the following issues: * A class you already have credit for. * Two of the exact same class on your schedule. * A gap in your schedule.
If you are just hoping to switch a class you don't want to be in, you may request a schedule change. Please note that these are not guaranteed.
Schedule change forms are available in the counseling office this week only. Be sure to pick one up and submit it as soon as possible.
Spotlight
Meet Our New NESA Counselor: Ronda Villareal Echols
We're thrilled to introduce the newest member of the NESA team, our school counselor, Ronda Villareal Echols! With 16 years in education and 12 specifically as a school counselor, Ronda brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for helping students succeed.
Ronda's diverse background includes working as an academic coach in higher education and providing wrap-around services for at-risk youth. Her educational journey includes a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Houston-Victoria and a master's degree in counseling from Texas A&M University at San Antonio.
As a self-described "whole-child advocate," Ronda's counseling philosophy is centered on building strong relationships. She believes it's her distinct honor and privilege to support students as they navigate the high school experience. She is also a passionate advocate for social justice and equity, especially concerning educational access.
Beyond her professional life, Ronda is a proud mom to a 26-year-old son and a 19-year-old daughter. Her family also includes Frankie, a cat she adopted from ADL five years ago. Frankie is a bit of a celebrity; his picture was chosen by Jones Soda to appear on their berry soda labels! In her free time, Ronda enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, attending concerts, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Ronda is also a big fan of the arts, especially literature and music, and appreciates all forms as a way to "capture the human experience." Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Ronda Villareal Echols. We are so excited to have her as a part of our NESA community!
Art of the Week
The Story of *Solitude*: A Student Film's Journey to the Big Screen
From a quiet classroom to the iconic stage of the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, the student film Solitude is making waves, captivating audiences, and earning accolades along the way. This film, a poignant tale of love, loss, and remembrance, is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of a remarkable group of young filmmakers and their mentors.
At the helm of this inspiring project is writer and director Joshua Najera. His vision for Solitude has guided the film from its initial concept to its celebrated success on the festival circuit. Working alongside him was a powerhouse team, including Iris Underwood as Director of Photography, whose stunning visuals bring the emotional depth of the story to life, and producer Connor Bernhardt, who masterfully navigated the complexities of production.
The film’s success is a true collaboration. Sophia Camacho served as the 1st AD, ensuring a smooth and efficient set. The artistry of the film was crafted by Production Designer Olivia Acosta and Art Director Peter Thompson. The crew was rounded out by Alexis Milton, who pulled double duty as Production Assistant and Gaffer, Emily Aragon as Line Producer, and Jimena Sanchez Hernandez who handled the casting. The film's moving score, composed by the talented duo Amelia Causey and Moriah Flores, further elevates the emotional journey of the story.
The film's powerful performances come from a dedicated cast. Micah Eckmann and Payton Juarez deliver compelling performances alongside two exceptional teachers, Cecil Lenoux and Elizabeth Utsman, who also happens to be a NESA Mom. Their presence in the film highlights the collaborative spirit between students and mentors.
Solitude has received significant recognition, a true testament to the hard work of everyone involved. The film received an award at the Zoom International Film Festival in Toronto and had a remarkable screening at the legendary Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The journey is far from over, as Solitude is set to be featured at two prestigious events in New York City this October: the All American High School Film Festival and the Gold Coast International Film Festival.
The entire production team, cast, and their supportive teachers have poured their hearts into this project, and the results speak for themselves. The success of Solitude is a powerful reminder of what young artists can achieve with passion, creativity, and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of Josh and his entire crew for their dedication and for sharing this beautiful story with the world. Please click on the link to view Solitude
Tue
Sat
Aug 23
- Olmos Ensemble is doing a FREE concert/masterclass for our students. The concert portion begins at 11AM in our beautiful PAC
pARTners News
HOME | nesapartners
Join the NESA pARTners: Enhance Your NESA Journey! Becoming a NESA parent is an exciting adventure, but with a million hours of rehearsals and new routines, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming! That's where the NESA pARTners come in. They are a non-profit group made up entirely of NESA parents dedicated to making the NESA experience as wonderful as possible for everyone – students and families alike.
What do the pARTners do? They are here to help you navigate it all! From understanding the ins and outs of rehearsal schedules to connecting you with other families through our carpool interest form, they are a supportive community. They also run concessions at NESA events, organize the unforgettable year-end banquet, provide essential student scholarships, and fund valuable classroom grants.
Above all, the pARTners have a whole lot of fun while making NESA an even better place. We invite you to be a part of this vibrant community! Please consider joining the NESA pARTners for annual dues of just $20.
Ready to connect, contribute, and have fun? Click the link to join us today!
Testing Corner
Testing with Mr. Goodwin
Here you can find the answers to your questions about testing: Important Dates:
Oct 8 - Nov 12 AP Payment Window for Fall Open (Significantly less of a price if you pay during this window over the spring window 😉) Oct 23 PSAT (9-11th Grade, Free😎) Nov 6 ACT (Seniors) Feb 4- March 4 AP Payment Window for Spring Opens Mar 5 SAT (Juniors, Free😎) May 4-8, and 11-15 AP Testing Mr. Goodwin's testing and CCMR Smore link is below