Director's Note
Our Invaluable Parent Volunteers
As we move through another vibrant week of rehearsals, deadlines, and creative breakthroughs, I’ve found myself reflecting on the incredible engine that keeps this school running. While our students are the heart of NESA, our parent volunteers are undoubtedly the backbone.
More Than Just Equipment
We talk often about the tangible ways our pARTners support our majors. From the new chairs for our Footnotes dancers to the cozy rug that centers our Creative Writers, and the cutting-edge animation software for our Film students—these gifts provide the physical tools our artists need to thrive.
But beyond the software and the furniture, it is the gift of your time that leaves the greatest impact. Seeing you in our halls and at our events is a constant reminder of the community we are building together.
Introducing: The "Concession Stand Book Club"
One of the most delightful side effects of spending so many hours together is the organic "Concession Stand Book Club" that has formed. Between your tireless shifts of popping popcorn and organizing show-meals, I have received some of my favorite book recommendations from you all.
It seems I’m not the only one! To help everyone keep track of who recommended what (and who is currently reading it), we are placing a little black tagboard in the concession stand. * The Goal: A space to share titles and find fellow readers to chat with during downtime. * The Rule: This is strictly for fun and entirely non-mandatory!
It’s just a small way to celebrate the friendships being forged behind the scenes.
The Spirit of NESA
"Holy moly" is the only way to describe the energy you bring. Our decorating committees, concessions teams, backstage crews, and fundraising wizards do an immense amount of work, but you do it with such a sense of joy.
Every time I pass a group of NESA parents, I hear laughter. That spirit is infectious. It is so clear to me now where our students get their drive, their resilience, and their eagerness to jump in and help—they are simply following your lead.
Thank you for everything you do. NESA would not—and could not—function without you. We are so lucky to have you in our wings.
With deep gratitude,
Marisol Askey
Mon
Apr 20
- Volunteer Recognition Day. To our wonderful pARTners, backstage parents, showmeals crew, decorating committee, and concessions gurus, THANK YOU!!!! NESA would not function without you
Wed
Apr 22
- NEISD Summer School Registration Opens TODAY
- National Bus Driver Appreciation Day
Guys... you have no IDEA what the bus drivers go through. They pick up students from the elementary school, do that route, then pick up from the middle schools, do that route, then pick up from the high schools and do that route. They are driving a HUGE vehicle which is so cumbersome, keep their attention on the road, AND make sure that the bus riders are behaving. Honestly, I don't know if I would be capable of ALL of that at once! So, even if you have a grumpy bus driver 😉 please take the time to thank them today.
Coming Soon
Coming soon
- April 30, May 1-3 Grease
- May 8 Multiples Art Show and SALE!
- May 15 Senior Instrumental Music Concert
- May 16 800 LB Film Festival
- May 17 Joci Awards at the Majestic Theater
- May 21 NESA Banquet
- May 24 (THIS IS A SUNDAY) Graduation
- June 5 Senior Perspectives Art Show @Tethered in Blue Star
pARTners News
pARTners
Banquet is Thursday, May 21. The theme is Alice in Wonderland!!!
- Banquet Details:
- Ticket sales are open now through May 3 for 25 dollars. Starting May 4-11, ticket prices will be 35 dollars.
- Tickets can not be sold one week prior to the banquet and we can not sell tickets at the door per Skyroom new requirements. Our attendee count must be set by May 14.
- Ticket link will be available on our website www.nesapartners.net
- Senior parents will be able to attend. Other parents will have the opportunity to volunteer.
- Senior scholarship application form is live on the pARTners website under the “more” tab. Scholarship requirements are also on the website. This scholarship is based on character and final approval will be done by NESA pARTners board, major directors and Mrs. Askey
- Send photos to nesapartnersphotos@gmail.com for slideshow
- Senior slideshow form will be available on our website soon
News and links
Senior Corner
🎓 The Final Countdown: Graduation Gear & Signing Day!
Can you believe it? You are officially in the final term of your high school journey! You’ve worked incredibly hard to get here, and the finish line is in sight. You’ve got this!
🏆 Announcing: NESA Signing Day 2026!
Due to the massive success of last year’s event, we are doing it again! We’re opening up timeslots before school on May 14 & 15 in the PAC.
How to secure your spot:
The Form: Fill out the attached Google Form to let Ms. Askey know you’re interested.
The Proof: Bring Ms. Askey proof of your college/university acceptance. (This is an official NEISD policy—I’m sure there’s a fascinating story behind why that rule exists, but I’m not privy to it! 🕵️♂️)
The Slot: Once you show your proof, I’ll send you the SignUpGenius link to grab your official timeslot.
Your Table, Your Style: We provide the tables in the PAC; you are responsible for bringing, setting up, breaking down, and cleaning up your decorations. Let’s make them look spectacular!
👔 The "New Alumni" Gear Bundle
To get you ready for the big stage, it’s time to order your NESA Graduation Stole.
- The Stole ($20): This year’s batch is special! We’ve upgraded to premium embroidered stoles that look incredible. (Note: A stole is required for the ceremony. If you have an old one from a former NESA grad, you can use that—but these new ones are super cool.)
- The Alumni Tee (Only $10!): These are usually $25, but since you’re about to become our newest alumni, you can snag one for just $10 when you buy it with your stole.
- How to pay: Use your SchoolCash account, or bring cash/check to Mr. Rodarte.
❤️ Supporting Our Seniors
We want every single student to walk the stage with pride.
- Need a hand? If the cost is a barrier, please come chat with Ms. Askey. No one will walk the stage sans NESA stole because of financial difficulties.
- Want to sponsor a peer? You are the best! There is a donation spot on SchoolCash to sponsor a senior who may be struggling. You can also bring funds to Mr. Rodarte.
- Note: If you want to sponsor a specific student, let Ms. Askey or Mr. Rodarte know. It stays confidential unless you tell us otherwise!
Summer PE
Summer PE is right around the corner!
We are looking at a start date of June 8, and an end date of June 30.
Time is 8AM to 3PM Monday through Thursday.
Cost will be 300$.
We will meet in front of the PAC
If you are interested, sign up on the linked google form