A new partnership between North East ISD, Christus Santa Rosa Hospital- Alamo Heights, Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation Services, PCSI, and AACOG is preparing the next generation of workers. It’s called Project Search, and its goal is to help people with disabilities secure employment. 

North East Transition Services (NETS) students are thriving in this new partnership. NETS serves NEISD students between the ages of 18 – 21 with disabilities who are seeking the support skills necessary for adult life.

Nathan Conrad is part of Project Search. His mother, Karen Conrad, explained in a testimonial how the program is already making a positive impact in her son’s life. 

“Thank you so much for bringing Project Search to NEISD. Our son, Nathan, is very fortunate to be in NEISD’s inaugural class of this international program. 

Everyone at the Christus Santa Rosa Alamo Heights Hospital has been incredibly welcoming  and helpful in mentoring and training our students for paid employment upon graduation from NETS and NEISD. Job rotations include, but are not limited to: Housekeeping, Central Supply, Med Surgery, Dietary and Admissions. 

The job skills learned in all these departments are transferable to so many different businesses, not just those in the medical field. Skills include custodial tasks, customer service skills, clerical/office skills, inventory, delivery, stocking items, food service, dishwashing and so much more.

The students also have classroom time every day with our amazing NEISD teachers Heather Solis and Timmie Greer, as well as a Job Trainer from PCSI, Krystal Tillotson. They focus on interviewing, resume writing, social skills, budgeting, health, safety, travel training, etc. Our son has learned so much and we have no doubt he will be able to find employment upon completion of this program. 

Again, thank you so much for bringing this program to NEISD!”

There’s so much to DISCOVER at NEISD. Visit neisd.net/nets to learn more about our NETS program.

Passionate, hard working and dedicated are a few of the words that colleagues use to describe Chris Martinez. 

Chris is a SPED Paraprofessional at Madison High School, and his commitment and upbeat attitude inspired his team to highlight him in today’s Staff Shout Out recognition. 

Thank you to Special Education Campus Coordinators Marisela Castanares and Scott Puckett for shining a light on Chris and all he does to serve our students #theNEISDway

“AMAZING! And that word does not do him justice! He always goes above and beyond, and you never see him without a smile on his face. He is a true team player, but more importantly, he reflects his genuine passion for helping our kids each and every day. We cannot be more thankful for his hard work, dedication, expertise, professionalism, and genuine kindness that sets the bar for our entire SPED team.” 

Way to go, Chris! 

Has an NEISD educator or staff member positively impacted you? Visit neisd.net/shoutouts to let them know!

Safety Specialist Fiona Halloway quickly became a familiar and friendly face around Hardy Oak Elementary School. 

While her duties mainly consist of safety protocols such as checking doors to ensure they're locking correctly, walking the school's perimeter, and monitoring traffic during drop-off and pick-up – she's also embraced building relationships with the students, staff, and families. 

The rapport and trust Halloway has built haven't gone unnoticed. Hardy Oak parent Amber Freitas wrote an email giving Halloway a Shout Out for the positive impact she's had on campus.

"I want to give a shout out to Hardy Oak Elementary School's Safety Specialist Fiona Halloway!
 
Fiona Halloway is doing such an amazing job at the school! I always notice her watching everyone in the car line and making sure all the kids are safe. I really appreciate her taking the time to get to know the kids, spending time with my Pre-K and 1st grade children, and making their classes safety badges! It really meant a lot to my kids!
 
I definitely have peace of mind knowing she is watching over the students and the school. Please let her know how much I appreciate her, and I can truly see how much she cares for the school!" 

Thank you, Fiona Halloway, for ensuring our safety and embracing our children #theNEISDway. 

If you want to thank an educator or staff member, we've made it easy. You can send them a Staff Shout Out, and they will be notified via email. You can also share more information about the experience and tell your story by visiting neisd.net/shoutouts.