INSIDER
Houston ISD’s Harvard elementary principal placed on leave as parents rally in support
Read full article: Houston ISD’s Harvard elementary principal placed on leave as parents rally in supportDr. Shelby Calabrese, the principal of Harvard Elementary School, has been placed on administrative leave by the Houston Independent School District (HISD), though specific reasons for this decision remain undisclosed.
Data shows double-digit increase in Harris County juveniles charged connected to school threats, violence
Read full article: Data shows double-digit increase in Harris County juveniles charged connected to school threats, violenceThe consequences of making a school threat or causing violence at Harris County schools are becoming clearer after data shows a double-digit increase in the number of juveniles charged with crimes since the beginning of the school year compared to the same time period last year.
What is the difference between secure mode and lockdown in Texas schools?
Read full article: What is the difference between secure mode and lockdown in Texas schools?For both kids and parents, schools are a place that should be safe and youth should be able to learn in peace. Sadly, violence and threats against school campuses have been increasing over the years.
What is the law in regards to students caught with vaping products at Texas schools?
Read full article: What is the law in regards to students caught with vaping products at Texas schools?A state law which went into effect in September 2023 increases the penalties for students caught with vape products.
Affordable healthcare options for Houston children heading back to school
Read full article: Affordable healthcare options for Houston children heading back to schoolA big concern for many families in the Houston area is how to find affordable healthcare. Back-to-school time is often a busy time for parents looking for affordable care. KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer is looking for ways to help families save money on everything from dental visits to regular check-ups.
Report from Rice University’s Kinder Institute shows over 73% of Texas schools are underfunded
Read full article: Report from Rice University’s Kinder Institute shows over 73% of Texas schools are underfundedOver 73% of Texas school districts don’t have enough money, according to a new study by the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University.
Here’s when, where Houston will host its 14th annual Back 2 School Fest
Read full article: Here’s when, where Houston will host its 14th annual Back 2 School FestCouncil Member Julian Ramirez shared details Tuesday morning on the upcoming annual Back 2 School Fest, where every year the city partners with Shell to give away backpacks and much more ahead of the starting school year.
Houston ISD students returning to class despite campuses still under repair from deadly windstorm
Read full article: Houston ISD students returning to class despite campuses still under repair from deadly windstormIn an email from Houston ISD, the district said the plan involves students getting dropped off and picked up from their home campus, then taken to an alternate campus, where they will still be taught by their respective teachers.
‘I hope you’re happy!’: Houston ISD students admonish Mike Miles during protests after principals, staffs terminated
Read full article: ‘I hope you’re happy!’: Houston ISD students admonish Mike Miles during protests after principals, staffs terminated“I hope you’re happy; you’ve ruined our schools,” one Houston ISD student said, calling out Superintendent Mike Miles. “You’ve ruined our trust and our faith in our school district, and you’ve ruined these students’ trust in their teachers and in their principal.
Spring Branch ISD to have regular school day Wednesday with exception of a few schools
Read full article: Spring Branch ISD to have regular school day Wednesday with exception of a few schoolsSpring Branch ISD says all schools and offices, with the exception of a few, will be open for a regular school day Wednesday.
Houston ISD parents, teachers protest ‘resign or terminate’ ultimatum given to principal
Read full article: Houston ISD parents, teachers protest ‘resign or terminate’ ultimatum given to principalIt was a large turnout at Meyerland Middle School, where demonstrators gathered in hopes of saving their principal. Hundreds of people chanted and held signs outside Meyerland Middle School in support of Principal Auden Sarabia.
More than 100 teachers call in sick across 35 Houston ISD campuses
Read full article: More than 100 teachers call in sick across 35 Houston ISD campusesToday, more than 100 instructors across at least 35 campuses in Houston ISD scheduled doctors’ appointments and called out of school in unison, in an effort to highlight the ongoing concerns for teaching environments in schools.
Houston ISD raises salaries for Special Education teachers
Read full article: Houston ISD raises salaries for Special Education teachersHouston Independent School District announced that its Special Education teachers will receive an additional stipend along with the standard pay scale for educators.
Gender-based “Genderbread person” assignment at Santa Fe High School causing concern among parents, state officials
Read full article: Gender-based “Genderbread person” assignment at Santa Fe High School causing concern among parents, state officialsParents angered after a high school junior taking a college-level psychology class is given a gender-based assignment.
City councilmember concerned that possible loss of more than 100 HISD principals could have detrimental long-term effect
Read full article: City councilmember concerned that possible loss of more than 100 HISD principals could have detrimental long-term effectNearly half of HISD principals are in the hot seat after poor performance reviews, and could lose their jobs.
Special needs child suffers cuts, bruises after he says teacher punched him in face for trying to perfect his homework
Read full article: Special needs child suffers cuts, bruises after he says teacher punched him in face for trying to perfect his homeworkA former charter school teacher was arrested and charged after one of her students says she punched him in the face so hard he suffered cuts and bruises.
My Magical Rodeo Garden: Fourth grade authors honored for their creative essays and poems
Read full article: My Magical Rodeo Garden: Fourth grade authors honored for their creative essays and poemsThese impressive literary works were just some of the entries submitted as part of the 2024 SPURS Writing Competition hosted by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Rodeo Trailblazer Committee. This was the fourth year of the competition.
Hidden dangers: Inappropriate relationships between teachers and students uncovered on school campuses
Read full article: Hidden dangers: Inappropriate relationships between teachers and students uncovered on school campusesExposing Vulnerabilities: Investigating Inappropriate Teacher-Student Relationships in Schools
Private schools are ready to expand into smaller communities if Texas adopts voucher program
Read full article: Private schools are ready to expand into smaller communities if Texas adopts voucher programWith rural Texas relatively underserved by private schools, the potential for expansion could play a role in the debate over whether to let families use taxpayer money to pay for private education.
Conroe ISD asking voters to approve a nearly $2B that would build new schools, renovate campuses and upgrade technology
Read full article: Conroe ISD asking voters to approve a nearly $2B that would build new schools, renovate campuses and upgrade technologyConroe Independent School District is averaging about 3,000 new students per year. The district has added over 250 portable classrooms to help accommodate the influx of students.
School voucher bill gets initial approval in the Texas Senate, heads over to a more skeptical House
Read full article: School voucher bill gets initial approval in the Texas Senate, heads over to a more skeptical HouseThe Senate also approved Senate Bill 2, which would infuse $5.2 billion to school districts to help them with teacher raises and rising costs. Gov. Greg Abbott said he would add those items to the special session’s agenda once lawmakers approve a voucher program.
Disability advocates argue against school vouchers in Texas Senate hearing
Read full article: Disability advocates argue against school vouchers in Texas Senate hearingThe Senate’s main “school choice” bill would prioritize vouchers for children with disabilities, among other underprivileged groups. But advocates and parents raised concerns that voucher recipients who choose private school would no longer be protected by federal law.
Fort Bend voters will decide on tax rate that will generate $35M for pay raises and security officers at schools
Read full article: Fort Bend voters will decide on tax rate that will generate $35M for pay raises and security officers at schoolsThe Fort Bend Independent School District is one of the highest achieving districts, but school officials say the starting pay for teachers is the lowest in the area.
Art Institutes system of schools, including Houston location, to permanently close
Read full article: Art Institutes system of schools, including Houston location, to permanently closeThe Art Institutes system of schools announced their locations, including the location in Houston, will be permanently closing as of Sept. 30.
Community leaders host block walk to inform parents about HISD library cuts
Read full article: Community leaders host block walk to inform parents about HISD library cutsAn organization that unites Houston parents, educators, students, and community members to advocate for policies that strengthens HISD’s school system is spreading awareness of what is happening to schools since the takeover.
High school principals from 3 Houston ISD schools reassigned, Superintendent Mike Miles says
Read full article: High school principals from 3 Houston ISD schools reassigned, Superintendent Mike Miles saysHouston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles announced on Wednesday that several principals within the district have been reassigned.
2 men speak out after being escorted off the property at HISD Board Meeting
Read full article: 2 men speak out after being escorted off the property at HISD Board MeetingIt has been 24 hours since a chaotic board meeting at HISD headquarters. KPRC was there as people demanded to be let into the main room and our cameras captured one man being removed from the building.
‘We don’t need a TEA takeover’: Teachers rally in Austin as uncertainty looms
Read full article: ‘We don’t need a TEA takeover’: Teachers rally in Austin as uncertainty loomsHundreds of teachers from across the state rallied near the state capitol on Monday as the possibility of the state taking over its largest school district looms.
'School choice' is culture-war focus for Kansas lawmakers
Read full article: 'School choice' is culture-war focus for Kansas lawmakersTop Republican legislators in Kansas are focusing on helping conservative parents remove their children from public schools over what’s taught about gender and sexuality.
Some Republicans are optimistic about enacting school choice in next year’s session — but it might not be so easy
Read full article: Some Republicans are optimistic about enacting school choice in next year’s session — but it might not be so easyAdvocates say discontent with public schools’ pandemic rules and teachings on race and gender identity have helped raise support for school choice to an all-time high.
‘Still very anxious’: Mom of 4-year-old speaks after he wandered away from FBISD school, showed up at neighbor’s front door
Read full article: ‘Still very anxious’: Mom of 4-year-old speaks after he wandered away from FBISD school, showed up at neighbor’s front doorA 4-year-old boy was able to walk away from Rosa Parks Elementary School in Fresno Tuesday afternoon and into a neighborhood across the street without anyone realizing it.
HISD ratings: Superintendent Millard House II weighs in on recently released TEA accountability scores
Read full article: HISD ratings: Superintendent Millard House II weighs in on recently released TEA accountability scoresThe Texas Education Agency has just released the newest accountability ratings, which show how schools performed academically across the state last year.
Watch live: Katy ISD school damaged in storms; See Sky 2 aerials over damage, cleanup efforts
Read full article: Watch live: Katy ISD school damaged in storms; See Sky 2 aerials over damage, cleanup effortsSeveral Katy Independent School District campuses were damaged during the severe storms that blew through the Houston area Wednesday night.
VYPE Spring Tour Episode 4: San Marcos High School
Read full article: VYPE Spring Tour Episode 4: San Marcos High SchoolWelcome to a VYPE Original Production - VYPE Spring Tour. In this miniseries we take a look at a few schools in Texas as they getting ready for the Fall during their allotted Spring Practice time.
VYPE Spring Tour Episode 3: Willis High School
Read full article: VYPE Spring Tour Episode 3: Willis High SchoolWelcome to a VYPE Original Production - VYPE Spring Tour. In this miniseries we take a look at a few schools in Texas as they getting ready for the Fall during their allotted Spring Practice time.
VYPE Spring Tour Episode 2: Klein Forest High School
Read full article: VYPE Spring Tour Episode 2: Klein Forest High SchoolWelcome to a VYPE Original Production - VYPE Spring Tour. In this miniseries we take a look at a few schools in Texas as they getting ready for the Fall during their allotted Spring Practice time.
Houston-area McDonald’s restaurants to give students, teachers free breakfast for STAAR testing Tuesday
Read full article: Houston-area McDonald’s restaurants to give students, teachers free breakfast for STAAR testing TuesdayOn Tuesday, Houston-area McDonald’s restaurants will provide free breakfast to students taking the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) test and teachers.
HISD Foundation hosts annual State of the Schools address
Read full article: HISD Foundation hosts annual State of the Schools addressThe Houston Independent School District Foundation hosted its annual State of the Schools address Friday morning to focus on the road ahead for the district with the new superintendent at the helm, according to a release.
Texas City ISD superintendent honored as ‘2021 Outstanding Citizen of the Year’
Read full article: Texas City ISD superintendent honored as ‘2021 Outstanding Citizen of the Year’Dr. Melissa Duarte, who is now serving her second year as superintendent of Texas City ISD, was named 2021 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce.
Children at Risk unveils Mount Carmel Academy is ranked No. 1 Houston-area high school on its 2021 rankings
Read full article: Children at Risk unveils Mount Carmel Academy is ranked No. 1 Houston-area high school on its 2021 rankingsChildren at Risk, along with other school officials across the Houston area, said Mount Carmel Academy is the No. 1 high school in the Houston area.
Some Houston area school districts to allow virtual learning option amid COVID surge, outcry from parents
Read full article: Some Houston area school districts to allow virtual learning option amid COVID surge, outcry from parentsWith the rise in COVID-19 cases and the Delta variant, many parents of school-aged children, especially those who are too young to be vaccinated, are pleading for a virtual learning option.
‘It doesn’t make a difference’: Parents express their thoughts about mask mandates in schools this upcoming year
Read full article: ‘It doesn’t make a difference’: Parents express their thoughts about mask mandates in schools this upcoming yearSchool starts in a few days and COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise. KPRC 2 spoke to parents about students about the possibility of having to wear masks at school.
Free school meals to be provided though 2021-22 school year, USDA says
Read full article: Free school meals to be provided though 2021-22 school year, USDA saysThe US Department of Agriculture has announced that it will “allow school meal programs and childcare institutions across the country to return to serving healthy meals in fall 2021 as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reopen schools safely.”
Texas Education Agency says school boards can determine their own mask policies
Read full article: Texas Education Agency says school boards can determine their own mask policiesHOUSTON – When it comes to masks and children in school, the Texas Education Agency said the mask policy will be left up to each district’s school board. We ask that other school districts do the same. “It isn’t what we wanted (for) the Texas Education Agency to come out with. Molina is the president of the Texas State Teachers Association. After a year of online learning, the state has ordered all vaccine providers to immediately include teachers and school employees.
Deal reached to get California children back in classrooms
Read full article: Deal reached to get California children back in classrooms(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The majority of California's 6.1 million public school students could be back in the classroom by April under new legislation announced Monday by Gov. Most students in the nation's most populous state have been learning from home for the past year during the pandemic. Instead, the state would set aside $2 billion to pay districts that get select groups of students into classrooms by the end of the month. Crucially, the legislation does not require districts to have an agreement with teachers' unions on a plan for in-person instruction. Districts that fail to have children back in classrooms before May 15 won’t get any money.
HISD cancels school through Tuesday due to winter storm impacts
Read full article: HISD cancels school through Tuesday due to winter storm impactsHOUSTON – The impact of the Texas winter storm forced several school districts to remain closed at this time. The Houston Independent School District is included on the list. Millions of Texans are still recovering from last week’s winter storm. On Sunday, HISD held a massive food and water distribution site with the Houston Food Bank at NRG Stadium and served around 5,000 families. They will also be assisting our families in distributing food boxes in partnership with the Houston Food Bank.
Voters in Katy ISD will vote on $676 million 2021 bond package in May
Read full article: Voters in Katy ISD will vote on $676 million 2021 bond package in MayKATY, Texas – Katy Independent School District Board of trustees met Monday evening to discuss a 2021 bond package. Katy ISD Board President Ashley Vann said the district is expected to exceed 100,000 students by 2030, and it needs many improvements to accommodate. Monday at the 5:30 p.m. virtual board meeting, Katy ISD trustees were presented with the Community Bond Advisory Committee’s recommended 2021 bond package. ”Katy ISD district grows about 2,500 students a year,” Vann said. The Katy ISD tax rate will not increase.
Grant available for Texas families with special education students: What you need to know
Read full article: Grant available for Texas families with special education students: What you need to knowApplications are being accepted for the Supplemental Special Education Services grant for Texas students with significant and complex disabilities.
Galveston ISD set to install ‘COVID-killing’ air filtration technology in schools
Read full article: Galveston ISD set to install ‘COVID-killing’ air filtration technology in schoolsGALVESTON – With students across the Houston area now back in school for in-person learning, school districts across our area are exploring options in an effort to keep everyone safe and healthy. Galveston Independent School District has partnered with Houston-based Integrated Viral Protection with plans to install more than 100 biodefense indoor air protection units throughout its 12 campuses and other facilities. We’re very much looking forward to that,” said Keilli Moulton, Galveston ISD Superintendent. The system outputs cool, clean air that is virus-free, according to the company. We know what they’re in school they learn more, they learn better.
Educators worried about learning loss Texas students experiencing during pandemic
Read full article: Educators worried about learning loss Texas students experiencing during pandemicEducators and child advocates are particularly worried about the learning loss they’re experiencing during this pandemic. The Texas Family Leadership Council and representatives from local, state and national nonprofits joined the Texas Federation of Teachers to highlight the pandemic learning loss that Texas children are facing. When educators and child advocates talk about pandemic learning loss, they are most worried about students in the earliest grades: Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, Second and Third. The concerns around pandemic learning loss go beyond academic achievement. At the onset of the pandemic, Mental Health America of Greater Houston started offering free self-mental health screening tests.
14 Houston-area churches welcome about 800 HISD elementary students to virtual learning centers
Read full article: 14 Houston-area churches welcome about 800 HISD elementary students to virtual learning centersThats how students enrolled in the landmark, Sanctuaries of Learning program began their first day of school in the Third Ward Tuesday. As part of the program by the United Methodist Church, 14 different Houston-area churches have been converted into virtual learning centers so about 800 Houston Independent School District students will have a place to learn virtually while their parents go back to work. Created specifically to help working parents by providing laptop computers, a powerful WiFi signal and even meals, the program completely free for the students in attendance. Thats when she found out about Sanctuaries of Learning through her sons elementary school. HISD elementary school students are eligible for this program and to register, call your school office and ask for the Turn-Around Specialist.
ACLU warns 500 Texas school districts to revise discriminatory dress codes
Read full article: ACLU warns 500 Texas school districts to revise discriminatory dress codesThis same policy sparked national debate when it was used to punish two Texas students earlier this year for wearing their natural hair in dreadlocks. “While school districts throughout the country have removed policies that were based on antiquated sex stereotypes, many school districts in Texas still have policies that treat students differently on the basis of their gender,” Brian Klosterboer, an attorney for the ACLU of Texas, said in a written statement. “School districts need to conform to federal law and fix outdated policies that cause serious harm to students in Texas,” Klosterboer added. Bradford can return to his former high school for his junior year without the threat of suspension. The ACLU’s letter to the districts includes a copy of Arnold’s court case and dress code guidance from the Texas Association of School Boards.
Cy-Fair ISD community town hall aims to give parents, educators pediatricians a place to voice concerns
Read full article: Cy-Fair ISD community town hall aims to give parents, educators pediatricians a place to voice concernsCYPRESS, Texas – A virtual town hall organized by community members of the Cy-Fair Independent School District Monday night aims to get parents, educators and mental health experts and doctors all on the same page. Classes for students Cy-Fair ISD will begin Sept. 8 but before that, the community-organized town hall is a way to discuss concerns across the board. They’re just not,” said Tana Lam, a parent with kids in Cy-Fair ISD. She will be part of the community-organized town hall panel along with educators, a state lawmaker, a pediatrician and a psychologist. The hosts of the town hall say they extended invitations to representatives of Cy-Fair ISD, including board trustees and the superintendent but hadn’t heard back.
Multiple Houston-area school districts will be closed Friday due to power outages in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura
Read full article: Multiple Houston-area school districts will be closed Friday due to power outages in the aftermath of Hurricane LauraHOUSTON – Multiple Houston-area school districts will be closed Friday due to the ongoing brownouts in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. RELATED: Some Houston-area residents to experience periodic power outages due to Hurricane LauraEntergy announced the outages to its Texas customers Thursday after its transmission system suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Laura. These are the closures so far:
Face masks required: Not in all U.S. schools, but it’s happening in Spain
Read full article: Face masks required: Not in all U.S. schools, but it’s happening in SpainMADRID – Masks will be mandatory for all students in Spain, ages 6 or older, when returning to schools in September because of increased coronavirus cases, the government announced Thursday. Previously, masks were only required for students above age 12 by some Spanish regions. Students will receive a daily body temperature check, must wash hands at least five times per day and classrooms will need frequent ventilation, the government said. That allows localized quarantines if there’s a positive test, rather than closing entire schools. Parents and teachers have expressed concern, with new waves of outbreaks since the country emerged from a strict lockdown.
Parents of special education students desperate for kids to go back to in-person learning to prevent regression
Read full article: Parents of special education students desperate for kids to go back to in-person learning to prevent regressionHelp for those in needTexas State Rep. Dan Huberty wants schools to open their doors to special education students now. In Fort Bend Independent School District , students returned to both in-person and virtual learning began on August 17. Becoming your student’s best advocateJones-Taylor admits the return to school is going look different for many special education students. It is TEA’s responsibility to monitor the implementation of special education services across the state. If school districts fail to meet the needs of students receiving special education services, TEA will require that district to take corrective action.
Texas Supreme Court rules against Cy-Fair teachers union, ruling teachers must return to work
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court rules against Cy-Fair teachers union, ruling teachers must return to workHOUSTON – The Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in a fierce battle between the district and the teachers union over returning to campus for training ahead of the start of the school year. On Friday, a Harris County District Judge granted the Cy-Fair American Federation of Teachers (Cy-Fair AFT) a temporary restraining order, which prevented teachers from being forced to physically be in a school building before Sept. 7. However, per the Supreme Court’s ruling Sunday, teachers must report to work. We will consider our options in the coming days.”Cowart said the teachers union is still concerned and worries about how schools will enforce a mask policy. “Friday was supposed to mark the return to campus for Cy-Fair teachers and staff who were preparing to start the new school year and welcome back kids, until a trial court unlawfully ordered the campus shut down at the request of a teachers’ union.
A nationwide look: What’s happening at schools across the country?
Read full article: A nationwide look: What’s happening at schools across the country?Meanwhile, the largest district in the state that’s currently offering face-to-face instruction has now quarantined more than 1,150 students because of possible coronavirus exposure. According to numbers released Wednesday, around 70 students and staff members in the Cherokee County district have tested positive for COVID-19. Washington stateSeattle schools to start with remote teachingThe Seattle school board has voted unanimously to begin the academic year with remote teaching only. The Seattle Times reported the state’s largest school district approved the plan Wednesday. The remote learning plan passed with a wide-ranging amendment from school board members that directs the superintendent to explore creating outdoor classes.
How schools are planning to have students practice social distancing
Read full article: How schools are planning to have students practice social distancingHOUSTON – The new CDC guidelines on returning to school put a lot of importance on kids social distancing. That includes canceling any activities when distancing isn’t possible and configuring groups of students that always work together. Buses and hallwaysAt KIPP Charter Schools, they say with the exception of siblings, kids won't sit next to each other on the bus. Sneeze guardsDesks are six feet apart in Aldine, with two students diagonally across from each other and sneeze guards to shield them. CafeteriasIn school cafeterias, seats may be marked off to demonstrate social distancing.
Teacher’s sanitizing device becomes popular as educators prepare to head back to class
Read full article: Teacher’s sanitizing device becomes popular as educators prepare to head back to classTake the new foot pump sanitizing station built by teacher Ashley Martin’s husband. Cody made me a foot pump hand sanitizing station for my classroom! It’s self-standing,” Martin said. “So, the kids aren’t touching on something while they’re waiting to get hand sanitizer. It’s a self-standing system.”The sanitizing station is just one example of how educators are finding ways to adapt in the face of the current pandemic.
Facing uncertain fall, schools make flexible reopening plans
Read full article: Facing uncertain fall, schools make flexible reopening plansA sign alongside a playground at Hanna Woods Elementary School in the Parkway School District in suburban St. Louis indicates that the playground is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Saturday, July 18, 2020. Parkway has formulated a flexible plan to reopen schools when the fall semester begins Aug. 24. Just how bad the virus is at the time will determine if schools open completely, if they mix online and in-person classes, or if they are forced to go strictly virtual. (AP Photo/Jim Salter)
Ask 2: Will bus service be available for students who need it?
Read full article: Ask 2: Will bus service be available for students who need it?The question: Will bus service be available for students who need it? The answer: Depending on the district, bus service will be available for students who require it, but be prepared to see additional safety procedures such as frequent cleaning, social distancing practices and lots of hand sanitizer. Buses will also have all windows opened to provide ventilation, and students will also be required to wear masks while riding the bus. Districts such as Spring ISD and Clear Creek ISD will provide bus transportation for students, but they must notify their school beforehand. YES Prep and KIPP Texas Schools will provide transportation, but social distancing will be enforced even at the bus stop.
School districts discuss moving forward after TEA announces new guidelines to get students back on campus
Read full article: School districts discuss moving forward after TEA announces new guidelines to get students back on campusHOUSTON – Many school districts were discussing Wednesday how to move forward with the start of school under the new state guidelines. “The best learning is still going to take place in the traditional classroom,” said Superintendent Dr. Greg Poole of Barbers Hill ISD. Dr. Poole is the superintendent of the Barbers Hill Independent School District. Districts are required to follow the state mask order, which applies to students ages 10 and up. Dr. Poole said children will unavoidably be next to each other, but complete online learning could be detrimental to a student’s development.
Montgomery Independent School District: Superintendent doesnt plan on changes to traditional calendar
Read full article: Montgomery Independent School District: Superintendent doesnt plan on changes to traditional calendarThe districts board of trustees met during a June 16 meeting to discuss possible options for reopening in August. Superintendent Dr. Ann Dixon said she does not plan to make changes to the traditional calendar that was already approved. A survey was sent out to parents to seek input on the school year. Sanitation: District officials will have stricter cleaning protocols during the school year. The following is a broadcast from the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees Special Meeting on 06/30/2020.https://t.co/7BbUZPwxry Montgomery ISD (@MISDNews) July 1, 2020
Warning of ‘COVID slide,' Texas Education Agency reports 1 in 10 students have disengaged during the pandemic
Read full article: Warning of ‘COVID slide,' Texas Education Agency reports 1 in 10 students have disengaged during the pandemicTexas collected the data from school districts in early May, and districts have until July 16 to update their numbers. And about 15.5% of economically disadvantaged students were not fully engaged during school closures, compared with less than 5% of higher-income students. The majority of Texas public school students are Hispanic and low-income. This year, Texas fully funded them as long as they promised they were teaching students remotely while their buildings were closed. School districts will continue to receive funding for students they teach virtually in the upcoming school year, state officials announced last week.
COVID-19 could impact enrollments, budgets as districts prepare for new school year
Read full article: COVID-19 could impact enrollments, budgets as districts prepare for new school yearHOUSTON – As school districts finalize their plans for the new school year which, for most students, starts in roughly two months, some parents have already made up their minds. Channel 2 Investigates polled school districts across our area, and we didn’t find a huge exodus of students yet. Cy-Fair ISD - 2019-20 enrollment was 117,446 and, at this time, it’s expected to increase to 118,498 in 2020-21. Dickinson ISD - 2019-20 enrollment was 11,618 and, at this time, it’s expected to increase slightly in 2020-21. Vidor ISD - 2019-20 enrollment was 4,364 and the district doesn’t have any projects yet for 2020-21.
Houston-area school districts find fun, unique ways to send off class of 2020
Read full article: Houston-area school districts find fun, unique ways to send off class of 2020It’s the official wrap-up of the Cool Schools season, and we thought it would be appropriate to highlight all the fun ways area school districts bid farewell to their graduates. Though we’ve picked single schools in the past, it’s time to highlight many of the unique ways students got a send-off. Cy-Fair Independent School DistrictChoir directors of Cy-Fair ISD shared a special song for the class of 2020. Santa Fe ISD hosted a drive-thru event in which graduating seniors were able to pick up a cap and gown. Needville High School of Needville ISD surprised their top 10 students to congratulate them on their class rankings.
Cool Schools Wrap Up Spotlight: Cy-Fair ISD | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2
Read full article: Cool Schools Wrap Up Spotlight: Cy-Fair ISD | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Cool Schools Wrap Up Spotlight: Cy-Fair ISD | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: June 1, 2020, 2:04 pmOur Cool Schools Weekly Spotlight is brought to you by Go Public Gulf Coast.
Texas school closings fray the personal bonds between teachers and students
Read full article: Texas school closings fray the personal bonds between teachers and studentsAt school, she’s advised students on what lipstick to wear to their quinceañeras or how to wear a tie on themed school days. Sandoval and Sams, both named 2020 Teachers of the Year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, are experts in their field facing one of their hardest challenges yet. The teachers know that some of their students will emerge from the pandemic shutdowns largely unscathed, but many already seem to be slipping away. Many families who attend Sams’ school, where about half of the students are economically disadvantaged, live in trailers or rural areas where they can’t easily access the internet. Almost all of the eighth graders, even the “tough kids,” said they missed school, prompting tears of gratitude from Sandoval.
Fort Bend and other school districts offer free take-home meals during school closure
Read full article: Fort Bend and other school districts offer free take-home meals during school closureMany children depend on school meals as their food for the day and missing out could mean going without food. Parents or students can pick up packed breakfasts and lunches at Dickinson High School from 11 a.m. to noon. The district will offer one week’s worth of breakfast meals and lunch meals at select campuses. Lamar CISDLamar CISD is offering free lunch for children 18 and under starting Monday, March 16 and free breakfast starting Tuesday, March 17. Submit your Reservation for Tuesday, March 17Breakfast will be provided from 8 to 10 a.m. and lunch will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 17-20 at Elm Grove Elementary School, Oaks Elementary School, Ridge Creek Elementary School, River Pines Elementary School, Humble Middle School, and Ross Sterling Middle School.
Classes cancelled for Columbia-Brazoria ISD students following water line damage from construction, district says
Read full article: Classes cancelled for Columbia-Brazoria ISD students following water line damage from construction, district saysBRAZORIA, Texas – Classes have been cancelled for Columbia-Brazoria ISD students Thursday, district officials announced. The cancellation comes after water lines in the city of Brazoria were damaged during construction work. According to the district’s Facebook page, contractors working in Brazoria damaged city water lines and forced the city to issue a boil water notice. CBISD officials said they have been advised not use city-supplied water until the issue can be solved and water tested. All after-school activities at other campuses will remain as scheduled, the district’s Facebook said.