INSIDER
Houston nonprofit offers free medical training, cosmetology licenses to domestic abuse survivors and new mothers
Read full article: Houston nonprofit offers free medical training, cosmetology licenses to domestic abuse survivors and new mothersOn Saturday, F.O.T.E. will celebrate a significant milestone, as 67 women who have overcome immense challenges will graduate from the nonprofit’s free skilled training program, earning certifications in either cosmetology or medical fields.
‘I thought Mike Miles was the problem:’ Residents react to $1M Houston-based teacher-certification scandal
Read full article: ‘I thought Mike Miles was the problem:’ Residents react to $1M Houston-based teacher-certification scandalResidents share their reactions after learning that 200 unqualified teachers slipped through the cracks in a cheating scandal. Many of the perpetrators charged (including the alleged kingpin) were Houston ISD educators.
What can Houston ISD expect right away if $4.4 billion bond passes? Here’s what Superintendent Mike Miles had to say
Read full article: What can Houston ISD expect right away if $4.4 billion bond passes? Here’s what Superintendent Mike Miles had to sayThis November, Houston voters face a pivotal decision on the largest school bond in Texas history—$4.4 billion aimed at upgrading school infrastructure and expanding educational programs.
Houston ISD appoints committee that will oversee $4.4 billion bond if approved in November
Read full article: Houston ISD appoints committee that will oversee $4.4 billion bond if approved in NovemberThe Houston Independent School District has appointed a Bond Oversight Committee to ensure transparency and accountability for a proposed $4.4 billion bond.
Tracking Houston ISD’s bond spending: Where did the money go?
Read full article: Tracking Houston ISD’s bond spending: Where did the money go?📚 Did you know that HISD is requesting a $4.5 billion bond proposal? This could be the largest in Texas history! The bond aims to address overdue facility upgrades and meet the district's $10 billion needs. #HISD #bondproposal #educationupdates #communitynews
VIDEO: Student at Alief ISD high school wielding kitchen knife throughout hallways, prompting lockdown
Read full article: VIDEO: Student at Alief ISD high school wielding kitchen knife throughout hallways, prompting lockdownAn Alief Independent School District high school was placed in lockdown after reports of a student in possession of a kitchen knife, according to the district.
More Houston families opt for homeschooling: What it means for public schools
Read full article: More Houston families opt for homeschooling: What it means for public schoolsSafety concerns and dissatisfaction with school instruction are driving families to opt for homeschooling, affecting funding and resources for public schools like Fleming Middle School.
Alvin ISD says enrolement has doubled over past 2 decades
Read full article: Alvin ISD says enrolement has doubled over past 2 decadesAlvin Independent School District hit a milestone, enrolling its 30,000th student less than a month into the 2024-25 school year. Superintendent Carol Nelson surprised first grader Lucio Ubalde with balloons and a certificate at Nichols Mock Elementary.
Parents call for help after smoke shop opens near elementary, middle schools in Houston
Read full article: Parents call for help after smoke shop opens near elementary, middle schools in HoustonParents, neighbors and school administrators are calling on local officials regarding the opening of a smoke shop that they say is too close to Wharton Dual Language Academy elementary-middle school, a magnet school in Houston Independent School District.
‘Everything came back negative’: Pearland ISD student says he is being punished for THC vape he didn’t even have
Read full article: ‘Everything came back negative’: Pearland ISD student says he is being punished for THC vape he didn’t even haveA Pearland student says he was singled out and punished for a vape that he didn’t even have.
‘I want that A’: Fleming Middle School aims for A-rating this school year under NES
Read full article: ‘I want that A’: Fleming Middle School aims for A-rating this school year under NESAs Fleming Middle School kicks off the new school year under the New Education System, Principal Deven Adams and his dedicated team are aiming for an A-rating. Despite district-wide challenges, the school’s community is optimistic and united in their efforts. “I want that A,” says Adams, echoing the determination felt throughout the campus.
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles announces ‘remarkable improvements’ on 2024 accountability ratings
Read full article: Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles announces ‘remarkable improvements’ on 2024 accountability ratingsThe press conference at 2 p.m. Monday will examine how Houston ISD has seen dramatic progress in its campuses' accountability ratings.
Understanding the Texas Education Agency’s accountability rating
Read full article: Understanding the Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratingAs students and teachers embark on the journey that is the 2024-2025 school year, many schools will be working to improve their accountability ratings and those already on a strong slope, will aim to keep their momentum. However, many may be wondering exactly what the accountability rating exactly is and how it’s measured.
Texas schools may require doctor’s note for over-the-counter meds like Benadryl, Tylenol and lip balm
Read full article: Texas schools may require doctor’s note for over-the-counter meds like Benadryl, Tylenol and lip balmA new proposal from the Texas School Nursing Organization (TSNO) could make it mandatory for students to have a doctor’s note for over-the-counter medications like Benadryl, Tylenol, and even items like petroleum jelly and rash cream. The Texas Board of Nursing will review this proposal next week.
Houston-area school districts warn of continued severe cuts if voucher fight keeps funds tied up in state legislature
Read full article: Houston-area school districts warn of continued severe cuts if voucher fight keeps funds tied up in state legislature“It’s not mismanagement by schools,” Alief ISD Deputy Superintendent Charles Woods explained. “We’re all in the same boat that the general public is; we’ve got high inflation, high costs, we have hurricanes coming through, we have all the things we’ve always had, and then we have had six years, three legislative sessions without additional funding just for the basic costs of education.”
‘They’ll never ride the bus again:’ Fort Bend ISD mom says her 3 children were dropped off at wrong stop
Read full article: ‘They’ll never ride the bus again:’ Fort Bend ISD mom says her 3 children were dropped off at wrong stop“I received a call from some guy that the kids asked to use his phone, so he passed the phone to my daughter, and she said that the bus people let them off the bus,” Ebony Jordan explained.
Houston-area schools enforce diverse cell phone policies
Read full article: Houston-area schools enforce diverse cell phone policiesAs the new school year begins in the Houston area, various school districts are implementing diverse cell phone policies to minimize distractions and uphold a focus on learning.
‘We’re overlooked and left behind’: Houston ISD families fed up with debris around schools
Read full article: ‘We’re overlooked and left behind’: Houston ISD families fed up with debris around schoolsSchools across Houston ISD are dealing with high grass and fallen trees as students head back to school.
Drivers say some Houston ISD buses carrying children with special needs do not have working air conditioners
Read full article: Drivers say some Houston ISD buses carrying children with special needs do not have working air conditionersThe first day of the HISD school year was touted as a “great day” of education by Superintendent Mike Miles. However, minutes into his first news conference of the school year Miles declared that there was one problem that he viewed as “unacceptable” for families, the issue of bus service that did not deliver.
How to protect your kids when posting ‘back-to-school’ pictures on social media
Read full article: How to protect your kids when posting ‘back-to-school’ pictures on social mediaAs kids across Houston get ready for another year of school, many parents are also getting ready for something that has become widely accepted as an annual tradition: first day of school pictures of the kiddos.
‘We must adjust our staffing levels’: Houston ISD to start school year with 748 fewer teachers than last year
Read full article: ‘We must adjust our staffing levels’: Houston ISD to start school year with 748 fewer teachers than last yearHouston Independent School District, the largest in Texas, will start the 2024-2025 school year with 748 fewer teachers compared to last year. Despite fewer teachers, the district boasts only 45 vacancies and promises that every classroom will have an effective educator.
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 giving out FREE breakfast, lunch during Summer 2024 for students
Read full article: Houston ISD giving out FREE breakfast, lunch during Summer 2024 for studentsThe district says these meals help ensure students who relied on school meals during the academic year may still have access to good nutrition while on summer vacation.
Tracking Houston ISD’s bond spending: Where did the money go?
Read full article: Tracking Houston ISD’s bond spending: Where did the money go?📚 Did you know that HISD is requesting a $4.5 billion bond proposal? This could be the largest in Texas history! The bond aims to address overdue facility upgrades and meet the district's $10 billion needs. #HISD #bondproposal #educationupdates #communitynews
Katy ISD giving out FREE breakfast, lunch to children (even if they’re not students)
Read full article: Katy ISD giving out FREE breakfast, lunch to children (even if they’re not students)School is out for the summer but Katy ISD is still feeding kiddos, offering free breakfast and lunch to anyone under 18 years of age, regardless if they are a student within the district.
Spring Valley kiddos find ways to stay busy while school district works to resume classes
Read full article: Spring Valley kiddos find ways to stay busy while school district works to resume classesThe kiddos in one Spring Valley neighborhood are making the most of their time off from school as Houston area districts work to clean up the damage and reopen after last week storms.
Teacher Appreciation Week 2024: Freebies and deals offered for educators
Read full article: Teacher Appreciation Week 2024: Freebies and deals offered for educatorsTeacher Appreciation Week is May 8 - 12, and it’s the annual time to show your favorite educator some love that they most definitely deserve.
Cy-Fair ISD parent says paraprofessional yelled and assaulted his son who has autism
Read full article: Cy-Fair ISD parent says paraprofessional yelled and assaulted his son who has autismA Cypress-Fairbanks ISD parent says a paraprofessional yelled and assaulted his son who has autism. He says the incident left bruises on his son, David’s arm.
Houston ISD parent outraged after child given ‘artwork’ calling her ‘little BLACK monkey’ from another student
Read full article: Houston ISD parent outraged after child given ‘artwork’ calling her ‘little BLACK monkey’ from another studentKhloe Colvin, an 8th-grade student at the Arabic Immersive Magnet School, says a 7th-grade student gave her a heart-shaped letter with her name on it and the message: “You Little BLACK Monkey.”
YMCA of Houston takes action to combat childcare deserts
Read full article: YMCA of Houston takes action to combat childcare desertsStruggling to find affordable childcare in Houston? The YMCA is here to help! They're taking action to combat childcare deserts in the area, offering programs for kids of all ages. From early childcare centers to summer camps, they've got you covered. Learn more and get involved: #ChildcareDeserts #CommunitySupport #YMCAHouston
Changes in HISD: What is the ‘Science of Reading’ and is it working for students
Read full article: Changes in HISD: What is the ‘Science of Reading’ and is it working for students📢 Check out the latest article in our "Focus on Fleming" series! 🎒📚 We delve into the impact of the NES model on HISD campuses and explore how it's shaping the learning experience. Meet Mrs. Cooper, Fleming Middle School's passionate Teacher of the Year, and discover the Science of Reading course that's bridging literacy gaps. Get an exclusive look inside HISD's curriculum department and learn how you can ensure your child gets the education they deserve. Don't miss out! Read more on our website.
Angleton ISD cancels classes for students Monday following severe storms over the weekend
Read full article: Angleton ISD cancels classes for students Monday following severe storms over the weekendThe Angleton Independent School District has canceled classes for Monday after surveying damage to several campuses following severe weather over the weekend.
Cleveland Middle School teacher fired after video of him body slamming 7th grader surfaced
Read full article: Cleveland Middle School teacher fired after video of him body slamming 7th grader surfacedVideo shows a teacher getting violent and slamming a student at Cleveland Middle School to the ground.
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Cleveland Middle School investigating after teacher seen manhandling student
Read full article: CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Cleveland Middle School investigating after teacher seen manhandling studentAn investigation in underway after a teacher was recorded grabbing and pulling on a young male student at Cleveland Middle School.
How police are using cameras in school zones to catch speeders
Read full article: How police are using cameras in school zones to catch speedersAs more and more localities are using the technology, or talking about adding the technology, the Solutionaries team is working for you on if it’s really a solution to the speeding problem.
LIST: Houston ISD announces 19 additional campuses joining the New Education System next year
Read full article: LIST: Houston ISD announces 19 additional campuses joining the New Education System next yearThe Houston Independent School District is adding up to 40 more schools to its New Education System model in the 2024 academic school year, state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles announced Tuesday.
‘Dehumanizing’: Houston ISD students hold off-campus panel, speak out against NES model
Read full article: ‘Dehumanizing’: Houston ISD students hold off-campus panel, speak out against NES modelStudents from several Houston ISD schools affected by the district’s New Education System spoke up about it, off their campuses.
Houston teacher federation shares thoughts on more schools being added to HISD’s NES model
Read full article: Houston teacher federation shares thoughts on more schools being added to HISD’s NES modelMore campuses will join Houston Independent School District’s New Education System or “NES” next school year.
HISD adding up to 40 failing schools to New Education System next year
Read full article: HISD adding up to 40 failing schools to New Education System next yearThe Houston Independent School District is adding up to 40 more schools to its New Education System model in the 2024 academic school year, state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles announced Tuesday.
Houston-area school districts delay start times Wednesday following closures prompted by arctic blast
Read full article: Houston-area school districts delay start times Wednesday following closures prompted by arctic blastSeveral Houston-area school districts will return to class Wednesday after closing Tuesday due to the arctic blast.
‘Vikings are going to take over Japan’: 8th-graders surprised with free trip as part of Houston ISD’s NES model
Read full article: ‘Vikings are going to take over Japan’: 8th-graders surprised with free trip as part of Houston ISD’s NES modelYou get a free trip to Japan, you get a free trip to Japan, you get a free trip to Japan!
‘No excuses’: Superintendent Miles pushes for ‘high-performance culture’ in district
Read full article: ‘No excuses’: Superintendent Miles pushes for ‘high-performance culture’ in districtHouston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles held a meeting Wednesday with his leadership team to introduce his plans on how to make the district a “high-performance culture,” along with his goals for improving accountability amongst teachers and administrators.
Addressing threatening behavior at Texas schools
Read full article: Addressing threatening behavior at Texas schoolsWhile much of the discussion about school safety has recently revolved around putting armed security on every campus and increasing police training, there is less highlighted work being done on campuses across the state to spot potential problems before they spiral into violent behavior.
Mother says Cy-Fair ISD kindergartner wrongly picked up, dropped off by school bus after agreement was made
Read full article: Mother says Cy-Fair ISD kindergartner wrongly picked up, dropped off by school bus after agreement was madeA mother says she panicked after her kindergartener was placed on a school bus and dropped off, even though she says there was an agreement that he’d be picked up from school.
First look inside Fleming Middle School, the HISD campus KPRC 2 will spend a year chronicling
Read full article: First look inside Fleming Middle School, the HISD campus KPRC 2 will spend a year chroniclingThis school year, KPRC 2 is embarking on a project to chronicle a year inside Fleming Middle School on the north side of Houston. Fleming is one of the 28 schools Houston ISD labeled as a high-priority campus.
Parents frustrated after kids arrive to school hours late as bus shortage issues continue
Read full article: Parents frustrated after kids arrive to school hours late as bus shortage issues continueStudents who have already started class are forced to be hours late in the morning as a shortage of bus drivers continues across Houston area schools.
Channelview ISD bus drivers ready for first day of school; other districts hoping to fill other positions
Read full article: Channelview ISD bus drivers ready for first day of school; other districts hoping to fill other positionsWednesday is the first day of school for students at Channelview ISD. The transportation department is making sure all buses have working air conditioning units. Drivers spent the day driving their routes and getting ready and will be out on Wednesday greeting students on their first day of school.
Aldine ISD first grader left alone to walk freely after first day of school
Read full article: Aldine ISD first grader left alone to walk freely after first day of schoolDuring dismissal time at Aldine ISD’s Kujawa Elementary School on the district’s first day of school, a 6-year-old boy was left to wander the neighborhood near the school while his family frantically searched for him.
Securing Schools: Bill Spencer tests 4 devices designed to protect children in a classroom
Read full article: Securing Schools: Bill Spencer tests 4 devices designed to protect children in a classroomIn the wake of the mass shooting in Uvalde, parents, teachers, and school districts are working to find ways to keep classrooms secure.
HISD to eliminate librarians, turn some libraries into discipline centers at 28 campuses
Read full article: HISD to eliminate librarians, turn some libraries into discipline centers at 28 campusesHouston Independent School District will be eliminating librarian positions at 28 schools this upcoming year and utilizing some of the libraries as ‘Team Centers” where kids with behavioral issues will be sent, the district announced.
Gov. Abbott signs bill requiring silent panic alarms in Texas classrooms; Districts say they have yet to see funding
Read full article: Gov. Abbott signs bill requiring silent panic alarms in Texas classrooms; Districts say they have yet to see fundingEvery school classroom in Texas will soon be required to have silent panic alert technology.Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 838 also known as ‘Alyssa’s Law’ this week.
These Houston-area school districts are serving free breakfast and lunch this summer
Read full article: These Houston-area school districts are serving free breakfast and lunch this summerMultiple Houston-area school districts are providing meals to children in the Houston area during the summer months.
‘It’s our culture’: First Ukrainian school opens in San Antonio
Read full article: ‘It’s our culture’: First Ukrainian school opens in San AntonioA woman who fled her home country of Ukraine last May due to the Russian war celebrated the grand opening of the first Ukrainian school in San Antonio Saturday.
This new approach to school suspensions is making a difference for students and teachers
Read full article: This new approach to school suspensions is making a difference for students and teachersIn one city, you don't serve your time at home. There's a center dedicated to teaching students coping skills during their suspension.
Teacher Appreciation Week 2023: Freebies and deals offered for educators
Read full article: Teacher Appreciation Week 2023: Freebies and deals offered for educatorsTeacher Appreciation Week is May 8 - 12, and it’s the annual time to show your favorite educator some love that they most definitely deserve.
Photo of Lamar Consolidated ISD students forced to sit in bus aisles because of crowding causing stir
Read full article: Photo of Lamar Consolidated ISD students forced to sit in bus aisles because of crowding causing stirIf you’re a parent, you know how hard it can be at times to get your kids to just sit down and have a seat. That problem is being amplified on Lamar Consolidated ISD school buses because there aren’t enough seats to go around. Some kids say they’re forced to sit on the floor of the buses.
An expensive graduation: UH-Downtown alum eases burden of cap and gown costs for students in need
Read full article: An expensive graduation: UH-Downtown alum eases burden of cap and gown costs for students in needWith costs rising on pretty much anything, seniors at both college and high school levels are also feeling the pinch from the beast known as inflation.
More parents turn to homeschooling amid school safety concerns
Read full article: More parents turn to homeschooling amid school safety concernsWhen tragedies such as school shootings happen, many parents begin to evaluate their own children’s safety at school, and some parents are now considering home-schooling.
Galveston College unveils new parking lot expansion for students, community members
Read full article: Galveston College unveils new parking lot expansion for students, community membersGalveston College students and community members now have access to an expanding parking lot after opening this week.
TEA Takeover: Tensions rise at first community meeting as congresswoman addresses crowd, questions go unanswered
Read full article: TEA Takeover: Tensions rise at first community meeting as congresswoman addresses crowd, questions go unansweredThe Texas Education Agency is hosting its first of four community meetings Tuesday night, nearly a week after the state announced it would move forward with a takeover of its largest school district.
Katy ISD opens registration for upcoming Pre-Kindergarten program next month; Here’s what parents need to know
Read full article: Katy ISD opens registration for upcoming Pre-Kindergarten program next month; Here’s what parents need to knowKaty ISD will begin enrolling its newest and youngest students for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.
‘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.
Spring School for special needs children giving families hope
Read full article: Spring School for special needs children giving families hopeThe “Journey School for the Uniquely Gifted and Talented” has teachers on staff to handle traditional classroom education. It also has therapists on site who work in a contract capacity.
‘You want some shoes?’: Galena Park ISD sends warning to parents after suspicious man approaches 7th grader, district says
Read full article: ‘You want some shoes?’: Galena Park ISD sends warning to parents after suspicious man approaches 7th grader, district saysOfficials with Galena Park ISD are warning students and parents after a “stranger danger” situation that recently happened.
Community activist call for Humble ISD leaders to resign after school fight involving weapons; district is investigating the incident
Read full article: Community activist call for Humble ISD leaders to resign after school fight involving weapons; district is investigating the incidentCommunity leaders are calling for the superintendent of Humble ISD and the principal at Atascocita High School to resign after a fight broke out between parents and students.
Veteran volunteers join forces with Alief school to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, beloved school counselor
Read full article: Veteran volunteers join forces with Alief school to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, beloved school counselorAn Alief school got a much-needed facelift on Monday, thanks to a group of volunteers who also happen to be military veterans.
What are Houston schools facing when it comes to chronically truant students?
Read full article: What are Houston schools facing when it comes to chronically truant students?As investigators combed through the life of the Robb Elementary school shooter, they discovered he was absent from school for hundreds of days before being “involuntarily withdrawn” from the district.
Houston ISD leaders say they are expanding Pre-K classrooms, programming to help combat decline district’s decline
Read full article: Houston ISD leaders say they are expanding Pre-K classrooms, programming to help combat decline district’s declineHouston Independent School District leaders say they are expanding Pre-K classrooms and programming.
Mental, physical health support top list of needs for HISD students and parents
Read full article: Mental, physical health support top list of needs for HISD students and parentsMental and physical health support tops the list of Houston Independent School District student and parent needs, according to a new survey from Rice University Kinder Institute’s Houston Education Research Consortium.
HISD superintendent says closing schools will be the last option amid troubling decline in enrollment
Read full article: HISD superintendent says closing schools will be the last option amid troubling decline in enrollmentAt the top of the mind of Houston Independent School District leaders is enrollment.
El Paso High School students may have to retake SATs after tests fly out of UPS truck, reports say
Read full article: El Paso High School students may have to retake SATs after tests fly out of UPS truck, reports sayStudents at a Texas high school may have to retake the SATs after test papers flew out of a UPS truck.
CLOSURES: Houston-area schools, universities cancel classes on Monday, Nov. 7 for Astros World Series victory parade
Read full article: CLOSURES: Houston-area schools, universities cancel classes on Monday, Nov. 7 for Astros World Series victory paradeSeveral Houston-area school districts have announced they will cancel classes on Monday after the Houston Astros secured a World Series victory on Saturday night.
Deputy constables arrest 17-year-old who they say threatened to shoot up his former charter school in Katy
Read full article: Deputy constables arrest 17-year-old who they say threatened to shoot up his former charter school in KatyA 17-year-old is in the Harris County Jail after Precinct 5 Deputy Constables allege he made threats to shoot up his former charter school in Katy.