Dr. 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.

The 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.

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.

The Board’s next regular meeting is September 10-13

A state law which went into effect in September 2023 increases the penalties for students caught with vape products.

A 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.

Over 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.

Council 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.

You can help by donating school supplies, diapers, hygiene items and more.

In 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; 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.

Galena Park ISD has announced that all but four schools will have a normal day on Wednesday.

Spring Branch ISD says all schools and offices, with the exception of a few, will be open for a regular school day Wednesday.

It 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.

In light of Klein ISD making headlines throughout most of April, how confident are Houstonians in the school district?

A high school teacher and coach has been arrested for charges involving the trafficking of crystal meth.

Today, 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 Independent School District announced that its Special Education teachers will receive an additional stipend along with the standard pay scale for educators.

They're working to figure out why guns make it past the front doors of our schools.

Parents angered after a high school junior taking a college-level psychology class is given a gender-based assignment.

Nearly half of HISD principals are in the hot seat after poor performance reviews, and could lose their jobs.

A 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.

Decision polarizes parents

These 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.

Those who have kids in the Livingston Independent School district might be interested in a refresher on what the district’s bus safety policies are.

Exposing Vulnerabilities: Investigating Inappropriate Teacher-Student Relationships in Schools

Several school districts have canceled classes or announced delayed starts on Thursday.

District officials with Livingston ISD announced all schools within the district will have a delayed start on Wednesday.

Miles says school employees are essential workers and they need to be on campus and so do students.

With 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 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The Art Institutes system of schools announced their locations, including the location in Houston, will be permanently closing as of Sept. 30.

An 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.

Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles announced on Wednesday that several principals within the district have been reassigned.

With the start of school looming in August, now is a great time to give back to children in need of school supplies.

It 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.

Hundreds 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.

Top Republican legislators in Kansas are focusing on helping conservative parents remove their children from public schools over what’s taught about gender and sexuality.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Advocates 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.

A 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.

We'll answer questions about school safety.

Our Solutionaries team tracks down solutions to one of the scariest, most terrifying problems plaguing parents—school safety.

The Texas Education Agency has just released the newest accountability ratings, which show how schools performed academically across the state last year.

Several Katy Independent School District campuses were damaged during the severe storms that blew through the Houston area Wednesday night.

Local pro BMX rider Omari Cato found his way to the classroom as an elementary school teacher at Harmony School of Endeavor.

With the start of school looming next month, now is a great chance to give back to children in need of school supplies.

Welcome 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.

The Supreme Court has ruled that religious schools can’t be excluded from a Maine program that offers tuition aid for private education.

Welcome 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.

For more than a decade, Texas has allowed teachers and other school employees to carry weapons on campus.

Welcome 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.

Grad Week

On 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.

The 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.

Enrollment in Catholic schools in the United States rose 3.8% from the previous academic year, rebounding from a sharp drop caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

As COVID-19 cases decrease nationwide, the debate over masks in schools is returning to center stage.

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.

Are schools allowed to test your children for COVID-19 without your permission? KPRC 2 has the answer.

School is back in session and COVID-19 is having major impacts on school districts in our area. Katy ISD reportedly has the largest number of staff COVID cases.

Children 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.

Houston’s Rice University has been ranked 7th best overall in colleges across the U.S.

A nation more divided than ever? Experts weigh in on what we can do

Since the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, KPRC 2 has tracked the active COVID-19 cases being reported by Houston-area school districts.

With 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.

Houston is working to get more families vaccinated before school starts.

School 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.

The 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.”

HOUSTON – 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.

(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.

HOUSTON – 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.

KATY, 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.

Applications are being accepted for the Supplemental Special Education Services grant for Texas students with significant and complex disabilities.

GALVESTON – 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 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.

Thats 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.

This 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.

CYPRESS, 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.

HOUSTON – 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:

MADRID – 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.

Help 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.

HOUSTON – 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.

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.

HOUSTON – 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.

Take 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.

A 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)

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.

HOUSTON – 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.

The 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

Texas 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.

HOUSTON – 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.

It’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 2Published: June 1, 2020, 2:04 pmOur Cool Schools Weekly Spotlight is brought to you by Go Public Gulf Coast.

At 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.

Many 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.

BRAZORIA, 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.