The private school voucher program is now law in Texas.

The private school voucher program is now law in Texas.

As National Teacher Appreciation Week comes to an end, we thought we’d highlight a Houston-based organization that’s maintained its mission to enhance early childhood education for nearly 40 years: Collaborative for Children.

In most school districts, Pre-K is only offered to families who meet certain requirements. Spring ISD however, believes it doesn’t matter what’s happening at home, every single student deserves a high-quality education.

If your student is struggling in the classroom, it might be time to consider additional help and resources. Birgit Hess, instructor and owner of Kumon Math and Reading Center of the Woodlands – West, discusses the Kumon method on Houston Life.

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner and Galveston is gearing up for their big, weekend long celebration!

Houston Independent School District Superintendent Millard House II took to the mic with concern in his voice.

A Houston program is providing one-on-one academic help to make sure students stay connected in a safe way. The Education Building at The Forge for families Center takes pride in assisting parents through the pandemic. They navigate students through the virtual learning process and help with homework and assignments. Thomas is the Program Director at the Forge for families Center. To learn more about the Forge for families center, click here.

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.

HOUSTON – The largest school district in Texas has reopened its campuses Monday by bringing back some students for the first time this semester. HISD Superintendent Grenita Lathan and other local leaders welcomed students back during a press conference at 10:30 a.m. at Highland Heights Elementary School while discussing how to bridge the gap for the digital divide. Lathan said she and countless others are preparing to welcome thousands of students back to campuses for in-person learning. Since March, the district has given out 36,200 hot spots and 110,000 devices to students in need, Lathan said during the press conference Monday. “This is truly a historic and transformational accomplishment in our district,” Lathan said.

But before you take that leap of faith, by finding help on Facebook, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has a warning. Threat 2: Online predators“Internet access can be dangerous for children,” said Chris Suefert, Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney. During the first eight months of 2020, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has charged 59 defendants for internet crimes against children. Kids’ increased access to the internet has also increased the risk of predators contacting and grooming children online. Investigators have continued to make significant arrests of suspects who are accused of soliciting children online and exchanging images and videos of child sexual abuse.

A Houston family shared advice on how to prepare for virtual learning. Set a virtual learning scheduleThe key to success, Portilla said, is to have rules and set a schedule to keep children on track. What tech items do I need for virtual learning? A computer for the child to use to participate in virtual learning is an essential item, according to Portilla and other experts. If you need more advice on virtual learning, she just put together an e-book called “10 Steps to a Simple & Grace Filled Homeschool Year Guide & Workbook.”You can find the book and more information here.

A 12-year-old Nicaraguan boy started his own business to save money for a computer to attend online classes. Mario Urroz says he's been using his mother's cell phone to do homework ever since his school closed due to the coronavirus. With money being tight, Mario decided to start selling cacti. Mario buys them from a local farm, puts them in colorful painted pots and then sells them on social media. Mario is hoping to have enough money to buy a computer by December.

HOUSTON – The Aldine Independent School District unveiled its reopening plans for the upcoming school year. Parents learned more about the changes in a virtual town hall hosted by the district. District administrators tackled those topics, including transportation, technology, and health and safety of students, during Thursday afternoon’s virtual presentation. After that, students will have two options: continue virtual learning or head back to the classroom for in-person instruction. Student Health & SafetyEducators said the health and safety of students is their number one priority.