Take-home DNA kits for students are for emergencies, not in response to Uvalde tragedy, lawmaker says
This month, the state of Texas will distribute National Child Identification Program kits to elementary and middle school-aged students as part of a safety initiative that legislators mandated in 2021.
What laws did Texas pass to make schools safer after the Santa Fe massacre? KSAT Explains
More than a dozen laws were passed in 2019 focused on school safety after the Santa Fe school shooting. KSAT Explains what is in those laws and what other measures state officials have taken since the laws were enacted.
Families will need to apply for free school breakfast, lunches this school year
The government was able to supply breakfast and lunch to students during the pandemic, but that program no longer exists and that means many parents are going to have to go back to making sure their child leaves the house with lunch money.
Comal ISD hopes multi-million dollar propositions pass for improvements, teachersโ pay
Comal Independent School District is hoping voters will approve a multi-million-dollar bond that would include building new schools and upgrading several infrastructure projects. As the second fastest growing school district in the nation, with a population of over 27,000 students, school officials say this bond package will target their concerns with growth and capacity.
Classroom Confessionals: โI am a student... and I definitely can not handle having a mask on all dayโ
KSAT is continuing the Classroom Confessionals series where we ask parents, educators and students to weigh in and share their thoughts on the return to in-person learning for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Classroom Confessionals: โI think itโs more dangerous to return to in person learning this year than last yearโ
KSAT is continuing the Classroom Confessionals series where we ask parents, educators and students to weigh in and share their thoughts on the return to in-person learning for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Edgewood ISD cosmetology students adapt to new learning environment amid COVID-19 pandemic
SAN ANTONIO โ Cosmetology students enrolled at Edgewood ISDโs Fine Arts Academy are making up for lost time. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the students out of the classroom for several months. Holly Yates, a cosmetology instructor at the school, said many of her students had a difficult time learning virtually. Although sanitizing and proper hygiene has always been a rule in cosmetology, Yates felt it was important students felt safe when they returned to class. A small group of students have returned for in-person learning, but with new safety protocols in place.
Researchers gather data to learn how COVID-19 pandemic affects teaching, learning in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO โ The Urban Education Institute at the University of Texas at San Antonio conducted a survey to learn how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted students, parents, and teachers in our area. Those are just some of the findings from a survey that UTSAโs Urban Education Institute found across eight school districts. The researchers surveyed about 250 high school students, 900 parents with children of all ages and 550 teachers from different grade levels. Villarreal said the Urban Education Institute is partnering with local school districts to use the data to improve policies and lessons amid the COVID-19 pandemic. โIโm very concerned about how this pandemic will impact our students first but also our teachers,โ Villarreal said.
San Antonio man builds 50 desks, donates to elementary students
As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, many kids are learning from home and not all of them have the supplies they need for success. Enter Bob Braun, a San Antonio resident who wanted to give back, along with local nonprofit Communities In Schools. Mr. Braun wanted to help families of students who donโt have a space to concentrate on their studies. Montgomery Elementary School students received desks from Bob Braun and Communities In Schools on Dec. 9, 2020. Though a new set of challenges are brought on by the pandemic, 50 area students now have a place of their own to work at home.
Edgewood ISD to offer mass testing to staff members, students at one high school
SAN ANTONIO โ Edgewood Independent School District will kick off mass COVID-19 testing at the John F. Kennedy High School as a part of the Community Labs testing program. The program has helped get testing to students and staff at other schools and is now partnering with Texas A&M University-San Antonio to help even more districts in Bexar County. The goal of the testing is to identify staff and students on campus who may have the virus but are not showing symptoms. Calderon-Lugo said the district has a plan in place should a staff member or student test positive. The district hopes to expand the testing to the entire district eventually.
Most Poth ISD students will return to the classroom Monday, district officials say
School officials said productivity was low with virtual learning. โWeโre going to be as safe as we can here at school,โ said Poth ISD Superintendent Paula Renken. Poth ISD school officials only one student, a kindergartner, has tested positive for COVID-19. After Poth ISD officials sent parents a letter Thursday announcing the decision, dozens took to Facebook with concerns. As parents hurry to rearrange their plans, school officials say theyโre working to keep the school environments safe.
GMSA@9 Debrief: Edgewood ISD transitional school brings students back on campus
SAN ANTONIO โ KSAT12โฒs Sarah Acosta joins David Sears to talk about how a program for special education students is adjusting during the pandemic. The Edgewood Independent School Districtโs Burleson School for Innovation and Education helps special needs students ages 18-21 make their transition easier and reach life goals. With the help of several grants and a partnership with Texas A&M San Antonio, the school provides many on site job opportunities for students that help prepare them for the real world. To view the video, click above.
Classroom Confessionals: โVirtual is a failure and students need to be in classโ
SAN ANTONIO โ The in-person vs. virtual learning debate is still raging on with parents, students and teachers sharing their differing opinions regarding the best option for how to continue studentโs education amid the coronavirus pandemic. AnonymousVirtual is a failure and students need to be in class. If they donโt need to be in class, we donโt need the schools and the teachers. Virtual learning is a great option. BeverlyThey are going to kill the kids, teachers and family at home!!!
San Antonios school risk level downgraded to moderate as kids head back to class amid pandemic
The risk level was updated Monday evening, along with the key progress and warning indicators that give local officials guidance based on trends and hospital capacity. 109 new COVID-19 cases; positivity rate dips below 10%In this zone, cohorts of six or fewer students are recommended, but building nor classroom capacity should not exceed 25%. The risk level is calculated based on the COVID-19 positivity rate, doubling rate and a two-week decline in cases, city spokeswoman Laura Mayes said. This week, the weekly positivity rate improved again to 9.9% but we are aiming for 5% or less, she said. Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Monday reported 45,364 total COVID-19 cases and 725 total deaths in Bexar County, an increase of 109 new cases and four deaths.
Classroom Confessionals: โMy son started school today, he was excited and so was I'
We as a nation should wait for a vaccine because what good is school going to do my girls if theyโre dead? AnonymousMy son started school today, he was excited and so was I. Iโm not worried about any of this. If teachers are not going to teach them, I need a school voucher to pay for the school my son is going to now. Sending kids back to school is not a matter of if they will get COVID-19 itโs a matter of when. In Georgia they were first to open schools, kids already confirmed outbreak in schools.
Classroom Confessionals: โLast year my kids brought home influenza A & B... I feel they would definitely bring home COVID-19โฒ
AnonymousMy husband and I are odds over our eldest, a middle school teacher who is pregnant, returning. AnonymousSo ALL of the districtโs teachers children from age 3 years old up 8th grade are being housed only at elementary campuses for โchild careโ as teachers work. How is this any different than starting in-person learning right away?!?! AnonymousEver since I have been working for the school district, the district made it a point that every student has to be up to date with their shots. JesseIโm a parent of two NISD students and I have decided NOT to send them back for in-person learning.
Classroom Confessionals: โIโm not putting my life in danger. Iโm not about to go to school and die.'
Many parents, students and teachers are sharing their thoughts about the best option for how to continue studentโs education amid the coronavirus pandemic. Iโm scared to send them to school but they benefit more being in a classroom setting. However, the parents (of which I am included) all seem to think the schools need to open now. Kids NEED an education. If the science says kids, parents, teachers, grandparents are going to die or suffer permanent damage then the WANTS need to be re-evaluated.
Classroom Confessionals: โVirtual-learning-only forces many parents to pick between staying home to teach or staying employed'
SAN ANTONIO โ As the 2020-2021 school year gets closer, the anxiety level appears to be growing for many parents, students and teachers. If NEISD can offer child care with virtual education for their teachersโ children, why canโt all districts, or let teachers teach from home? However, cases are still high, take into consideration teachers, kids, cafeteria and maintenance / janitorial crews who actually are cleaning up after everyone. AnonymousAs an educator, the best place for all students, teachers, administrators, librarians, cafeteria personnel, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers and others would be avoiding crowds inside at this time! AnnieVirtual-learning-only forces many parents to pick between staying home to teach or staying employed.
High school administrators visit homes of students who havenโt completed registration
High school administrators visit homes of students who havenโt completed registrationPublished: August 13, 2020, 2:52 pmAdministrators from Warren High School implemented a festive outreach approach to offer their students help. Two mini buses decorated in school colors made their way through the neighborhoods of Warren Warrior students to door-knock.
Classroom Confessionals: โWhile teaching remotely is NO easy feat; I think that is presently the best option.'
AnonymousIโm an elementary teacher with asthma, and I donโt have faith in our school system keeping students and teachers safe. While teaching remotely is NO easy feat; I think that is presently the best option. AnonymousAs a high school teacher AND parent, I believe we must return to school IN-PERSON. AnonymousIโm a middle school teacher and I am very concerned for our kids, their parents / family, school staff, and myself. AnonymousWill districts pay for the daily costs of hospital stays, medicine prescriptions and other expenses when teachers, staff, and students become infected?
Classroom Confessionals: โMy daughter desperately wants to return to campus'
My daughter desperately wants to return to campus, as do most kids. AnonymousHonestly, since jr school, my kids have done all their school work at home anyway in the form of homework! I have been in close contact with the Pediatrician who cannot recommend the children return at this time. ConnieMy mom is a middle school teacher and I have a son in elementary. AnonymousAs a high school teacher who also shares your concerns, if forced back to school, I will resign.
Vaccines mandatory for all Texas students, even those learning virtually
SAN ANTONIO Many children will soon be returning to school virtually, but that doesnt mean they can skip their vaccinations since the state is still mandating vaccines for all students. We dont want to have a pandemic and then have some epidemics alongside it, said Metro Health Immunization Clinic Supervisor Martha Groomer. The Texas Department of State Health Services has decided school vaccination rules are in effect for the 2020-2021 school year, regardless of whether the education is received virtually or in person. Patients have to make an appointment, and everyone 2 and older will be required to wear a mask. In person or virtually, students still need vaccines to go back to schoolFor those without insurance or a primary care doctor, there are clinics throughout the city providing free vaccinations:There are also specific vaccine programs that can help kids and teens:
Classroom Confessionals: โI want my kids back in the classroom ASAP'
I want my kids back in the classroom ASAP. I have 3 kids that range from 15-7yrs old and I am not going to allow their health to be compromised. AnonymousThe number of new cases will soar off the scale after kids go back to school and many kids are now being raised by grandparents. If they stop doing that, I will be keeping my children safe at home. Classroom Confessionals: โHow will the schools keep teachers safe?โKSAT Explains Episode 7: Back to school during COVID-19 pandemicClassroom Confessionals: How San Antonio-area parents, educators feel about sending kids to classroomsCoronavirus and kids: San Antonio epidemiologist breaks down risks, school safety
Classroom Confessionals: โHow will the schools keep teachers safe?'
AnonymousHow will the schools keep teachers safe? State funding of schools, typically based on classroom attendance, will also include students taking virtual classes in the attendance figures, according to the Texas Tribune. A court decision could determine that private schools are exempt from the Metro Health directive requiring virtual learning for students. The University Interscholastic League announced on July 21 that schools, based on size, will have delayed athletics practice and competitions. Schools in the Class 1A - 4A bracket will restart practices on August 3, while Class 5A and 6A schools will have to wait until Sept. 7 to begin.
Survey says majority of teenage students are concerned about attending in-person classes this fall
One thousand teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 were surveyed earlier this month to see how they felt about attending school classes in-person for the incoming school year. The survey said 66% of students are concerned about attending school in-person this fall. The survey also revealed 26% of students said they prefer in-person learning five days a week, while 36% would like a blended schedule and 30% prefer online classes only. More than half of all respondents rated the quality of their online classes in the spring as fair or poor and 49% of students said the quality of their education will suffer due to the pandemic. RELATED: UTSA survey: Students less engaged during distance learning
NEISD offers child care to teachers who are required to teach in classrooms
SAN ANTONIO With North East Independent School District teachers returning to the classrooms for virtual teaching, the school district is making sure its staff is covered not only from a health standpoint but also from a child care standpoint. We feel it is imperative for teachers to return to the classrooms. In addition to that, the custodial staff have been doing a great job making sure things are sanitized daily and thoroughly cleaned, Chancellor said. Chancellor said a part of limiting the barriers for teachers so they can teach efficiently is providing child care to those with children in grades kindergarten through fifth. Chancellor said though teachers are required to come back to the classrooms, the district will make the necessary exceptions.
Classroom Confessionals: How San Antonio-area parents, educators feel about sending kids to classrooms
I honestly dont feel safe sending my children to school with this horrible pandemic. One occurrence could wipe out any/all accrued leave. anonymous"I am a special education teacher in the elementary school setting. We need parents to be parents now more than ever and step up to protect our children. anonymousWe are grandparents raising grandkids. These kids will NOT return to a classroom setting this year! anonymousNo, not safe. Background: San Antonio-area schools arent allowed to reopen for face-to-face instruction until after September due to safety concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
Gov't: New foreign students can't enter US if courses online
The announcement primarily affects new students hoping to enroll at universities that will provide classes entirely online as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The new order was released Friday as a clarification to earlier guidance from March 9 that suspended existing limits around online education for international students. They said many colleges had already prepared housing for international students, even at universities offering online instruction only. It's likely to deliver a financial hit to colleges that rely on revenue from international students, who typically pay higher tuition rates. The nation attracted roughly 1.1 million international students in the 2018-19 school year.
Edgewood ISD hands out more than 500 iPads to students for remote learning
Edgewood ISD elementary students are receiving their iPads this week that they will use for remote learning purposes. The distribution will happen at Loma Park Elementary, where more than 500 iPads will be given out to students. Students from Headstart to fifth grade will receive the devices, which will be used for them to watch teacher lessons, turn in assignments and connect with classmates. Edgewood ISD will begin its new school year on August 17, with the first four weeks of school remote under the health directive from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. RELATED: No face-to-face classes, extra-curricular activities until after Sept. 7, San Antonio health department says
Classroom Confessionals: Share your thoughts about returning to in-person learning during COVID-19 pandemic
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio-area schools arenโt allowed to reopen for face-to-face instruction until after September due to safety concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic. Find the latest education news in our back to school section. On July 21, the University Interscholastic League announced that schools, based on size, will have delayed athletics practice and competitions. We may publish your thoughts on our website or feature them on our newscasts. RELATED: Coronavirus and kids: San Antonio epidemiologist breaks down risks, school safety
Coronavirus and kids: San Antonio epidemiologist breaks down risks, school safety
SAN ANTONIO With the reopening of school up in the air, many people are concerned about what the COVID-19 risks are for children. It says 31% of kids tested in the state were positive for COVID-19, compared to 11% of adults. Kids get sick with chickenpox but its not usually deadly but if an adult gets it its much more severe. Science has answers and gapsAs of Monday, there have been 3,907 cases among children under 19 years old in Bexar County. Rohr-Allegrini said schools closing when the pandemic began might have helped slow the spread among school-aged kids.
UIL extends sports eligibility to remote-learning students
On Friday, the University Interscholastic League addressed concerns regarding student participation in athletics and extracurricular activities and announced that students who choose to learn remotely at home will still be able to compete with their classmates. To qualify, students must meet the UILs original eligibility standards and be enrolled in the school they will represent. The most important factor for schools is to develop grading policies in order to determine whether students are passing all of their courses. For more specific information on this matter, click here. Lastly, for this specific school year, students shall eligible for the first six weeks of the school year if they have accumulated at least two and a half credits since the start of the 2019-2020 school year.For the full release, click here.
ICE: International students will have to leave country if in-person classes are online only
WASHINGTON, D.C. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Monday that international students, or nonimmigrant students within the United States, are prohibited from taking a full course of study through online classes. ICEs decision argues that visa requirements for students have always been strict and taking online-only courses has been prohibited. Additionally, even if international students elect to take in-person classes, there is no guarantee universities will be able to continue to offer them throughout the semester or year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to COVID-19, ICEs Student and Exchange Visitor Program instituted a temporary exemption regarding online courses for the spring and summer semesters. The policy permitted nonimmigrant students to take more online courses than normally permitted by federal regulation to maintain their nonimmigrant status during the COVID-19 emergency.
Harvard, MIT sue to block ICE rule on international students
The lawsuit, filed in Boston's federal court, seeks to prevent federal immigration authorities from enforcing the rule. The guidance says international students won't be exempt even if an outbreak forces their schools online during the fall term. The guidance was released the same day Harvard announced it would be keeping its classes online this fall. Many schools have also come to depend on tuition revenue from international students, who typically pay higher tuition rates. It creates an urgent dilemma for thousands of international students who became stranded in the U.S. last spring after the coronavirus forced their schools to move online.
Fewer grads to get scholarships, laptops from foundation honoring Cesar Chavez due to COVID-19 fundraising slowdown
SAN ANTONIO Fewer high school graduates will receive scholarships or laptops from the Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Foundation due to the COVID-19 pandemic hampering fundraising efforts, according to Ernest Martinez, organization chairman. Ernest Martinez is the son of the late Jaime Martinez, who created the foundation to honor Chavez, the labor organizer who was his mentor. Until the pandemic hit, the foundation was on track to see a record turnout for the annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through San Antonio's West Side. Ernest Martinez said the organization was on pace to raise $35,000 to reward deserving high school graduates. Among the recipients is Marisol Cortez, a 2020 Burbank High School graduate who chose Bates College to fulfill a purpose to give back.
San Antonio nonprofit helps 5th, 8th graders transition to next level through STEAM camps
SAN ANTONIO When schools went from classroom instruction to online learning, it was an adjustment for teachers, parents and students. Family Service, a nonprofit, has been working with students during this time to keep them connected while they are at home. Rocco said being able to attend the transition camps at Family Service Neighborhood Place has been a welcome change of pace for her children. I havent been able to do that for a while.Theres still time for fifth and eighth grade students to enroll. Other programs include the Family Services Teen Tech Center, which is open all summer and Family Services summer internship program, which starts in July.
WATCH: San Antonio medical, nursing students hold โWhite Coats for Black Livesโ protest
SAN ANTONIO โ Medical and nursing students from the University of the Incarnate Word and UT Health San Antonio will join together for a โWhite Coats for Black Livesโ protest Sunday. The students will gather at 4 p.m. at the athletic fields at UT Health San Antonio. A participant tells KSAT they are expecting several hundred protesters and said there will be speakers from both schools of medicine as well as the school of nursing. The protest is student-led and participants said the administration was not involved in the planning or organization of the event. There have been โWhite Coats for Black Livesโ protests at hospitals across the country in recent days.
South San ISDโs top 10 graduating seniors get a surprise visit
San Antonio โ South San High School staff found a way to make the top 10 students of the graduating class of 2020 feel special this week. High School Principal Lee Hernandez said there was something special about having everyone honking, cheering and including family and neighbors in the celebration. Social media almost ruined the surprise for Salutatorian Lourdes Izarraras-Medina, when she noticed other top 10 students had made the list. San Antonio-area school district leaders discuss future of classrooms, sports, budget constraints amid COVID-19 pandemicโOkay, I didnโt get top 10. South San ISD students get Chromebooks for home learning
Warren High School seniors mark National Decision Day with a parade
SAN ANTONIO โ With horns honking and students cheering, a parade of vehicles snaked its way around the Warren High School campus Friday morning. Seniors were observing National Decision Day, a deadline for them to announce their college, university or military branch of choice. During the procession students paused to announce their choice to faculty members on hand to view the parade. โWe donโt get prom, Senior Skip Day,โ said Senior Marco Guzman. โThis is a great thing to celebrate and this pandemic is causing us to be very creative.โ
Meet 4 Smithson Valley HS students who are doing good with their passions (Part 3)
Meet 4 Smithson Valley HS students who are doing good with their passions (Part 3)Published: February 18, 2020, 7:48 amFrom cancer and mental health awareness to recycling shoes, four students with Smithson Valley High School have started their own service campaigns for causes that are important to them.
Meet 4 Smithson Valley HS students who are doing good with their passions (Part 1)
Meet 4 Smithson Valley HS students who are doing good with their passions (Part 1)Published: February 18, 2020, 7:41 amFrom cancer and mental health awareness to recycling shoes, four students with Smithson Valley High School have started their own service campaigns for causes that are important to them.
Meet 4 Smithson Valley HS students who are doing good with their passions (Part 1)
Meet 4 Smithson Valley HS students who are doing good with their passions (Part 1)Published: February 18, 2020, 7:40 amFrom cancer and mental health awareness to recycling shoes, four students with Smithson Valley High School have started their own service campaigns for causes that are important to them.
Edgewood ISD students receive free dental care
Edgewood ISD students receive free dental carePublished: February 14, 2020, 1:21 pmAbout 250 Edgewood Independent School District second-grade students received free preventive oral health care on Friday from dental students and residents of UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry.
Blakeโs Brainiacs- Young Womenโs Leadership Academy
Last fall, Ignacia Kilgoreโs students entered the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest with an invention aimed at stopping the widespread use of petroleum-based plastics. Theyโre now aiming to win the grand prize! Just by getting to this point, the girls were awarded $15,000 worth of technology for their school. Ignacia told KSAT that this money is so appreciated, since the school doesnโt have the latest technology and equipment for the students to use. If they win the grand prize, the school will receive $100,000 worth of technology and classroom supplies, as well as a trip to Washington D.C. for Ms. Kilgoreโs class.
Nonprofit helps students participating in San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Junior Livestock Auction
Nonprofit helps students participating in San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Junior Livestock AuctionPublished: January 20, 2020, 1:02 pmThe nonprofit Wildfire Group raises tens of thounsand of dollars annually to help sponsor students showing animals at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Junior Livestock Auction.
John Jay High School students treat elementary students to shopping trip
SAN ANTONIO โ Northside ISD elementary students were treated to a shopping trip Tuesday morning, courtesy of John Jay High School students. โJust pick anything yโall want,โ Victoria Cruz, a sophomore at John Jay High School told the two fourth graders from Mary Hull elementary she was helping during the shopping trip at Walmart. Each were paired up with a student from John Jay High School. John Jay High School students helped them figure out how much they can get. That money is raised and donated by John Jay High School students and the community.