What to know about HISD's cell phone policy as students return to class
You may have heard of the "No Personal Communication Device" rule. Here's what Houston ISD parents need to know as students head back to class.
The Piney Point
Schools
Back to school at HISD (Aug. 10, 2026)
On Monday's show: We discuss the first day of school at HISD and other education developments, including how changes in special education at the district might affect parents and students....
2 Newsletter: The largest school district in Texas is headed back to school today
Good morning, Houston.☀️ Can you believe it? It’s time to send our kids back to school. It seems like summer just started, and for some, it probably did. But, students across Houston are headed back to school this week, and we here at KPRC 2 are doing everything to make sure not ...
Spring ISD students to receive free breakfast and lunch during 2026-27 school year
All students in Spring ISD will receive free breakfast and lunch at school during the 2026-27 school year, the district announced. The district participates in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. This is ...
Loved ones identify League City stabbing victim as Luz Mary Pelaez
Dozens of family members, friends and community members gathered Sunday night to remember Luz Mary Pelaez, a beloved teacher and nanny who was killed in a stabbing at her League City home Friday. Pelaez’s husband, Raul Uribe, was also stabbed and remains in recovery, according to...
'We saved about $375:' Tax-free weekend brings relief for families during back-to-school season
As students prepare to head back to the classroom, families had a chance to save a little more money this weekend while shopping for supplies.
Enrollment decline, lunch cuts, bus routes: Houston ISD begins school year with new changes
More than 160,000 students are expected to return to HISD classrooms as the new school year begins, but the district is starting the year with fewer students and less funding....
Back to school! Send us your first-day photos on Click2Pins
The backpacks are packed, the alarms are set and for thousands of Houston-area students, it’s time to head back to class! Submit a Click2Pin here! 📸 As students across the area return to school Monday, we want to see what the first day looks like in your neighborhood. Whether yo...
Back-to-school safety tips for parents: 'Don't give strangers a road map'
From first day photos to bus stop safety, Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Constable Patrick Quincy has warnings and reminders for parents as they prep their kids to head back to school....
Spring ISD to offer free breakfast, lunch to all students for 2026-27 school year
Spring Independent School District announced that all students will be offered breakfast and lunch at no cost every school day during the 2026-2027 school year. The district said it will continue operating the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) under the National School Lunch Pr...
HISD parent guide: Tools, safety tips, resources for new school year
Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in Texas, wants parents to be equipped with the right tools heading into the new school year. From communication apps to bus registration, here’s what families need to know. Stay connected with ParentSquare, Connect...
Houston ISD launches SMARTtag to boost bus safety
Houston ISD is launching a new tool this school year to help parents stay connected with students who ride the bus. It’s called SMARTtag. HISD says all students who are registered to use any of the district’s transportation services will get a special SMARTtag badge. They will sc...
Westwood Elementary to start classes Aug. 24 following mold-related delay
The campus' first day of school was postponed to address the “elevated mold levels” that were found around the campus during the summer.
12-year-old Houston golfer Alaina Villarreal makes her debut on Stephen Curry’s UNDERRATED Golf Tour
At just 12 years old, Houston golfer Alaina Villarreal is already making a name for herself on the junior golf scene. A homeschooled student through Acellus Academy, Villarreal has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments, including a Texas State Championship title, a spot...
Wendy's worker Thalles De Souza heading to Yale after managers help him pay for school
Thalles De Souza is going from working at Wendy's to attending Yale University after his bosses at the restaurant chain saw his potential and helped fund his education....
Parent says 9-year-old left asleep on school bus, found wandering district bus yard in New Jersey
A mother says her 9-year-old son was left alone on a school bus and was found wandering a bus yard after falling asleep on his way to summer school.
Back-to-school health (Aug. 7, 2026)
On Friday's show: As school begins for many students, a pediatrician offers advice for keeping kids healthy throughout the school year. And we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week....
2 Newsletter: It’s back-to-school time. Here’s everything you need to know
Good morning, Houston.☀️ Can you believe it? It’s almost time to send our kids back to school. It seems like summer just started, and for some, it probably did. But, students across the Houston area will be headed back to school in the coming weeks, and we here at KPRC 2 are doin...
When does school start? Here’s when Houston-area districts return for the 2026-27 school year
Summer break is winding down, and students across the Houston area will soon be heading back to the classroom. Several school districts begin classes during the second week of August, while others won’t welcome students back until later in the month. Here’s a look at when some of...
Texas Tax-Free weekend is here: What you can buy and how much you can save
Texas shoppers can save money on back-to-school essentials this weekend as the state’s annual Sales Tax Holiday gets underway. The 2026 Texas Sales Tax Holiday has started and runs through midnight Sunday, allowing families to purchase qualifying school items without paying state...
Need help with food costs? Back-to-school resources for Houston-area families
Houston-area families struggling with food costs can find help through HISD, Kids’ Meals and the Houston Food Bank. Here’s how to apply for school-meal benefits, locate a pantry and access other assistance...
New eligibility requirements force district to cancel free lunches at 33 schools, HISD says
With fewer students on SNAP, HISD announced this summer that they are forced to stop automatic free lunch at 33 campuses.
Houston City College Is Where Art Meets Innovation
From the stage to the lab, Houston City College is training students for real jobs in creative and technical fields. HCC’s hands‑on programs give aspiring designers, performers and engineers practical experience employers want and the campus connections to turn classroom projects...
Back-to-school safety: How everyday conversations can help keep students safe
As kids head back to school, many families are focused on school supplies, new teachers, schedules, and getting back into a routine. But safety experts say one of the most important back-to-school conversations has nothing to do with homework. It is about making sure children kno...
Supply list sticker shock: I took my son’s Pre-K supply list to 3 top retailers, prices couldn’t be more different
I’ll be honest — I had no idea what I was getting into. Buying school supplies for a 4-year-old can’t be that hard, right?! Wrong! Kind of. This is my first year sending my son to Pre-K within Houston Independent School District, and when I received that school supply list, I did...
Amanda Knox claims show she is performing at Edinburgh festival honors her murdered former flatmate
Amanda Knox , the American student convicted and later acquitted of the gruesome murder and sexual assault of her British flatmate Meredith Kercher 19 years ago in Italy, has defended herself against charges from Kercher’s sister that a show she is performing at the Edinburgh Fri...
Trump administration moves forward with Head Start overhaul, proposing to eliminate regulations
President Donald Trump's administration said Thursday it plans to overhaul Head Start , tossing out many of the regulations that are the hallmark of the early education program for the nation's poorest children. Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, which ov...
2 Newsletter: Some students return to school next week. Here’s what parents need to know
Good morning, Houston.☀️ Can you believe it? It’s almost time to send our kids back to school. It seems like summer just started, and for some, it probably did. But, students across the Houston area will be headed back to school in the coming weeks, and we here at KPRC 2 are doin...
Harris County officials warn families as e-bike, e-scooter injuries surge
Officials say the devices are becoming increasingly popular among elementary and middle school students, but many families may not fully understand how fast they can travel or the injuries they can cause....
Mold in Friendswood ISD school postpones school year
Westwood Elementary remains closed as Friendswood ISD addresses mold found around the campus over the summer.
Rice expands free tuition for families earning up to $200K. Here’s how experts say Texans can save on college costs.
As the cost of higher education continues to climb, many Texas families are asking the same question: How can we afford college? Rice University is hoping to ease some of that burden. Beginning with students entering in Fall 2027, the university will expand its Rice Investment fi...
It’s a tax-free weekend for school supplies in Texas. Houston lawmakers want to expand the annual initiative
On Friday through Sunday, some types of clothing, backpacks and other school supplies priced at $100 or less qualify for a sales tax exemption.
Campus officials report mold inside Westwood Elementary, delaying 2026 school start: Friendswood ISD
According to the school, the campus underwent testing after visible surface mold was spotted during the summer. The new start date has yet to be announced....
Texas child advocates urge families to keep children in Head Start amid reported federal rule changes
Texas early childhood advocates are urging families to continue sending their children to Head Start and Early Head Start programs despite growing concerns over reported changes to federal regulations that could affect the longtime child care and early education program. During a...
Start of school year delayed at Friendswood ISD's Westwood Elementary due to elevated mold levels
Friendswood ISD says the start of the school year at Westwood Elementary School will be delayed as the district works to deal with moisture and mold inside the building. In a letter posted by the district on Facebook, the district said it hired a third-party environmental consult...
Texas back-to-school tax-free weekend starts Friday: Here's what you should know
Texans can save on back-to-school shopping as early as Friday, as the state's annual Sales Tax Holiday returns for the weekend.
2 Newsletter: It’s back-to-school time. Are you prepared?
Good morning, Houston.☀️ Can you believe it? It’s almost time to send our kids back to school. It seems like summer just started, and for some, it probably did. But, students across the Houston area will be headed back to school in the coming weeks, and we here at KPRC 2 are doin...
Crosby ISD students head back to class as Houston-area school districts prepare to reopen
The first day of school has arrived for students in Crosby ISD, marking the beginning of the 2026-27 school year for one of the first districts in the Houston area to welcome students back to the classroom. While many families across the Houston area are still enjoying the final ...
Back-to-school anxiety? Houston area experts share ways parents can help kids adjust to a new grade
As students prepare to head back to the classroom, parents are checking off school supply lists, buying new clothes and getting back into routines. But experts say preparing children emotionally for a new school year is just as important. Whether your child is starting kindergart...
Families brace for change as Third Future takes over more struggling Texas schools
The Waco Bridge is a nonprofit local news organization supported by The Texas Tribune, reporting on Waco government, education and community. Sign up for the Bridge’s free newsletter here. WACO — Laneisha Latimer has heard about the strict way Third Future Schools plans to run So...
University of Houston student says financial aid change left her scrambling before fall semester
A University of Houston student says she is searching for new ways to pay for school after learning that a state grant she expected to receive will no longer be available as a separate financial aid program....
From e-motorcycles, mental health to armed guards, districts prepare for new school year
From training and new technology to policies about handling the growing e-bike use, it's not just teachers getting ready for the new school year.
Back-to-School schemes are on the rise: What parents need to know before clicking
Back-to-school season means new backpacks, sneakers, school supplies — and a flood of emails, texts, and online messages from schools, teachers, and organizations. But while parents are preparing their children for the classroom, cybercriminals are preparing their own back-to-sch...
2 Helps You: Texas Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend starts Friday, interesting exemptions
The first day of school is just around the corner, and while many students may not be ready to head back to class, plenty of parents are looking forward to the return to the classroom — as well as the chance to save money while shopping for school essentials. The State of Texas w...
Houston Texans detail Toro District timeline, future options for Reliant Stadium campus
The Houston Texans remain on track to break ground on their new Toro District facility in Cypress late this year, moving daily operations and training camp there by 2029 while keeping home games at Reliant Stadium....
Texas releases first Education Freedom Account participation data; Houston-area districts among top recipients
Texas Education Freedom Accounts, Texas school vouchers, Education Freedom Account participation, Houston ISD vouchers, Fort Bend ISD, school choice Texas, Texas Private Schools Association, Texas AFT, Houston education news, Texas public schools...
Houston Marathon Foundation awards local students with college scholarships
On the path to success! Congratulations to these three runners who are being celebrated for their hard work on the track and in the community.
'The Shards' turns prep school into a nightmare in Ryan Murphy's FX thriller
Ryan Murphy's latest FX series, "The Shards," transports viewers to 1980s Los Angeles, where privilege, wealth and fear collide in a suspense-filled adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' bestselling novel....
Here’s when the 2026-27 school year starts for districts across the Houston area
Ahead of the first day of classes for most local school districts, there is a statewide sales tax holiday for school supplies.
Back-to-school tip: Experts say limiting screen time before bed can help kids sleep better
As families prepare for the new school year, health experts say now is the perfect time to reestablish healthy routines, and that includes limiting screen time before bed. According to experts, about 90% of Texas school-age children spend two or more hours each day on screens out...
School backpack overload: Heavy bags can strain kids’ bodies
Backpacks can be fashionable and functional, but they can also be too heavy — weighed down by digital devices , musical instruments, sports equipment and more. Some kids carry home a laptop or tablet and textbooks, too. It's good to be prepared, but kids who walk to school or par...
Texas tax-free weekend 2026: Items that qualify for back-to-school savings
Texas shoppers can skip the sales tax on a wide range of back-to-school items this weekend. The 2026 Texas Tax-Free Weekend runs Friday, Aug. 7, through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9 — and knowing what qualifies before you hit the stores (or your browser) can mean real savings. What it...
New lawsuit uses Texas religious-freedom law to challenge Ten Commandments mandate
Three Houston-area mothers are suing the State of Texas and three local school districts in an effort to remove Ten Commandments posters from public-school classrooms. The lawsuit was filed July 30 in Harris County District Court by Emily Roth, Audrey Rosa Nath and Sanjam Kaur So...
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office launches Operation Safe Start ahead of the upcoming school year
School districts across Montgomery County are preparing for the first day of classes and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office wants to make students get to school and back home safely. The Sheriff’s Office is launching Operation Safe Start. The goal is to put more deputies on t...
What parents should know about the wet bulb globe temperature and heat safety
And with this being the first week when students can practice, ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith has more on what parents should know about the impact this change can have on their student athlete....
UIL state basketball tournament stays at Alamodome through 2028, open to future sites
UIL officials say the agreement to hold the Texas high school basketball state championships at the Alamodome runs through the 2028 state championships....
Fort Bend ISD closed 7 elementary schools, but what happens to the buildings now?
Seven Fort Bend ISD elementary schools will not reopen for the 2026-27 school year. The district says the campuses could be repurposed, leased, sold or demolished, while families seek specific plans, timelines and information about ongoing maintenance costs....
Two Houston ISD elementary campuses will pilot Alpha School’s AI-powered education program this fall
Clemente Martinez and Gregg Elementary schools will utilize “TimeBack,” a two-hour learning tool developed by Alpha School that has come under criticism in other states....
33 Houston ISD schools ending automatic free lunch program: What parents need to know
As families prepare for a new school year, some Houston ISD parents will notice an important change when it comes to school meals. This school year, 33 Houston ISD campuses will no longer participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) , a program that allows qua...
Houston students and teachers share their work beyond the classroom in new exhibition “The Sequence Is Yours”
Art made in a classroom doesn’t always make it past the hallway. But a new exhibition organized by the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s Teacher Advisory Group is changing that and giving Greater Houston students and their teachers a chance to see their work presented in a galle...