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A Trump administration policy that would exclude some immigrants from federal programs, including Head Start, has been blocked in two separate cases by federal judges in Washington and Rhode Island. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez in Seattle, at the request of Head Start associations in several states, issued a nationwide injunction, barring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from enforcing the new immigration-related restrictions anywhere in the United States. The ruling followed one from a different federal judge in Rhode Island, in a separate case by 21 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia, that halted the policy from being implemented within their own states. Martinez in Thursday's ruling said HHS failed to follow necessary rulemaking requirements, adding: "Congress has operated with the 1998 HHS interpretation for years and has not included immigration status as criterion but instead widened eligibility to remove enrollment barriers." The U.S. Supreme Court recently restricted the use of nationwide injunctions, but Martinez said one was necessary in this case because some providers have preschools in multiple states, including programs designed to serve migrant farmworker families.

 

Boston Globe

Chalkbeat

K-12 Dive

Reuters

What can you do with the 2025 MAP Growth norms? Turning test results into action.

The 2025 MAP ^®; Growth™ norms are here, and while your students RIT scores are still measuring achievement on the same scale you know and trust, the reference point for interpreting those scores has shifted to reflect how students are performing today. Think of it like Google Street View updating its imagery. You’re still navigating the same streets, but now you’re seeing what the neighborhood actually looks like today, instead of photos from five years ago.

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Klein ISD has implemented a new policy requiring students to keep cellphones and other electronic devices silenced and stored away during school hours. This change aligns with House Bill 1481, passed by Texas lawmakers in June, aimed at fostering phone-free learning environments and ensuring the safety and online privacy of students. According to a spokesperson, "The policy is meant to create phone-free learning environments in classrooms." Exceptions to the ban include situations where devices are necessary for students with disabilities or health needs. Staff members are authorized to confiscate devices from students who do not comply with the new regulations.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Northeast ISD is holding eight informational meetings regarding Proposition A, a proposed tax increase aimed at covering maintenance and operations costs. The special election, set for November, proposes a three-cent tax rate increase. However, due to new homestead exemptions from the 89th Texas Legislature, taxpayers will pay less than the previous year. Meetings are scheduled at various locations, including Granger Elementary School on September 9 and online via Facebook Live on October 16.

 

The Cross Timbers Gazette

Denton ISD has officially listed the former site of Newton Rayzor Elementary School for sale, as confirmed by a district spokesman. The property, located at the northeast corner of Malone Street and University Drive, spans 18.29 acres and is currently an empty lot following the demolition of all buildings. This site was replaced as part of the 2018 Denton ISD bond election, where voters approved $750.5m for various projects, including new schools. Newton Rayzor, which opened in 1960, served students in the Denton High School zone and was known for its International Baccalaureate World School program. The campus has since relocated to Fulton Street, adjacent to the new Calhoun Middle School.

 

Denton Record-Chronicle

On Thursday, community members, students, and staff at Tyler ISD's Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary School gathered for an annual 9/11 ceremony to honor patriots and first responders. The event included the Pledge of Allegiance, remarks from Principal Katy Jiral, and a performance of the National Anthem by the school choir. The ceremony concluded with “Taps” played by the Tyler Legacy High School ROTC. Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford remarked: “Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary is a shining example of the hidden gems found in Tyler and East Texas.” Named after Dr. Jack, who perished in the Pentagon attack on September 11, 2001, the school has upheld this tradition since its opening in 2007, ensuring that students remember his legacy and honor those lost on that tragic day. The school's colors serve as a daily reminder of leadership, service, and sacrifice.

 

Tyler Paper

Katy and Lamar Consolidated ISD officials have announced plans to build on their recent achievements, with both districts scoring an impressive 88 in the Texas Education Agency's 2024-25 A-F accountability scores. Lamar Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens expressed the goal of raising all campuses to A ratings, while Katy Superintendent Ken Gregorski attributed their success to targeted interventions and a commitment to student growth. Notably, LCISD's Hutchinson Elementary improved from a C to an A, and KISD's Wolman Elementary jumped from a D to an A. Both districts also saw significant increases in the percentage of graduates earning College, Career, and Military Readiness credits, with KISD rising from 77% to 83% and LCISD from 64% to 95%. As Nivens stated, “STAAR is the name of the game,” emphasizing the importance of accountability in education.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Fort Bend ISD is facing a $26.6m shortfall for the fiscal year 2025-26, prompting the board of trustees to consider a tax rate increase. Chief financial officer Brian Guinn stated that if the proposed tax rate of $1.0569 per $100 of property valuation is approved, it could transform the shortfall into a projected $7.5m surplus. This tax rate reflects a 3.33% increase from the previous year and is the first hike since FY 2017-18. Board President Kristin Tassin made the case for competitive salaries, and said: "I don't want to talk about raising taxes but we have to take care of our people." Despite the increase, Guinn mentioned that average homeowners might see a reduction in their property tax bills due to potential homestead exemption increases. The board will vote on the tax rate on September 15.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Graham ISD has approved the purchase of a new school bus and laptops, as confirmed during a board meeting on September 10. Chief Financial Officer Gary Browning presented a budget amendment of $238,000 for the replacement of the laptops, emphasizing the district's commitment to enhancing educational resources. This investment aims to improve the learning experience for students, ensuring they have access to modern technology.

 

Graham Leader

At its September 9 meeting, Pearland ISD's board of trustees approved two new personnel positions aimed at improving classroom ratios and supporting specialized programs. One position will be for the Pearland Essential and Academic Readiness Skills program (PEARS) at Barbara Cockrell Elementary, which serves students needing alternative curriculum instruction. This addition will “provide better coverage of student needs,” according to district documents. The second position is a resource or inclusion teacher at Silverlake Elementary, where the current teacher-to-student ratio is 1:28, with more students undergoing evaluation. The total cost for these positions is nearly $108,000, funded by the district's general fund for fiscal year 2025-26.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Midland ISD has announced that two students, Gabriel Stromberg from Legacy Senior High School and Jillian Bejil from Young Women's Leadership Academy, have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. This prestigious recognition places them among the top academic achievers in Texas and nationwide. Superintendent Stephanie Howard expressed pride in their accomplishments: "To be named a National Merit Semifinalist is one of the highest academic honors a high school student can earn." Approximately 1.3m juniors enter the National Merit Scholarship Program each year, with only about 16,000 becoming semifinalists. These students now have the chance to compete for approximately 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26m, to be awarded in spring 2026. Midland ISD will honor the semifinalists at a recognition event on November 4.

 

Odessa American

Two students from Comal ISD, Trevor Guerrero of Oak Creek Elementary and Liam Quade of Mountain Valley Elementary, have been accepted into the National Math Stars program. This prestigious program selects only 100 students nationwide, and both third graders were nominated by their schools. After undergoing extensive testing and interviews over the summer, they received their acceptance letters, marking a significant achievement in their academic journey.

 

Herald Zeitung

A school in Santiago, Chile, has initiated a groundbreaking program that blocks smartphone signals, allowing students to reconnect with their peers and the real world. Principal Humberto Garrido said: “Breaks are very lively now,” as students engage in activities like volleyball, basketball, and board games instead of scrolling through social media. The initiative, the first of its kind in Chile, aims to combat smartphone addiction and improve student well-being. Currently, it targets eighth graders but will expand to all grades soon. The program has received positive feedback, with students like 14-year-old José David expressing feelings of freedom and increased social interaction. The mayor of Lo Barnechea, Felipe Alessandri, emphasized the need for such measures, citing rising issues like anxiety and depression among youth linked to excessive screen time. The Chilean Senate is also considering a bill to regulate digital device use in schools nationwide.

 

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