HTX-SKL: Impact 10/10/2025

Since 1984, Spell Well Montessori has operated in the Spring and Klein areas as a privately-owned and operated early childhood through eighth-grade school. 

Located on a three-acre campus in northwest Houston, Spell Well is fully accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is affiliated with the American Montessori Society, according to the school’s website. 

The details: Beyond academics, Head of School Nilo Siddiqui told Community Impact that the school nurtures students to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers. As the school has grown over the years, some teachers have taught at Spell Well for more than 20 years, Siddiqui said.

Quote of note: “Being able to provide a safe, loving environment for children to learn has always been a part of the school’s mission,” Siddiqui said. “Character building is important in our school.”

What they offer: Programs for students include ballet, foreign language, art, botany, coding and soccer, Siddiqui said. Areas of study include language arts, reading, spelling tests, mathematics, and geography. 

U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Houston, announced Oct. 6 that he will be running to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate, joining the March 2026 Republican primary election.

The details: Hunt was the first person elected to represent U.S. Congressional District 38 in 2022. Hunt announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Austin, who was first elected in 2002.

Next steps: Hunt will appear on the GOP primary ballot scheduled for March 3, 2026.

Houston First Corporation, the parent organization of the Houston Film Commission, announced Oct. 8 the launch of a new local film incentive program designed to attract film and television productions to the Houston area.

What this means: The announcement comes amid growing momentum for Houston’s film industry. Productions filmed in the region generated $27.1 million in direct spending and an $81 million economic impact in 2024, according to the Houston Film Commission.
The program offers a 10% rebate on local spending, capped at $100,000 per qualifying project, with a total of $400,000 available annually, per the news release. Officials said the initiative, the most competitive of its kind in Texas, aims to boost local job creation and strengthen Houston’s position as a film production hub.

Diving in deeper: To qualify, projects must film at least 60% of principal photography within 60 miles of downtown, spend at least $500,000 locally and hire at least 55% Texas residents as cast and crew. Houston First and the Houston Film Commission will oversee the application process.