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Denton ISD to relaunch virtual school, offer Denton Digital courses for K-12 students

Denton ISD officials are looking to reinstate a virtual learning option for students. 

District officials discussed Denton Digital, a K-12 virtual learning program offering full time or single-course online learning options, during a Feb. 10 board meeting. 

Some context: DISD previously operated its Virtual Academy for K-8 students which launched in the 2021-22 school year. This program was ended the program after the 2022-23 school year due to state funding not increasing for public schools during the 88th legislative session.

About the program: The Denton Digital program would be split between K-5 students and 6-12 students for full-time, online learning. 

 
mark your calendar
Learn more about 8 March events taking place in Denton

From film festivals to Harry Potter-themed trivia, take a look at these eight events taking place in Denton in March.

International Women's Day Market
Celebrate International Women's Day at East Side by shopping unique handmade items from local women artisans, such as paintings, prints, baked goods, custom clothing and handmade jewelry. There will be food trucks and a full bar available. This event is for guests 21 and older.

  • March 8, 1-6 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • 117 E. Oak St., Denton

Picasso’s Playground
Kids ages 5-11 can learn and experiment with two- and three-dimensional art and learn to paint, draw and sculpt at The Explorium in Denton for this art-themed spring break camp.
  • March 9-13, 9 a.m.-noon
  • $115 for members, $125 for non-members
  • 5800 I-35 N., Denton

Texas Storytelling Festival
The festival will feature poetry slams, story slams, liars' contests, music and youth activities.
  • March 13-15
  • $15 for a single event or workshop, $100 for a full festival pass
  • 321 E. McKinney St., Denton

 
Neighboring News
Fort Worth officials look at improved notification system for local filming locations

The Fort Worth City Council and city staff are looking at ways to handle traffic issues that stem from filming within the city limits.

The details: During the Jan. 27 work session, a discussion was held regarding how residents learn about street closures due to the filming of television or videos.

In early 2025, SGS Studios, in cooperation with 101 Studios, opened a film studio in the Alliance area of Fort Worth. The company that produces shows such as "Lioness," "Landman" and "The Dutton Ranch," which are filming in locations in North Texas.

What you need to know: City Manager Jesus “Jay” Chapa said the city staff had looked at filming permits and notification practices in Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston and Charlotte.

Those cities require a filming permit and coordination with city departments when filming on public property or in the public right-of-way on streets or sidewalks.

Community Service Manager Michelle Gutt said coordinating communication and improvement notifications would be coming from the city in the future.

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Dallas - Fort Worth area.

Ichika sets opening date to offer Japanese cuisine, interactive dining experience in Plano

Ichika will be open to the public for reservations starting March 1 in Plano.

The restaurant will be Texas’ first kaiseki-dedicated restaurant and one of the few kappo-style dining experiences in the country, owner Leo Kekoa said.

Kekoa said kappo-style kaiseki is traditionally served in formal dining rooms but that will not be the case at Ichika.

Read now.

 

🍓 Playa Bowls coming soon to Allen
(Read more)

🍛 Simply South serves Indian vegetarian cuisine in McKinney
(Read more)

🍨 Mooo’s Ice Cream now offers boba teas, shakes in Keller
(Read more)

🍽️ Red’s on Main serves modern American cuisine in Frisco
(Read more)

 

Three Wide Brewing Co. serves hand-crafted beer, food in Fort Worth

Three Wide Brewing Co. brings more than 30 taps of beer that is brewed in-house to Fort Worth and aims to bring guests a unique experience.

Co-owners Anderson and Matt Morris started brewing beers at home before deciding to monetize their hobby. Popular items include the hot soppressata and honey pizza, which has whipped ricotta, mozzarella cheese, spicy soppressata and hot honey, and the bratwurst, which Chef Roger Evaristo makes in house, Anderson said.

Read now.

CI Texas
Does the Texas Railroad Commission have anything to do with railroads? Here’s what state agencies on the March ballot do.

Texans will see candidates for 18 statewide positions on the March primary ballot, including one state railroad commissioner, the state land commissioner and the state agriculture commissioner.

The overview: Despite its name, the Railroad Commission of Texas does not govern the state’s railroads. So what do railroad commissioners and the leaders of other Texas agencies do?

Community Impact compiled information about various state agencies to help inform Texans before they head to the polls for the March primary elections.

At the polls: Early voting runs from Feb. 17-27, and primary election day is March 3.

 

Your local team

Gabby Bailey
Editor

Arlin Gold
General Manager

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