Bryan ISD approved more bilingual and ESL waivers for continued improvements and student instruction at its Oct. 19 meeting following a report of growing teacher proficiency and scores.

In a nutshell: During a presentation to the board, Director of Bilingual Education Georgeanna Adams-Molina said Bryan ISD students met, outperformed or mastered other emergent bilingual students across Texas on the STAAR assessment, along with the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System test. Adams-Molina also said the district outperformed the state in graduation rates.

“Bryan ISD significantly outperformed the state in graduating these students,” Adams-Molina said. “The state was at 86% last year; Bryan was at 94%.”

By the numbers: According to the presentation, Bryan ISD has 268 emergent bilingual students who are proficient in English, a 300% increase from the 2022-23 school year.

“It’s all coming together and working and we’re starting to see a lot more student success,” Adams-Molina said.

The impact: The board unanimously approved the motion and praised Adams-Molina’s presentation.

After building a following through catering and events across Bryan-College Station, Hartt’s Barbecue will open its first brick-and-mortar location in Bryan in late October.

What’s new: Owners Lindsey and Mitch Hartt announced in May the barbecue business plans to open a lunch restaurant this fall.

The restaurant will be located in the Carter Creek Center, in the former home of Wokamole Healthy Cuisine, which closed last year.

While catering will remain a major part of the business, Mitch Hartt told Community Impact the restaurant will allow them to take the next step in their goal of bringing people together through food and hospitality, and the new location will give customers a place to enjoy Hartt’s Barbecue during regular lunch service.

Before you go: The couple officially announced the opening in a Facebook post, letting the community know the anticipation is over. Hartt's will only be open for the lunch shift or until the restaurant sells out.

• Opens Oct. 29, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

• 4001 E. 29th St., Bryan

The Bryan Police Department is advising the public to prioritize child safety and common sense for this year's Halloween festivities.

The overview: According to a news release from the Bryan Police Department, law enforcement is recommending three sets of safety tips for trick-or-treaters, homeowners and before and after trick-or-treating.

Zooming in: Law enforcement recommends trick-or-treating take place from 6-8 p.m. to provide a consistent window for police work and residents.

For homeowners:

• Turn on porch lights, move jack-o-lanterns away from high-traffic areas and clear walkways.

• Use flashlights or LED candles and have alternate treat options for those who might not want candy.

During trick-or-treating:

• Parents should accompany children with flashlights to maintain visibility at night, as well as stay in groups with effective communication.

• Approach homes only with porch lights on and cross streets at established crosswalks without wearing something that might obstruct vision.

Before you go: If suspicious or criminal activity is occurring, residents are encouraged to contact the Bryan, College Station or Texas A&M University police departments.

This weekend will feature lots of Halloween-themed fun across Bryan-College Station, Oct. 29-Nov. 1.

This is not a comprehensive list.

Trunk or Treat at Aggieland Humane Society: Aggieland Humane Society will have reduced adoption fees, candy and costumes at its trunk-or-treat event. Participants are encouraged to bring a new bag of pet food to support the Community Pet Food Pantry.

• Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 5359 Leonard Road, Bryan

Halloween Trick-Or-Treat: While supplies last, children in costumes are invited to trick-or-treat around Century Square. Participating merchants will be identified with balloons. Organizers will also have free face painting and balloon twisting.

• Oct. 30, 5-8 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 175 Century Square Drive, College Station

Halloween Harvest Fest: Aggieland Safari will celebrate Halloween with themed family entertainment throughout the park, including a bounce house and carnival games.

• Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• $25-35 (ticketed per person), $12 (with student ID)

• 18075 FM 974, Bryan