North East ISD discusses plans to build on district performance
During the Sept. 8 North East ISD meeting, the board of trustees received a breakdown of the district’s performance over the last seven years.
In a nutshell: Using data released from the Texas Education Agency, TEA, district staff laid out the district’s strengths and weaknesses and how staff can make improvements moving forward.
In the 2023-24 school year, NEISD received 108 distinctions, such as growth, science, social studies and post secondary readiness. The school year saw 30 distinctions for elementary schools, seven for middle schools and five for high schools. NEISD improved year over year and saw 116 distinctions, including 31 for elementary schools, six for middle schools and six for high schools.
Improvements in the 2024-25 school year include a 64% increase in A’s from 2023-24; over 60% of traditional campuses earned at least one distinction, including 10 campuses that earned five or more distinctions; and an increase in potential college credit opportunities.
Going forward: Moving forward, the district will implement a series of strategies to improve scores.
Northside Islamic Center of San Antonio planning new 33,000-square-foot community facility
A mosque serving Muslim residents in North San Antonio is planning a new expansion project.
Zooming in: The Northside Islamic Center of San Antonio plans to open a state-of-the-art masjid, or mosque, at 21026 Encino Commons, staff told Community Impact.
The timeline for opening is currently unknown, but construction on the project broke ground in April 2024, according to their website.
Currently, the group is headquartered at 21003 Encino Commons, Ste. 110.
The details: The new community center will be approximately 33,000 square feet and two stories, according to the master plan.
It will include classrooms, recreational facilities, libraries, offices and prayer rooms for both men and women.
FOODIE FRIDAY Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the San Antonio area.
A local crêperie and coffee shop has opened its second restaurant in Northeast San Antonio.
Crepeccino opened on Sept. 13 at 857 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste. 208. This is the coffee shop's second location in the region, with another located at 5500 Babcock Road, Ste. 104 in San Antonio proper.
Owner Bara Ekhlayel said their goal from the beginning was to expand.
"When searching for a new brick-and-mortar, we fell in love with the community of Cibolo,” Ekhlayel said in an email to Community Impact.
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After leaving Manchester, England, for a work trip to Texas, Robb Kelly said he never looked back.
That was almost two decades ago—now, he’s a local practicing recovery specialist and owner of The Olde English Tea Shoppe & Cafe, an authentic British cafe and restaurant in North San Antonio.
Classic British dishes are served at every meal, from the full English breakfast ($19.95) in the morning to entrees like Bangers and Mash ($18.95) in the afternoon, according to the menu.
The most popular item, Kelly said, is the traditional Fish and Chips, hand-breaded and complete with fries and mashed peas.
Mesquite Archery celebrates 25th anniversary in Boerne, San Antonio
A locally owned archery superstore is celebrating a big milestone this fall with locations in Boerne and San Antonio.
Two-minute impact: Mesquite Archery celebrated their 25th anniversary on Sept. 20, Owner Scott Hausmann told Community Impact.
After opening their first location in San Antonio in 2000, Hausmann said they eventually expanded into the Hill Country and opened a location at 41205, I-10, Ste. D in July 2023.
What’s special about it: The pro shop offers products for all things archery, from complete compound bow sets to accessories like cases, arrows, targets and more, the website states.
Additionally, service technicians at both locations can assist both first-time and experienced bow users with maintenance tips and services.
Texas to overhaul STAAR, launch 3 new exams in 2027
The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.
The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.
Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA.
The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.
