Lamar CISD to continue offering alternative graduation pathways
At the Aug. 26 board meeting, Lamar CISD trustees approved the continuation of the Optional Flexible School Day Program, or OFSDP, at the district’s 1612 Place to support students who benefit from alternative education.
The program, allowed under the Texas Education Agency, counts instructional time by hours instead of days, offering flexible schedules for students needing credit recovery, individualized instruction or alternative pathways to graduation, said Brian Moore, LCISD’s director of research, assessment and accountability.
“When we help one of these students, we’re not just changing the future for the student—we’re changing the trajectory of the entire family," trustee George Arroyos said.
The gist: Through the campus' Evening FLEX Program, in which students attend classes between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., the district qualifies for state funding reimbursement through OFSDP since it operates outside standard attendance hours.
By the numbers: During the 2024-25 school year, Moore said the 1621 Place programs served 353 students across several high schools.
A second Culver’s location has opened in the Katy-Fulshear area.
On the menu: The menu features sandwiches, chicken entrees, cheese curds and its signature butterburgers, according to its website. The restaurant also offers frozen custard—including a specialized flavor of the day—with a variety of mix-in and topping options.
Zooming out: The franchise has over 1,000 locations in 28 states, including a location at 6677 Flewellen Way, Fulshear, according to its website. The Fulshear location opened in August 2022.
Notable quote:“While Culver’s is highly revered throughout the Midwest, the concept is still relatively unknown to Texans,” Franchise Owner Brian Spolnicki said in an Aug. 28 news release. "I’m very excited to bring another Culver’s to Texas, and specifically the Katy area where I’ve watched the community and my family grow all these years.”
George R. Brown Convention Center transformation project expected to create $20B in spending
A new study found that phase one of the George R. Brown Convention Center’s transformation project will help attract new spending, meetings and conventions to the center, as well as drive up hotel occupancy for years to come, according to an Aug. 27 news release.
The details: Houston unveiled a new master plan in March to transform Downtown Houston and its East End into a more walkable convention and entertainment district, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
The first phase of the project, which was the main focus of the study, includes a 700,000-square-foot expansion of the GRB, which the city dubbed GRB Houston South.
According to the analysis, conducted by destination real estate advisory group Hunden Partners and commissioned by Houston First Corporation, GRB Houston South will generate more than $20 billion in spending, increase the number of citywide meetings and conventions by 62% and reduce “dark days” or downtime at the facility by 66%.
22 fall events, festivals to attend around the Greater Houston area through early November
There are a variety of fall events and festivals taking place throughout the Greater Houston area through early November. This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change.
P-6 Farms’ Fall Festival During weekends this fall, attendees can visit P-6 Farms and enjoy its fall festival, which will include activities such as a pumpkin patch, vintage rides, pig races, food, drinks and themed photo opportunities.
Saturdays and Sundays between Sept. 27-Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
$25.95
9963 Poole’s Road, Montgomery
The Famous Market’s Fall Festival This festival in Pearland will feature over 50 vendors, a kids’ zone, food, a DJ and arts and crafts for attendees to enjoy.
Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Free (admission)
Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway St., Pearland
St. Paul’s 2025 Fall Festival and Craft Show In Katy, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will host its 14th annual fall festival and craft show that will feature vendors, food for sale, children’s activities and a train.
