Junior high and high school students in Tomball ISD will have the option to take new classes in the 2026-27 school year, including Mariachi I and II, Scientific Research and Design, and Musical Theater, after trustees approved changes to the district’s course catalog during their Nov. 11 meeting.

The gist: Chief Academic Officer Michael Webb presented the changes to the school board during the Nov. 10 workshop meeting, which includes 17 new courses and three course removals.

Also of note: In response to a question from board Secretary John McStravick, Webb said the district does not have grants in place to help students pay for any course fees but that TISD would work to make sure any student could still take a course.

Stay tuned: The new courses will be added to the junior high and high school course catalogs for the 2026-27 school year.

A standardized worksite safety policy establishing countywide safety protocols to strengthen worker protections is now approved, following Harris County commissioners’ 3-1 vote during the Nov. 13 court meeting. Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey voted in dissent.

What they're saying: The original motion by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis outlined various goals and key components of the proposed policy that include establishing clear safety monitoring and inspection standards to enforce compliance amongst stakeholders and workers. 

"Our goal obviously is clear: zero preventable deaths, stronger safety standards and better enforcement across every county-funded project," Ellis said.

At an active Harris Health facility construction site in the Texas Medical Center, Ellis and Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones spoke to the media Nov. 12 about the need for the worksite policy alongside union leaders, local business leaders and contractors.

"The county makes it clear that no worker should have to choose between their job and their life," said Linda Morales, organizing coordinator at the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation.

A new mobile bookstore is rolling into communities across Greater Houston, offering readers a joyful way to shop, owner Christie Hopson said.

A closer look: Enchanted Chapters hosts weekend pop-up events at breweries, festivals and other local gatherings, Hopson said. The mobile bookstore carries a variety of genres from romance to fantasy, thriller, mystery and children's books.

For November, Enchanted Chapters will appear at events in Cypress, Tomball, Seabrook, Katy and Conroe. Hopson said the goal is to bring the joy of discovering books directly to readers.

Several organizations are hosting free Thanksgiving dinners, distributing free food and delivering free meals in the Greater Houston area this Thanksgiving season.

Turkey and Blessings
The Lindale Church is hosting a free Thanksgiving worship service and dinner for the community.

• Nov. 25, 6:30-8 p.m.
• Free
• Lindale Church, 503 Reid St., Houston

• Nov. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Free
• Salem Community Center, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball

• Nov. 27, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 12100 Champion Forest Drive, Houston

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from Nov. 10-14.

1. Hines acquires over 1.5K acres of land in League City

2. Gov. Abbott launches reelection bid, vows to end school property taxes

3. Cy-Fair ISD to launch virtual learning programs starting fall 2026

4. Cy-Fair ISD narrows 2025 deficit by more than $16 million, report finds

5. Conroe Feeders Supply closes its doors