New Caney ISD bans student cellphone use, per state law
New Caney ISD students must keep cellphones and other electronic devices silenced and put away during school hours under a new state-mandated policy.
Latest update: During NCISD's July 21 regular board meeting, trustees unanimously approved the district’s new student code of conduct, which includes a new cellphone policy that aligns with House Bill 1481. The bill was passed by state lawmakers in June.
Under the new policy, students will be required to keep “personal communication devices”—including cellphones, text messaging devices, laptops and tablets—silent and stored in backpacks throughout the school day.
Sorting out details: NCISD can authorize student communication device use if:
It helps implement an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan for students with disabilities
A student has a need documented by a “qualified physician"
Alpha School showcases expedited student learning through artificial intelligence alongside state, federal leaders
Austin-based private school Alpha School is aiming to expedite learning for more students using artificial intelligence at new academies opening across the country.
What happened: On Sept. 9, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Alpha School in Austin alongside Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath. Alpha School co-founder MacKenzie Price highlighted how the school is using AI to personalize and improve students’ education.
What they're saying:“It's the most exciting thing I've seen in education in a long time,” McMahon said about Alpha School. “I'm incredibly enthusiastic about this.”
How it works: Students complete their academic learning in two hours each day using an AI platform known as 2 Hour Learning. Price said the Alpha School model enables students to learn twice as fast as they would in a traditional school setting.
The update: Alpha School opened several new academies across the United States this school year, including a K-3 school in Plano and K-8 school in Fort Worth. The company is planning to open an academy in Houston this winter.
Q&A: Janna Hoglund, new Montgomery County Memorial Library System director, discusses vision for the system
In March, Janna Hoglund was appointed the new director of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System, after previously serving as the director of the Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library.
What you need to know: Community Impact interviewed Hoglund about her new role, what her priorities are and her vision for the library system.
Quote of note: "I want people to know that our Montgomery County Memorial Library System is a vital, welcoming resource for everyone in our community. Whether you are looking for help with job searching, free internet access, access for knowledge and information, yearly literacy programs for your children, or just a quiet space to think and learn, the library is here for you," Hoglund said.
Gov. Abbott issues executive order prohibiting THC sales to Texans under 21
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a Sept. 10 executive order aimed at prohibiting hemp-derived THC products from being sold to minors, which he called “safety for kids, freedom for adults.” The order comes one week after a special legislative session ended without Abbott and state lawmakers agreeing on legislation to ban or restrict THC sales.
The details: Abbott’s order directs the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to “immediately begin the rulemaking process” on new THC regulations, including:
Limiting THC sales to people 21 years and older
Requiring THC retailers to check all customers’ IDs
Expanding testing and labeling requirements for THC products
Raising manufacturer and retailer licensing fees to cover costs of enforcing the new rules
Enhancing monitoring by state and local law enforcement
What they're saying:“Governor Abbott has shown that Texas can protect children without turning back to prohibition,” Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, said in a statement. “While we have some concerns, this is a win for safety, freedom and free markets.”
