Round Rock ISD to hold Coffee with a Cop event Sept. 29
Round Rock ISD community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the district's police department and make connections with officers at an upcoming Coffee with a Cop event.
What you need to know: The event will be held 5-7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Road, Round Rock.
The details: Participants can enjoy light bites, coffee, tea and conversation with school-based law enforcement officers from each learning community, according to the district.
Austin ISD to host Special Education Transition Fair at Bowie High School
Austin ISD families can learn more about transition services for special education students at a district event this weekend.
AISD will host its second annual Special Education Transition Fair from 10 a.m.-noon Sept. 27 at Bowie High School.
The setup: AISD’s Special Education Transition program equips students with employment coaching, education and training alongside participation in independent living, leisure and recreational activities.
Over 50 vendors will provide educational information about transition services at the fair with support from the Austin Ed Fund.
The event will serve a light breakfast and free Kona Ice for the first 100 attendees, according to district information.
The background: AISD provides activities and supports to help students with disabilities prepare for life after graduation and access independent living opportunities.
Special education students who have completed all graduation requirements may participate in the district’s 18-plus program. The 18-plus program enables young adults to earn their post-secondary education and receive job training and vocational experience.
FOODIE FRIDAY Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Austin area.
Eggman ATX has brought its New York-style breakfast sandwiches to another location in Austin, opening up a second food truck in the Mueller Hangar mobile food vender collective.
Founded by Queens native Richard Tavetian, Eggman brings a familiar favorite breakfast option from the East Coast down south.
The menu features a collection of “egg-slingin’ good” options such as the Bodega Classic with its two fried eggs, smoked center cut bacon, cheese and choice of sauce on a roll.
Austin is planning to install dozens of interactive advertising kiosks around the downtown area as part of a new public messaging and revenue-generating program.
The digital stands, which could be installed by late next year, are coming after City Council recently requested more public information and wayfinding features. Fifty kiosks will be placed in select areas with guidelines for the type of content that can be displayed, and with restrictions on locating the features near places like schools, parks, medical facilities and religious institutions.
Public review of city code changes needed to allow the advertising are planned for this fall ahead of final approval by council. The city will also seek public input about the placement of the kiosks before installation.
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.
