Friendswood ISD officials are gearing up for the 2026-27 school year with plans for the upcoming instructional calendar.

The overview: The first option for the 2026-27 instructional calendar includes the following:

• Aug. 12: first day of school
• Oct. 14-19: fall break (with PSAT and teacher conferences on Oct. 14)
• March 8-12: spring break
• April 5: FISD day of service
• May 21: last day of school
• Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Jan. 4, Feb. 15, Feb. 29: teacher work days, no school for students

• Aug. 18: first day of school
• Oct. 15-20: fall break (with PSAT and teacher conferences Oct. 15)
• March 8-12: spring break
• May 3: FISD day of service
• May 27: last day of school
• Sept. 28, Oct. 20, Jan. 4, Feb. 15, Feb. 29: teacher work days, no school for students

The background: Senate Bill 546, passed in June, requires all school buses operated by Texas districts to provide three-point seatbelts for every rider by Sept 1, 2029. 

The state did not provide funding for the requirement, but districts may accept gifts, grants and donations to support implementation, according to state documents. 

The overview: As of Dec. 1, PISD operates 188 buses:

• 62 compliant with SB 546
• 126 non-compliant, including:
  • 99 regular-education buses with no seatbelts
  • 27 special-needs buses with lap belts

Pending single-family sales in the Greater Houston area rose 7.2% year over year in November, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ November 2025 Housing Market Update released Dec. 10. Meanwhile, single-family home sales decreased year over year in November from 6,499 to 6,347, according to the report.

What else: In terms of home prices, the median home price decreased 1.5% to $325,000, according to the report.

Quote of note: “Houston’s housing market is setting into a balanced pace,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty said via news release. “Buyers now have more time, more options and a little more breathing room to negotiate. Sellers are still attracting offers, but realistic pricing and expectations make all the difference.”

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Dec. 8-12.

A sneak peek: Vegas Texas Casino officials said the practice-style casino has plans to open between Dec. 15-Jan. 1 in Cypress pending receipt of its Certificate of Occupancy and TABC license. The casino is fully compliant with all Texas gambling and sweepstakes laws, and no gambling of any kind is offered, officials said. 

In case you missed it: On Jan. 1, drivers will see an increase in toll rates, according to a Nov. 18 news release from the Harris County Toll Road Authority. The toll rate increases are along the Montgomery County Toll Road Authority’s portion of Hwy. 249. 

Craving something new? From a new sushi spot to a rebranded Mexican birria locale, Community Impact compiled six dining updates across the Greater Houston area, including restaurants that recently opened or are coming soon.